Caitlyn_Cat

Mine is coming out today at my one-week follow-up appointment. Whoo hoo!

I agree with the others. I'm one week out today, off narcotic pain meds as of two days ago and JUST drove my kids to school this morning. I'm doing ok right now, but the idea of a 6 hour drive this soon out gives me the shivers. I strongly suggest looking at your other options. ~~Dee

Got one now, and I'm 4 days post-op. Due to come out in 3 days at my one week visit.

I'd find a surgeon with more experience if at all possible. Even an extremely competent surgeon has a learning curve, and by preference I do not want to be on the early upslope.

This may sound really stupid, but you mean your hospital couldn't provide a simple safety pin? Mine certainly did, and suggestions on how to fasten the drain to the bandage to minimize the 'pulling' feeling. For me, the best thing I took was a bottle of Biotene mouthwash. The nurse coordinator of the bariatric program recommended it and it was a lifesaver. I just swished and spat every time my mouth got dry those first few days and it provided amazing relief.

I hear you. I had surgery on the 24th and my back still aches, much more so than my front. I'm thoroughly tired of clears and fantasize about yogurt and cottage cheese. Still, I'm down 4 lbs already from my pre-op weight and that has me really excited. Hang in there! We'll both be looking back on this in a few weeks and laughing.

Diet lemonadw was on my ok-list for clears post-op as long as I cut it 50% with water.

I'm all of 3 days post-op and have had a few fleeting thoughts along this line, but the realistic hope of getting the weight off and keeping it off is pulling me through. My partner and I are already starting to think about quality meals that may be more expensive to make, but should also taste wonderful as a reward once I get the surgical ok to eat again. (Got to love Food Network!). Best wishes, and hang in there. ~~Dee

Me too! I have the same emotions. I know it's going to be a little rough for a while, but oh so worth it!

I also agree with what has been said. I'm also in the medical field and work with doctors daily. It's possible your requests for appetite suppressants may have biased your PCP. Those pills can be perceived as 'quick fixes' and not long term solutions, and I know many doctors are against them also for good medical reasons. Get your statistics and facts lined up. Be positive and 'upbeat' but but not giddy. Make sure he knows that you know the risks and benefits of surgery. And if all else fails, there are other docs out there. PCPs can't be expected to know all facts about everything in medicine, even the ones who try really hard.

Three weeks of protein shakes and soups, with liberal doses of rabbit food for crunchiness (lettuce, celery), then one day of clears the day prior to surgery and nothing after midnight.

Best of luck! WIll be looking forward to hearing all about your surgical experience later in the week.

Hang in there. It sounds like the surgeon's office is getting overwhelmed by things and needs some time, but I also heartily agree with your staying on top of things. My advice (as one who works in the medical field) is to call weekly and be as sweet as sugar, no matter how stressed they seem. You can guilt them into helping you!

I think this is an excellent answer. I work in the medical field and see how uncomfortable physicians can be when patients push them to practice outside their training and comfort. What if your PCP fails to recognize some early indication of a rising bariatric complication? You would most likely be very angry, and for good cause. Referral is just good common sense. As far as writing letters that end up with you only being seen by the medical director, well, that is just shooting yourself in the foot. You may feel like you are being taken seriously as everyone 'tiptoes' around you, but the truth of the matter is you often end up with slower response times to your concerns because no other physician is allowed to help. The 'high maintenance' patients often end up with testing and procedures that really aren't necessary but end up being done because no one likes to be sued over missing something, even if the chances are really small. I see it all the time. And keep in mind, all those tests come with their own risks of complications.

I completely agree with the comments of feedyoureve, but if for some reason conversation is unsuccessful and the hurtful words continue, remember you are doing this for your health. The family dynamics will change, and if it is not for the better, just continue to hold your head up high and not allow yourself to be browbeaten. My thin sister is also very unsupportive about my surgery and has said so, but I will not allow this to affect my decision. I plan to continue acting the same toward her and if she doesn't come around, then so be it.

I have good insurance, but they do have a significant co-pay for bariatric procedures. My total will be about $4500 when all fees and copays are added together.

It's a tough addiction to beat, but it sounds like you have the motivation. Best of luck!

I'm scheduled for March 24th. :-) Dee

Best wishes. I'm looking forward to hearing how it goes!

Thanks for posting your story. My surgery is in 8 weeks and it is very reassuring to read about good results.

You are seriously doing yourself an injustice by not telling your surgeon. Lupus has the potential to affect every organ in the body, and while you don't give your age or any other history, at the very least you need a careful heart history done. WLS is important to all of us here, but to undergo elective surgery without giving our doctors all the information they need about us is shortsighted and very unwise. Best of luck.

Very impressed!

Thank you. I've wondered about this, too.

I can recommend Dr. Dan and Dr. Zografakis at Summa Hospital and Dr. Chlysta of Akron General, all in Akron as receiving wonderful feedback from friends and relations.

Actually volunteer to have my picture taken with my family Wear a swimming suit AND go swimming Not cringe at every family get together when I see my never-fat brothers and their thin wives Never put my son in the position where he describes me as 'the fat mom' among the classroom parents Not cut off the size tags on my clothes because I am embarrassed for my partner to see the size