ProfessorSlim

Can I ask when you had surgery? I am assuming 4 weeks ago? How long is the surg sites/abdomen painful?

I am pre-op, and very excited/pumped to get this done and start my new life, all fit and slim and stuff like that. Seeing your post opened my eyes to really prepping for and fully realizing the roller coaster it might be. I should be getting my sleeve surgery late Oct or early November, so by then you'll probably be all good, and ready to help people like me that are newly post-op. Hang in there!! Also, I'm just here to say, damn, you generated a 20 page thread!!

sorry if this was covered already...but what is a Slider?

I too, am going to need a moment to say good bye to my last diet cok. It is an addiction, and makes you want to eat junky carbs....But I love it. I know I will be saying goodbye to my garbage-diet-cokes!

You have come to too far to mess this up now! Just say No to non pre-op foods!! You can do it. I am dreading that part, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do. As my bff says...suck it up buttercup!! ~said with sympathy and caring~

I am hoping to be cleared for the sleeve in late october or early november. I know I will need 2-3 weeks off of work post-op (correct me, please, if that is wrong) I teach in a small local college, so i do not do heavy lifting etc. I'd love to take a week, or less, off. For a variety of reasons, I do not plan to tell tons of people about my decision to have the VSG, either in the pre-op or post-op period. My kids know, and a couple of my closest friends. But not my Mom, or ex-Husband (kids Dad, so we interact a bit),or my brothers..etc. I am hoping to not disclose it at work. So, I am generally fine with that, but what do I tell my director in my department? she is great....but I just do not want to be the WLS poster child at work. Has anyone dealt with this? Could i just be vague and say "a minor procedure" or do I need to tell the actual reason when putting in for time off. Any experiences or opinions from those of you who did not want this to be open at work?

Thanks for all of the replies, I think I might tell my immedicate director of our dept., and let her know that I do not want it shared with the rest of the staff/faculty. She is pretty cool, but very fit/thin....and I do wonder if she might be a little judgey....but then, that is realy not my problem, whatever she thinks. I suppose I am being a little judgy myslef, assuming how I think she might feel about it. anyway, It might be easier just to let her know. and be clear that I am not discussing it with others.

Thanks for all the responses, I think I'll be fine, but it is a lot to consider. I know I will be committed, and will not ruin my surgical adaptation, that is just how I am. Once "sleeved" I'll be the type that follows the plan well, I'll be afraid of bursting or stretching the "pouch"......I think my biggest worr now is "ruining" my kids fun, regarding foods. We can go to eat, they can eat, I will be on plan...but I do not want it to be about me and what I am NOT eating, so to speak. Anyway, thanks for all the answers!

I'm pretty sure I'll be scheduled for first week of December 2017, this year. I want to take a trip w kids & another family 12/26-12/31. Is this feasible?im usually pretty quick to rebound from things. Thoughts? Thx!!

How much was your selfpay, if you don't mind me asking....around here, eastern PA, I am prett sure it'd be like 18,000

I hate to say it but i am really hoping I am dx with obstr sleep apnea!!!

Blue Cross. I do not have recorded weights at my Primary....I always said No to the scale....you know, denial.....

Soooo...my BMI is 40, and I dropped a bit of weight, and got weighed at a scope procedure, and it was under the 40 BMI.....My question is this, does anyone know if you need to stay over 40 to qualify ? Or do they generally go by that initial weight? For the group I am using, you need to go to several support groups, meet w the nutritionist, etc....and in 3 mos from initial appointment you can get the surgery. I am concerned about not being covered, if my wieghts show a BMI that varies from 40-30~something. Do I need to hit up Dunkin Donuts to stay fat enough for the 3 months? I have a sleep study coming up, and I am hoping I have obstructive sleep apnea, so I will be covered at a BMI of 35 and up with an added comorbidity. I'd like to not need to stay "fat enough" but I need the Insurance coverage, and I am very worried that I am too close to the "cusp" of that 40 BMI, and it is really stressing me out.....soooo...any insight and experience would help. Of course I will ask at the appointments too, but I do not want to sound like I am avoiding Nutritionist advice, in order to stay "fat enough" to be covered. Thanx!!!

Congrats!!!

Just wondering what anyone's opinion is on not telling certain people in your life that you are getting the sleeve surgery. My Mom is 81, and I know she will start the "You don't need that, just get on a healthy diet....etc...etc" I am a grown up 50 yr old woman, I am a nurse, I have a full life with my kids and partner....and I really just do not feel like dealing with the opinion/dissapproival/comments etc. Yes, i can tell her and deal with the commentary etc....I just do not feel like it. Yet, I do feel a bit odd if I do not tell her I am having fairly major surgery. I am basically venting, but I would really love to hear opinions on those who chose to not tell certain folks in their lives. Thanks!!

This is exactly how I feel !! Thanks again to all for chiming in, I appreciate all the stories/support

Thank you all for the very insightful comments. One thing is for sure, I am glad to have found this place pre-op, as I am sure I will be back during this process! I have been to one appt so far, I still need to do the nutrtionist appt, etc, I am hoping to schedule for 10/29 (I teach, and that week is an "off" week, so I can work at home). I'll take more time if needed, and I will just say I'm having a minor procedure and not offer details. I am pretty sure I am going to not discuss it with anyone, except my partner and all of you, for now. If I feel the need pre-op or post op to discuss it with certain friends/family, I can decide to do so at that time. I agree with being proud and not ashamed of taking control of my health and future, but I am really much more in the "private" way of thinking. Thanks again!

Thank you, it is reassuring to hear I am not alone in this. i don't want this to be the "focus" of me, at work, or within my extended family, Mom, etc. I am on the fence about my kids, for a few reasons, but I hate feeling like a liar as well. Not with Mom or work, etc, but with my kids 12, 15, 18.....Still thinking on that one.

It's ok to have all these emotions, then sort through them and realize that you are worthy of doing whatever you need or want to do in order to be healthy and happy. Be kind to yourself!