My Gastric Sleeve Pre-OP Requirements

[Hiraeth 515]

Awesome news Hiraeth!! Have you started your pre-op diet yet?

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Not yet. They haven't gotten a surgery date scheduled yet. That will be the hardest part, I think, since my stomach will still be empty since I still have a lot of room. I'm mostly worried about Migraines. But... no pain, no gain.

[MNovalis 93]

As much as I would have loved to have just made up my mind and then had the surgery the next week, I am grateful for this 6 month period. (No, I'm not crazy, lol!) I've had time to adjust both mentally and physically to what's about to happen to me. I have slowly weaned myself off of caffeine, bread, and am now working on sugar. That way when I start my two week pre-op diet, my body wont go into such a shock. I have a small business decorating wedding cakes etc, so I have to perfect frostings and other recipes now so that I wont have to be taste testing them after surgery. Through all of the tests that I went through I had a cancer scare, and that brought me further in my faith than I ever thought about going. So, actually, I am not complaining about the 6 month wait. I only have one more weigh in appointment with my PCP in 10 days and then see if I am approved. Right now, I can actually say that I am healthier both mentally and physically than I was 6 months ago!

[DSLdiversity 70]

I just got the call today that my insurance approved me! I would like to thank Dr. Les Miles and his patient advocate, Bridgette, for all the hard work they did to make this happen. I am so excited!

Congrats!!! I'm so excited for you. I pray things move fast for you at this point. Start adding as well as subtracting now and you will be thankful. Add exercise subtract bad eating habits, for example. You will do great!

DSLdiversity

[Ana7722 13]

As much as I would have loved to have just made up my mind and then had the surgery the next week, I am grateful for this 6 month period. (No, I'm not crazy, lol!) I've had time to adjust both mentally and physically to what's about to happen to me. I have slowly weaned myself off of caffeine, bread, and am now working on sugar. That way when I start my two week pre-op diet, my body wont go into such a shock. I have a small business decorating wedding cakes etc, so I have to perfect frostings and other recipes now so that I wont have to be taste testing them after surgery. Through all of the tests that I went through I had a cancer scare, and that brought me further in my faith than I ever thought about going. So, actually, I am not complaining about the 6 month wait. I only have one more weigh in appointment with my PCP in 10 days and then see if I am approved. Right now, I can actually say that I am healthier both mentally and physically than I was 6 months ago!

That's great! I sent my weight history, and honestly, I don't think I'll get approved. I haven't had a BMI of 40 for the past 3 years.

So now I'm just waiting on my patient advocate to email me back.

Sent from my XT1080 using the BariatricPal App

[Hiraeth 515]

As much as I would have loved to have just made up my mind and then had the surgery the next week, I am grateful for this 6 month period. (No, I'm not crazy, lol!) I've had time to adjust both mentally and physically to what's about to happen to me. I have slowly weaned myself off of caffeine, bread, and am now working on sugar. That way when I start my two week pre-op diet, my body wont go into such a shock. I have a small business decorating wedding cakes etc, so I have to perfect frostings and other recipes now so that I wont have to be taste testing them after surgery. Through all of the tests that I went through I had a cancer scare, and that brought me further in my faith than I ever thought about going. So, actually, I am not complaining about the 6 month wait. I only have one more weigh in appointment with my PCP in 10 days and then see if I am approved. Right now, I can actually say that I am healthier both mentally and physically than I was 6 months ago!

You are right about that! That 6 month period was a good thing; and a good thing for others. It would probably help me as well, but considering my condition and having a high risk of losing my vision, they felt that it was necessary to go ahead and approve my surgery. When they looked at my optic nerves in the ultrasound, they were shocked to find out that I have 20/15 vision. They said, according to the images, that it looked as if I should be legally blind. I was told that I have the most interesting eyes that clinic has ever seen in a pseudotumor case. With me, even though my vision is so good, I still have temporary blindness at times. Sometimes when I stand up or bend over, I go blind for about 10-20 seconds. Sometimes I go blind for a bit longer than that, and I wonder, "Is this it? Is this the moment where I lose my vision for good?" And thankfully, the blackness fades away.

I think I have had enough time to decide that this is what I truly want. If someone told me I would have to give up my favorite food (Mexican cheese dip) for the rest of my life in order to be thin and healthy, I would still give it up without hesitation. Because to me, a lifetime of good health is worth more than a few minutes of pleasurable taste. I have wanted to be thin the moment I reached 150 pounds. I am now 250 pounds and I can honestly say that I have prepared myself for this day out of hopes that one day I would be thin again. I even told my surgeon that if someone told me I would have to lose an arm in order to be thin and healthy, I would accept it. He looked at me and giggled, but for a moment he gave me this look of understanding and compassion. It's like he knew how badly I want this.

I am a bit worried about the shock my body will experience on the pre-op diet. I am mostly worried about the Migraines and the fact that only Excedrin helps them. Since Excedrin has aspirin in it, I will not be able to take it. Lets all hope that Tylenol works this time, since the Migraine won't be pseudotumor triggered.

On another note... OMG! Cancer?! Can you tell me more about that? Are you ok? o_o

[Hiraeth 515]

As much as I would have loved to have just made up my mind and then had the surgery the next week, I am grateful for this 6 month period. (No, I'm not crazy, lol!) I've had time to adjust both mentally and physically to what's about to happen to me. I have slowly weaned myself off of caffeine, bread, and am now working on sugar. That way when I start my two week pre-op diet, my body wont go into such a shock. I have a small business decorating wedding cakes etc, so I have to perfect frostings and other recipes now so that I wont have to be taste testing them after surgery. Through all of the tests that I went through I had a cancer scare, and that brought me further in my faith than I ever thought about going. So, actually, I am not complaining about the 6 month wait. I only have one more weigh in appointment with my PCP in 10 days and then see if I am approved. Right now, I can actually say that I am healthier both mentally and physically than I was 6 months ago!

That's great! I sent my weight history, and honestly, I don't think I'll get approved. I haven't had a BMI of 40 for the past 3 years.

So now I'm just waiting on my patient advocate to email me back.

Sent from my XT1080 using the BariatricPal App

How long has your BMI been over 40? Do you have other health issues relating to your weight? And if I may ask, what caused you to gain the weight? A few years ago, I got put on oral steroids for sinus issues. I gained 50 pounds in 3 months. I kept gaining weight from that point.

[Ana7722 13]

As much as I would have loved to have just made up my mind and then had the surgery the next week, I am grateful for this 6 month period. (No, I'm not crazy, lol!) I've had time to adjust both mentally and physically to what's about to happen to me. I have slowly weaned myself off of caffeine, bread, and am now working on sugar. That way when I start my two week pre-op diet, my body wont go into such a shock. I have a small business decorating wedding cakes etc, so I have to perfect frostings and other recipes now so that I wont have to be taste testing them after surgery. Through all of the tests that I went through I had a cancer scare, and that brought me further in my faith than I ever thought about going. So, actually, I am not complaining about the 6 month wait. I only have one more weigh in appointment with my PCP in 10 days and then see if I am approved. Right now, I can actually say that I am healthier both mentally and physically than I was 6 months ago!

That's great! I sent my weight history, and honestly, I don't think I'll get approved. I haven't had a BMI of 40 for the past 3 years.

So now I'm just waiting on my patient advocate to email me back.

Sent from my XT1080 using the BariatricPal App

How long has your BMI been over 40? Do you have other health issues relating to your weight? And if I may ask, what caused you to gain the weight? A few years ago, I got put on oral steroids for sinus issues. I gained 50 pounds in 3 months. I kept gaining weight from that point.

I have been overweight since puberty. I think it has a lot to do with my hormones, and my PCOS. When I first got pregnant, the summer of 2013, I weighed 218, BMI of 37.4. Now I weigh 243, BMI 41.7. So being pregnant was what pushed me over the 40 BMI mark. I was 243 the day I went into labor, and I have yo-yo'd back and forth, but have not gotten under 220 since my pregnancy.

I don't want to use PCOS as my excuse because I know that I need to get better and exercise more, but it's so difficult to lose weight.

Sent from my XT1080 using the BariatricPal App

[Ana7722 13]

As much as I would have loved to have just made up my mind and then had the surgery the next week, I am grateful for this 6 month period. (No, I'm not crazy, lol!) I've had time to adjust both mentally and physically to what's about to happen to me. I have slowly weaned myself off of caffeine, bread, and am now working on sugar. That way when I start my two week pre-op diet, my body wont go into such a shock. I have a small business decorating wedding cakes etc, so I have to perfect frostings and other recipes now so that I wont have to be taste testing them after surgery. Through all of the tests that I went through I had a cancer scare, and that brought me further in my faith than I ever thought about going. So, actually, I am not complaining about the 6 month wait. I only have one more weigh in appointment with my PCP in 10 days and then see if I am approved. Right now, I can actually say that I am healthier both mentally and physically than I was 6 months ago!

You are right about that! That 6 month period was a good thing; and a good thing for others. It would probably help me as well, but considering my condition and having a high risk of losing my vision, they felt that it was necessary to go ahead and approve my surgery. When they looked at my optic nerves in the ultrasound, they were shocked to find out that I have 20/15 vision. They said, according to the images, that it looked as if I should be legally blind. I was told that I have the most interesting eyes that clinic has ever seen in a pseudotumor case. With me, even though my vision is so good, I still have temporary blindness at times. Sometimes when I stand up or bend over, I go blind for about 10-20 seconds. Sometimes I go blind for a bit longer than that, and I wonder, "Is this it? Is this the moment where I lose my vision for good?" And thankfully, the blackness fades away.

I think I have had enough time to decide that this is what I truly want. If someone told me I would have to give up my favorite food (Mexican cheese dip) for the rest of my life in order to be thin and healthy, I would still give it up without hesitation. Because to me, a lifetime of good health is worth more than a few minutes of pleasurable taste. I have wanted to be thin the moment I reached 150 pounds. I am now 250 pounds and I can honestly say that I have prepared myself for this day out of hopes that one day I would be thin again. I even told my surgeon that if someone told me I would have to lose an arm in order to be thin and healthy, I would accept it. He looked at me and giggled, but for a moment he gave me this look of understanding and compassion. It's like he knew how badly I want this.

I am a bit worried about the shock my body will experience on the pre-op diet. I am mostly worried about the Migraines and the fact that only Excedrin helps them. Since Excedrin has aspirin in it, I will not be able to take it. Lets all hope that Tylenol works this time, since the Migraine won't be pseudotumor triggered.

On another note... OMG! Cancer?! Can you tell me more about that? Are you ok? o_o

Wow that is so scary!! I hope and pray that you can find some relief for your migraines using Tylenol. I know how painful and debilitating they can be.

Sent from my XT1080 using the BariatricPal App

[MNovalis 93]

As much as I would have loved to have just made up my mind and then had the surgery the next week, I am grateful for this 6 month period. (No, I'm not crazy, lol!) I've had time to adjust both mentally and physically to what's about to happen to me. I have slowly weaned myself off of caffeine, bread, and am now working on sugar. That way when I start my two week pre-op diet, my body wont go into such a shock. I have a small business decorating wedding cakes etc, so I have to perfect frostings and other recipes now so that I wont have to be taste testing them after surgery. Through all of the tests that I went through I had a cancer scare, and that brought me further in my faith than I ever thought about going. So, actually, I am not complaining about the 6 month wait. I only have one more weigh in appointment with my PCP in 10 days and then see if I am approved. Right now, I can actually say that I am healthier both mentally and physically than I was 6 months ago!

You are right about that! That 6 month period was a good thing; and a good thing for others. It would probably help me as well, but considering my condition and having a high risk of losing my vision, they felt that it was necessary to go ahead and approve my surgery. When they looked at my optic nerves in the ultrasound, they were shocked to find out that I have 20/15 vision. They said, according to the images, that it looked as if I should be legally blind. I was told that I have the most interesting eyes that clinic has ever seen in a pseudotumor case. With me, even though my vision is so good, I still have temporary blindness at times. Sometimes when I stand up or bend over, I go blind for about 10-20 seconds. Sometimes I go blind for a bit longer than that, and I wonder, "Is this it? Is this the moment where I lose my vision for good?" And thankfully, the blackness fades away.

I think I have had enough time to decide that this is what I truly want. If someone told me I would have to give up my favorite food (Mexican cheese dip) for the rest of my life in order to be thin and healthy, I would still give it up without hesitation. Because to me, a lifetime of good health is worth more than a few minutes of pleasurable taste. I have wanted to be thin the moment I reached 150 pounds. I am now 250 pounds and I can honestly say that I have prepared myself for this day out of hopes that one day I would be thin again. I even told my surgeon that if someone told me I would have to lose an arm in order to be thin and healthy, I would accept it. He looked at me and giggled, but for a moment he gave me this look of understanding and compassion. It's like he knew how badly I want this.

I am a bit worried about the shock my body will experience on the pre-op diet. I am mostly worried about the Migraines and the fact that only Excedrin helps them. Since Excedrin has aspirin in it, I will not be able to take it. Lets all hope that Tylenol works this time, since the Migraine won't be pseudotumor triggered.

On another note... OMG! Cancer?! Can you tell me more about that? Are you ok? o_o

I am so sorry to hear about your vision issues. And I completely understand the urgency in you getting your surgery. And I can also relate on the migraines. I take Topramax for mine and it really helps. The cancer scare turned out to be just that, a scare. I had an abnormal pap smear that ended up requiring a biopsy. My dr said that she had to take 3 biopsies (sp?) because of everything that she saw. And that on a scale of 1-3 I was a very high 2 to test positive for cervical cancer. When I came back for my results, she told me that her first impression upon 'seeing' what she biopsied was to schedule me for surgery the next week, but the lab results showed NOTHING to be concerned about! I was doing some shouting and praising God, let me tell ya! I believe I had nothing less than a miracle!

[vsg4kristin 15]

I'm having my surgery in Birmingham too! Dr Pennington at Grandview Medical Center. Sorry, I haven't seen anyone else on here near me.....I got excited !

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Hi!!! I'm also having mine at Grandview with Dr. Pennington! ???? I will be finished with my insurance stuff (BCBSAL) in August and will, hopefully, be approved shortly after then grab my date! When are you having yours?? Us Birmingham folks should keep in touch!

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[vsg4kristin 15]

We should all be each other's support! It's awesome to find people that are local.

@@MNovalis when did you start your journey?

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I first saw Dr. P back in December and my insurance requires 6 months of doctor supervised diet. So July 18th will be my last of those. Hopefully I am looking at an early August surgery........ I've been for my cardiac tests, my EGD, nutrition and physical therapy meetings. Got all of that behind me. Feel like I'm turning the corner now!

I guess I should read everything before replying! LOL!! How was the EGD? Mine's in August and I'm nervous!

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[Ana7722 13]

I'm having my surgery in Birmingham too! Dr Pennington at Grandview Medical Center. Sorry, I haven't seen anyone else on here near me.....I got excited !

Sent from my LG-V410 using the BariatricPal App

Hi!!! I'm also having mine at Grandview with Dr. Pennington! I will be finished with my insurance stuff (BCBSAL) in August and will, hopefully, be approved shortly after then grab my date! When are you having yours?? Us Birmingham folks should keep in touch!

Sent from my HTC331ZLVWPP using the BariatricPal App

We really should keep in touch! Where are you from vsg4kristin? How do you like your doctor?

[vsg4kristin 15]

I'm having my surgery in Birmingham too! Dr Pennington at Grandview Medical Center. Sorry, I haven't seen anyone else on here near me.....I got excited !

Sent from my LG-V410 using the BariatricPal App

Hi!!! I'm also having mine at Grandview with Dr. Pennington! I will be finished with my insurance stuff (BCBSAL) in August and will, hopefully, be approved shortly after then grab my date! When are you having yours?? Us Birmingham folks should keep in touch!

Sent from my HTC331ZLVWPP using the BariatricPal App

We really should keep in touch! Where are you from vsg4kristin? How do you like your doctor?

I live in Birmingham and my doctor is great! He was highly recommended by some coworkers. Also, I had an initial meeting with Dr. Schmitt before choosing my MD. I just felt rushed with him. Dr. Pennington took his time, answered all of my questions, told me what to expect, and I really liked that. ????

[MNovalis 93]

I'm having my surgery in Birmingham too! Dr Pennington at Grandview Medical Center. Sorry, I haven't seen anyone else on here near me.....I got excited !

Sent from my LG-V410 using the BariatricPal App

Hi!!! I'm also having mine at Grandview with Dr. Pennington! ???? I will be finished with my insurance stuff (BCBSAL) in August and will, hopefully, be approved shortly after then grab my date! When are you having yours?? Us Birmingham folks should keep in touch!

Sent from my HTC331ZLVWPP using the BariatricPal App

[MNovalis 93]

We should all be each other's support! It's awesome to find people that are local.

@@MNovalis when did you start your journey?

Sent from my XT1080 using the BariatricPal App

I first saw Dr. P back in December and my insurance requires 6 months of doctor supervised diet. So July 18th will be my last of those. Hopefully I am looking at an early August surgery........ I've been for my cardiac tests, my EGD, nutrition and physical therapy meetings. Got all of that behind me. Feel like I'm turning the corner now!

I guess I should read everything before replying! LOL!! How was the EGD? Mine's in August and I'm nervous!

Sent from my HTC331ZLVWPP using the BariatricPal App

The EGD was no fun, I'll be honest. But I'd do it again if I had to. Dr. P's nurse was an ANGEL helping by talking me through it. And it only lasted about 10 minutes. It showed a couple of polyps so I had to go back and have a 2nd one. All was good and now I have one last visit with my PCP and then send everything in to my insurance company for approval. My co-worker got her approval back in 15 minutes, so I'm hoping for fast results as well. I've got all my ducks in a row so I'm really hoping to have my surgery in early August.