IsaacsGram

First off I must confess I am a bit of a "control freak". However, my employer (a hospital), requires at least 3 months notice for any "elective" procedures needing time off. So I have inquired of my surgeon a couple times when I might expect to have surgery. The surgeon said I had many things to get done first before he would know when or if surgery could be done. Ok, I understand that. But since then I have asked the coordinator at his office, that since I have seen the pulmonologist, had the sleep study, met with the psych, and only have the cardiologist and 3 hour class left, could she give me a ballpark idea of when I might have surgery. She replied, not yet, as they needed clearance from all 3 MD's, completion of the class, and then approval from BCBS before they could schedule me. Good Grief! I know there are steps to be taken, but surely they could APPROXIMATE how long the process SHOULD take! I just fear they will give me a date and I will not be able to take it as work will not allow me to be off. It does make me laugh (a little), as it reminds me of many of my patients and their families (I'm a labor/delivery nurse) when they ask "when will the baby arrive?". I try to explain all the variables, and that we really have no way of knowing for sure. :-/ Patience is not one of my virtues, I suppose.

I saw an advertisement for "slimpressions" that have arm spandex-looked really good!

Well, I have a hiatal hernia so the plan, if anyone asks is I had hiatal hernia repair-which is true! I may end up "fessing up" if people become overly worried about my excessive weight loss. I believe most of my co-workers would be supportive, but there are a couple who can be just downright rude. After I've had the surgery I may feel free to discuss it-we'll just have to see. Kind of the same thing applies to most of my family.

I bought 10 sample sizes of several flavors from vitalady.com. The packets each have 28-30gms protein. So far the chocolate fudge is my fav. I am trying out shakes for pre & post uses.

Wow! I pray my recovery is as good as yours! My doc promises me I will ready to return to work as a labor/delivery nurse in just 2 weeks-I thought he was pulling my leg! I plan on requesting 6 weeks just in case. I also don't want anyone, other than my director to know about my surgery-so I want to go back 100%. Thanks for sharing!@

All of these are great bucket list ideas! I want to be able to get down on the floor and play with my grandbabies and be able to get up without making "old lady" noises! I want to wear cute high heeled sandals with a nice dress, instead of a colorful tent and flats! I want to shop at Victoria's Secret for a sexy, cute bra that actually fits! And I can't wait to be able to fit in a airplane's seat comfortably so I can go see my son in Alaska!

You look fantastic! congratulations! You even look younger!

Yes, I suppose that would ruin the whole experience (LOL), I was just thinking outloud. I may ask my surgeon if he has any DVD of his procedure. He advertises that he uses mesh to decrease leak incidents-I have not found that anywhere else. B

Wowwie!! You look amazing! You ARE an inspiration! Thanks for the pics!

I know this sounds weird, but as a labor and delivery nurse I was thinking (during a patient's cesarean section) why couldn't they do VSG under spinal anesthesia? I did think about how high the spinal would have to be, but it is below the diaphragm. I think it would be very interesting and educational to be able to view on the monitor as the surgeon performed the surgery and maybe talked through it as he went. Crazy idea? Probably. I've just got too much time on my hands waiting for my day.

Wow! This Tuesday, eh? Best wishes!! Can't wait till I can join you!

Once upon a time I did lose 60 lbs on jenny craig's diet, and my hubby was absolutely annoying with all his compliments and flirtiness. I look forward to that again, believe it or not! LOL! When you feel attractive, others will find you more attractive-I truly believe this!

Thank you for the info! That sounds like it will be a lot of fun- NOT! BTW I did read on here somewhere that a guy had to appeal his disqualification due to his psych person claiming he lead too rebellious of a lifestyle to comply with post surgical instructions- this was due to him admitting he did a little marijuana in college decades ago! I fear they will say I have too much unfinished issues to deal with. I'm 48 years old, I made some bad choices and was a victim too many times, but that has all changed, and I've been in control of my life for a long time now. Anyway, I guess we will see....

Crossing my fingers and praying hard for your quick, smooth approval!!

Just made my appointments for all the pre-op clearance - cardiologist, pulmonologist, psychologist, and 3 hour class required by my insurance for weight loss education. I realize each of these docs may order an array of tests for my clearance, but I am wondering about the psychologist. When making my appointment they said there was a 3 hour test follow by the meeting with the psychologist. I've read here in VST that not all psych docs have such a "test". I'm not terribly worried, just trying to be prepared. I, like many others, have a long history of weight issues and some social issues as well-which are now past history, but I hope they don't cause me to be disqualified. Secondly, I was going to purchase a wide variety of Protein drinks/shakes/etc, but read here that people's tastes change after surgery. I don't want to come home from surgery and have nothing to drink, so what does everyone suggest? Thank you for your advice, I really have enjoyed learning so much on VST and hope to continue to post and have my day on "the losers bench"! Brigitte

Boy! I though I was ambitious! You go girl!

Oh wow, I just read this today (July 12), hopefully your surgery went well and you are on the road to recovery! Best wishes!

I also work 12 hours shifts in L/D! We should keep in touch and compare notes, we have a lot in common. I just set up my appointments today for the cardiologist, pulmonologist, and psychologist. I'm scheduled for the pre-op class August 7. I wish you all the luck during and after your surgery! I wonder if there is anything we can do to "ward off evil spirits" for this surgery like we do in L/D? LOL!

Hi, I'm a labor/delivery RN for the last 15 years. In school fulltime to get my Bachelor's now, and considering going for my midwifery certificate. I, too, am concerned about the energy level and lifting restrictions after surgery. I had my 1st consult with the surgeon yesterday and he "assured" me that I would only be out of work 2 weeks! There is NO way it will only take 2 weeks to recover from this! I also watch my grandson's and I asked him about lifting 25lb. toddlers and he said, "No problem". I have given my supervisor heads up that I will need AT LEAST 4 weeks off. I pray I don't have any comps but we, as nurses, know that medical people have the WORST luck when it comes to being the patient!

Sitting in Dr Joyce's office at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox- and so the journey begins!

Onederland seems like a real "wonderland" as I haven't seen it since 1994! Congrats on your journey and milestone!

Your post is the reason I'm not going to tell too many people...just in case I can't make this work...just like all the failed diets of my past. But I think having this site and fellow sleevers who have gone before us will make the difference this time! Like you, I have never been more sure of my decision to have this surgery. Best wishes to you and your journey!

This is a great list to give people who don't "get it"! (my Mother!)

Thank you, all for your input! I can live with being fatigued for the recovery phase. I had just read some individual's experiences where they were fatigued a year out from surgery! I'm glad to hear, if I eat right, take my vitamins, and excercise I will regain my pep! thanks again!