ready2smile

I don't know as of yet-but there is no way in the world my husband could have gone back in 1 week, or even 2 after his surgeryeven though he said he felt better by then. He stayed out 8 weeks I thinkusing leave credits and SDI. He would not have been able to focus getting in the water, he never tried hard enough on the protein, and I'm sure would have wound up in the hospital for dehydration. And he has a desk job-so please listen to your body and don't push yourself. If you invest a little more time now on yourself, you may save a lot of time later if it causes you to need to be readmitted to the hospital. (UGH for unpaid LOA!)

I will be so thrilled if my reflux goes away-thanks for the ray of sunshine on that subject!!!

I have a desk job; my surgeon said expect 6 weeks. Seems pretty realistic when I recall what my husband went through with his surgery. Ideally, work would like me to return in 3, but it's up to me. I'll probably come back at 1/2 time the 1st week I return so I can ease back in. I'm very thankful that I have sick leave and vacation time, (and if needed SDI) so I don't lose out on pay.

Feeling some sense of relief-made it ALL the way through my 4hour pre-op today, unlike the 1st time last May. I watched the video, signed some papers and met with the nurse, my surgeon, (he's great) and the "fellow" who will be assisting him during surgery (she's also great, 1st time meeting her) and got a lot of questions answered. After that I had about 6-7 vials of blood taken-2 were extra for my thyroid doctor; I did a urine test, picked up my pre-surgery antibiotics and a very scary gianormous bottle of bowel prep mixture, and finally had a pre-surgery anesthesiologist consult. Whew! Praying my tests all come back ok and everything goes as planned from here on out! I really want to be on that losers bench!

I don't think it ever ends! As if tomorrow's pre-op isn't causing enough worry, my husband slips (on air) and falls half way down the stairs to the middle landing tonight, hurting his back and tailbone. I had to force him to lay there until my brother-in-law got there to help me move him down to the couch (he's very stubborn and after a while tried to move on his own-but wanted to go UPSTAIRS to bed) ugh! I was so worried and thought he needed to go to the hospital, I could tell he was in severe pain-but he won't go. So for now he's on the couch with a bunch of pillows and a blanket, his cell phone, he's had two extra strength excedrin for pain, a PB&J sandwich, and is believing that I'm going to let him go to work tomorrow. MEN!

Pre-op appointment is tomorrow morning. It's a four hour appointment and it's really hitting home that this is coming up soon and I need to step up my preparations. Didn't make it though the whole thing last time in March so I'm nervous. An hour in was where I was told insurance didn't approve me-should be different this time.

Be proud of yourself, you've come so far and are an inspiration. You're almost there!

My husband had RNY in 2010 so I'm lucky to have experienced a lot of this 2nd hand. Biggest things for him were: 1. He wasn't prepared for the pain of the drain being removed. Said it felt like being "hit in the junk". Didn't want to walk and was very gassy and nauseous for a long time. 2. Although he had dry mouth and needed Water to wet it, sometimes it was too heavy (he almost ended up in the hospital with dehydration twice) so he kept two bottles of water by the bed; one for swirling in his mouth and the other to spit the water back into. 3. His tastes changed, he became lactose intolerant, and for a while he had to force himself to eat. Just the smell of food sometimes really bothered him. 4. Later (about 8-10 months out) he found himself slipping into some of his bad habits like eating redvines, etc. however he still eats much less than he used to and maintains about a 60lb loss. 5. As much as I try, I cannot seem to get him to take his actigal or Vitamins. Things he loved: 1. Showers, he got cold easily 2. His new recliner (best for sitting and sleeping) 3. Popsicles

Oh yes I'm nervous! Same reasons as you, but also that my approval is a dream and I won't actually get the surgery, or because of my hypothyroid I won't actually be able to lose anything. When researching I saw more sleeve info from Mexico surgeons than US; its also cheaper (which is why I think a lot of self pay people take it even further into consideration aside from the lack of malnutrition). But the ability to quickly or eventually eat or drink whatever I wanted even in small amount scared me. I like sweets too much and am praying that this tool will help me avoid them until I can get control of my eating habits. I'm having surgery in Sac, CA-not sure what time yet. How about you?

Nikempstr and Jessica9190, My story is a combo of both of yours, was approved for sleeve in November-changed it to RNY this month and had to be re-approved. I'm January 10th too and can't wait!

I am most looking forward to having the surgery and not stressing about the approval process. Even when I'm laying in that hospital bed post op-I'll be thrilled knowing all my hard work to get there finally paid off, and now it's time to get busy working in a different way. I think the most tangible thing I look forward to is wearing shorts again, finding clothes easily, feeling sassy, and sexy for my husband.

Congrats! I'm scheduled on the 10th too, and nervous as well! More that my ray of hope will actually turn to a dark cloud and be whisked away than of the actual surgery.

My surgery was just approved-I'm going to get a copy of the confirmation today so I'll feel like it's actually REAL! Since I've been in denial it would actually happen for me, (insurance denied me once already) I haven't prepared this time. Do any of you have tips to share on the things that helped you in the hospital, after, what you ate, how you felt, etc.? I know I'll need to re-research again on my own, (and I started this am) but I love hearing what worked for others and what you avoided or had trouble with. Thanks a ton!

Glad you got some resolution Lynn. I hope time flies for you. I had a message from the surgery coordinator this am that I had been approved, and to call her if I had questions. I did of course-and as usual she didn't answer and I had to leave a message. Her backup from yesterday called a couple hours later to follow up and told me about my approval, I asked and she confirmed it was for the RNY, and I was able to keep my 1/10/2013 date. I even asked for it in writing. I'm going there today to get it, as well as have some paperwork I need for work completed. I want to be, but I won't get too excited until it's here. Ugh-this stuff stresses me out.

1st of all, welcome and congrats! I requested this change myself for the very same reason. I am currently waiting for the approval, surgery is scheduled for 1/10/13-hoping I get good news by then. As of today when I checked, the backup to the surgery coordinator could not find my file, OR any sign of submission of my paperwork. She returns tomorrow and 8am cannot come fast enough-I just may be at my doctors office tomorrow!

I'm beyond nervous and totally on the edge. Not sure I can take much more of this but I'm trying to stay positive. My pre-op appointment is little more than a week away and my surgery is scheduled for Jan.10th. I still haven't heard back from the surgery coordinator if she's gotten a response from my insurance approving the change from sleeve to RNY, (I was approved for the sleeve on 11/27, and then I decided to change to RNY because of hernia and gerd issues and they had to resubmit). This was two weeks ago. I talked to her on the 18th or 19th and she said she'd call them and get back to me the next day. It's now close to a week later and I haven't heard from her and I've tried calling her-NOTHING. I know they're dealing with end of the year stuff and I'm trying to be patient, but to be honest, I think they are the most disorganized office I've ever dealt with. Has anyone else ever had trouble dealing with their coordinators? Not sure if I should call my insurance myself, go down to my surgeons office or what... I don't want to show up at my pre-op and learn AGAIN, it's been denied-that already happened to me in May.

Super excited for you all getting your dates! :] I'm getting a bit nervous, and I have not prepared AT ALL. It's hard to trust after the last go-round when my surgery was cancelled the day of my pre-op (May 2012). This pre-op is little more than a week away, surgery scheduled for Jan.10th and still haven't heard back from the surgery coordinator if she's gotten a response from my insurance approving the change from sleeve to RNY. To be honest, I think they are the most disorganized office I've ever dealt with. Has anyone else ever had trouble dealing with their coordinators?

I'm sorry, I think I read too many comments and a few bled together. Hopefully your approval from the old insurance will help the new one decide in your favor. Sucks that they make you wait like that.

Curious and hoping the post op pros can help me. Wondering when you returned to work after surgery, how did you felt; did you have to argue/bargain with your doctor if you went back before 6 weeks? Was your work reasonable or did they make you feel guilty? Oh, and was it a desk or physical job and how did you adjust the changes to your routine? Thanks!