Enchanted

And if it's easier on the surgeon, it's easier on you

I missed the whiny, self-indulgent part of your post, Dita. Here's what I have been doing to get my head in the right place before surgery.... * keeping a food journal...even when I slip * keeping a journal of my feelings...even if I only write a sentence or two, it helps me put things in perspective * reading and posting here * attending local support groups Months ago, I stopped buying new clothes. I also did other things to take care of myself....took care of all of those periodic appointments (dentist, gyno, etc.). I think it's important to figure out what is going to fill you up if (when!) it's not food.

Actually, my flight days are much longer than that because I don't live near a major city; I usually have a long time between connecting flights -- the result can be 10 hours of airport time. In the winter months, there is a great chance that flights are delayed (or even canceled) and I want to make sure I'm prepared. I will probably try having real food during the flight. I'm not at all concerned about when I reach my destination -- I always stop some place for Water and other things on the way to the hotel. Thank you for the responses.

His belief is that people who have the most success stick with three meals each day with one or two of those "meals" being a Protein drink.

Updated . . . .

Congratulations, Sally! I'm glad things went so well for you. When I first read about people going to Mexico, I have to say that I was having all kinds of scary thoughts. I've really been educated on this topic by everyone here who has had their surgery there. I hope you continue to heal so wonderfully.

Woooo..congratulations!

Yikes. I'm over the hill and didn't even know it! It's funny, because there is another thread that discusses patients that are too long. I have an interesting idea....let's leave the decision to the doctors and patients? This whole idea of people in their 40s having surgery could really get away from us, though. Next thing you know, people in their 50s are going to start thinking they can have sex and we all know that's reserved for the 20s, right? Riiiiiight.

You should definitely get a copy of your records from this place and take them to your new place. I can't remember if you said you had bloodwork, EKG, etc...and the new place may want to repeat and you may have to pay for some of it out of pocket....but it sounds like you've definitely decided not to go back to the first place. Good for you to taking your healthcare into your own hands. Best of luck to you.

Let us know how you're doing, JennyLynn

Hi Tanya...sorry about your situation. Seems like insurance companies should recognize that this is actually a money saving proposition for them. I wonder if your insurance carrier would cover your pre-op testing (most will cover at least some) while you do some work on your credit score and start saving some money. There are some message boards at FICO Forums - FICO Forums These people seem to be the experts at what will get your numbers up quickly. Best of luck to you.

Welcome! I hope your healing goes well. Were you still at the hospital when the glue didn't do its job?

Hey Rox...there are liquid protein drinks out there. To me, they taste lots better than the powdered versions. Your doc may have a brand preference, too.

Welcome Colleen....I came upon this board just a few weeks ago and have found that everyone is really supportive and glad to tell their stories and offer suggestions.

Welcome, Abby. I'm sorry about the loss of your friend. It's good that you're taking your time and reading and learning. Be well...

Welcome Renee! Hope your surgery goes well. It's so exciting to have everything lined up and ready to go, yes?

Welcome, Christy! I hope you get your insurance approval quickly.

If you're looking for a primary doctor first, you can call the office and ask to speak with the doctor before you are seen. Or make an appointment, but ask to meet the doctor for a consult before the exam. There are some doctors out there that are not "fat friendly." I think it probably makes the most sense to find out what insurance you have (or will have) before you get too far in the process. While you can spend your own money doing this, it is a lot of money for most people and if you have insurance and can wait -- that would be the better long-term choice for most people. Having said that, if my insurance had not approved me, it would have been an easy decision for me to self-pay. Good luck... Christine

Glad you're doing better, Nicole. Best.. Christine

Two weeks until the big day! Best of luck to both of you! -Christine

Yaay! Congratulations on getting your date set! It's so exciting to get the call that everything is good to go! -Christine

Two things from me on this . . . 1. If you were uncomfortable there, it's definitely not too late to change doctors and I would advise doing so before you get too far along and 2. All of the testing and meetings and conversations can feel intrusive, invasive and put us (me) in a weird place. Maybe step back for a day or so for some perspective? Oh...I didn't get to see my surgeon until after I had all of the pre-op work done. However, the office staff was handling everything wonderfully and I wasn't feeling put off by this at all. The drop-out rate for going all of the way to surgery is probably pretty high and this keeps the surgeon's schedule a bit more open. OK, that was more than two things :thumbup: -Christine

Welcome Kat! It's been about six months between first weigh-in and seminar until my surgery date (April 30). My surgeon (Dr. Peter Kwon / Tri-State Bariatrics in Middletown, NY) requires lots of pre-op activity.... * upper GI * visit with dietician * clearance from primary physician * gastro clearance * cardio clearance * visit an informational website (Emmi) * psychometric test * behavioral evaluation * two support groups * lose 5% of current weight Whew! There was a woman at one of the support groups who said she got everything done within a month. I travel quite a bit for my job, but I was doing something every month of that time. I'm glad I only have two weeks to go! -Christine

Best of luck to you, Bama. Try to keep your chin up. -Christine

Less than a week away, Sara!! Exciting! Let us know how you're doing. -Christine