Ginger Snaps

Oh no.... so sorry for your bad experience. I can't imagine at a weight of 319 you are too big for his instruments -- there are so many people on these boards that are larger and had the surgery. The surgical instruments are probably standard at most hospitals. And, if that were the truth, it seems they would have converted to an open surgery. Sounds like a very unprofessional doctor and a bad situation all around -- but the other posters are right -- this botched up mess may have saved you from a whole world of hurt! If you feel like spending the energy on him, it might be good to file some kind of complaint through the hospital or even a state medical board. If you'd rather just put the whole experience behind you and move on, that's understandable, too. Either way -- I wish you all the best on finding another surgeon and getting the procedure in the future if that's the way you decide to go.

Mine was easy-peasy -- just had problems with the doc not faxing over the clearance letter for about 5 weeks -- ugh I saw the psych that I've seen for 8 years -- treated for depression and bipolar. I don't think I've seen anyone on these boards who got denied the surgery for psych reasons. I think the only thing you could "fail" on would be if you have some major eating disorder that you're not in treatment for. Some people have to fill out long questionnaires and have more stringent evaluations than I had but I wouldn't stress over this too much. If you're honest about answers and admit your problems, you'll do fine. I jokingly think that if you're smart enough to be on these boards asking questions and looking for help with your problems, you can pass the psych eval. Best wishes!

My doctor said no to the sleeve because of GERD. He explained to me that the sleeve is bad for GERD because acid is formed primarily in the lower stomach. Because the bypass cuts off the lower stomach you won't get as much acid.

You're not alone! I'm right there with you -- anxious, nervous, excited, wondering what the heck I'm signing up for.... I think you're perfectly normal!

I'm a little over a week before surgery and thought it would be great to hear from some June 2013 vets to encourage those of us with June 2014 dates. What does it feel like a year out? How happy are you and what have been your biggest successes? What words of wisdom could you share for those of us who are where you were 1 year ago?

I love how in the after picture you look more put together -- neater beard and hair, big smile -- you look happy and healthy! Keep up the hard work! Ginger

Are you asking if there will be trouble getting approved because you have depression? Or that you're feeling depressed over having surgery? You'll see lots of people on the board who have depression and are either approved for or have had the surgery. I am treated for depression and haven't had any issues getting approved (except the psych took FOREVER to send over his clearance letter).

OMG -- still preop -- think I'm going to have to go have a food funeral at Red Lobster tonight -- well, really, just for the biscuits! lol

I'm 5'4" and have a BMI of 35.6 (or something like that)... barely qualified. The only comorbidities I have are apnea and GERD. I've gotten that comment a couple of times, too and I just said "I'm at the weight where I qualified for insurance coverage". My concern is more about the future -- I am trending every year to gaining weight and I every time I have blood work I hold my breath worrying about high cholesterol or diabetes. Every time they do a blood pressure on me, I worry about what numbers might pop up. I'm doing this to give me long-term health. Stay tough and let's march on!

Sounds a little crazy -- but I've cut pictures out of magazines or catalog of healthy looking active women -- especially from bicycling or active wear catalogs. I have them stuck on the door of my walkin closet so I have something to look forward to.

My first appointment was March 18th and my surgery is scheduled June 9th. So, the process has been very fast and gone smoothly without a hitch (knock on wood). I had to see the surgeon 3 times (4 weeks apart), had the pulmonology clearance (already on c-pap so didn't have to do a sleep study -- the doctor just had to write a clearance letter), had a psych eval and had to see a cardiologist for surgery clearance (just did a treadmill test this morning). I also had 3 visits with a nutritionist which were actually really pleasant. So for me, the entire process has taken 83 days. Now, after the surgery, the hard part starts! lol

That also sounds like dumping syndrome... did you eat or dink something different before you left?

You can also mix your shakes with unsweetened almond milk if you have lactose problems. Or use the lactose free milk. I can eat cheese and yogurt and stuff like that but get very gassy and nauseous if I drink milk straight.

I've had several surgeries but I can understand how intimidating the entire process can be if you've never had any surgery. One thing I can offer --- you'll get asked the same questions a hundred times during the preop process -- like what your name is, your birthdate, what procedure you're having done, if you have dentures or removable teeth... stuff like that. Like EVERYONE that comes in the room will ask you those same things over and over again. lol As far as the anesthesia goes, I've found over the past 25 years that anesthesia has improved SO much! When I first had surgeries, I would often wake up "fighting" -- like you came out of it thinking you were being attacked or something. Now, the meds are so good -- you just go to sleep instantly and then feel like you just wake up again. It seems like you just close your eyes and open them again. You'll hear it on the boards a lot -- but the best thing you can do for yourself is get up and move around as soon as they start telling you to. You'll feel SO much better (even if it hurts a little) than if you lay in bed. You have to walk and move around to work out the gas they pump in you and you'll feel human MUCH faster than if you lay around moaning. Best wishes!

I've had mostly good comments back when I've told people about the surgery. I told my trainer at the gym and she said "Oh no... do it with diet and exercise." But then, when I told her I was having the surgery she has been supportive and said she is excited to see my results and that she will work hard with me. My best friend knows -- she also said she'd like to see me try less invasive methods -- she has a lot of opinions about natural, alternative medicines -- but then she also knows I'm doing this for my health and has told me she will support me in any way she can. She's going to drive me to the hospital and even asked me what I will be able to eat early on so she can have that for me when we have Bible study at her house. That's a real friend. Today I had a treadmill stress test as the last surgery clearance thing and the nurse administering the test talked to me about the surgery. He was in his 20's and told me he lost over 100 pounds after he moved out of his mother's house and got married. He said he never exercised but that he was nursing in a hospital and walked over 5 miles every day. He said he knows it CAN be done without surgery but didn't try to discourage me or anything. I told him it was good he did that when he was so young but that it is so much harder when you're older and have a sedentary job. He wished me luck and said when I come back for my followup visit in another 2 months, he'll expect to see a much lighter me. He was very nice and supportive even though he had done it without surgery. So -- I think I have to learn not to try to defend my decision when people just have different opinions. Unless they get all up in my face about it -- then we'll have to throw down! lol

Wow... it seems weird that they wouldn't consider your case specifically -- just saying if you have BPD you can't even be considered. I would think they would evaluate you based on your psychiatrist's recommendations. When you say you've been denied, was that from your insurance or from a surgeon? If your psychiatrist is supportive of the surgery, it seems he could appeal to a surgeon or to insurance on your behalf. Wishing you all the best...

I kept a running list on the notes app on my phone and just pulled it up during appointments to ask. I did ask my surgeon what HIS most common complication was. He said the most common thing he sees is ulceration around the stoma. But, he said it was still pretty uncommon. I also FORGOT to talk about my meds -- if I need to change any to liquid. My psych said no but I just need to confirm that with the surgeon.

Had my last clearance test today -- had a treadmill test. I told the technician I'm counting that 10 minutes on the treadmill as my cardio for the day. I was actually pleasantly surprised how long I could manage the test -- I think the technician was even a little impressed. Go me! ginger

Sounds like you're doing well and seeing the results of the surgery you hoped for. Best wishes! Ginger

I'm sorry you guys are struggling but I'm glad you found this board. I'm preop but I'm learning so much about what to expect and how to be successful with the surgery. I'm sure you'll all be doing so much better in a week or two. Be sure to come back to the topic and let us know how you're doing so someone following behind you can learn from your experiences. Best wishes Ginger

GERD can lead to esophageal cancer even if it's treated but not well-managed. The sleeve or band can both cause GERD or cause existing GERD to worsen. Those are facts. You have to determine for yourself if the risk (GERD worsening to the point of causing cancer) to the benefits of the weight loss surgery. In my case, my not well-controlled GERD led me and my doctor to do bypass instead of the sleeve or band as both of those can cause GERD to worsen. It is definitely something that needs to be considered and discussed with your doctor before deciding what surgery will be best for you.

Try searching for Horizon NJ Health in the box at the upper right corner of the page. You may be able to find someone with the exact same insurance. BTW, be sure to change the little dropdown box to say "forums" instead of "topic" or you'll only get your post! Best wishes! ginger

I kinda weave in and out of what you're describing, too. One day I'm so excited about the upcoming changes and how great it's going to feel to lose the weight and then I hit a day where I'm just tired from thinking about it and ready to just MOVE ON! I think it's perfectly normal... just keep on keeping on...

@@lisacaron -- Saturday when I was at the psych office, I actually offered to take the letter and deliver it to my surgeon but he hadn't written it up yet (a month after our visit). This morning when I called him, I asked if I could give him my fax number so I could deal with trying to get it to the surgeon but he wouldn't do that either saying he was going to scan and email it to them. And, yes, trying to avoid involuntary commitment (or arrest!) @@moonlitestarbrite -- I wish I would have just gone with one of the psych's my surgeon had on his list but I figured it would be easier to use my regular doc. I guess I guessed wrong on the coin flip (which would work best). I think one problem with psych's in general is that the more you push or demand your rights or try to be assertive, the more irrational you look because OBVIOUSLY someone with a psych degree is more put together than you are.

I'm going to call the surgeon again before I leave work today and if they don't have it, I will drive to the psych's office (1-1/2 hours away from work) and pick it up and hand deliver it tomorrow. The bad part is, if you go off on your psychiatrist and tell them how you REALLY feel... well then you get labeled even crazier! LOL