jeemee

I am early in the process, haven't even seen the psych or nutritionist yet. So, I have much to learn I guess. Looking forward to hearing other people's experiences. I am going to Mercy Hospital and my doctor is Lufti. I am concerned a little because I already get the feeling they are stingy about fills because of all the lecturing that just because you gain weight doesn't mean you need a fill. They talk like you have to go over exercise, diet, and convince them that you are doing everything you can and THEN need if they think you need a fill they just might think about it. ha ha. I wonder if they get more money for surgeries than fills. I am serious that's the tone I'm getting and I've gotten concerned! What's the point of getting the band if they don't fill it. I guess once I have the band, if I need a fill I can get it elsewhere. Maybe they are just trying to teach us the band isn't a quick fix, we still have to diet and exercise and work hard. I get that, but still... why put in a band if you aren't going to fill it. I hope they aren't as stingy about it as they sound. I think they are just trying to teach us to not run for a fill every time we gain a pound but the overall tone has me concerned. :biggrin: I guess I am not sure what to expect really, and I'm eager to read all the information I can so I know what to expect and what I can do myself to make the surgery more successful.

I have been battling anemia since my intake exam. It has become a problem for me. They said that if I am still anemic before surgery they won't do it. My surgeon though, ALSO asked me to lose 20 pounds (which I did.) Then the nutritionist asked me to lose 10 more pounds (Which I did. ) The anemia is worse than EVER. And they want me to go on a liquid fast for two weeks before surgery. How is that going to solve my anemia? I feel caught between a rock and a hard place. I am trying to eat Iron rich foods. I have been taking a one a day plus iron. Eating total Cereal for Breakfast and three ounces of red meat at dinner, while still keeping it to the 1200 calorie limit I've been set at. But I'm still anemic. And on nov 3 I am stupposed to start a liquid fast to shrink my liver. I expect my rbc to go downhill from there unless I cure myself real good. Any ideas? I'm so frustrated. It's like starving myself while curing a chronic problem. It's way too hard. I am doing all the nutritionist said and even she's at a loss. How long does it normally take to cure anemia? I'm getting so discouraged. Does anyone know what I can do , especially during a liquid only phase of the pre op diet, to cure myself of chronic anemia? I am taking the one-a-day plus iron pill. Should I go buy extra iron tablets and kind of take a bunch of them each day or something? I am so frustrated and I really don't know what to do. My nutritionist gve up and said ask the pcp. My pcp just shrugged and asked abut my periods. No magic shot in the arm to take it away or anything. I still feel like this is going to jeapordize getting the surgery. I've tried so hard to lose all the weight and do everythng they said. I hate to not get the surgery after all this. can you help me?

Yes I have an appointment to see the pcp again next friday. A week away still. But the clock is really ticking and I want to be doing something while I wait for another week to go by, to try to help. I went and bought the little iron tabs. I figure if it didn't hurt you to take a few more than prescribed, it won't kill me to take one or two extra over what it says either. My doc can ixnay it when I see him if he wants to. Thanks.

Thanks restless monkey. I know I will see a psych and a nutritionist, and I think I will voice these concerns I have, very directly, when I see them. If I don't feel comfortable and reassured they are as dedicated to follow up care as selling the surgery, then at that point I will go elsewhere.

Nice meeting all of you!

Honestly it's hard to tell this early in the game. I'd like to talk to other people who have gone there, to see what their experience was like.