finding_onederland

That is really a shame - but it's also the reason I won't be telling my mom about my surgery either. It's funny, my mom used to tell me the same thing - "just write down what you eat" & I remember asking her - ok, then what?!? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I feel your pain!!! We have a grocery list app installed on EVERY family member's phone - all they have to do is update the list and it will get purchased (within reason). I am sure you can guess who updates the list.

Do you seriously have to have a conversation RIGHT OUTSIDE my office door? I am working here....(most of the time).

@@Babbs seriously? You are turning 49? You look fabulous! I was thinking you look a bit like Anna Faris!

Saving this for a later date....

Wow! That's a quick turnaround! How exciting! Hope it all goes according to plan!

Looks like you had an amazing time! What a wonderful vacation! Congrats on all your NSV's! Your story is so encouraging - I hope to be able to post a similar story in 3 years!

I have occasional reflux, and when I do have an episode (usually from a poor food choice), it is pretty uncomfortable. What have your experiences been with reflux and the sleeve? TIA!

@@newbie1021 LOL, Did you really mean finish your oreos, or was that a typo? Seems that there are many variations of a first consultation appointment, but my first appointment went like this: An hour and a half "presentation" on weight loss surgery (risks of obesity, surgery, overview of the process, etc.) with the nutritionist. A 15 minute one on one with the Nutritionist who explained the phases of the "diets" pre and post surgery and instructed me to keep a food log and to start changing my eating habits. 10 minutes with the surgeon himself who basically looked at my chart and said that I would be a good candidate for either surgery. Then I met with his nurse who scheduled my next appointment and put in a referral for a psychologist (a requirement of my surgeon's, and from what I gather, a requirement for most surgeons). This was May 12th. My next appointment is June 9.

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!

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

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

@@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!

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!

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!)

@@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.

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!