finding_onederland

I was thinking that I would take 1 week off and then work remotely for a couple of weeks. Seems like I need to take more? We have a good short term disability policy at work so I will be covered at least!

That's awesome! The little things!

Congrats! I am sure that is a huge relief! Hope all goes well!

Every.dang.day I go back & forth on whether or not to proceed with this process. I think about what I'll miss out on - I wonder if I'll be able to make the lifestyle changes I need to make - but then I see success stories & think what I could achieve!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have not, no - what kind of counseling? Were you seeing a counselor before the process, or is it part of the process? It is a good idea though! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@brandici I had my weight record booklet from the past year.

I have had a few surgeries and there is no sleep like anesthesia sleep! Good luck with eveything!

Just curious about this step - do they ask about habits, do they ask about depression, self esteem, home life? All of the above? I don't think I will have any issues (I hope not anyway) but I would like to know what I am walking into (if the psychologist office ever calls me to set up the appointment, that is!)

The surgeon did not say why he needed it - The surgeon I am using is a "bariatric center for excellence" (northeast georgia bariatrics) so my guess is that the letter of understanding from the patients is part of that "accreditation" (for lack of a better term).

I am planning on writing the letter for my husband and having him sign it. If I waited for him to actually write it I would probably be qualified for the surgery in a couple of years. Maybe so we get used to more acitivty? LOL it is a huge PITA for sure!

My surgeon requires that I write a "Letter of Understanding" and my support person has to submit one also. But they pretty much outline what is expected in the letter. My letter has to include: A - the risk of obesity B - why the operation is performed C- How the operation is performed D - The expected benefits of the surgery E - the possible risks of surgery F - the alternatives to surgery G - the importance of long term follow up H - a detailed description of your support system I - Intro to nutrition for Weight loss surgery and the post- op diet stages HTH

I've got a new goal then!

Just once, I think??

@@KristenLe Thanks much!

I have to get medical clearance from my PCP. I saw the nurse practitioner today and she was surprisingly supportive - especially with the surgeon I have. She said she thought it was a great tool to help people who have struggled to lose for a long time and that surgery is an under-utilized tool. I don't know why - but I was expecting a fair amount of pushback from my doctor. One hurdle cleared!

@@Tina4heath4ever the medical clearance from my PCP was the surgeon's requirement - not the insurance company's. I think it is so crazy that there are so many different requirements depending on the insurance and/or doctor. Seems like there should be a standard set of requirements.

seems silly to me too! My insurance stipulated 12 months of a conservative weight loss program (non surgical) so WW counted (since I have been a WW'er pretty much my whole adult life)

I just started the process in May. I am trying to jump through the hoops as quickly as possible. I would love an August or September date, but realize it could be much longer.

@@missjaded44 - you look phenomenal! May I ask how old you are? I'm just starting the process and I am worried about how my skin will look after weight loss - I'm 43. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I asked HR today about the process for leave, because there is a possibility of surgery. Once I get approved and have a date, that is when I will tell my boss that I will need to be out due to surgery. I don't intend to tell anyone at work that I am having WLS - but I am guessing they will put two and two together since I will be losing weight after a surgery and a two week LOA.

I am glad for this topic! I am early on in the process, and so far have discussed the surgery with my husband, my BFF and another close friend (because she just got sleeved and is the whole reason I am considering the surgery). I think I have pretty much decided I am not telling my extended family, I don't see them often and they know I am always trying to lose weight. I am thinking I will have to tell my kids (since they live with me and will wonder why I am eating differently). So, as far as work goes - they can't ask what kind of surgery I am having? Although I am guessing people will put two and two together if I come back after being gone for two weeks and have lost weight?

That is the question?!? I am running the gambit of emotions here. A dear friend of mine was sleeved about two weeks ago, and she is the reason I am considering the surgery. I have considered it in the past, but dismissed it because I always thought I would eventually achieve the weight loss on my own. Well, that hasn't happened. My biggest question to myself is, if I am going to have to make the food and exercise lifestyle changes anyway, then why should I spend the money and go through the risks of surgery? My answer to myself is - because I won't have a choice (as far as food goes). And my husband asked, You aren't working out now, why will it be any different than if you have surgery? (he didn't say this maliciously, he has always been very supportive of me in my bajillion Weight Loss attempts) I am so conflicted. The thought of getting to a healthy weight is absolutely exhilarating. The only time I have been at a healthy weight is when I first met my husband (over 20 years ago) and even then I was probably considered overweight.

@daniotra @KristenLe @OutsideMatchInside @VSGAnn2014 @@nyseness @@CharlotteKat @@PayItForward Thank you all for your responses! After thinking about it a couple of days, I have decided to go forward with the process. I met with the doctor on May 12th, he said that I am a good candidate for the surgery. I met with the nutritionist who told me that I should start changing diet to mimic (although in larger portions) what I will be eating around 12 weeks post op (and have to keep food journals to turn in to her) I went to a support group meeting (a monthly requirement until I have the surgery, and a year post-op) I have contacted my insurance and they have indicated that they will cover the procedure (of course, still have to get formal approval once the doctor submits it). So for now, all systems are moving forward!

This was my thought exactly.