birthdaygift2010

Hello, My surgery is tomorrow, nine days before my 70th birthday. I am a little nervous, but the excitement makes up for that. I have not had a negative word from any of my friends, and I have been very open about the surgery. Our daughter had RNY three and half years ago and has lost over 200 pounds and has inspired many people. My entire family has been supportive, and helpful. My husband has a rare brain disease, and I am a 24/7 caregiver. Very difficult, sad and lonesome at times. But, my family, and many friends are filling in for me, along with hired personell from the company Comfort Keepers. I know I am doing the right thing. I look forward to another 15-20+ years of healthy and much thinner life ahead of me.:001_tt2: I will keep checking this forum, and perhaps it will be more active. Thanks for listening!!

Hello, I am new here also, just found this site a few days ago. I am also self pay, having the surgery done in S. California at a well know medical center. https://lomalindahealth.org/medical-center/our-services/metabolic-and-bariatric-surgery/index.html This is a new program, will be a year old in August. Because it is new, it does not have a Center of Excellance rating until they meet all of the qualifications. Medicare will not pay for the surgery unless it is done at a Center of Excellence, and I did not want to wait another 9-12 months, so that is why I am self pay. My surgeon has a lot of experience,at other locations before being named director of the program, but that cannot be included in the number of completed procedures. I am the caregiver for my husband who has a rare brain disease, and I need to keep this as simple as possible. That is one of the reason I eliminated the Lap Band....I do not have time to be going for fills, and other maintence on the band. The sleeve will be perfect for me. I have osteopenia in my left hip, so not having malabsorption is important to me. I would have had to travel a distance to another location that does the sleeve. Some of the local centers will not operate on anyone over 60-65, and I am having the surgery nine days before my 70th Birthday, my birthday gift to me this year :001_tt2: I am excited, and looking forward to my new life much smaller. I recently finished the 12 weeks of classses, and during that time lowered my BMI from 40.3 to 38 with some pounds lost. I am not required to do a pre surgery diet of only liquids, which I have found really varies from surgeon to surgeon. :party4:Doing the happy dance! Just call me Birthday Girl!