kespy74

Lol Srreeder! Good catch!

Congrats! And yes I read a few explatives in that even though they weren't there! Haha.

Surgeons office submitted my paperwork to my insurance on Feb 21st late in the day. I can check online on my status and it showed up on the 24th as pending and I it was changed to approved this morning the 25th. The surgeons office was even surprised they got the fax that quickly. They said they usually have to wait awhile. Good luck to everyone waiting for insurance approval-sending good mojo your way!!

Surgeons office submitted my paperwork to my insurance on Feb 21st late in the day. I can check online on my status and it showed up on the 24th as pending and I it was changed to approved this morning the 25th. The surgeons office was even surprised they got the fax that quickly. They said they usually have to wait awhile. Good luck to everyone waiting for insurance approval-sending good mojo your way!!

While most of us knew all about the physical side of Weight Loss Surgery, many people have no idea about the emotional ride they're about to face. This article discusses all aspects of the "emotional roller coaster" from the moment you first decide on having bariatric surgery all the way up to the maintenance phase of your weight loss. It's a wild ride baby!


When was the last time you were on a roller coaster? If you’re like me, it’s been a while. In fact, the last time I was on a roller coaster I was 310 lbs and could barely fit into the seat. The restraint almost didn't go around my tummy. I was squeezed in like Cinderella’s step-sister’s foot must have tried to squeeze into that tiny shoe. Yep. I was Drizella’s foot and the coaster seat was the glass slipper. I’m sure it was a comical, if not sad and pathetic site, for those around me. It was embarrassing to me, to say the very least. But I laughed it off and went on, as I tended to do.
That roller coaster was a wild ride. It had huge climbs, steep drops, loop-de-loops, sharp turns, and at one point it feels like you’re lying on your side. Honestly, it’s a wonder I stayed in the coaster even with the restraint!! The end of the ride was abrupt - it felt like my insides were coming out of my mouth when it stopped short back at the beginning of the track. When it was over, I felt accomplished, in a way. I’d survived that coaster ride, wild and uncomfortable as it was.
Many people don’t realize that life before, during, and after weight loss surgery becomes a roller-coaster ride of it’s own. It has the huge climbs of elation and joy and excitement, the steep drops into anxiety and depression, and the loop-de-loops, sharp turns, and lying on your side moments of uncertainty, worry, and fear. Here are some of the emotional dealings that will occur before, during, and after surgery that you might not know.
1. Pre-Surgery Elation. This happens when you are finally approved for surgery. It’s going to be a reality! You are going to get a brand new lease on life! The period of life where you are having to go through diet after diet is finally coming to an end! You might tell everyone you know or you might decide to keep your secret to yourself. Regardless, you are excited and ready to go!
2. Pre-Surgery Blues. This is when you realize that you are going to have to say good-bye to one of your best friends ... food. You come to the realization that there are some favorites that you are just not going to be able to eat anymore. Depression sets in slightly, and you might even go on a food bender - similar to what an addict might do. At this point you might even question your decision to go through surgery.
3. Day of Surgery. You’re going to be going through a myriad of emotions during this time. You’ll feel excitement, anxiety, apprehension, and impatience all at the same time. You’ll be worried because, after all, it is a major surgery you’re about to go through. But at the same time, you’ll be excited at what’s about to happen. When you wake up from anesthesia, you might be scared, especially if you’re having a rough transition out of anesthesia. You might be a little confused, wondering where you are. When your body settles down a bit and you remember where you are and what just happened, you might feel a little concerned. "Did everything go okay?" "Is this going to work?" "Did I just make the biggest mistake in my life?" On the other hand, you might wake up beautifully, singing the praises of your surgeon and his/her team, excited to begin your new life. These feelings and emotions will likely cycle throughout the day as you’re getting used to the idea of what just happened and your body relaxes and comes out of shock from surgery.
4. Going Home. When you’re finally released to go home, you’ll either be excited or scared. Thoughts might rush your brain like “will I be able to do this on my own?” and anxiety might set in again. You might, again, question your decision to undergo surgery, especially once the monotony of the liquid diet phases set in. The first few days might be easy, and the next might be excruciating. You’ll be in some discomfort because of incisions and if the surgeon inflated your abdomen with gas prior to surgery (commonly done in laparoscopic surgeries), and this might heighten your doubts and anxieties. You might begin to worry about issues such as leaks, slippage, or staples coming loose.
5.The first few months. You will be going through a mourning period at some point, and for some that occurs during the first few months after surgery. You no longer are able to lean on food for emotional support, so you might feel sad. You might even go through a type of “withdraw” from food, similar to what an addict might be going through their first few days in rehab. You’ll be able to eat more some days than others, and that will lead you to worry if your surgery is working or if there’s something wrong. Some days you’ll be jealous of watching everyone around you eat foods that you once loved. Others, you’ll be glad you can’t/don’t eat those things anymore. By the time you've finished all of your phases and are on to real food, you’ll be relieved and excited, and likely worried and anxious as well. Whereas before, you were relying on liquids for sustenance, now you’re on your own and have to rely on figuring your food choices out for yourself.
6. The losing phase. From the moment you leave the hospital until you reach your goal you are considered to be in the losing phase of surgery. For the purposes of this article, we’re going to call the losing phase the time period from month 3 (about the time you transition into full solids) to the point where you reach your goal. There will be many frustrations, joys, and concerns in the months ahead. Some days you’ll forget everything you were taught about nutrition and make yourself sick on something you shouldn't have eaten. Other days you’ll be 100% on track. You’ll have moments of pride and joy, and moments of shame and weakness. You’ll revel in finding out you can eat something as simple as asparagus and despair over not being able to eat rice pilaf. You’ll finally reach your “groove” point sometime during month four or five, and things begin to go well. You’ll reach a stall or two (or five ...) and wonder if you’re doing something wrong or if you've messed up your new tummy. You’ll marvel over losing 10 lbs in one week. You’ll wonder why you only lost 2 lbs the next week. When your loss starts to slow down, you’ll worry that you’re not exercising enough, that you’re eating too much or too little, or worry that your surgery is beginning to fail. You’ll relax more when you are consistently losing, even if it has gone down to 1-2 lbs a week.
7. The maintenance phase. When you reach your goal weight, you will have reached what is called “maintenance”. This is the final stage that you will likely be in for the rest of your life. Here, you will change your diet slightly in order to not lose or gain any more weight. You will get frustrated a time or two - especially the first time you gain a few pounds. You will marvel at what you've lost, but are concerned with the way your body looks now. You will have loose skin, which may cause body image issues. If you’re single, you might notice more possible suitors paying more attention to you. You might fall from one addiction (food) into another (sex). You might also be tempted into other addictive substances or habits such as alcohol, cigarettes, shopping, or pornography. Alternatively, you may look back at your loss, as meaningful and inspirational. You might revel in the way your life has changed and be happier than you have ever been and be ready to branch out and help others succeed in their bariatric surgery journeys.
Tips on Riding the Roller Coaster
Knowing that these emotions are possible doesn't mean they will happen for everyone, and doesn't mean you can’t get through them. The following tips will help you stay on the road to success and prevent you from falling off the wagon and into an abyss of self-doubt and depression:
1. Support. This is the number one most important thing for WLS patients. Even more important than food is support. Support can be found at home, through friends and family, in a hospital or surgery center support group, or even online forums such as Bariatric Pal.
2. Stick to the plan. As tempting as it might be to veer off and eat something you’re not supposed to, stick with your doctor or nutritionist’s eating plan as closely as possible. This will ensure that you continue to lose steadily, decrease the length and amount of stalls you’ll experience, and will speed up the healing process.
3. Vitamins.< /strong> It sounds very cliche, but remember to take your vitamins! Focus on Iron and B Complex vitamins especially.A Vitamin deficiency can result in depression, physical weakness, and poor sleep habits.
4. Speaking of sleep ... Make sure you’re getting plenty of it! At least 8 hours a day for an adult! Lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and (you guessed it!) depression!
5. Remember that “this too shall pass” ... These stages of emotional turmoil certainly won’t last forever. You’ll get over them as quickly as they overcame you. And keep in mind that each stage after surgery only lasts a short time in the grand scheme of things. Most eating phases last, at most, a month. After which you’re on to the next phase.
6. Keep a plan handy. Know that you will likely feel some unpleasant emotions or feelings and plan for them. Know what you’re going to do when you get upset, depressed, feel head hunger, or even feel physical pain from surgery. Have a list of friends to call at the drop of a hat, have a bottle of Water ready to sip on at all times, or have your doctor’s phone number on speed dial. Know that these feelings will likely happen at some point in time, and be ready to deal with them when they do.
7. Remember that everything you’re going through is completely normal and OKAY. It’s important and helpful to know that everyone goes through a stall at some point. Everyone has pain during the first couple of weeks after surgery. Everyone eats something they shouldn't at some point. Whatever it is you’re going through - someone else has likely gone through it!
8. Finally, DON’T GIVE UP! Remember that this is a journey. As the old saying goes, “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” There will be ups and downs on this wild roller-coaster ride. There will be twists and turns and loop-de-loops and there will be many moments when you feel like you’re laying over on your side. But, in the end, it will all be worth it. Your health, your life, and YOU ARE WORTH IT!!

Hiatal hernia surgery. So will a middle finger and telling them to mind their business:)

wow! You are moving at the speed of light! Congrats

WOOHOO!! Insurance has approved my 5 March surgery date!! I am all set!!........Holy it's happening batman, it just got real!!
I go this Thrusday and Friday for Pre-Op counseling, then I meet with the surgeon on Monday and Tuesday I go to get my PICC line inserted and surgery on Wednesday at 8:30 AM. I have to be there by 6:30.
Butterflies are starting to take root in the belly!
So glad this group is here, and we can all lean on each other for support!!

At first I wan't even going to try because I figured my insurance (Tricare) wouldn't cover it, but I said what the heck. It was just a few minutes of my time and the worst that could happen is that they say no and I've only lost a few minutes of time.
My shipment is on it's way! I get the Protein, chewable Vitamins (insurance didn't cover liquid) and scar cream.
Thank you Insure Nutrition!!!

I saw this on another thread, so I decided to post it here. Insure nutrition will check and see if your insurance will pay for your Protein Drinks, Vitamins and scar cream....http://www.insurenutrition.com.

I goy my date today and I am also March 5th!!! I am so excited!!!

At first I wan't even going to try because I figured my insurance (Tricare) wouldn't cover it, but I said what the heck. It was just a few minutes of my time and the worst that could happen is that they say no and I've only lost a few minutes of time.
My shipment is on it's way! I get the Protein, chewable Vitamins (insurance didn't cover liquid) and scar cream.
Thank you Insure Nutrition!!!

At first I wan't even going to try because I figured my insurance (Tricare) wouldn't cover it, but I said what the heck. It was just a few minutes of my time and the worst that could happen is that they say no and I've only lost a few minutes of time.
My shipment is on it's way! I get the Protein, chewable Vitamins (insurance didn't cover liquid) and scar cream.
Thank you Insure Nutrition!!!

I'm not fat (on the outside) any more! I'm not skinny by any means, but I'm not fat. I weigh 157 pounds which is still far too much for my 5.3 frame, but I wear size medium tops and size 8 pants, which is officially smaller than the average American woman.
I am no longer shopping in the women's section.
I am no longer wearing the largest size in the ladies' department.
I pick up clothes in consignment shops and often have to reject them for being too big. ( WTF?!?!?!)
I fit in bathroom stalls and dressing rooms with room to spare.
I can walk through turnstiles/bus aisles/theatre rows front ways instead of turning sideways and sucking it in.
I no longer stress when some jackhole parks too close to my minivan when I can barely open my car door to squeeze in.
Every seatbelt fits.
I can put my handbag in my seat with me instead of on a different chair.
I can sit in a booth without my tummy and/or boobs smooshing up against the table.
People don't mind sitting next to me at the movies or in tight restaurants.
More people make eye contact/open doors/smile/initiate conversation with me than ever before.
I am no longer looking around to see if I am the biggest person in the room because I'm not. Ever. Not even in Zumba.
I can wear my leggings home from the gym and stop at the store without caring if I run I to anyone I know.
I could go on forever. I'm still a fat girl on the inside so this whole thing is very surreal. It's just finally starting to set in that after 20 years of being obese, I'm now just a regular sized fit mom (with some loose skin) who can do anything I fracking want to do because I gifted myself with the least easy "easy way out" I could have ever chosen to do.
Love love love. Love.

I am so sorry for all the issues you are having to deal with. You've taken a great first step by letting it out and talking about it. It's good news that your pouch hasn't stretched. My suggestion would be to address the depression with your doctor. Water aerobics may be a good exercise and less impact to your injuries. I will be sending prayers for you.

Welcome to the forum Michele. This is a special place with a lot of special people.
When I read "I'm so lost and afraid" it brought to mind a quote that I've fallen back on for more years than I can count. It has taken me through, and out of, some tough situations. And I have experienced the truth of it many, many times. That's saying a lot for three little words.
Action quells fear. So the message is do something. And do it now. Don't spend too much time stressing over doing exactly the right something - you can always make adjustments and even changes later. The very act of doing something, taking a step in the right direction, is empowering. It gives you hope. It opens your mind to discovering new possibilities. Perhaps most importantly, it calms your fears.
My suggestion is that you reconsider your surgeon's recommendation. Start maintaining a food log. I highly recommend My Fitness Pal. Yes, it is easier said than done. Logging can be tedious. And it can be frustrating. Consider the flip side.
After your surgery, logging is the most powerful tool you can have in your arsenal for taking control. Logging can "break the downward spiral". Logging can renew the spirit you had when you lost 155 lbs. The spirit you still have or you wouldn't be seeking help. Logging can boost your confidence like nothing else I know of. Logging reinforces your success and your commitment every day with every entry. Logging can calm your fears. You'll never again "think" you did well today - you'll know. Logging makes you accountable to the most important person - you. It's quick, it's easy, it doesn't cost a dime and if you commit to it for 90 days, you'll be amazed at the results.
If you're interested, if you're ready to take action and quell the fear, PM me and I'll be more than happy to share some ideas with you. I've logged every bite for more than two years and I'm confident I can give you some great suggestions on how to get started and how to realize the almost unlimited potential logging offers.
You're gonna love the new you!!

Mine is 26th March and I am in Australia, mine is being done open surgery very Scared! Any buddies would be great to say stories after and stuff

I am scheduled March 14th in Germany! I am a army wife also and very excited to take the next journey in my crazy life.

Are you excited? I had my rny in dec!

I am scheduled for March 11 at 715am!
I am in North Carolina.

Mine is march 4th! Good luck and congrats. Good to know I can log on here and talk to people going through the same thing at the same time.

What a great Valentine's Day gift! Congrats. You'll be a super model before you ever even hit your goal weight, and I look forward to hearing more about your progress.
Mellie

Hi Armywife!! I am having my surgery on March 5th. I am so excited, nervous, and just ready to begin a new healthier life. I am also an army wife. I am going through Tricare Prime and it has been a pretty smooth process. I started in September 2013, so 6 months from start to surgery date. Not too bad. Some folks on here have been going through the process for over a year. Where are you located? I am in Georgia, just south of Atlanta. I am 39 (40 in April) and I am 5'2 1/2" tall and weighed 234 at my last appointment at the end of January.
Good luck!!!!!

I am so sorry for all the issues you are having to deal with. You've taken a great first step by letting it out and talking about it. It's good news that your pouch hasn't stretched. My suggestion would be to address the depression with your doctor. Water aerobics may be a good exercise and less impact to your injuries. I will be sending prayers for you.

Hello fellow March RNY peeps! I got a call on Valentine's day, and I will be having my surgery at 8:30 in the morning on the 5th of March!! YAY!! I am so excited!! Can't wait to chat with other Marchers and share our experiences!!