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Thanks everyone! I am going to give it 110%. I've been reading everything today. My kids think I'm obsessed. Naw!!!!

At my consult my weight was 448lbs. This was a shocker to me but I didn't have a meltdown because I know I'm taking control of my health. I have been very open and honest with friends and family with sharing my weight. First I get the repulsive look and then I get "you don't look that big". I honestly don't know how to respond. So I shrug it off. I'm trying not to think about weight as one lump sum. I want to break it down in obtainable goals. I did read about a man who lost 100lbs in 4 weeks. Has anyone else achieved this quick success. I'm fearful of sagging skin so my plan is to exercise and moisturize compulsively. I'm waiting for my paperwork to be submitted to the insurance company and then my approval letter. I hope to be sleeved this month. Lewanda

I had $15 copays for my Pulmonary and Cardiology consult. I didn't have to pay for my psych consult, labwork, sleep study and doppler study. (I work for the hospital and making sure I do everything in network or at the hospital.) My deductible is $300. and the insurance company will pay 80%. All my hospital stuff is covered 100%. I hope the doctor bills me for the deductible but I guess I should make sure I have the $300 just in case. I'm hoping to get a date in two weeks after my endoscopy on the 18th.

Hello Folks! I am 42 yrs old. I will be 43 in October. I have two wonderful boys ages 15 and 18. I've completed all my consults. (Psych, Pulmonary, Cardiology, Nutritionist, doppler study, sleep study and bloodwork) I have my endoscopy scheduled for the 18th. The bloodwork showed I have bacteria in my stomach and the doc wants me to take antbx put I'm allergic. The office hasn't gotten back to me. I pray this doesn't delay my surgery. I'm hoping to be sleeved in April. My son graduates in June and I'm praying I will have lost enough to proudly stand and attend the ceremony without pain.

Hmmm? Thanks!

Good Luck!

Thank you so much for sharing. I've been reading tons of information regarding drinking and eating and I'm so nervous I might do something wrong and mess up. Hang in there you are doing an awesome job!

I've finished all of my consulatations. My transnasal endoscopy in on 4/18/12. I'm told the surgery is usually a week after. I haven't been given a definite date yet. I have my sleep study scheduled for 4/5/12. My doctor said there is no pre-op diet. It looks like everyone seems to have some sort of pre-op weight loss diet. The psychiatrist who did my consult suggests I start doing things like I'm post-op just to begin the habit.

I had my psych eval today. I remained upbeat and positive. Don't feel bad about expressing yourself. I was worried yesterday about the questions the doc would ask me. Don't worry. Stay positive.

Okay today was Round 1. I had my pulomonary consult with Dr. Sussman. He was nice and excited I was taking control of my life and managing my weight. I had to take a test that required me to sit in a little glass booth. WTH? The lady conducting the test was obviously not pleased that she had to test me. She said, sit on the chair in the booth and sat down at her computer. I squeezed behind her chair and tried to figure out how I was going to fit myself into that glass booth atop that little chair. I had one leg out of the booth and she said, Put both legs in the booth. I told her I felt a little uncomfortable and she did not respond. She seemed extremely annoyed with me. I decided I would not talk to her and just do my best at accomplishing the task of breathing and blowing. She then closed the door to the booth and I held my breathe to make sure all of me would fit inside. I was happy when the test was over because my legs and feet were falling asleep. The doctor reviewed the test and wants me to take Advair and Proair to make sure I'm clear for the test. He said I had better results after the nebulizer treatment. He also said he wants me to take a sleep study because 50% of people my size have sleep apnea. He doesn't think I do but wants to be better safe than sorry because if I do and they aren't aware I could have complications after surgery. He is going to get me in soon as to not delay my surgery! Usually there is a two mth wait but he is going to tell them to squeeze me in if there is a cancellation. Round 2 is on Wednesday. The Psych Consult!

Thanks everyone!!

Congratulations!! I can't wait for those words to cross my lips too!

Awesome! I feel inspired!

Monday, March 19 was a very emotional day for me. Today was my first meeting with the surgeon. I was scared, nervous, shaking, stomach pains and sweating profusely. ( It was warm on Monday.) Luckily, the Ambulatory Surgical center had complimentary valet parking. It was a blessing in disguise. As I walked to the building my legs felt like cement beams with every step I took. I glanced at the directory but already knew the office was on the second floor. I was a little thrown off because there were signs for center, west and east elevators. After getting to the secod floor I learned the office was on the west side of the building. I was 30 mins early so I sat for a minute to collect myself and mop up some of the sweat from my brow. The chairs in the lobby were snug so I figured I would be much more comfortable waiting in the doctors office. The girl at the desk was pleasant, Joan was sweet (Physicians Assistanct), Dr. Nusbaum was awesome and Denise was very informative in a matter of fact kind of way. Denise will be my point of contact because she handles the approval process with the insurance complany. Dr. Nusbaum calmed my fears and I feel completely safe in his hands. He explained the procedure and answered any questions I had. I didn't have many at the time but I'm keeping a journal of future questions to ask. I left the office feeling confident and ready to get my journey started. :wub: I was surprised that I do not need to follow a pre-op diet. I was hoping I would get to experience how it would feel to consume only liquids. I guess I will have plenty of time to do so my first week. Dr Nusbaum said I will need to stay in the hospital overnight and then after a week I can return to work. I have tons of tests and appointments with doctors for clearance. I've made all of my appointments and will have everything complete next week. Awesome!! Below is the list of things I have to do before my surgery can be approved by my insurance company. Letter of Medical Neccesity from my PCP Letter from my Nutritionist Pulmonology Consult Cardiology Consult Psych Evaluation Bloodwork Venous Doppler Lower Extremites Bilateral Filter to prevent Blood Clots inserted Trans-Nasal endoscopy I figure I'm on track to get sleeved mid April!

Today is my first weight loss consultation. I know what I want to do and didn't want to waste time by going to the information meeting. I know I want the vertical sleeve. I pray the doctor doesn't try to convince me of something else. I'm nervous, excited and scared. This is a new chapter in my life. Woo Saa!