FluffySaysForkIt!

Hey, congratulations on the weight loss! That's awesome! I actually have another perspective for you on this. I have previously lost 90 pounds at a time before (which put me at a pretty "normal" weight for several years) and then have run into people I had not seen in awhile at functions. I, like you, anticipated that people might comment and was a little weirded out by the possible attention and questions. (I am pretty reserved in groups.) Guess what? Nobody said anything! Nada. Zip. Zilich. Even the people who I feel like I am pretty close to... people who I DO talk to on the regular. Friends. So then I left feeling a little bad that no one "noticed". LOL! I had to remind myself that it didn't matter, that at least some noticed (no doubt) and were too jealous/uncomfortable to bring it up. Weight talk is tricky! Some people will be happy for you, but be afraid to say anything. Others may not be as happy for you as it brings up there own issues and so they also don't comment. Some just don't give a fig... etc. On the other hand, you may get some comments and questions. Who knows? Decide what/ if/ how much you care to say ahead of time so you have a clear plan and stick to it. If nothing else, I think most people like to talk about themselves, so say your pre-planned statement and then ask them something about themselves quickly with lots of follow up questions. 😉 Enjoy your upcoming function and your new found success! You deserve it! 🍸

I am sorry, I am sure that is really tough emotionally on a couple of levels. You are going to come through this, whatever comes your way, and when you do you will go into your surgery knowing all is well. Both body and mind will be clear and you will be ready for all the good things coming your way. Hang tough, you moved a few mountains to get this far, climb this last peak. You deserve to enjoy the view! Know that you are in my thoughts and keep us posted. 💙

Welcome Patsydarling and ashleyymarieb ! Glad you are here! Welcome to the June group!

I wish there was some sort of calendar (or editable list) our group could see so we would all know what days in June our collective surgeries fall on and who is going in that day... It would be nice to be able to quickly acknowledge those big dates and the people going into surgery. It would also help in finding your surgery day "twins" easily. I know I have seen a ton of June 3rd people on here like myself, but its pretty easy to lose track quickly in a long thread. Not sure if its even possible, but it would be cool! 💙

Saw this on Amazon and thought it would be funny. $14.95

I had some basic requirements for who would do my surgery. 1. The surgeon had to be VERY experienced- as in done literally hundreds of WLS. (Outcome is proven to be better as far as fewer complications the more experienced the surgeon is.) 2. A true bariatric center. By this I mean the hospital where you have surgery, the staff and facilities are actually completely geared to bariatrics. ( You are not just another surgery patient in a hospital put onto a floor with other types of patients after surgery. ) This matters as the staff is better trained in dealing with bariatric patient needs and the beds, gowns etc. are all bariatric friendly. 3. Had to provide education and support before AND after surgery. This is a key for long term maintence. 4. He or she had to show respect for me as a person. I didn't have to like him or her in a "friend" feeling kind of way, but I DID have to feel comfortable enough to be "real" and not guarded. If a person isn't comfortable enough with their Doctor to be genuine I don't think you are giving yourself the best shot at great care.

I would love that! I will private message you!

That is such GREAT news! ( I know it must be a relief on a couple of levels.) Congratulations!!! I will be rooting for you- my gastric bypass is also June 3rd- we got this!!! 💙

Hi! Welcome! Lots of great info here. Congratulations on your decision to move forward, it takes some courage to get there I know. Best wishes for your journey!

Great question! Things I am looking forward to: - Blending in a crowd. (Being a major,major introvert, I HATE being the BIG GIRL standing out all the time.) - Gardening and breathing, all at the same time. - Feeling like I have taken back some control over my own body. Making peace with it. Knowing it will always be a work in progress, even a struggle, but something that I CAN now do. - Being in a position sometime down the road to "pay it forward" by helping someone else dealing with their weight issues. - Breaking up with my CPAP machine. - Never having to make a list of joys/goals that is based on how my current weight affects those things I want to do, Ever,ever again. LOL!

Hopefully you are through and doing great! Congratulations!

Yes, ultimately the decision is yours. This is YOUR body...YOUR life...YOUR health. That said, it is really good to have your spouse on board if you can as you will need the support. WLS affects relationships (especially marriages) in many ways, sometimes good and sometimes bad. Try to get on the same team. Good luck on your journey!

Hi Purpledva and Subsonic! Glad to see some fellow June 3rd surgery people. I start my two week pre op diet the 21st.

Congratulations! You are on your way! Good luck!

Geez, I am sorry you had to endure that! Guess it is yet another thing that WLS can't fix- other people's ignorance and cruelty about weight. At least you don't have to live HER life. Must not be much fun to be that hardened toward others. I'd take fat over mean any day myself! And LOL on the weaponization... 😁

Hummm, I guess I feel like they (your surgeon's team) are kinda just leaving you out there on your own. Insurance issues ARE part of the job after all. Why do they want you to talk to your primary doctor about it? What are they expecting he can do? Can the surgeon or his insurance team intervene by talking to your original GI to explain what is needed- maybe take some of his concerns away about what "Okaying" you for surgery really entails? Even send a general form from them with you that entails what "clearance" is needed? (Your original GI may be more likely to sign a form than give a blanket clearance of his own.) Maybe they can find and refer you to a new GI they know who will look at the records from your original? Otherwise, you are going to have to get on the phone to the insurance and mega advocate for yourself. Call, explain, find out exactly what they need. Is it a clearance from any GI doctor? Can it be from an internist? What does "clearance" mean exactly etc. etc... Get it in writing. Ultimately, you are going to have to be one squeaky wheel. It is discouraging and exhausting, I know. However, you have come so far. Don't quit. There IS an answer for this and I know you can find it. 💙 Forge on!!!

I am so sorry you are getting the run around. I think what I would do, if I were in your shoes, would be to make an appointment with the in office insurance coordinator at my surgeon's for a face to face at this point. Sit down with them and explain what has been going on and the (many) steps you have taken to clear this hurdle. Explain that this is the ONLY thing holding you back. After all, I am sure the surgeon wants to see you get to surgery too and this one small roadblock should be something he and his team can help you navigate through. Don't give up!

You look so happy and healthy! Thanks for posting these- LOVE to see the change. Congratulations!!!!

Thank you so much for answering. I really, really appreciate you taking the time to post your experience. Again, I am glad you were able to get the sleeve surgery. You have been through a lot and you deserve some smooth sailing! Keep us posted on all the success that will be coming your way. Can't wait to hear the happy news!

So glad you were able to get the sleeve. Congratulations! If you don't mind my asking, was your hysterectomy open or done laproscopically? Asking because I am scheduled for RNY soon and had a total hysterectomy also. Your original post actually concerned me enough that I had asked my surgeon about it before this update. He was not concerned, but I sure have been!

Hey! Congratulations! I have the same surgery date. Check out the thread for June surgery people if you haven't already. Welcome to the June club!