ava32

Thank you for your words. I feel like every month I get closer to surgery another worry plagues me. One month it was fear of loose skin, then possible blood clots the next.

Thanks for the replies so far. People have already been questioning my food choices and I just tell them I'm eating more Protein. I'm a pretty private person so I plan on keeping my surgery under wraps with coworkers. I still haven't figured out how to ask for leave from work. Btw, I'm having surgery at the same hospital where I'm working. I got the job AFTER choosing the weight loss center.

I'm 23 and halfway through my required 6 month weight loss. If insurance approves, I should have my surgery in August. Being young how do you deal with the stigmas or judgment of "not losing the weight on your own"? As I'm getting closer to the finish line, a lot of anxiety and doubt are kicking in and I'm feeling guilty about getting surgery. I recently got a job working at a hospital, and it has become difficult hearing the 20-somethings discussing training for marathons or belittling people who've had bariatric surgery. When that happens I try to block it out. How have you guys pre & post op dealt with the negativity/stigma of being "young" and having bariatric surgery?

Thank you all for the advice and sharing your stories. Truly appreciated.

I had the choice to choose either my PCP or the NUT & PA from the weight loss center. I decided to go with the weight loss center mainly because thy have better(free) parking and because it is helping me form a better bond with everyone on my team.

I'm starting Nursing school less than a month after surgery. I'm SO nervous to see how it will turn out. [emoji15]

I want a small one too on my wrist. I should be having surgery in August. I made a deal with my mom and she is going to pay for my tattoo after I reach a certain goal after surgery. We haven't determined the goal just yet. [emoji3]

I've started my journey in January. For insurance approval I have to do a 6 month medically supervised weight loss program. I was extremely bummed out when I was told this and wanted to give up. My mom pushed me to continue. I just had my halfway mark appointment 2 weeks ago and my team said I've been doing really good. Since January I'm down 24-28 lbs., mainly because of my extremely low carb/calorie intake. My social worker asked me if I still wanted the surgery and gave me "homework" to do. The homework is to make a pros/cons list for getting surgery. He told me not to forget that at the end of the day the weight loss center is a business and that they will push you to get the surgery because they will make more money. I'm 23 and have struggled with my weight ALL my life. I've done Weight Watchers, Nurtisystem, Jenny Craig, Atkins, etc. I loose the weight then it creeps back on. My family has a history of heart disease, diabetes, high BP and etc. I will be starting Nursing school soon and I don't want my weight to continue to get in the way of me fully living life anymore. I'm not sure what to do. I still want to get the surgery but the social worker has put doubt in my mind, and I can't stop thinking about if I'm making a huge mistake. Any advice or opinions are welcomed. I'm totally lost right now.

Jeez. My insurance requires 6 months. I almost halfway through. My appointments are very expensive, luckily insurance covers some of it. I looked at a bill for one of my visits and was charged $400+. All the physician assistant asked if I'm having problems with my diet or if I needed help with meal ideas. Total visit was about 8 minutes and I got charged $400. I just can't wait until I'm done.

My mom is my #1 supporter. She's in my corner for the surgery 10000%. I told my dad & step mom and they are against it. I'm very hesitant to tell anyone else. It is my body and I determine when/if I decide to tell someone. Keep it as confidential as you are comfortable with.

They need to understand that if you don't have the surgery you have a greater chance of "dying". I have a weight loss account on Instagram and it has been a blessing as well as this app. The center where I'll be having my surgery host support groups twice a month. You should find out if there are any WLS support groups in your area. Stay strong and block out the naysayers. I too have family who are against me having surgery but I don't care. Good luck!

I have to do the 6 month diet too. I have 5 more to go. I was told that at the half way mark (April), I meet again with the NUT, psychologist & surgeon. At that time they review my food diary and progress(weight & measurements) and put together a file to send to my insurance. Once the heat back from my insurance we can set a date. I'm hoping it will be in August. Good luck!

Because of the hoops I had to go through with my insurance, I officially began the journey Dec 2015. I was really bummed out that my insurance wanted me to do a 6 month supervised diet. I'm one full month in and I see that it is the best thing for me. At my appointment in February I was told I lost 5 pounds. My thinking has changed completely but I still have cravings for the junk that got me in this situation. When I go later this month I want to be down another 5 pounds. I just have to be careful not to go under the BMI for my insurance. Good luck on your journey!

I'm so glad you shared that you are a student. I was so worried about missing too much class time and etc after surgery. Because of insurance reasons my surgery will be around late August/early September. I was intending to apply to nursing school and start in the fall. Luckily I talked to the advisor at the school and they also have a winter admissions. So now I plan on applying for the winter cohort. I'd like to hear more about your progress with school after your surgery. Good luck!

Congrats!!

I'm looking forward to this. Enjoy yourself, yet be careful.

Great ideas! Do you have any specific recommendations? I.e. brands of lotions

Jeez I'm pre op. My current bra size is 40 H. By the time I get to my goal weight I'm sure I'll be able to sling them over my shoulders. [emoji30] *creates GoFundMe for boob job*

I'm pre op VSG. I'm currently a CNA at an assisted living facility, while going to Nursing school. When I first got hired, during lunch a group of women stared and made comments about my size. When I got home I cried to my mom. She told me "some old people have loose lips". I laughed a little but it still hurt. I've been working there for a while now and I still get uncomfortable around those women.

To make a long story short: I'm 23 & pre op. I suffer from severe depression/anxiety & I have lower back pain. I medicate using marijuana occasionally. I just prefer it over my prescription meds & Tylenol. Yes, I know I have to stop medicating(smoking) at least two weeks before surgery and it is not recommended to smoke after. I met a Pre Op VSG'er on IG who said her insurance company asked for a tox screen as part of her approval. I have Regence Uniform Medical Plan. Does anyone know if this particular insurance plan requires a tox screen?

Wow! Congrats! You look great.

Ooooo that's a good one! Although I still like Dolly's version better Dolly can do no wrong. Dolly wrote it, so her version had so much more depth and feeling in it than anyone else could. Whitney's version was great for her vocal abilities, but she didn't have the heartbreak and sadness that Dolly put into it. She's still a pistol, too. Hooray! I thought I was the only one who preferred Dolly's version. Yes...Whitney's vocals are amazing but the heartache comes through in Dolly's version in a way that Whitney's doesn't. I can cry just thinking about this song...much less hearing it. Seriously? Whitney Houston sung that song like it was made for her. Still gets chills whenever I listen to it. ????

I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston

Just turned 23 and I'm one month into my 6 month supervised weight loss. I calculated that if things go well I should have my surgery sometime around August/September. My concern is I will be starting Nursing school around that time. How long after surgery can I go back to school? What if I get too far behind? How has anyone adjusted to college life after WLS(i.e. socializing, partying, dating, etc) As a nursing student I'm sure my life will be extremely busy, but I still want to have fun.

Just turned 23 and that is a huge concern for me as well. I'm single and I fear dating after wls. Our generation is completely into physical image. I hope I "snap back" well after surgery. I've already made up my mind to get a breast lift after reaching my goal weight. ????