FrankinTexas

Thanks for posting this! So well said! My nerves are also starting to get to me. I am scheduled for July 27th. We can do this!!

Well, finally everything is done and I have met all requirements needed. All I do now is have my final meeting with him and paperwork goes off to Aetna for approval. I can't tell you how excited I am to be moving to the final step before surgery

I have been on the pre-op diet for 1 week. My surgeon required 2 shakes, 2 crisp Snacks and 1 lean and green meal for the first week. Tomorrow I start 5 shakes per day ????????, until surgery day. I have my moments where I'm ready to scream but I'm trying to stay busy, so I don't think about it. Most of the time I'm ok. Thankfully, I gave up coffee a few weeks prior to starting my pre-op diet. No way I could've handled both. My energy level is down.
My surgery is July 30th.
Good luck in 5 days.

Omg Karen. Ty so much for that response, it was probably one of the most detailed and honest rundowns I've heard to date.
I did have my final "before surgery" meet with the surgeon yesterday. He relaxed my mind a bit as he told me with my pre op weight loss of 40 pounds and a week to go he won't be using a urinary cath, also that the drainage thing he removes prior to leaving hospital unless it's a rare situation.
First time ever I got a report of my lean muscle, BMI, and fat percentages and was shown with my lean muscle being 161 pounds of my current body that my weight possibility is about 190 - 200 as long as I don't allow that muscle to drop - keep moving and Protein coming in.
I realized after leaving the surgeons office that there were questions that may not have been so important to me because I forgot to ask them when I had his ear. When will I be able to ride a Rollercoaster was just never on my mind when I was there, because in the end as this date gets closer that's just so far at the bottom of the list of need to know that I will think to ask after surgery maybe.
They took me off insulin as of yesterday as well, only on lisinopril for kidneys and metformin for diabetes currently and internist told me there's a solid chance I can expect both those gone post op as well!!!!!! I'll take that in exchange for some pain and Vitamins.
I'm still scared, I'm dying one way or the other on that table on the 28th at 12:30 PM. THIS man will cease to be here when I wake up in recovery, a NEW life will have been awarded to me. It feels strange to think about it this way, even scarier to some that I've told this to, but how else can one describe 39 years of food being the primary focus and eating bing the thing I was the best at doing and going thru this surgery to have food become the least important thing and eating becoming the thing I'll be the worst at.
My kids are 8 and 5 and although they've gained some bad eating choices from their dad, they haven't gained weight like some kids - blessed as i feel to have thinner children I feel more blessed to have the opportunity to make an example going forward on what are the better choices food and exercise wise for them.
And when I drop to 200 pounds I'm gonna grab them each up at one time and walk down the block, just to remember what it felt like to walk around with an extra 80-100 pounds (I'll have to borrow the neighbors kid to remember what an extra 150 pounds felt like)
Focus and drive and just stubborn enough to make sure this happens the right way.

We have the same date!!

Thanks for posting this! So well said! My nerves are also starting to get to me. I am scheduled for July 27th. We can do this!!

Dub,
Thanks for sharing that. I needed to read that as my surgery date approaches. Thanks, sir!

FrankinTexas, my liquid diet starts today as well. The nutritionist said 2 meals today 1 Protein Shake, 1 meal tomorrow 2 Protein Shakes, then from Wednesday on its liquids, Protein shakes, sugar free popsicles etc. I'm a little nervous but ready to give it my all.

That is great news, Dub! I hope those injections give you some relief.
I had my last preop meeting with my surgeon today. July 27 is coming quickly. As my college students say, " Shit just got real" LOL

That is great news, Dub! I hope those injections give you some relief.
I had my last preop meeting with my surgeon today. July 27 is coming quickly. As my college students say, " Shit just got real" LOL

Sending prayers. YOu will do great!

Luvnme4eva,
IT is great to have a surgery twin! I started the liquid diet today.

@Frankin Texas I'm 50 years old now and I told myself this was going to be a gift to myself and I'm finally getting it done before my 50 year old mark is over and I move on the the nasty 51 LOL.

Well, I go Monday, but now I won't know until my surgery is over whether I am having the sleeve or the bypass. Due to possible complications from my last surgery last year when my bowels ruptured and they had to remove my appendix. Take out a small portion of my colon and put a colostomy in. So all of that took place in the area of where my bypass would be.
I have a lot of health issues, hence the reason and decision to have this surgery. I prayed and ask God to heal my body. I asked God if this surgery was not for me, to shut every door tight.
If I had done this surgery anytime before my 65 th birthday, it would have costed me @ least 20% of the total cost.
My first choice is the bypass due to my desire to get rid of the diabetes, which I have been told that the bypass offers greater results for that. But if there is a lot of adhesions and scar tissue it could cause a great degree of complication for me and greatly increase my risk factors. I have put all my faith in God. I prayed about this surgery before my final decision to have it. God has opened every door: I mailed my application to begin this process on a Saturday afternoon. The hospital called me on the following Tuesday (3 days), they had already approved me for the surgery. I just turned 65 in April, signed up for Medicare, chose Colonial Pen G plan as my secondary coverage. When the hospital called that Tuesday, she said, "you have already been approved and guess what? You don't have to pay one dime. You are covered 100% through your two insurances". 2 weeks later, I received my pre op education date and my surgery date. I only need to loose 8 lbs, no medical pre-requirements, no liquid diets and surgery on Monday. I told my doctor, I trust God and I trust him, so let's do this, he said, " I am so glad because I am a Lutheran and it don't get no better than that." So, God has opened every door for me. On Monday morning, I am going into that surgical suite with all power and all faith, knowing that His Word says: all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord , and who are called according to His purpose. And, anything you ask in my name, I will do. I will keep you all posted.

July 30th

@@FrankinTexas that's also my date. Yay us!!!

You got this @Frankin Texas how exciting! I can't wait to be there soon too, I'm only about 2 to 3 weeks behind you I think. All of you who are starting your 2 week liquid diet I am keeping you in my thoughts and prays it will become easy for you to master

My surgery is also on July 27th. We can do this! Starting my 2 week liquid tomorrow as well.

Way to go, Karl! I am doing this as a 50th birthday present to myself. Hope to see 50 more years! Wishing you the best!

That's a tough situation right there, Karl.
They have their reasons for feeling the way they do......and you have your reasons for going through with the surgery.
Your reasons trump theirs.
Your long term health is your motivator.
Tough situation but I'll bet it is a temporary one. Once they see how healthy and vital you become, they will have to support your decision.
Many people see our desire to have surgery as a "short cut". For most of us, though, it's a tool that we came to employ after a lot of hard work and effort on our part, only to have difficulties continue.
Even with tons of family support.....or lack of this support......to a large degree it's a battle we have to fight on our own. Se have to reach the point where we decide to have the surgery. We have to be the ones to hold ourselves accountable each day...before and after the surgery. Sure it helps to know folks are in your corner.....but it's you that's in the ring.
I think that in many ways, you are more destined for success than others may be. Some of us decided to pursue the surgery based on support (pressure) from our family members. It's not until the 11th hour of the process that we have that gut check.....is this what I want. No, you've made your call on your own and are committed to it.
I'm betting they will come around. Your health won't be compromised by their lack of support now, though.
Best wishes, Karl. You got this !

Hate to hear that. Hang in there!

Karl,
I totally understand. When I told my mother, she immediately said, " You don't need that!". I assured her that I did for my health. I am an only child and told her I would like to be around to care for her as she gets older. My significant other is on board, but very hesitant.

Thanks, everyone!
Dub: I have started the liquid diet. My doctor does a progressive liquid diet. For one week, I replace 1 meal with liquids. Next week I replace two meals with liquids and then the week before surgery I replace all meals with liquids.

I've been using a CPAP for the past 10+ years.
You will love the well rested feeling you'll get upon waking up each day.
No more headaches.
No more falling asleep on the job.
No more drowsiness while driving.
CPAP is awesome and well worth the first couple nights where you get used to the mask. Well worth it.
Everyone will be amazed at how quiet you now sleep. No more snoring ever again.
You are in luck!!!

I know just how you feel. I keep thinking of all the things that can go wrong but then i tell myself- those things arent supposed to happen and i have a good surgeon who will take good care of me with Gods help.
I have a three hr class to go to tomorrow. Kind of excited for it????