longhorn

thanks twoblue,

good to have your two week head start for encouragement! I'm doing okay. Once I get this drain out on Tuesday that will be wonderful. And I still have one incision that is sore. I've noticed the sipping is a bit easier although it still goes very slow. I did not have my surgery until about 5:00PM on Tuesday so it is still less than 3 days out for me.

I have a bunch of noise coming from my stomach. Not sure if its gas or acid reflux or just normal reactions. Are you on any meds for gas or acid reflux yet?

Thanks again for your encouragement. Glad you are well. Protein shake phase sounds so yummy

Thanks Linda. Your prayers are most appreciated. Back home today and doing well. Have much to learn and some healing to still go through. But so far so good.

Can't imagine ever being able to eat normal food again even if in abnormal quantities. But you and others give me confidence those days will reutnr in time. Right now drinking every sip is a challenge.

Happy New Year!

Back home today. Everything is fine although I can't wait for some additional improvements. Getting any volume down is going to be difficult.

Thanks for your well wishes! They are appreciated.

Also, I will be at Baylor Hospital in Frisco.

my 3 day diet can include things like applesauce, pudding, some lite soups and broth, yogurt, and oatmeal. But that's about it besides fluids. Day 1 was not so bad. But I'm glad this is only 3 days because I'm hungry today.

While I love burnt orange not so sure about that in a protein drink.

But you can bet I'll be watching that game. Maybe more nervous for it than I am for my sleeve surgery on Tuesday

When do you come up to Dallas?

Yes, barbannn. My date is the 29th also. And yes, I'm nervous. My doctor is Dr. Hamn in Dallas. I just started my 3 day liquid pre-op diet today. At least I got one last Christmas feast in yesterday before it all starts.

I think these next couple of weeks will be the worst time. I'm just trying to remain focused on what I will feel like and look like next Christmas. That end goal will hopefully help me through.

I wish you the very best! I'm sure your surgery will go well and then we are on the down hill side of this. Please post updates as you get the chance. I will try to do the same.

I believe your surgery is on Monday. Sounds like you have done well on your preop diet. I'm sure everything will go great. Best wishes to you and your family. Look forward to hearing about your success!!

stratusphr,

I'm using Dr. Hamn in Plano. He has done roughly 75 sleeve operations and thousands of lapbands and other types. A co-worker recommended him to me after he had done his lapband a couple of years ago. I don't know much about him beyond that. He seem sokay althogh I've barely met with him. My big pre-op appt is not for another couple of weeks and I plan to ask many more questions during that visit.

I don't know much about bariatric surgeons or sleeve surgeons in particular although through other postings I think I recognize Dr. Nicholson's name.

I can't figure it out either. For me they also responded very fast. Within one week I had my denial letter. Trying to get a clear explanation is like trying to break into a bank. UHC has themselves well protected. I cannot speak to anyone who can just review and discuss my coverage with me directly. Instead the appeal process is very secretive and long. It will take at least a month. If that appeal comes back with the denial I'm gonna go crazy. I know this must be a mistake. Your approval also proves that. But I cannot talk to anyone who is a decision maker at UHC. Ugh.

I will be interested in how things proceed for you. I'm sure you will do great!

Interesting. Yes, I'm in Dallas at MK. Have not told anyone at work about my plans so if he figures out who this is I'd appreciate his discretion. My doctors initial pre approval request was denied by UHC. The only response they would give me was that the MK plan does not cover WLS. I know this is bunk. They did not mention anything about a requirement for 6 months proof of formal weight loss programs. They just denied the approval request. I'm appealing it now but that seemingly takes forever. Guess I need more patience. Was hoping to have surgery and recover during the Christmas break.

Thanks for getting back with me. No worries about the delay.

Good luck to you!

Congrats. I'm planning to use Dr. Hamn out of the same office as Cribbins. Still waiting on insurance approval. I will be interested to hear how it goes for you. Hope you like Cribbins.

twobluecats,

I saw in one of your posts that your husband works for MK. I do as well. If you don't mind my asking, did your insurance approval come thru his insurance or your comapny insurance? I'm trying to get pre-approval for the sleeve but was initially denied. Appreciate any information you are willing to share.