Here I Go (My Journey Thus Far)

[Litecaramel 58]

Hi Everyone,

I've been reading these boards for a while but first time posting. I decided to post today since I officially scheduled sleeve surgery! My journey has been interesting thus far but not nearly as long/hard as some posts I've read. I originally started thinking about wls over 2 years ago. I had always been thin growing up and it wasn't until I had my first child that I began to gain weight. Actually after I had my first child I lost all the baby weight and fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans 2 weeks later (size 5). But it did not last long as I found my appetite had increased and the weight would not come off like it used to. That was over 16 years ago. Since then I've tried numerous diet & exercise programs. Bootcamp, weight watchers, slim fast, intensive bootcamp, jenny craig, well you get the idea. Each time the same thing would happen, I would lose a bunch of weight and then slowly regain the weight lost and some. I grew tired of the see-saw but never really thought about wls as my immediate friends & family view it as taking the easy way out. Also at 5'4 and 220lbs (my heaviest to date), I was looked at as not having the large amount of weight which would deem wls appropriate. In other words, you don't have that much to lose so you should just work out and eat right. That stuck with me for a long time. I think during the exercise and diets the lowest I came down to was about 180lbs.

Anyway about 2 years ago I began intensely researching wls. But before making the decision, I decided to give myself one year to do it on my own without surgery. Well a year later and although I initially lost 20lbs, I gained it all back and am at my heaviest weight to date. That was it for me. So I began the process of getting approved for surgery. Since I have BCBS, the only requirements were BMI over 40 or BMI over 35 with co-morbidities. Every doctor I checked out online was in-network so I made a couple of consultation appointments to feel them out. Next I just had to have 2 dr. visits (the consultation satisfied 1 visit) and one psych consultation. At both consultations I received a script for blood work. The one I ended up going with was more thorough with their bloodwork requirements, while the other one set me up with a surgery date on my first visit. I didn’t go with the second one because I felt like they were treating me in a rushed manner because of my “easy” approval requirements and it felt kind of like they were a salesperson.

The first place, (nj bariatric center) I felt they were more professional and I felt more comfortable with the doctors but the office staff leaves much to be desired. I almost went to look for another place because of my dissatisfaction.

I decided to go to a different psychiatrist rather than the one associated with my doctor’s office just due to logistics of when they would be in the office (I missed my first appt. and so had to reschedule for one a month later). I found one that had Saturday hours and met with her and she was able to write my report and send it off that same day.

My bloodwork came back with some issues requiring follow-up: had low Iron so was put on iron pills, EKG came back with something troubling on my heart so had to see a cardiologist to get cleared (the cardiologist required 3 visits before clearing me).

So I finally got all of my “extra” clearances and met with the doctor for the second time to go over the results of my tests. I was then told that now that I was cleared I would be called to schedule my surgery. The next day I was called and was offered surgery dates as early as June 5 but I decided instead on July 12 because my daughter will be out of school by then and able to help me around the house.

So here I am. I still have to get some pre-surgery bloodwork done at least 2 weeks before surgery. I also have to meet with the doctor again to sign some consent forms and I have to view a video on the surgery. So from my first appt on 2/10 to my scheduled surgery date of 7/12 it will have taking me approximately 5 months and some of the delay has been self-inflicted. I am excited and nervous.

[Litecaramel 58]

Well I have 4 days until my surgery. These last two weeks I have been on a roller coaster of emotions, both related and unrelated to the surgery. I fluctuate between calling it off and going through it on a daily basis but I guess that's to be expected. I even went through a period of great exercise and diet (working out every day and eating right) and I started to think maybe I didn't need the surgery. I'm also scared. My co-worker told me how her friend went to Miami over the fourth of july weekend to get breast enhancements and died (she doesn't know I'm having surgery). So of course that got me to thinking about elective surgery and whether I should do this. Also since my surgery will remove a part of my stomach it's permanent so there's no going back and saying I changed my mind afterwards. Ugh. Then I remember all the reasons why I want to get the surgery (some vain like looking better but also to get control of this weight, be more active and be around for my kids) and also all the research I've done and the year I gave myself to get it together and I become more determined than ever to do it.

So yeah this is where I'm at now. I am a very private person so other than the people that read this no one knows I'm having the surgery, not even my family. I looked at the pros and cons of telling someone and decided I need to be true to who I am as a person and decided that for me it's best to keep things private. So when I feel unsure or want some support I come on here. I don't post a lot but I read a lot. I hope to share more to help someone else.

[Litecaramel 58]

Also my surgery is scheduled for Wednesday and I want to go back to work Monday so we'll see how that works out. I have a desk job so it shouldn't be too difficult once getting there it's really just the commute since I will have to take the train since I won't be allowed to drive.

[Ready4change 2017 4]

I had surgery on 6/22 and doing well but I was so tired..
I also have a desk job but I am taking off work three weeks.

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[Sweet as peaches 759]

11 hours ago, Litecaramel said:

Well I have 4 days until my surgery. These last two weeks I have been on a roller coaster of emotions, both related and unrelated to the surgery. I fluctuate between calling it off and going through it on a daily basis but I guess that's to be expected. I even went through a period of great exercise and diet (working out every day and eating right) and I started to think maybe I didn't need the surgery. I'm also scared. My co-worker told me how her friend went to Miami over the fourth of july weekend to get breast enhancements and died (she doesn't know I'm having surgery). So of course that got me to thinking about elective surgery and whether I should do this. Also since my surgery will remove a part of my stomach it's permanent so there's no going back and saying I changed my mind afterwards. Ugh. Then I remember all the reasons why I want to get the surgery (some vain like looking better but also to get control of this weight, be more active and be around for my kids) and also all the research I've done and the year I gave myself to get it together and I become more determined than ever to do it.

So yeah this is where I'm at now. I am a very private person so other than the people that read this no one knows I'm having the surgery, not even my family. I looked at the pros and cons of telling someone and decided I need to be true to who I am as a person and decided that for me it's best to keep things private. So when I feel unsure or want some support I come on here. I don't post a lot but I read a lot. I hope to share more to help someone else.

Hi @Litecaramel I know you are besides yourself with emotions but from one very private person to another don't let anyone play tricks with your mind subconsciously or the opposite of subconsciously. You are getting the surgery for the right reasons people stories are their stories. Complications happen but go in there positive and pray and you will be fine. Take the surgery by the hand and come out swinging a home run. I'm glad to know you are doing it.

[Litecaramel 58]

1 hour ago, Ready4change 2017 said:

I had surgery on 6/22 and doing well but I was so tired..
I also have a desk job but I am taking off work three weeks.

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oh good for you with the time off. I wish I could take off.

59 minutes ago, Sweet as peaches said:

Hi @Litecaramel I know you are besides yourself with emotions but from one very private person to another don't let anyone play tricks with your mind subconsciously or the opposite of subconsciously. You are getting the surgery for the right reasons people stories are their stories. Complications happen but go in there positive and pray and you will be fine. Take the surgery by the hand and come out swinging a home run. I'm glad to know you are doing it.

Thank you.

[Apple1 2,572]

You are getting super close to your surgery date. I just want to wish you good luck and blessings for a safe and fast recovery. I understand your desire to keep the surgery private. I have done the same so far and only my husband and adult children know.

I am not too sure about going back to work so soon, but having a desk job might make it ok. I took 2 weeks off and even though I felt really good I was glad to have the extra time to work on hydration and getting my Protein in.

[monicaholbrook 8]

Also my surgery is scheduled for Wednesday and I want to go back to work Monday so we'll see how that works out. I have a desk job so it shouldn't be too difficult once getting there it's really just the commute since I will have to take the train since I won't be allowed to drive.

I had surgery on 6/22 and doing well but I was so tired..
I also have a desk job but I am taking off work three weeks.

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I don't think that's a good idea. You will need time to heal, beside you will also have a drainage ball hanging out of side. Therefore,
I think one week off of work will be okay for the minimum, but three weeks the maximum.

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[Newme17 3,444]

I took off one week and have a desk job. I was just tired/foggy that week I went back, but I was okay as well. I didn't have a drainage ball (don't know what that is) hanging.

[Sosewsue61 3,185]

If you go back to work that soon, be diligent about getting your liquids in, you can get dehydrated quickly. And even though you are keeping this private, you may not want to keep it entirely private in case you get sick - your health is more important than the 100% secrecy. You will not be able to predict your recovery reactions.

[Litecaramel 58]

7 hours ago, monicaholbrook said:

I don't think that's a good idea. You will need time to heal, beside you will also have a drainage ball hanging out of side. Therefore,
I think one week off of work will be okay for the minimum, but three weeks the maximum.

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Not exactly sure what you mean by drainage ball as I was never informed of such a thing. I'll ask my doctor but I don't think this will apply to me.

Thanks for everyone's comments. I originally spoke to my doctor about returning to work and was told it shouldn't be a problem but of course if the situation changes after the surgery I'll do what is necessary. I do really need to go back to work on that Monday though so if it's at all possible I will do it. I'll just have to be diligent about getting my Protein and fluids in. Unfortunately this was my only option unless I wanted to wait until next year to have the surgery.

[monicaholbrook 8]

My question is, are you having a lap band, sleeve, or the gastric bypass?
When they did a revision from lap band to gastric bypass. I had a drainage ball put into my left side. I did have some complications with that drainage ball and my doctor put me on some medication as well.
Anyhow, everyone is different so everyone heals in a different rate and every surgery is different as well. With that being said, I'm only speaking from my experience and to let you know I'm still in the healing process. I just had my surgery on June 21st, I'm still in the liquid phase and getting ready to transition to soft foods next Wednesday. I wish you the best of luck on your new journey and New Life because so far this is been hard but very rewarding. I'm now 19lb (178lb current weight) lighter and in just the weeks and I feel amazing, I can feel my health improving slowly. So back to the point, as for healing time I think one week the minimum and three the max. Perhaps, you may be different, perhaps you only need a few days. I say one week minimum because you'll be bloated with air and it will be very hard to come out for the first few days unless you walk consistently to help pass that gas. A little tip of advise; you will need to make sure you buy some chewable Gas-X that helps wonders, get a pillow for when you need to cough because you will coughing and sneezing at some point. Also try to concentrate on your Water and Protein intake, so far I haven't had any problems with that. And be on top of your Vitamins or you will lose a lot of hair. If you have any questions feel free to ask because I'm still going through it. Best of luck to you.

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[Litecaramel 58]

My question is, are you having a lap band, sleeve, or the gastric bypass?
When they did a revision from lap band to gastric bypass. I had a drainage ball put into my left side. I did have some complications with that drainage ball and my doctor put me on some medication as well.
Anyhow, everyone is different so everyone heals in a different rate and every surgery is different as well. With that being said, I'm only speaking from my experience and to let you know I'm still in the healing process. I just had my surgery on June 21st, I'm still in the liquid phase and getting ready to transition to soft foods next Wednesday. I wish you the best of luck on your new journey and New Life because so far this is been hard but very rewarding. I'm now 19lb (178lb current weight) lighter and in just the weeks and I feel amazing, I can feel my health improving slowly. So back to the point, as for healing time I think one week the minimum and three the max. Perhaps, you may be different, perhaps you only need a few days. I say one week minimum because you'll be bloated with air and it will be very hard to come out for the first few days unless you walk consistently to help pass that gas. A little tip of advise; you will need to make sure you buy some chewable Gas-X that helps wonders, get a pillow for when you need to cough because you will coughing and sneezing at some point. Also try to concentrate on your Water and Protein intake, so far I haven't had any problems with that. And be on top of your Vitamins or you will lose a lot of hair. If you have any questions feel free to ask because I'm still going through it. Best of luck to you.

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Thanks for the tips. I'm having the sleeve. My plan is to start walking as soon as possible.

[Litecaramel 58]

So first potential issue has popped up. Get home from work today and there's a lovely letter from my insurance company waiting for me (letter is dated 6/28/17 but I didn't get it today and it was mailed in NJ). Anyway letter states that on 6/26/17 doctor's office sent in request for approval of my surgery (wonder why they waited till then to submit it, seems kind of close). Insurance company saying they need more information before approving, including: documentation of previous participating in weight loss program, i.e. Weight Watchers; documentation of participation in multidisplinary surgical regime, documentation of psych eval; and my current weight, height, & BMI.

Now all of this I have done either through the doctor's office or in case of the psych eval I did it own my own and submitted the report which they evaluated and said was fine. However, the nonsurgical diet program was never a requirement for my insurance. Horizon only required BMI +40, 2 doctor visits, 2 nutritional counseling, & psych eval. Now I have done weight watchers in the past and only recently stopped so I don't think it will be a huge issue but still I'm not sure how to get the right documentation and my surgery is scheduled for Wednesday so doesn't give me a lot of time either. Also, doctor's office of course was closed by the time I got home so I have to wait till tomorrow to see what they say. Ugh.

[Sosewsue61 3,185]

You might have to reschedule or risk insurance not covering it. That would be extremely quick decision in one day for approval, most ins is not that fast. I would make sure the whole packet incl the psych eval goes together from your primary/surgeon's office. I think I would ask to be copied on email of it. Good luck.