The Candidate

@@Califlower83 Okay, this one really got to me. "Sweating- I currently sweat profusely like all the time! A co worker of mine thinks it's cute to come over and wipe my sweaty face all the time, I feel so embarrassed every time!" I think this one deserves a little retaliation. I'm a big time office practical joker. And because I have a serious poker face, and am outwardly perceived by most as sweet and innocent, nobody ever suspects it's me. Here are a few of my past covert missions that went off without a hitch, if you're so inclined. 1) Once I super glued a quarter to someone's desk. I thought watching her try to pick it up was amusing enough, but when she had to resort to a letter opener to pry it off, it really got fun. 2) Did you know that you can remove the little individual keys from a keyboard? One day I removed all the keys from a co workers board and rearranged them in a random order. 3) This one requires a little heavy lifting on your part, but it's worth it in the end. I think all office workers are familiar with that big drawer on the desk that usually sits about stomach level. One time I filled someone's to the brim with rocks. 4) This one you can plan out over a week or so. The trick is that you have to skip a day here and there to throw them off guard. Go around and remove the staples from everyone's stapler. And after they fill it up, take them out again and again, over the next week or so. 5) Do you have any small items around your house that you want to get rid of? Like a string of beads or a used lightbulb? Bring them in and randomly leave them on people's desks. They go crazy trying to figure out where they're coming from. 6) There are these neat little portable sound effect devices that you can activate with a remote control. I'll hide it in the oddest places like a ceiling tile, or a filing cabinet. Some of the sounds it makes are a Water faucet drip, or a cat meowing, or an old fashioned phone ringing. Carry the remote in your pocket and you're in for hours of fun as people try to figure out where it's coming from. They sell them on eBay. Just a few to start you off with. It may not stop her from thinking it's cute to wipe your face, but it does wonders for your inner demon. ????

It's tough having to face a phobia. It's a really personal kind of fear that only the person who has it can ever truly understand just how devastating it can be, especially when you are forced to confront it. I have a good male friend who is 6' 5" tall who faints even at the mere mention of a needle. We have to hide the flyers from him whenever flu shot season rolls around. A part of me wants to laugh at the notion of this strapping tower of a man being intimidated by a little shot, but to him it's a major stressor, and I've seen his anxiety first hand. So I know, when it's your fear, it's real. I think it's amazing that you are strong enough to face your fear head on, by getting the surgery. It's shows that you know in your heart that the benefits you'll receive in the end far outweigh any apprehension going in. Please give yourself a big pat on the back just for that! Others have given you some really good advice on meds and other options that might work. So I hope that helps. Also remember that not everyone gets this symptom. Some sail right through without ever experiencing it at all. That could very well be your outcome as well. Just keep drawing on the inner strength you've already shown, and you'll get through any rough spots just fine. Good luck!

I think it is quite obvious that you have made a monumental effort to lose the weight. Not only with your pre surgery program, but with the pre op diet. The usual purpose of asking applicants to lose a specific amount of weight before surgery is twofold. One is to show that you are compliant with the program and serious about changing your lifestyle and eating habits, and the other is to shrink your liver to make the surgery itself easier. By losing 30+ pounds you've done that and more! You should be extremely proud of yourself. I would be shocked if they would even consider for one second postponing your surgery. I can't offer any absolutes, of course, but I honestly think you have nothing to worry about. Which I know is easier said than done. Please let us know what happens and I truly hope it all goes well!

Welcome @FranklinTexas! I'm not far behind you. Mine is the 29th. I only have to do a one day pre op diet of liquids only. But I have already lost 30 lbs while going through the process. Good luck on your surgery! We're both going to do fine!

Welcome to the forums. You will learn a lot here. Congrats on your upcoming surgery!

Good luck on that @@jenc427! It takes a big load off of your mind.

I had to wait a year, plus lose 10% of my excess weight. 24 weeks of classes too. Just got my date of 07/29. And I actually started with a 45 BMI, finished with a 39 and was still approved. It's perfectly understandable that the wait seems unbearable at the beginning. We all felt that way. But once you jump in you'll find that it will definitely go by faster than you can ever believe right now. As @@Babbs said unless your willing to self pay, you're going to have to jump through your insurance's hoops. Good luck.

Congrats and hope you're healing well!

It always amazes me how people have so many opinions about other people's lives, and how desperate they are to share them. Here's the thing, life does not come with a user's manual. It's all about on the job training. Tell them you're thrilled that they've got your life all figured out, and you'll get back to them next week with suggestions on how they can improve theirs. You started this post full of wonder and joy, feeling better, looking better. That's a bonafide life rush. Don't let them spoil your buzz. You're perfect! And I bet there will be a lot less nit picking from the peanut gallery as they continue to watch you shrink right in front of their eyes. ????

I bought a trampoline! ????

You will do wonderful! We will keep you in our thoughts.

Very helpful info. Thank you!

Oh that sounds mighty painful! I feel for you and hope you find some relief soon. Good luck.

You absolutely can do this! Congratulations!

And you are! Absolutely fabulous I mean! And if you go by the name of either Patsy or Edina, even better! ???? I'm glad they finally came to their senses and approved. Congrats!

Exciting stuff! Congrats!

Congrats! That's my date too! I'm so happy for you!

You and me both. I normally plan my life around fast food and sweets. I'm working hard to tackle the urges. You can't stop the thoughts but you walked away from temptation and that says a lot.

Then the next natural leap in logic is that you are obviously eating something that stinks worse than whatever you've been feeding your Labrador. ????

The real question here is what exactly have you been feeding your Labrador?

Fluids - they blow you up with air and fill you up with IV's. Then they send you home to slowly deflate on your own. ???? Not fun (so I've heard, as mine is on the 29th) but perfectly normal, and you should lose it very quickly. Good luck!

This is finally your day! And after so many years and heartaches I can't think of anyone who deserves it more. You will realize your dreams of being able to become a mom, and also be a better aunt, and step mother. I'm so glad you found the doctor/staff of your dreams! Be safe and well, and again, congrats!

Wow, what a difference a year makes! You look so lovely and I aspire to live up to your stellar example when it's my turn! Congratulations - take a bow!

You have an excellent attitude and will go on to do very well. Congrats on your life changing decision!

@@gowalking It is the posts and gracious shared experiences, such as those you have made, and so many others here on this forum, that keep our pre op hopes alive! Although I am still trapped in my prison body, I am buoyed daily by the amazing outcomes of those who have gone before. These words and testimonies, they strengthen my resolve, and fortify my patience. They allow me to poke fun at myself and release my inner fears through the outlets of laughter and hope. Hope above all else. Just as you would wish to somehow give us pre ops a way to better envision our glorious futures. We pre ops wish that we could better illustrate to you, that as a post op, here on bariatric pal - you already have. We virtually and vicariously walk in your shoes, share in your milestones, your NSV's, your incredible happiness, we feel with you, the realization of every heartfelt dream. We run with you, and bike with you, and hike, and dance, and live with a capital "L"! We fly - and it's only because you care for us, and nurture us, and keep us focused forever on the goal. So thank you for giving us this incredible gift. For allowing us to see the world the way you do, and always keeping us in line. I see my beautiful future, and it's all thanks to you. It's bright and shiny, and everything I've ever wanted. I promise you, gowalking, my eyes are gloriously open! In fact, I plan to never shut them again! And I hope that you see too, just how much we need and appreciate every single one of you!