SugarFreeMe

Don't let anyone stop you, if your like most of us this if probably the first time you've done something for yourself in a long time. You deserve this. Also it's probably the same as when someone wears glasses all their life and suddenly you see them with contacts and they look completely different. It takes a bit to get used to, then all of a sudden you can't imagine them with glasses anymore. They'll get over it - stay the track and keep up the great job your doing. 32 pounds - go you!!!!!!

I went to my first seminar in December. I'm having the RNY done at Alexian Bros in Hoffman Estates. I'm amazed at how quickly this has all gone. I have BCBS of Illinois, they have far fewer restrictions then the surgeon, that's why I have their approval already. I still need to have a stress test on Thursday, then the abdominal ct, psych test and eval on Tuesday of next week, then it's a waiting game. As soon as they receive the consent for surgery from my PCP I'll get my date. I'm hoping that happens late next week, or at least that's what I'm going to push for. Your first meeting should go fine. At mine, the nurse checked my weight, height and some other general things. They checked my blood for Iron deficiencies. After that the surgeon came in and we just talked. He asked about my past attempts at weight loss, my goals and my thoughts on which surgery I thought I should have. He shared his insights as to what he thought (we agreed on the RNY) and then he gave me a brief explanation of the process. He answered all my questions and trust me, I had lots. I was impressed that he gave me as much time as I needed and answered everything honestly. That's pretty much it, very painless. If you have questions ask away. Everyone here is so helpful and understanding. We all get it, there's no shame here. Keep me updated on your progress. :}

Welcome and congratulations on your decision to take control of your life. Best of luck on your journey.

I have a stress test this Thursday and next Tuesday I have my abdominal ct, psych test and psych eval., after that I need to wait for my PCP clearance letter, I'm hoping to get my date late next week, then I'll get my date. I'm still hoping for March 17th. Fingers crossed.

I received the call today from the surgeons office that BCBS IL approved me. Weird thing is, I've not even completed by prerequisites. Almost there and feeling oh so excited.

Hi there - I'm from Elgin, not too far from you. I've almost completed all my prerequisites with surgery mid-March. I actually received a call from the surgeons office stating they have insurance approval, so all is moving forward. Welcome to the group.

Hi Beth. Welcome to the best support group you'll ever find.

Although I don't have sleep apnea the nurse at the hospital where I'm having surgery told the support group I'm in that if they had a CPAP machine, they should bring it with them, it was easier then trying to borrow one from respiratory therapy. Maybe some time ago they didn't perform the surgery on apnea patients, but they do now. You should have no problems and in fact in may go away. Best of Luck.

You need to be positive and not focus on what happened in the past. Find a motivational quote, something that speaks to you. Post it on the wallpaper of your phone, computer anything that you see several times during the day. You need to remind yourself that this is for you and you only. Stay connected here and go to support groups, even after your surgery. Surround yourself with people who will keep you on track. I've told those who I'm closest too, they're the ones who maybe won't say the words if I slip, but a look is all it will take. Good Luck and BE POSITIVE, YOU'VE GOT THIS!!!!!!

Sophia, why don't you call your surgeons office and explain that you can't get past the taste and ask for recommendations for an alternative choice. I'm sure your not the only one who has an issue with the flavor, I've read over and over that some brands appeal to people and some don't. Good luck.

I have BCBS Il thru my husbands union. We've always had very good luck with them, I just never expected this to be approved so quickly.

It sounds to me also like your doing great. Don't give up on yourself, keep working your program and it will keep coming off.

Holy Crappers!!!!!! I haven't even finished my requirements for my surgeon and I received my insurance approval letter in the mail today. I don't know how that happened, I was told they wouldn't submit for approval until I completed everything. Not that I'm going to complain. At least I know I'm not doing all this for nothing. I've read it over and over and it says "Approved procedure - Gastric Bypass", it has my hospitals name, my surgeons name, everything. Has this happened to anyone else before?

Congratulations on the decision. Read, research and ask questions. The more I read and learn, the more I feel I'm ready for this.

Welcome. As far a support, this is the place. Sounds to me like you've done some research. Have you had a conversation with your PCP about surgery. He/she can recommend a good surgeon in your area who specialized in bariatrics, they will also have to give medical clearance after you've done all your pre-requisites. Gastric Bypass is what I'll be having due to my medical history. RNY is good for obese people with conditions such as Diabetes, HPB and high cholesterol, all of which I have. According to research I should be off meds shortly after surgery - looking forward to that. Good luck to you, ask all the questions you have, the people here are awesome and very supportive.

Welcome to the group Jenny and good luck on your journey. Remember to check in often, there's great information here.

You can always unscrew the boards in the spring and look then if you don't find it before then. Good luck finding it.

Well, I had my sleep study last night. It was by far the most sleepless night I've had in ages. Besides having wires stuck all over my body I was in a room that was surrounded by LOUDLY snoring people. Don't get me wrong, I do snore but according to my hubby it's not earth shattering or anything that comes close to waking him up or keeping him from falling to sleep. Knowing someone is listening to and watching me is way out of my comfort zone, I was very creeped out. Add to that the opening and closing doors, the employees heating their meals in a microwave at 3am - not a good experience. Then there was the re-calibrating of someones monitors after they went to the bathroom (look to the left, look to the right, look up..........) I actually came home and slept for 4 hours. Glad it's over and hoping I never have to go thru that again.

My friends daughter had Gastric Bypass about 10 years ago and she now has 2 beautiful children ages 5 and 3. She had no problem getting pregnant and had very uneventful pregnancies. Trust your surgeon, I'm sure the stories you've heard about not being able to get pregnant have more to do with underlying issues, not just the surgery. We all know that obesity causes untold stresses on our bodies, I'm certain it's does damage we don't even know about.

With the full liquid diet you can add non-flavored Protein powder to things to boost your intake. Our dietitian suggested adding it to Soups and broths. She warned against adding it to Protein shakes, it doesn't dissolve well, but any other liquid is fine.

Not sure if your aware, but another thread the other day touched on getting Protein shakes thru Insure Nutrition and they may be paid by your insurance. You can to go thier website and fill out an application with your prescription insurance information, that's it, they do the rest. They will contact your insurance to check coverage, if your covered, they send a scrip to your surgeon for signature and then fill said scrip. From there they send you the Protein Shakes for the next 7 months automatically. After that you can reapply. All of this at no cost to you if your approved. What's to loose right?http://insurenutrition.com/

Call your surgeons office and explain your dilemma. They can tell you best what they would prefer you do. I just hope you don't cheat yourself - You want to start your new life being honest and accountable to yourself. Good Luck.

I get to do a 15 day Meal Replacement plan, yeah me, but if I cheat on that I'm again allowing myself to loose control which is something I promised myself I wouldn't do again. That's what got me where I am. Don't do it...... Be honest with yourself, you have to start now if you want to succeed.

Misty - I haven't exercised in a month and a half, I'm so close on the BMI and I don't want to count on my comorbids for approval. I haven't decided on a tracker yet although I've heard good things about the fitbit force.

Just applied with EnvisionRxOptions. I'll keep you posted