Big Opie

If you have been following me you know that I was waiting for a surgery date. I got a call on August 27-and have a set date! October 12 at 1 p.m, and I have to be at the hospital by 11 a.m that morning. Since I've been having so many issues with this clinic, when I told my dad, he said that I needed to call them and double check that this is scheduled for the Bypass and not the Gastric Sleeve. When I called and spoke with the receptionist, she said that she saw I was scheduled for the gastric sleeve surgery, which she said right away "that's not right is it?" and I told her no that it's not, and that I spoke with a nurse yesterday who put a note on my account that said I was supposed to have the bypass not the sleeve.
I have been having so many issues with this clinic, that it is slowly making the trust and faith that I have in my surgeon diminish. They've been giving me the run around for the last 2 months and just making me extremely stressed.
I will be making an appointment with my surgeon to tell him all the crap that I have gone through the last 2 months, to make sure that he is aware of what's going on in his clinic and to make sure that he is still comfortable doing the bypass.
That's all for now ya'll!

If you have been following me you know that I was waiting for a surgery date. I got a call on August 27-and have a set date! October 12 at 1 p.m, and I have to be at the hospital by 11 a.m that morning. Since I've been having so many issues with this clinic, when I told my dad, he said that I needed to call them and double check that this is scheduled for the Bypass and not the Gastric Sleeve. When I called and spoke with the receptionist, she said that she saw I was scheduled for the gastric sleeve surgery, which she said right away "that's not right is it?" and I told her no that it's not, and that I spoke with a nurse yesterday who put a note on my account that said I was supposed to have the bypass not the sleeve.
I have been having so many issues with this clinic, that it is slowly making the trust and faith that I have in my surgeon diminish. They've been giving me the run around for the last 2 months and just making me extremely stressed.
I will be making an appointment with my surgeon to tell him all the crap that I have gone through the last 2 months, to make sure that he is aware of what's going on in his clinic and to make sure that he is still comfortable doing the bypass.
That's all for now ya'll!

If you have been following me you know that I was waiting for a surgery date. I got a call on August 27-and have a set date! October 12 at 1 p.m, and I have to be at the hospital by 11 a.m that morning. Since I've been having so many issues with this clinic, when I told my dad, he said that I needed to call them and double check that this is scheduled for the Bypass and not the Gastric Sleeve. When I called and spoke with the receptionist, she said that she saw I was scheduled for the gastric sleeve surgery, which she said right away "that's not right is it?" and I told her no that it's not, and that I spoke with a nurse yesterday who put a note on my account that said I was supposed to have the bypass not the sleeve.
I have been having so many issues with this clinic, that it is slowly making the trust and faith that I have in my surgeon diminish. They've been giving me the run around for the last 2 months and just making me extremely stressed.
I will be making an appointment with my surgeon to tell him all the crap that I have gone through the last 2 months, to make sure that he is aware of what's going on in his clinic and to make sure that he is still comfortable doing the bypass.
That's all for now ya'll!

If you have been following me you know that I was waiting for a surgery date. I got a call on August 27-and have a set date! October 12 at 1 p.m, and I have to be at the hospital by 11 a.m that morning. Since I've been having so many issues with this clinic, when I told my dad, he said that I needed to call them and double check that this is scheduled for the Bypass and not the Gastric Sleeve. When I called and spoke with the receptionist, she said that she saw I was scheduled for the gastric sleeve surgery, which she said right away "that's not right is it?" and I told her no that it's not, and that I spoke with a nurse yesterday who put a note on my account that said I was supposed to have the bypass not the sleeve.
I have been having so many issues with this clinic, that it is slowly making the trust and faith that I have in my surgeon diminish. They've been giving me the run around for the last 2 months and just making me extremely stressed.
I will be making an appointment with my surgeon to tell him all the crap that I have gone through the last 2 months, to make sure that he is aware of what's going on in his clinic and to make sure that he is still comfortable doing the bypass.
That's all for now ya'll!

1) I work a desk job, planned for two weeks but took 3, I needed it.
2) no my post op diet was Clear Liquids, then full liquids, then purees, then soft foods.
3) I didn't take on household stuff like laundry till 5 weeks out. I have a hubby and two sons, they did all the lifting, I just folded. I cooked after about one week, but did need to sit my the stove, standing was too much initially. I drove after two weeks.
4) for me, immediately post op I just felt incredibly bloated and my abdomen felt tight, as if I had a Tummy Tuck. Pain at home made me feel like I couldn't inhale deeply, it was a sharp pain. I Took my pain meds for the first 4 days home then managed without them.
5) no advice
6) I have an iud, had it since before surgery. I'd talk with your gyn.
7) use the spirometer!, Walk even if it's just around the house.

1. I have a desk job, work overnights and am barely up moving around and am getting this surgery done laparoscopically, I am planning on 2 weeks off after surgery for recovery/getting my schedule corrected. Is this too long? How long were you out? I was retired so time off from work was not a problem. I would say 2 weeks is a minimum but it might be a bit longer. Depends on how you feel.
2. After I leave the hospital, I am on soft foods. Anyone else's post-op diet like this straight after surgery? After surgery the most important requirements are Protein, fluids and Vitamins. food is secondary because your body will be converting stored fats into the energy that drives your body. Thus you will lose weight. You should receive detailed guidance on what food is allowed in each stage after surgery and the volume amount. This should come from your surgeons office. Mine had a have day class to discuss these requirements. 3. How soon were you able to do household things, like carrying laundry baskets, dishes, driving, exercising? In my case most household chores were doable almost right after I came home from the hospital. I refrained from moving heavy objects like a 50 pound bag of dog food for about a month. Driving is a function of the pain medicine you take in the hospital. Most of this pain medicine is narcotics and you will not be permitted to drive while you are under this influence. Other than the anesthesia I had with the operation I rejected all pain medicine after the surgery. Part of the logic was that I wanted to drive as soon a possible. Also I am not sure the pain medicine would work and that the real need is for muscle relaxers. 4.What's the pain like? Anything to compare it to? Everyone has different pain tolerances. I have a high pain threshold. My pain levels never exceeded a level 1 on a scale of 1 to 10. But that is me. Years ago I had operations that were not done laparoscopically. Those produced pain levels of 3 or 4 and I think the pain levels were amplified by the pain medicines. 5.Anyone have ADD and have to up their dose or notice a change in prescriptions? No experience with ADD 6. Birth control? I'm on the pill now any suggestions for afterwards? N/A. I have heard that individuals become more fertile after surgery. 7.Any tips, or advise? If you drink anything with caffeine give that up now. I had a 6 Coke a day habit. Went cold turkey and I suffered withdrawal syndrome (very severe headaches and body pain) for a week. It is best not to compound the effects of surgery with this withdrawal syndrome. Also beginning walking 30 minutes each day. It will really help the recovery process go smoothly.

I think you ask a lot of great questions, but the first thing I would do is ask these questions to your doctor. Everyone's doctors are a bit different in what they recommend, and the one universal thing I hear people say is "follow your doctor's instructions".
In my case, my doctor has told me to expect a four-week recovery before returning to work (I have a desk job), that I will not be cleared to drive for two weeks after surgery, no heavy lifting (more than 20 lbs) for six weeks after surgery.
One other thread on here said it best: this is major surgery, not some outpatient procedure. We need to expect to take time to recover from it. That said, I have also heard from a few people that after two weeks they were stir-crazy and went right back to work.
Hope for the best, plan for the worst.

1. I had planned on 2 weeks, but I ended up taking 3 and I'm glad I did. I was really exhausted after the surgery and it took me a while to get my energy up. It could be different for you though.
2. I wasn't on soft foods until a week out. I started on Clear liquids, then protien shakes, then soft foods.
3. Like I said in answer to question #1, it took me a while to get moving. I was doing better after a bout 5 weeks post op.
4. The worst pain you will probably have is from the gas you get after surgery. It really feels horrible. While you are on pain meds you won't notice it too much. I made the error of not having any pain meds for the ride home from the hospital (about 1 1/2 hr. drive!) It was horrible.
5. I take an anti-depressant and had to have it changed from "time release" to immediate release due to absorption factors.
6. I don't use the pill, but in my booklet it said not to take this kind of medication for a month after surgery, I think because of the possibility of blood clots.
7. Congrats on getting your insurance to pay, and hang in there. If a big baby like me can get through this so can you!

Congrats! It's a great feeling when stuff finally starts falling into place. It can be a bit overwhelming but soon you'll be more excited and impatient than scared or worried. I had my RNY this past Monday the 17th. I'll try to answer your questions the best I can.
1 - I'm less than a week out from surgery and I'm already doing a LOT better than I anticipated. And on top of that, I know I'm definitely recovering slower than a lot of people. Some people were up and walking like a mile two days after surgery (WHAT! XD Crazy) and by the end of the week were generally feeling great. Personally, I get tired easily, like walking from my living room to my kitchen and back can make me a little tired, but in terms of pain, there's just not a lot of it if I'm careful about how hard I push myself and how I twist/move. I'm betting two weeks will be enough time for you, easily, especially since you have a desk job and won't need to push push yourself super hard. Also, taking really good care of yourself and allowing yourself to rest and sleep as much as you can in those two weeks will go a long way toward your recovery. So I wouldn't sweat it.
2 - That seems awfully fast to be on soft foods, as most people leave the hospital 2 days after surgery. I had surgery on monday and got home wednesday afternoon. I'm on liquids, like Protein shakes, low fat milk, strained cream Soup, sugar free pudding, etc until at least this wednesday coming up, when I go to my follow up appointment. However, every surgeon is different. And while it's very important to follow the doctor's orders, especially right after surgery during recovery, if your body can't handle soft foods your doctors aren't going to yell at you if you need to go back to liquids. Your body will be talking and you will certainly have to listen.
3 - I'm not exactly up to doing household chores yet, and certainly not things like lifting laundry baskets, bending a lot to do laundry or clean the toilets or floors or anything. We're not supposed to be lifting anything heavier than ten pounds for at least a few weeks. It wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility to strain yourself, rip open stitches or staples, or worse. And you just don't want to do that while you're recovering so nicely. That being said, if I need to wash a few cups and spoons in the sink and it's only going to take a couple minutes, that's not impossible. So you will need to take it easy but you won't be helpless.
4 - I'm kind of weird in that I have a high pain tolerance but I can be a HUGE baby about certain types of pain. Broken bones, torn muscles? No problem. Cuts and bruises? Easy. The gas pain and the stupid drainage tube I still have in me rubbing up against the inside of my body? Not so fun. Though I can confidently tell you that 6 days out from surgery I really only feel pain when i bend over, walk too long, twist my abdomen in a bad way, press on my incision sites, etc (things only an idiot like me would do anyway, haha). The first day was pretty awful, but I was so drugged up and so out of it that it flew by and I barely remember it, and every day since has been surprisingly far, far better than the last. Everything hurts much less and I feel much stronger every time I go to sleep and wake up, basically. I had my gall bladder out last year... now THAT really sucked. I can honestly say this was less painful that getting my gallbladder out, which is kind of funny because this was 5 incisions and some major gut rearranging and my gallbladder was three incisions and not a whole lot of trauma. It's a bit odd but there's no denying that this was way easier. Go figure!
5 - I have ADD but I am not currently medicated (can you tell? XD) but from what I have been told and experienced, meds are absorbed by our new digestive system very differently than before. For example, I take oxycodone for pain (not much anymore but especially around bedtime) and I can seriously feel it kicking in within minutes. So as for your dose upping or lowering, that's gonna have to be something your doctor figures out, but I'm guessing it would lower or switch to a fast release before being raised. There's no telling exactly how your body will react to these things until you find out by experiencing, unfortunately.
6 - I've been on a birth control called Orsythia for almost two years, and it has slight levels of estrogen, as I have PCOS and this is one of the ways I can try to manage it. I stopped taking the birth control about three weeks before surgery at the surgeon's order and had to take a blood thinner for a week before and a week after surgery, because estrogen, even in small amounts, can raise the risk for blood clots. Hopefully tomorrow will be my last day of the blood thinner... I HATE NEEDLES and injecting it into my tummy or thigh twice a day has been absolutely no fun (or rather I made my poor boyfriend do it. he's been such a good sport about all of this XD) Annnnnyway, when I was discharged from the hospital two days after surgery, the doctors instructed me to stop taking most of my meds but told me I can start taking my birth control again. So I'm betting it's not a problem, but again, it's all going to depend on your particular doctor, your particular body, and your particular birth control.
I have a TON of tips and things I would highly recommend getting before surgery, things that have been a godsend for me this past week. Here's a list I just wrote for someone else asking for tips on things to get pre-surgery:

- Gas-X Thin Strips. They dissolve on the tongue and almost instantly relieve tummy gas that can be downright painful. Heaven sent!

- A 64 oz. Water jug from Wal-Mart, with measurements on the side. This is a super easy way to monitor how much Water you are getting throughout your day, and 64 oz. is the recommended minimum. Very helpful.

- Baby or aloe wipes. These are very important! In the first couple of days after surgery in the hospital, you are going to feel pretty gross. Just the simple act of wiping down your face, neck, arms, etc. with a refreshing wipe can make you feel infinitely better. After you come home, showering may still be a bit difficult, so you can hold it off a little longer by keeping yourself clean with these.

- A body pillow. I'm sure you can guess why this helps a lot. I had a ton of pain on my left side from the gas pumped into me and the fact that most of the work during surgery is done on the left. A body pillow helps sooo much, whether sitting or trying to sleep.

- I would highly recommend you sleep in a recliner or propped up on a couch with your feet up. Some people are able to lay in their beds a few days after surgery but I certainly can't, and I know a lot of others who couldn't either. It's just very uncomfortable and can be painful if you twist around too much. I sleep on my recliner with a couple pillows propping up my legs to take any pressure off my lower back. Super comfy.

- A small Blender Bottle or shaker cup that has a top and measurements on the side. I use this multiple times a day for my shakes and to mix cream Soup with low fat milk prior to straining it. Sometimes a spoon just doesn't cut it.

- A loofa or sponge on a stick! Again, moving around in the shower is gonna be a bit difficult for a while. A nice, easy wash of the back and harder-to-reach places can be heavenly.


If you have any questions about anything, don't hesitate to message me! I always like to help. Sorry about the book I wrote you, and I hope this helped you even a little bit. Congrats again, good luck, and take care of yourself!

Abby

Here is an update since I haven't posted in a while.....my surgery was submitted July 7th to insurance and denied on that following Tuesday due my psychiatric evaluation. The insurance coordinator said I have to do 3 additional months of monitored weight loss AND one week sessions for 3 months with a psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychotherapist. BEFORE I can evern appeal the denial. I completely lost my mind....bawling, hyperventilating and just in utter disbelief....at that moment I felt defeated, and like I've failed....yEt again... Now that I have had time to ask my questions, voice my concern and really sit on the fact it was denied, this is what has happened.
On Wednesday, I called my surgeons office, and spoke with the Insurance coordinator. Since I have to do once a week sessions for 3 months, I asked if I did twice a week sessions if I could finish early, her response; No. I asked if there was any certain information that I needed to take to the psychiatrist, psychotherapist, or the psychologist, her response; No. I asked if there was any way we can remove what was entered to insurance, If I could get a second opinion and have a re-evaluation done, and her response; No. I asked if I could come up and get a copy of the denial and what information was submitted to the insurance company, and she stated that I’d have to talk to the psychiatrist whom did the evaluation and my denial will be to me within the next few days.
With all of this not so helpful information, I took it upon myself to call a psychiatrist my friend see’s to see if I could get in ASAP. They referred me to another program, and I have my appointments for once a week psychologist meeting starting August 21, 2015 and going until September 25, 2015. When I go visit her for my first appointment I’ll have to schedule all my other meetings for the rest of the 3 months.
I also, took it upon myself to go to the doctor who did the evaluation and get a copy of the information that was submitted to insurance, so I can take it to the new psychologist so she can see what information we were working with. The receptionist called her supervisor, who directed me to the billing office, the receptionist was nice enough to be willing to contact the billing office for me to see what I needed to do. However, there was, standing behind her, another psychiatrist who normally does the evaluations. He asked what the problem was, and I told them that according to my insurance my surgery for bariatric was denied because of the information provided by the psych evaluation. They stated that because of my past in 2011: my past mental and substance abuse issues, I did not understand the process and the possible outcome of the surgery (Summarized of course, since I don’t have my letter as of yet).
He stated that there was nothing in my records indicating that I didn’t understand the process, yet there was nothing in there about bariatric surgery at all………So! With that being said, he said they were going to talk to the doctor who submitted the information and see what the reasoning behind it was, and see if they can resubmit to the insurance.
I agreed, said whatever and to call me with an update. Then, as I’m walking out to my car, the head supervisor over the establishment calls me and tells me that the one who did my evaluation is not even a registered psychiatrist with their office yet, and that’s probably why it got denied. That he just came over from another area, and they haven’t got him in the system yet….SERIOUSLY?! OKAY, so you let me see a doctor who isn’t registered there As a psychiatrist.... And let him submit the information INCOMPLETE and expect me to be chill?! Oh my god, I was sooo heated! Without totally freaking out and cussing out everyone under the sun, I asked if this was going to be resolved. She said that the psychiatrist who did the evaluation was out of the office, and that they will contact him tomorrow and have him reword the information, and send it to my surgeon’s office to see what they can do with it.
I got a call stating they need the denial letter before they can do anything...so yet again, here is to waiting......
Right now, as it stands, I will be keeping the once a week sessions for the time I have requested already, seeing as I needed to find someone I like to talk to (other than my boyfriend) for post-op anyway, might as well start early. I don’t have my hopes up; I don’t care at this point what happens- I needed a reality check. I know this surgery is not going to fix everything, but it will help me along the way.
I feel like time will help me realize a lot of things, and this psychologist appointment maybe what I need to really let this all sink in. I’ve read THOUSANDS of hour’s worth of material, seen videos, heard podcasts, and I still don’t think I realize how life changing this is and how I need to ease myself into this, and not be in such of a hurry.
I appreciate all your feedback and understanding!

Here is an update since I haven't posted in a while.....my surgery was submitted July 7th to insurance and denied on that following Tuesday due my psychiatric evaluation. The insurance coordinator said I have to do 3 additional months of monitored weight loss AND one week sessions for 3 months with a psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychotherapist. BEFORE I can evern appeal the denial. I completely lost my mind....bawling, hyperventilating and just in utter disbelief....at that moment I felt defeated, and like I've failed....yEt again... Now that I have had time to ask my questions, voice my concern and really sit on the fact it was denied, this is what has happened.
On Wednesday, I called my surgeons office, and spoke with the Insurance coordinator. Since I have to do once a week sessions for 3 months, I asked if I did twice a week sessions if I could finish early, her response; No. I asked if there was any certain information that I needed to take to the psychiatrist, psychotherapist, or the psychologist, her response; No. I asked if there was any way we can remove what was entered to insurance, If I could get a second opinion and have a re-evaluation done, and her response; No. I asked if I could come up and get a copy of the denial and what information was submitted to the insurance company, and she stated that I’d have to talk to the psychiatrist whom did the evaluation and my denial will be to me within the next few days.
With all of this not so helpful information, I took it upon myself to call a psychiatrist my friend see’s to see if I could get in ASAP. They referred me to another program, and I have my appointments for once a week psychologist meeting starting August 21, 2015 and going until September 25, 2015. When I go visit her for my first appointment I’ll have to schedule all my other meetings for the rest of the 3 months.
I also, took it upon myself to go to the doctor who did the evaluation and get a copy of the information that was submitted to insurance, so I can take it to the new psychologist so she can see what information we were working with. The receptionist called her supervisor, who directed me to the billing office, the receptionist was nice enough to be willing to contact the billing office for me to see what I needed to do. However, there was, standing behind her, another psychiatrist who normally does the evaluations. He asked what the problem was, and I told them that according to my insurance my surgery for bariatric was denied because of the information provided by the psych evaluation. They stated that because of my past in 2011: my past mental and substance abuse issues, I did not understand the process and the possible outcome of the surgery (Summarized of course, since I don’t have my letter as of yet).
He stated that there was nothing in my records indicating that I didn’t understand the process, yet there was nothing in there about bariatric surgery at all………So! With that being said, he said they were going to talk to the doctor who submitted the information and see what the reasoning behind it was, and see if they can resubmit to the insurance.
I agreed, said whatever and to call me with an update. Then, as I’m walking out to my car, the head supervisor over the establishment calls me and tells me that the one who did my evaluation is not even a registered psychiatrist with their office yet, and that’s probably why it got denied. That he just came over from another area, and they haven’t got him in the system yet….SERIOUSLY?! OKAY, so you let me see a doctor who isn’t registered there As a psychiatrist.... And let him submit the information INCOMPLETE and expect me to be chill?! Oh my god, I was sooo heated! Without totally freaking out and cussing out everyone under the sun, I asked if this was going to be resolved. She said that the psychiatrist who did the evaluation was out of the office, and that they will contact him tomorrow and have him reword the information, and send it to my surgeon’s office to see what they can do with it.
I got a call stating they need the denial letter before they can do anything...so yet again, here is to waiting......
Right now, as it stands, I will be keeping the once a week sessions for the time I have requested already, seeing as I needed to find someone I like to talk to (other than my boyfriend) for post-op anyway, might as well start early. I don’t have my hopes up; I don’t care at this point what happens- I needed a reality check. I know this surgery is not going to fix everything, but it will help me along the way.
I feel like time will help me realize a lot of things, and this psychologist appointment maybe what I need to really let this all sink in. I’ve read THOUSANDS of hour’s worth of material, seen videos, heard podcasts, and I still don’t think I realize how life changing this is and how I need to ease myself into this, and not be in such of a hurry.
I appreciate all your feedback and understanding!

Here is an update since I haven't posted in a while.....my surgery was submitted July 7th to insurance and denied on that following Tuesday due my psychiatric evaluation. The insurance coordinator said I have to do 3 additional months of monitored weight loss AND one week sessions for 3 months with a psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychotherapist. BEFORE I can evern appeal the denial. I completely lost my mind....bawling, hyperventilating and just in utter disbelief....at that moment I felt defeated, and like I've failed....yEt again... Now that I have had time to ask my questions, voice my concern and really sit on the fact it was denied, this is what has happened.
On Wednesday, I called my surgeons office, and spoke with the Insurance coordinator. Since I have to do once a week sessions for 3 months, I asked if I did twice a week sessions if I could finish early, her response; No. I asked if there was any certain information that I needed to take to the psychiatrist, psychotherapist, or the psychologist, her response; No. I asked if there was any way we can remove what was entered to insurance, If I could get a second opinion and have a re-evaluation done, and her response; No. I asked if I could come up and get a copy of the denial and what information was submitted to the insurance company, and she stated that I’d have to talk to the psychiatrist whom did the evaluation and my denial will be to me within the next few days.
With all of this not so helpful information, I took it upon myself to call a psychiatrist my friend see’s to see if I could get in ASAP. They referred me to another program, and I have my appointments for once a week psychologist meeting starting August 21, 2015 and going until September 25, 2015. When I go visit her for my first appointment I’ll have to schedule all my other meetings for the rest of the 3 months.
I also, took it upon myself to go to the doctor who did the evaluation and get a copy of the information that was submitted to insurance, so I can take it to the new psychologist so she can see what information we were working with. The receptionist called her supervisor, who directed me to the billing office, the receptionist was nice enough to be willing to contact the billing office for me to see what I needed to do. However, there was, standing behind her, another psychiatrist who normally does the evaluations. He asked what the problem was, and I told them that according to my insurance my surgery for bariatric was denied because of the information provided by the psych evaluation. They stated that because of my past in 2011: my past mental and substance abuse issues, I did not understand the process and the possible outcome of the surgery (Summarized of course, since I don’t have my letter as of yet).
He stated that there was nothing in my records indicating that I didn’t understand the process, yet there was nothing in there about bariatric surgery at all………So! With that being said, he said they were going to talk to the doctor who submitted the information and see what the reasoning behind it was, and see if they can resubmit to the insurance.
I agreed, said whatever and to call me with an update. Then, as I’m walking out to my car, the head supervisor over the establishment calls me and tells me that the one who did my evaluation is not even a registered psychiatrist with their office yet, and that’s probably why it got denied. That he just came over from another area, and they haven’t got him in the system yet….SERIOUSLY?! OKAY, so you let me see a doctor who isn’t registered there As a psychiatrist.... And let him submit the information INCOMPLETE and expect me to be chill?! Oh my god, I was sooo heated! Without totally freaking out and cussing out everyone under the sun, I asked if this was going to be resolved. She said that the psychiatrist who did the evaluation was out of the office, and that they will contact him tomorrow and have him reword the information, and send it to my surgeon’s office to see what they can do with it.
I got a call stating they need the denial letter before they can do anything...so yet again, here is to waiting......
Right now, as it stands, I will be keeping the once a week sessions for the time I have requested already, seeing as I needed to find someone I like to talk to (other than my boyfriend) for post-op anyway, might as well start early. I don’t have my hopes up; I don’t care at this point what happens- I needed a reality check. I know this surgery is not going to fix everything, but it will help me along the way.
I feel like time will help me realize a lot of things, and this psychologist appointment maybe what I need to really let this all sink in. I’ve read THOUSANDS of hour’s worth of material, seen videos, heard podcasts, and I still don’t think I realize how life changing this is and how I need to ease myself into this, and not be in such of a hurry.
I appreciate all your feedback and understanding!

I did bypass at a center of excellence. My surgeon was the founder of the center and has been in the business for decades. His program's guidelines are unique, from what I've read here. No shakes, no liquid pre-op phase, straight to purees/soft foods. I had scrambled eggs in the hospital the morning after surgery and was working out at the gym after a week. My recovery was a breeze with no complications. Now I am 6 months out and have lost 105 pounds.

Every surgeon is different and so is every patient. I think this is particularly true of the surgeons who have been at it for a long time and have learned what works best with their particular surgical / cutting style and habits. Follow your program and no one else's.

I talk about it all the time too! My parents are annoyed so is my boyfriend I think. They just don't know how much this is going to change every aspect of my life. For the better! I just want someone to be as excited as I am I guess lol. The videos on you tube are the best!

My 6th month doctor appointment is on July 2nd. I have been reading articles, blogs, forums, books, watching YouTube videos of the actual procedure online and watching YouTube videos of peoples journeys. I haven't had my surgery yet, I 'am getting the bypass done due to a hiatal hernia and severe acid reflex.
I talk about it a lot, even if I don't mean to, I read as much as I can about other peoples experiences, and watch so many YouTube videos. I feel like people are getting irritated with me because I 'am talking about it so much.
I am trying to figure out if it's normal to be this obsessed with it, and I haven't even had the surgery yet.
Anyone else go through this pre-op? does it get better afterwards?

I am a kaiser member and they won't pay for it either. I feel like they are only taking us half way to our healthy new life. I'm going to do some research and write Kaiser a letter trying to convince them to consider covering it, at least 50%, as we deserve to be emotionally healthy when it comes to our bodies as well.

During my last Support Group with the surgeon this question of sagging skin came up a patient who is 3 months out stood up and told us his method, this may sound strange but he showed us the results, he uses Preparation H as well as Vicks Vapor Rub both are generic he rubs the preparation h on first then vicks vapor rub then wraps the area with plastic wrap he then sleeps in this and in the morning removes it and showers and doesn't do it again until that night before bedtime.
His results were amazing and the doctor even said he had heard of that technique before the patient found the recipe for this type of skin tightening online.
just thought this may help a few post op peeps out there

Don't freak out! I have BCBSVT, so I am sure it is similar. As long as you have completed the 6 month required doctor/ nutritionist visits, had your psych evaluation, and any other test your doctor requires you should not be denied. It took about 3 1/2 weeks for me to get my letter. The one difference is my Bariatric doctors office sent all info to the insurance to make sure everything was completed correctly. You should be able to search BCBSMN Bariatric Policy and it will tell you all you need to know.
I had the RNY on May 28. I chose RNY over sleeve, because the sleeve is still new and so many people seem to get the sleeve and then end up having the RNY anyway. Of course it hurt some, but you are going to have pain killers in the hospital, and will be given some for when you leave. I used them for 3 days only. The main thing is walk, walk, walk! Luckily my husband was with me so I walked the hospital halls every two hours.
The pre op diet was the worst, after surgery was a breeze because you don't really feel like eating. It is very hard to get all your Water and Protein in at the beginning, but by week 3 it gets easier. Trust me you will want to skip food stages, especially the puréed/ soft to regular food but don't. You want to be gentle on your new stomach so it can heal and you do not want to stretch your new pouch.
In regards to work, you will lose energy at the beginning because of less food, surgery and recovery. Personally I was not worth anything for the first 10 days. I slept most of the first five, so I would recommend taking 2 weeks off. You should be given louvenox ( blood thinner shot) to use for ten days after surgery to prevent blood clots. So you should have no worry there.
Good luck and just keep your mind on the end result you want. In 4'weeks I have lost 30 pounds.

My 6th month doctor appointment is on July 2nd. I have been reading articles, blogs, forums, books, watching YouTube videos of the actual procedure online and watching YouTube videos of peoples journeys. I haven't had my surgery yet, I 'am getting the bypass done due to a hiatal hernia and severe acid reflex.
I talk about it a lot, even if I don't mean to, I read as much as I can about other peoples experiences, and watch so many YouTube videos. I feel like people are getting irritated with me because I 'am talking about it so much.
I am trying to figure out if it's normal to be this obsessed with it, and I haven't even had the surgery yet.
Anyone else go through this pre-op? does it get better afterwards?

I talk about it all the time too! My parents are annoyed so is my boyfriend I think. They just don't know how much this is going to change every aspect of my life. For the better! I just want someone to be as excited as I am I guess lol. The videos on you tube are the best!

My 6th month doctor appointment is on July 2nd. I have been reading articles, blogs, forums, books, watching YouTube videos of the actual procedure online and watching YouTube videos of peoples journeys. I haven't had my surgery yet, I 'am getting the bypass done due to a hiatal hernia and severe acid reflex.
I talk about it a lot, even if I don't mean to, I read as much as I can about other peoples experiences, and watch so many YouTube videos. I feel like people are getting irritated with me because I 'am talking about it so much.
I am trying to figure out if it's normal to be this obsessed with it, and I haven't even had the surgery yet.
Anyone else go through this pre-op? does it get better afterwards?

I feel the same way! In all my spare time im on here. I feel obsessed too. I have done ally preop just waiting for them to submit it to my insurance. Were going to try using proof of weight watchers and nutrisystem to help it out. So nervous and getting on here usually helps me feel as im still in the right direction

My 6th month doctor appointment is on July 2nd. I have been reading articles, blogs, forums, books, watching YouTube videos of the actual procedure online and watching YouTube videos of peoples journeys. I haven't had my surgery yet, I 'am getting the bypass done due to a hiatal hernia and severe acid reflex.
I talk about it a lot, even if I don't mean to, I read as much as I can about other peoples experiences, and watch so many YouTube videos. I feel like people are getting irritated with me because I 'am talking about it so much.
I am trying to figure out if it's normal to be this obsessed with it, and I haven't even had the surgery yet.
Anyone else go through this pre-op? does it get better afterwards?

My 6th month doctor appointment is on July 2nd. I have been reading articles, blogs, forums, books, watching YouTube videos of the actual procedure online and watching YouTube videos of peoples journeys. I haven't had my surgery yet, I 'am getting the bypass done due to a hiatal hernia and severe acid reflex.
I talk about it a lot, even if I don't mean to, I read as much as I can about other peoples experiences, and watch so many YouTube videos. I feel like people are getting irritated with me because I 'am talking about it so much.
I am trying to figure out if it's normal to be this obsessed with it, and I haven't even had the surgery yet.
Anyone else go through this pre-op? does it get better afterwards?

My 6th month doctor appointment is on July 2nd. I have been reading articles, blogs, forums, books, watching YouTube videos of the actual procedure online and watching YouTube videos of peoples journeys. I haven't had my surgery yet, I 'am getting the bypass done due to a hiatal hernia and severe acid reflex.
I talk about it a lot, even if I don't mean to, I read as much as I can about other peoples experiences, and watch so many YouTube videos. I feel like people are getting irritated with me because I 'am talking about it so much.
I am trying to figure out if it's normal to be this obsessed with it, and I haven't even had the surgery yet.
Anyone else go through this pre-op? does it get better afterwards?