Learningtolive

Have a great surgery! It's all for a great reason, and waiting stinks but hey, the end results will turn out beautifully. Keep us updated!

I've told a few ppl: my husband, my mom, a good friend who is long distance, and the doctor I work for. That's it. I know ppl will be judgey. The doctor I work for has been. I've lost some weight on a diet set by the nutritionist and he's like "Now you won't need the surgery, right?" Um, no. Because I've been down this road before and I stop after like 20lbs lost. So as far as social media, or anyone really, I've discussed with my support peeps that I'll just have the surgery and if ppl ask about weight loss, or anything well I work hard at what I eat lol

Any incision usually goes through muscle as your body is muscles around your bones. I had a C-section (I know, not the same) but the pain takes time. I was up and walking a lot after too but it's a healing thing. It gets better. Course when I have my procedure I know I'll be on here saying the same things.

My surgeon wants to meet end of Dec/beginning of January to schedule so I just may be a January WLS!

Saw the medical doctor in the lifestyle medicine group, which is what the hospital makes you see for the steps up to surgery. The medical doctor basically is there to medically clear you for surgery. My first visit with her and she cleared me. My weight is down almost 9lbs in 2 weeks, that's 2 weeks since I've seen the dietician and started the whole calorie count and Protein supplementing. Amazing! I wanted to cry when I saw that scale. I can't lose too much or I may no longer be a candidate for surgery, but it feels great to lose and see results. I'm happy. Had a blood draw and hoping my labs come out good as well, they were not so good back in March when I saw my PCP with high HgA1c and cholesterols all bad. And I'm excited cause today the family is going to Disney World! Nervous about the plane because I hate plane rides and I've gained since my last plane ride so hoping I fit in the seat fine. But excited for the trip and a much needed break from my crazy work life. I may cheat a little on the diet since there's a whole lotta walking the parks and everything, but nothing too crazy. Just some sweets here and there which I haven't had for 2 weeks!

To me life is a bunch of journeys intermixed, least that's how my life has always been. Things have been great in one arena, horrid in another, and for as long as I can remember it's always been that way. SO I am starting a new journey in life when I decided that I'm going to get RNY. I've always hated my body and thought it was fat, since I could remember to be honest. I go through phases where I don't care what others think/I love myself, etc, to a phase of self-loathing and then punishment by eating. I've tried to lose weight through diet and exercise, definitely didn't work. And my back would hurt so bad from the extra weight I had put on. One day it hit me, bariatric surgery! I googled about programs where I work (I work outpatient with a big hospital in Chicago), and it suddenly made sense. So I looked up surgeons who accepted my insurance, did surgery at the hospital (With the insurance through the hospital everything such as visits, surgery, hospitalization are pretty much covered). Chose the surgeon and had my first visit 2 weeks ago. He was a great surgeon, friendly, actually seemed to care about me. I was like "Great, I'll go with this guy." He was understanding and didn't judge that I am now my heaviest, 277lb. He gave me hope. Then last weekend took my 4 year old daughter to a theme park and I couldn't fit in some of the rides (Never had this problem before). Tried to go on one of my fave rides and nope, seat belt wouldn't buckle, butt not completely in seat. I got up and left and wanted to cry. That solidified this decision. Not only am I huge, but this isn't fair to my daughter to not be able to enjoy stuff because mommy doesn't fit or is too lazy. Unacceptable. I thrive to be a good mom. This past week has been scheduling appointments that my doctor has set out on his 3 month plan. With my insurance it's 3 months of multidisciplinary management. So not only working with a huge health system, it was difficult to make appointments sooner than later due to being so huge and having so many patients. I literally stalked schedules of various departments through the computer system and then would call and moved so many things around when I saw openings. I keep my schedule in contact with my surgeon so he is aware where I am in the process and now he wants a mid to late January surgery. I'm open to this for sure! Sooner than later is good for me. Plus then I qualify for FMLA as well. But I'm nervous. My life is so hiccup ridden it's not even funny. I have a persistent H. pylori infection (stomach bacteria that affect some but for the most part doesn't bother others). This could delay surgery but I won't know until November when I could follow-up with my GI doctor. I have to pay out of pocket for my initial nutritionist's appt because the soonest I could get was with someone who isn't with any insurance except medicaid and medicare, great. So there goes $200 I don't really have extra at the moment. I couldn't see the psychologist until March so now paying another $200 out of pocket for an evaluation from him. It's adding up and financial matters have always scared me. These bumps in the road make me more anxious about if I'll qualify, will I not have a net gain, etc. I'm always anxious, I also have anxiety and depression to add to all of this. That's just who I am. Funny part, between my nutritionist appts I am going to Disney World with my family. Just hoping I don't gain anything from there. Last year I actually ate a ton there and lost 10lbs because we walked soooo much there. It'll be my last trip as "normal" me but I'm ready for a new normal as well. I can do this. And sadly I wish I could say my husband was the most supportive like I've read from others on here. He's really not. His response to anytime I bring this up, "Do whatever you want, it's your stomach." So right now a co-worker is my support (she had this done last year), my mom who lives 3 hours away but sent some money to help with out of pocket pays, and you guys. So let's begin this journey. And I can't promise I won't stress and be anxious, it's hard to change this, but with your help I don't feel so alone. Thanks. (I will update as appts, whatever happens)

I have Aetna and it just mentions I need to have multidisciplinary care for 3 months including nutritionist, MD, and psychologist. Doesn't state how many visits of each are needed, etc. So my surgeon said his first visit with me can count as day 1 because it fulfills the requirement. Hoping it goes relatively easy when it is submitted.

Congrats!!! And good luck!

Ugh I've had H. pylori since March. This was all pre-bypass decision but still, it made me terribly nauseous and I vomited all the time. H. pylori is in many people's guts but doesn't affect them, then others like me makes them sick, can cause ulcers, and cancer even. I went through several rounds of antibiotics and have an appt with my GI doctor to be sure it's gone Nov. 10th. After bypass H. pylori can really affect the pouch, that's why they test for it on everyone. It can cause ulcerations moreso than a normal stomach.

Illinois Medicaid is frustrating to say the least. I've worked with Medicaid patients since being a nurse and it's terrible the hoops some have to jump through for simple things, or the waits for stuff too. Good luck!

I'm only a week into my 90 day diet for insurance approval. I have food aversion like you wouldn't believe, eating has become a chore and some days I have only taken in 800 calories because I'm just not hungry and it's difficult to force myself. I know this sounds silly and it's so early in the game. I'm on a 1200-1500 calorie diet with 90g of Protein as the goal. I get the protein for sure, but again I am having issues with the eating aspect.

Welcome!!! To keep track of my protein/calories I use MyFitnessPal which can be used online or as an app on your phone. Very easy to use and it has a barcode scanner for products too. I swear by this app now. (haven't had surgery yet)

Find a surgeon to talk with them about your options of type of surgery and to discuss the steps with you. Many of the hospitals have days where you go to a seminar about weight loss surgery as well, I know Northwestern has them twice a month or so. Or ask your primary if he knows of a bariatric surgeon to refer to you.

Yeah maybe Protein drinks may be the answer. I went to Whole Foods, perused their Protein shake section and chose samples of ones that met the requirements. Some have been super nasty but a few I liked. I'll try the Isopure though for sure. I'm eating like I've already had the surgery but I definitely need more calories in me. Going to start my Vitamins this week because I know that'll make me feel better too.

Congrats on your decision, and I'm glad you're finally thinking about you! Very well deserved. Good luck and keep us updated!

I got so excited for you. Congrats!

I keep wondering how everyone on here is doing, it's weird. In moments where I feel weak, I think about you board members. Had my psychologist's appointment yesterday. I was worried as usual, especially since I take medication for anxiety and depression. The appointment was quicker than he expected because I have no issues. I've read up on the surgery, well versed in every aspect. He just says to be aware that you have to maintain this lifestyle otherwise in 5 years the weight would come back. Not a possibility in my world because I won't allow it. He said psychologically I'm approved. One more hurdle down. This low calorie diet is hard but I'm managing. I'm finding it most difficult to snack between meals as I've never really done this. So I'm bringing carrot sticks to work, some wheat thins. I drink a Protein shake for my evening snack (I usually eat dinner around 4pm because of my daughter). But I've found I get hot so easily lately. I think it's from the high protein, low calories. It's causing some stuff inside to burn a little. I think I'm hungry a lot too but I know with time this will diminish as my ever expanding stomach learns to take in less. I can do this. And surprisingly, my husband has been super supportive asking types of meals are good and looking at nutrition labels with me. I'm hoping this journey continues to go well. I'm tired today and may just get a coffee (no sweetener for this lady but I do like skim in my coffee) otherwise I will not get through the day. I'm sleepy too quite a bit, but this too shall pass.

That's why I'm keeping my surgery a secret from pretty much everyone. My husband knows, my mom, a coworker who has had it, and my boss so they're aware why I'm always going to appointments and have an upcoming surgery. That's it. I don't need unwarranted advice and I know it'll just frustrate me. (people do the same things when you're pregnant and I HATED it)

Thanks everyone. I love reading everyone's "aha" moment and their journeys. Inspirations, all of you, regardless of where you are on this journey! Went to the first nutritionist's appt today. I was worried about being judged, shamed, something negative. Not at all! She gave me tools that I knew about (I'm a nurse, I've taken nutrition classes in college, etc). and then set my goals for next appt which is like 45 days away. I'm nervous because you can't have a net gain, what if I do? I won't allow that to happen but what if it does? There's that anxiety trying to make me doubt me. No! My goals are: 1500 calories/day, 70-80g protein/day, reduce portions, and bring food to work and snack. I don't count calories, I tend to eat a lot, and I always buy food out at work because I just don't bring food to work. And I don't snack. My weight was 270, 2 weeks ago at surgeon's it was 277, not sure if that's true or what. Either way, CANNOT gain! And hopefully this will be a relatively easy process. I know I can do this. I have the support of all of you! And tomorrow, the psychologist appt.... I dread this one too.

Told you!! Congrats!!

Second hand smoke can put nicotine in your system, some may even come off of his clothing after he's just finished and you go around him. If its a minute amount I wouldn't even worry to be honest.

It'll work out Think positive! I have Aetna too so I'll have to play ball with them a bit as well. Could you tell me your process if possible what you did and when? Just want to compare. You can PM if you don't wanna post it under this topic.

Not from NY so not much help but I'm newer to the boards too Welcome and I hope you get it figured out. Maybe there's a way on the insurance website to look up surgeons? That's what I did because I don't need referrals for specialists with mine so I look them up to see if they're in network then go from there.

Pre-op RNY here You mentioned this in a previous post about being from Chicago! Pre Date: Late January Hospital: Northwestern

That's exciting. Congrats! What a great way to start your day!