FreeToBeMe

Hi All, I noticed that broth is the only non-sweet thing I'll be able to eat for a spell post-op. My question is this supposed to regular broth that I can buy from the grocery or is it a special kind of broth? TIA, Pennie

Hi All, After reading my surgeon's guidelines for post-op eating, I am wondering if anyone, several months out, eats high Fiber, low carb bread and tortillas? Are they a total no-no? I do love a slice of toast with my Protein. TIA, Pennie

My psych eval was also very easy. They want to make sure that you are in a sane frame of mind to choose life-altering surgery. I had to do the fill in the bubble test. They were mundane personality questions but every once in the while there be something strange like "T or F: I am in daily touch with the President." I actually laughed at some of them. Good luck:)

Hi All, I love reading these posts. Thanks for the great information. I have two questions about pre-op testing. What exactly is an EKG? Do I have to run on a treadmill or is that just for a stress test? And for the chest X-ray is there a machine that I have to fit into? Can I keep my bra on for these tests? How about a sports bra? Thanks!

Hi All, I want to put this on this board because it gets more traffic than the Insurance Board. I am currently scheduled to do a self-pay on December 2nd. Now, I am reading on different WLS boards that Medicare will starting covering the sleeve in January. In fact, some folks say they have already been covered. So far I have hit a brick wall trying to confirm this. The Medicare phone reps have no idea, my surgeon's office doesn't either and I have Googled it to no avail. I really need suggestions about whom to contact to see if this is true. Are there any Medicare advocacy agencies that might know? I really feel in a bind and am on the verge of postponing my surgery. Thank you so much for you time. Pennie

I have been reading here and there that Medicare is going to cover the sleeve in 2010. Has anyone else heard that? I called Medicare and the representatives only know about what has already been approved. My surgeon's office doesn't know anything. My surgery is scheduled for December and I am willing to put it off until early next year of course if Medicare will cover it. Does anyone know how to find this information out? Thanks so much for your time. Pennie

I specifically scheduled my surgery so I would not have my TOM. But, of course, because of stress, the change in the weather, etc, TOM has started 10 days early. I am afraid that I will have it in next month right when I am supposed have the surgery. After post-op, will it be possible to change my pads and stuff? I am easily embarrassed and totally chagrined about this. Thanks All.

Hi All, I would like to say Hi to everyone. My name is Pennie and I am scheduled to be sleeved on Dec 2nd by Dr. Patrick Chiasson in Tucson. I am really excited but also full of questions so I am thrilled to have found this forum. I wrote in another thread how I am coming to the end of the "Last Suppers" and am ready to eat to be in the best shape possible for the surgery. Wish me luck! Thanks all for your support. Pennie

Hi Kelly, My birthday is also in December and I am being sleeved on Dec 2nd. I am totally excited and nervous! Last night, I had a gorgefest on In-N-Out cheeseburgers (my uttermost temptation) and I realized that I can't keep eating like that. I want to be lighter and healthier for my surgery so I've decided to eat normal amounts of healthier but tasty foods and exercise. Anyway, I am so thrilled for both of us! Pennie