whygirl

bjornsyouruncle- Yes, they welcome you at all stages. When I attened the seminar they invited everyone there to come. The surgeon requires pre-surgical pts to attend at least one support grp meeting. I attended my seminar in April and have gone to 2 support grp meetings so far. They are only about an hour and are interesting and informative.

I too belive it's a personal decision. So far I have decided not to mention it to anyone other than my husband. I asked him to go to my first seminar w/me and he's been very supportive. As for work, well, there are about 12 of us and none of them have a weight problem. Once the subject of gastric bypass/surgical weight loss came up - "Oh, how drastic!" one said. I knew then they would never understand my situation. Once I get my surgery date, I'll request vacation time. I asked my Mom to watch out children when we attended that first seminar. I told her I was "looking into it" and to please not mention it to anyone. So if she keeps her word, no one else knows. If I do mention it to anyone I pray they don't get on their high horse and make me feel bad about my decision.

Mesaucy- I am also in my 3rd month of my 6 month pre-approval. My surgeon gave all interested persons a folder with forms/patient history/etc. at the seminar. I filled out my forms and faxed his office my physican progress notes each month. They want patient to call their office after the 5th visit is scheduled. They will then schedule my appt. with him and all the others ( nutritionist, psych, etc. ) between my 5th and 6th month family physican appt. After that 6th appt., I'll fax my last progress note and they will submit it to my Insurance. When I asked a woman @ suppport group who had the same insurance as I do, how long it took for her to hear back, she said one day. So if all goes like it was explained to me I should find out mid to late August on the approval and hopefully ( fingers crossed ) have a surgery date of either the end of August or the beginning of September.

Tara, sorry to hear about your job. =( Hope you find another one you like even more. We all have ups and downs. Just put this day behind you and look forward to the next. =)

Hey there! I'm also in my 6 month pre-approval stage. I've just completed my 3rd appointment, only 3 more to go! I agree with the previous posters. It's gone by quickly so far. I also go to support group each month, they are the ones who told me about this site. I'm trying very hard and know that I'm doing this all for a good reason. I've been reading up on things in here for about 2 months and have found it very helpful. The part I am worried about the most is the liquid pre-op and post-op. My doctor requires a 2 week pre-op liquid diet. I'd like to find out what I'll need and where to get it, along with recipies and tips on how to get through it. Some of the stores/shops people list are not availiable in my area. I live in West Central Pennsylvania. I'm open to any suggestions! Best of luck to all of us pre-bandsters!

Hey there! Thought I'd introduce myself to the forum. Today I went to my 3rd pre-aproval Dr. visit - three more to go. My insurance requires 6 supervised visits, which will take me to August/September. I've been reading quite a bit the past few weeks. The site is helpful. Hopefully, when I have questions or thoughts my new LapBand family will help me out. It took me like 3 days just to figure out how to get a ticker posted. I e-mailed somone to help me, I hope they didn't mind, I was at my witts end! I then found a tutorial and finally got it! From what I've read it seems that the liquid phase both pre-op and post-op is the worst. Would you agree? What did your daily liquid menu consist of? Any helpful tips would be greatly appreciated! Hope to be talking with lots of you in the months to come. :confused_smile:

Thank Susan! Where do you pick up the Optifast? I'm sure when I have my appt with the nutritionist, they will give me more information, but I'd like to get prepared and estimate costs and such.

Yes, we are all here for the same reason, to get healthier. When I started my 6 visits in March, I was 300.5. I knew I had to make some changes. I'm trying and that's what counts! Best of luck, Tara, at your appt tomorow. You too AB! oh and congrats Shardenly hope you are keeping comfortable. =)