dlinnh

I have a ticket on the "guilt train" too! I don't know what to say to people at work either. I am pretty close with a lot of people at work, and although I trust them, I don't want the preasure of them wondering how much weight I lost this day or that day...I told my boss and she will keep it a secret. as far as why I'm out of work, I'm telling them I am having adominal surgery and they will all think it's female related and then they won't ask questions...so in this instance, it's good to be a woman...lol don't worry it will all work out for all of us one way or the other!

so does Biotin work? Can people that have used it as prescribed please weigh in on this subject...I do not want to have bald patches...and is it patches of hairloss, or just regular all over hairloss...hmm I need this answered - thanks so much

I'm gong to have to endure a 14 day preop liquid diet! omg I think this will be the hardest part...it is the one medifast uses...same stuff I'm told

Hello again. Since my last post (which in actuality was my first post), I have received a surgery date (November 12th!). Here is what I have planned and what I have been doing thus far. I have lost about 5 lbs (according to my new digital scale - God I hope it is right!). I am really conscious of what I put in my mouth. I am drinking a ton of Water every day and cutting back on caffeine. I purchased powder Protein which I intend to experiment with a little, so I'm not in total shock come time for the REAL DEAL. I purchased a cool single serve blender and started taking Vitamins everyday. In reality, I should have been taking a Multivitamin everyday already, but better late than never. I have the following appts to get through before the surgery date: another dietician appt; barium swallow test; meet the surgeon (all at end of September). then in October, I have to attend four mandatory classes; and a day long appt. for a whole bunch of things that the girl on the phone couldn't explain to me...I know one appt. is for an ekg, I'm thinking some bloodwork; dietician again and an appt. to discuss "what to expect" after surgery. hmmm I think that about covers it all. I told myself that I would not think negative thoughts about my insurance coming up with some "blip". So I kinda don't give it a second thought really. Hope all goes well. Wish me luck! Thanks for reading...I'll keep you posted - Diane (p.s. I already decided that I would not attend the family thanksgiving this year - too much preasure and I probably won't feel so great)

I too started this journey on August 30th. Just got a surgery date of November 12Th!. I struggle with who to tell and who not to tell. I did tell my immediate boss (I work in a school, so there are a LOT of people I work with) and I told my mother, two close friends and my 18 year old daughter oh and obviously my significant other (he is super supportive). So that said, I am worried about telling too many people, because I don't want the pressure of everyone looking at me everyday wondering if I lost a pound or two overnight! Imagine the stress of walking through work with people looking to see if your pants are getting baggy?? LOL My problem is that people will want to know why I'm out for a whole week. My boss and I are going to say it is just "laparo. surgery" and leave it at that. Most people will think it is female related. The problem down the road, becomes when they see all the dramatic weight loss and wonder "how you did it"! Do you come clean then, or simply tell them you are hitting Protein drinks hard? I am so confused about this topic also....

that is an excellent reference tool!

Great Topic! I'm new to this site too and often think I will fail. But trying to be optimistic. I have a question for LibbyLou - did you mean you lost 20lbs on "pre-op" and not "post-op". that is amazing. I don't think I can lose the require 10lbs before surgery - I'm trying and I don't even think 1lb has come off! Really??? Anyway, I'm counting on the 14day pre-op all liquid diet to bring me to the 10lb mark. I haven't heard of anyone not losing weight after they were sleeved. I mean how can you not: 85% of your stomach is removed, along with the hunger inducing hormone. I'm focusing on those positive things. And yes, exercise is not something I'm fond of, but just bought myself a new pair of sneakers

What did you mean by fell off the wagon - how far did you fall? I can't imagine drinking only liquid things for two weeks - I'll have to keep my eye on the prize.. oh one more thing, I am required to attend four sessions (over four consecutive weeks) of pre-op meetings. I had to register for them and they begin on the 8th of October. I think these required sessions are a great requirement, as I imagine I will learn a lot about how to handle the physical and emotional aspect of my new "upcoming life change"! I am most nervious about envisioning all those staples holding what's left of my stomach together. That part freaks me out a bit. Anyone else feel that way?? By the way, my name is Diane (I forgot to mention that in my first post). I'm gonna upload a pic soon. Thanks so much for reading along - it helps a great deal to get responses to a my post

Hello Everyone! I wanted to introduce myself and tell you about the beginning of "my" journey. It is apparent from reading your posts that everyones "pre-op" phase seems a bit different. Here is mine: I attended the informational session in Mid August at Lahey Clinic (outside of Boston). My four hour consultation was two weeks later. The consultation consisted of meeting with the dietrician; nurse practioner and psy. consult. All went fine and I was told I would be a "fine candidate" I think they loved me and I loved them right back! So nice. They want me to lose about 10lbs before the actual surgery date (which has not been set yet). Two weeks prior to surgery I will be purchasing their liquid diet supplies and going on the two week pre-op diet. I have to tell you, I'm NOT looking forward to that. I am looking forward to post-op though. I think not being sleeved and being on such a strict diet will be extremely difficult. I'll have to keep my eye on the prize though. :wub: At the end of September I am doing a barium swallow, meeting with the dietician again and meeting my surgeon. I was told I would be getting a call to schedule my surgery date sometime in the next few weeks and that they would handle my insurance details. I hope there aren't any "curve" balls thrown by BCBS, as I am so very ready for this to take place. I have read and researched this to death - so bring it on! Thanks for reading along

Aren't you all nice to post to my thread! Thanks as far as insurance goes, my Nurse Pract. told me they would handle the insurance stuff. She had me send my last 5 years of recorded weight history from my pcp. So of course, I called right away and had them fax it to her. Hope she got it!! I did call BCBS and they said the surgery VSG is covered under my plan, but that I needed a written letter from my PCP stating my attempts at losing weight and his opinion for medical necessity. So he typed it up and gave it to me and I brought it to my consult appt. I hope that is all they need, but I suppose I'll have to wait and see. So on to this battle to lose 10 lbs before surgery date. I am trying to change my eating habits (low carb, low sugar, low calorie) - I've increased my Water intake (really increased it!) and I'm trying to not drink with meals and chew slowly. This is a hard concept to put into practice, I must say. There are times in work when I am soo hungry. I truly think this is the worst of it - the pre op phase. I wish I could jump to the liquid 2 week before surgery time right now. So I'll let you know what happens by the end of this week, as I plan to call Lahey by Thursday to see if the surgery date has been set up and if they have moved on with the insurance stuff. Thanks everyone!