goldenraisin214

Hey there--my consult is tomorrow too! I think people on this site do an excellent job of answering questions, but you may want to ask a few that are specific to your surgeon if you don't already know. Some stuff seems to vary depending on the doctor. Here are a couple of things: --expected time in hospital --anticipated length of surgery --timeline for introducing different foods --rules about medications/vitamins (size, which are ok, etc) --post op testing for leaks (some docs do this, some don't) --what to expect the day you arrive at the hospital (might help soothe some anxiety) --visitation rules (if there is someone who would like to spend the night in your room--is that allowed?) --will you be given an on-q pump or drain that you have to remove yourself? (eww!) I can't think of anything else right now, but I'm sure my mind will be racing tonight! Good luck, and congratulations on making it this far! Do tell us when your date is--we might end up being sleeve twins!

I've not had surgery yet, but my surgeon's instructions say to wait 6 months...that being said, different surgeons seem to have different rules, so when in doubt, I'd call the surgeon's office...

Well, I can definitely see the difference--hopefully comparing the pics will help you see it vs. looking in the mirror. Congratulations! :Banane57:

Thanks Vance!

Ok, so the cardiologist and physician's assisstant said the EKG doesn't look worrisome, but since I'm planning on having surgery, they want to do an echo and stress test just to be sure. That's scheduled for this Wednesday, so hopefully that will be the last thing I have to do before being scheduled for surgery. In other news, when I told the cardiologist I was getting the gastric sleeve, he said, "why?" I said, "It's weight loss surgery," he said, "yeah, but why? you look fine!" and made this face like I was crazy. I said, "um, not really," and he sorta laughed. I did the polite chuckle thing, but uh, was that supposed to be a compliment, was he just trying to be funny, or what?

Good morning! So, today is my 6 year loc-versary, and yesterday, I started taking them down. This is kind of a big deal, since i have no idea what I'm going to do with loose hair--it's been so long! I guess worst case scenario I can just start a new set of locs--thicker this time. I've been thinking about taking them down for a while, partially because I didn't get the length I was hoping to have by now (I must not be doing a great job taking care of them, or maybe my hair just grows really slowly). The other reason is just that I've been feeling like I'm ready for a change. 6 years is a long time--6 years ago I was still in grad school and a lot has changed since then. Not to mention the changes that are to come when I get sleeved Anyway, not sure what I'm looking for in terms of responses, I just wanted to share--maybe I'll post some pictures when I'm finished--right now I have a head full of locs and a chunk of loose hair in the back! Thanks for reading

you sound like me (haven't been sleeved yet, just a weepy kinda gal ) good luck--soon you'll wake up from your "nap" a brand new woman!

Congratulations! I didn't know you were in Chicago--that's where I'm from!

Checking in here...I'm planning on getting sleeved by Dr. Weiss in Lexington. I'm still doing pre-op stuff: I have a cardiology consult on 1/20 and an upper GI and h plylori breath test coming up hopefully soon. I would love to be sleeved by 2/14--my birthday! I think there were a couple of people who were also sleeved by Dr. Weiss here in Lexington, and I would love to hear more of your stories!

dang, i hope that happens to me, gurl--thanks!

Thanks for the kind words, Lilu, and good for you for sticking to your plan all this time--sounds like you are getting closer and closer!

I agree with every one else--bring it up in a situation far removed from the physical stuff, and be honest with him. Honestly, I don't think he will care one way or the other, but you never know until you ask, and better to find out before than when you're "exposed." I think we're much harder on ourselves than anyone else would be. Good luck, and congrats on your weight loss and on this new relationship!

Ok, I just found out that my EKG, of all things, is abnormal The person I talked to said that there may or may not actually be a problem, but I have to have a cardiology consult to be cleared for surgery. So that appointment is on 1/20. At least it's only a couple of weeks away...still waiting to find out if I can do something other than an EGD . I'm self pay and insurance won't cover it EGD since "pre-op is not a diagnosis." Self pay it would cost me over $700 (WITH a 50% discount!). That lady really scared me with the EKG stuff--had to call my husband and cry about it a bit...I've never had a heart problem before, and I had a myomectomy last year with zero problems, even got to go home a day early because I was doing so well...just needed to vent, but I pray that this works out. My birthday is 2/14 and a sleeve would be the ultimate gift!

I haven't been sleeved yet, but I had surgery last year and had to have a catheter inserted. Like RipCord said, I was asleep when they put it in, and a female nurse took it out the next day. It was a little weird for me, but it was really quick--she told me what she was doing and there was this really quick stinging sensation, but that was it. They're professionals and surely will be careful and respectful, but I think if you tell the nurse that you're anxious about it, they will probably be extra kind about helping you relax.

That. Is. Awesome. Congratulations! Thanks for sharing such a happy story!

I haven't been sleeved yet, but my surgeon's paperwork says no alcohol for at least 6 months. An apple juice toast for the new year would work though!

Thanks, Lilo. It turns out that all I really have to do is get my PCP to say that there's "nothing alarming" in my bloodwork that would prevent me from getting the surgery. Still waiting on the word from her, but the staff at the bariatric center is being really helpful and advocating for me. Hopefully it will work out soon--thanks again for the positive thoughts!

i haven't started my pre-op diet yet, but the nutritionist told me it would be 2 shakes and a "real" meal everyday. so i would think what you've done would be fine--i also wonder if they assume a certain amount of "cheating" because it is such a drastic change?

Funny, because had you always been the size you are now, no one would've come up to you asking if you were "feeling okay," or asking/telling you not to lose weight. It's like seeing the transformation has given them the right to be in your personal business. Stick and move, guys, stick and move!

GRRRR! I got a letter in the mail today from the bariatric folks saying due to some abnormal lab results, i have to see my pcp before things can move forward. the nurse circled my LDL of 118 (which is "near optimal") and sodium which is 133 (normal is 136-145). Seriously?! This is so very upsetting

wow, so sorry to hear that--that is crazy. not that you should have to share your personal information with her, but it may come down to talking about all the things this surgery will help you with, if you have comorbid conditions. i agree with likasulema about speaking with someone else (over her head?) if she continues to deny. i hope this all works out for you...

YES! congratulations--2012 will be a good year

wooooooowwwwww! that is awesome--and you did it without trying/realizing it--sweet!

Wow, Pdxman--that is an awesome accomplishment! my husband has recently become a running addict, and I look forward to being able to join him post op--keep it up!

I agree with Lissa: it's hard enough telling ppl abt WLS, because on some level you're "admitting" that you're seriously overweight and becoming very vulnerable in front of them in that moment...