julieg40 1 Posted July 31, 2008 Hi! My name is Julie, I'm 40 y/o and live in Kansas. Last year our insurance company okay'ed having bariatric surgery except for the fact that the hospitals that would do it were all 3 hours away. They hoped to have one closer this year that would be approved as a "Blue Distinction Center". I started calling all the local hospitals in Feburary and only one had applied. They kept me posted on the progress. I did my seminar on March 5th, they shook hands in April, I got all my paperwork and and medical records to them during this time, they signed on the dotted line in June, and I had the first of my 2 required psych appointments made at that time. I have just been send approval from the psych doctor and now they are composing my letter of "need" for this surgery. I have my fingers crossed it will all go through without a hitch, I have no idea what to expect yet. I have great confidence in this Bariatric Center as they all seem quite on top of things. This past Monday I was given a "Lifestyle" daily sheet to log what I eat, how much, what my thoughts and feelings are, exercise, etc. I was also given a list of books in which he thought would be helpful to me, one being "Mindless Eating". I have to say I am just shocked at how many times a day I mindlessly ate on junk. I was a diet pop junkie until Monday and haven't had one since, I quit smoking in January, my mom had gastric bypass last Sept, has lost 100 pounds and is doing phenominally. I am trying not to get too excited yet until I know "FOR SURE" it's a go with my insurance company but I have been reading up on everything I can about what to eat, the do's and don'ts, the helpful hints, and everything inbetween. You all seem very helpful and a great group of support, which adds to the wonderful support I have had at home, work, friends..... I guess my biggest fear is having some kind of infection or issue from having the port or the band in. Has anyone experienced this at all? I have read 99% of positive things after surgery but just wanted to see if you were willing to share any adverse affects you may have experienced. I look forward to reading more on the first few weeks foods, making grocery lists, absorbing all the information I can. I believe knowledge is power so anything I can expect I would love to get the inside scoop on. Thank you all in advance for sharing your thoughts, words, experiences and stories here, it makes a difference. Good luck to you all. Hugs, JulieG Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UT LB Loser 0 Posted August 1, 2008 First of all, congrats on your decision to change your life!!! If you still have doubts, let me share my exoerience. I KNEW that I would develop larger health issues than I already had if I didn't do the surgery. I knew there were chances of complications. I believed there was a good chance I could lose a fair amount of weight if I did the surgery. I could go on and on with what I knew. I would still be thinking the same things, dealing with the same doubts and still be less than happy with myself if I hadn't moved forward. I believe in JFDI, which means Just Focus and Do It! Since my surgery, I have changed the meaning just a bit... Just Freaking Do It!!! I just freaking did it and am so freaking happy I did!!! Just freaking do it!! You'll be so happy you did!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
julieg40 1 Posted August 1, 2008 Chris, thanks so much for sharing your insight and experience. I know that each person experiences things differently but for the most part I have only heard positive things. I guess we should be wary some days of just driving into work so why should this be any different? LOL Congrats on your choice & your weight loss, that is something to be proud of. Also it was nice to get a man's perspective & input as I see mostly women responding. Continued success and luck to you......I'll try to keep you posted on my progress. Thanks again, JulieG Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
