katie09/21/2016

I told my close friends and family. I told my boss and my employees as I would need a week off. I don't care what others think. I figured I'm going to be drastically losing weight why not just tell the truth. I know I've tried everything under the sun to lose weight and now I have severe health issues so I have to.
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I have just begun the process and have only shared my intentions with my children, husband and three friends I knew would be supportive.
I'm interested in hearing your stories of who, how and when you told others (if you did).
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My VSG was Tuesday. I feel great. I wish you all a speedy recovery!!
Female
NC
HW:280
HT:5'9"
VSG:9/6/16

I only have a week and on day 3. Today better than day 1 and 2. Those days sucked. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using the BariatricPal App

I'm on day 5. It's getting easier but I can't wait until it's over. My surgery is on the 16th. Good luck to you! Sent from my SM-N920P using the BariatricPal App

Hello all. This is my first post here. Surgery scheduled for Sept 14th. Excited/nervous.
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That is a great idea with the broth...make it as full of flavor as possible! Thanks
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I was just recently made aware of this.
Last week a buddy at work calls me and says he has something for me.
We hook up and he hands me a ziplock bag full of habaneros.....chocolate habaneros. They are a special strain that a friend of his grows.
I show them to another hombre I work with and he gets all googly-eyed and antsy....wanting to try them. I hand them over....he pops one in his mouth and pulls out the stem and starts chewing....slowly.
I'm sorta in awe.
Dude finishes it off and says...."Not bad. The heat built for a minute then leveled off. Nowhere near the heat of the Carolina Reaper I had this morning......I had to have a glass of milk after that one".
He went on to explain the relief that dairy products can offer.....and to NOT drink Water in that situation as it just spreads the burn around.
I handed the bag of chocolate habaneros over to him and shook his hand. I like hot....but I like it to add flavor. They can have their insanely hot stuff. Jalapeños and habaneros are my comfort zone.

I get creative with my broth now. I get the boxed broth of the organic chicken or beef broth. I boil it on low with veggies like carrot, cabbage, celery, green onion and a slice of jalepeno a chunk of garlic with a dash of pepper and celery salt. Strain it and sip!!! It's really yummy. Good luck!! Turtle5559

Once I made my decision, I was ready, so I can't help you with the wishy-washy stuff.
No one at work knows why I was out of work other than HR. Before I left on FMLA, my boss made the comment that he hopes I'm okay but doesn't want to be nosey. He was hinting around to try and find out why I was out, but I was vague and just said I was fine and everything would be okay. I only see him once a month, so when I see him next, I'll probably be down about 45lbs. I don't *think* he'll comment on my weightloss, but if he does, I'll say "thank you" and move the conversation in a different direction.
If my employees ask why I was out, I'll say hiatal hernia repair. If they comment about my weightloss, I'll tell them the partial truth: exercise and a proper diet.

You could say you are having hernia surgery. That is pretty basic, lots of people have hernias. Then you could just say you aren't able to eat as much since you have had surgery and you aren't feeling very well if people continue to question you.
I don't work so I don't need to worry too much about daily questions. I haven't decided fully if I will be telling people I had surgery (it will be the end of this month). I think most people will assume that I did because I have been very overweight for so many years. I think I will cross that bridge when I get to it.

I am so wishy wasn't even being 9 days away I still go back and forth! I don't have a limit of who I tell only because it's been a long time coming for me and you either on board or not. And if not I really don't care just because I'm bettering me and opinions will always be out there
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So on Monday I had my psychiatric evaluation that I believe I passed with flying colors. However, afterwards I was extremely drained. I came home that night in panic about having this surgery. I told myself that I can't do this. I can never NOT have pizza again EVER! And what about my coffee? I love coffee! And then she mentioned my hair may fall out in Patches and be quite noticeable. She scared me. And it worked. I then googled every complication I could possibly have (and I do not recommend doing that).
Then there is Friday... And I feel better about it. I had an upper GI because the surgeon wants to make sure my reflux is under control since there is a chance it may get worse after the surgery. And today I read many success stories about people who thought it was the best decision ever made. Why am I so wishy washy? Does everyone get like this? The constant going back and forth. And in the meantime I am miserable in my own skin.
Next week on Tuesday is my first nutrition class. I hope to meet others who are going through the same emotions as I am. I'm also having dinner on Tuesday evening with an acquaintance who has had the sleeve in the past year.
My plan is to take 6 weeks of work to concentrate on me and my health. I have a pretty stressful job. Only a few family members and one close friend will know the actual surgery I had. And I worry about whether I can keep up the lie at work. Some are quite nosey. Did anyone else lie to those at work? What did you say when they asked what kind of surgery you had?
Thank you for reading. Feedback on any of these issues is greatly appreciated.
Jen

The low carb shakes took me a few days to get my body in ketosis.
Once that hit.....I guess it started feeding on my body's fat supply......which I had an abundance of, lol, and still do. My hunger dropped way off. Then it simply became spacing out my 3-4 shakes at even time intervals.....drinking lots of Water in between........and I had coffee with Splenda when the urge to snack hit. The second week past much quicker and easier than the first.

Yes. After my appointment yesterday to set my date for surgery, this surgeon joins my son's surgeon from years ago as two of the smartest and strangest people I've ever met. Lol. And like two of you shared, this doctor was personable the first time I met him. I am sure that their job is extremely stressful especially if they really do care. I can't imagine staying focused for hours working inside someone's body. I think the biggest concern is their success rate. My opinion.
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I agree with @@KristenLe, surgical skills are the most important! I needed to be reminded of this as well 7 months ago. At my first appointment with my surgeon he was kind, patient and caring. By my next appointment and all the way through to my follow up appointments, his true personality came out. His answers became short and to the point and his time seemed valuable only to him. From that point on my "go to" person in his office was his kind, knowledgeable Bariatric Nurse. I called her for most everything, pre and post op! Keep us posted on the blood work regarding Lupus, it could just be a false positive and needs to be repeated.

@@KristenLe you said what I was thinking! I was on blood thinners as well. I just assumed that was a normal thing they do.

@@KristenLe
Thank you! I didn't know what the test meant at the time and the word Lupus kept getting tossed around. I did call my PCP today and she is reaching out to get the bloodwork so we can address it post op if need be.
I do have to come to terms with the fact that my surgeon is just that - a surgeon. He has no time for the conscious/nervous version of me. He 100% is one of those with the "God Complex", but as I said, he is reputable, and I think I only care that he is good at his job and at this time next week I am on the road to a smooth recovery.

@@ALittleMe0914 Surgeon's operate on people who are under anesthesia for a reason - they usually have a shitty bedside manner and often have a God-complex. That's okay - you don't need them for their personality - but for their surgical skills. If you didn't already know - this test would indicate you have a higher risk of developing clots - which is why he'll put you on blood thinners. I would be sure your PCP gets your blood work and schedule an appointment with them soon to follow-up.

In my limited experience with surgeons, I feel like they are not the same as other doctors. They don't necessarily have the patient skills or "bedside manner" we are accustomed to with other doctors, but that doesn't mean they are not good at what they do. It's just that what they do best usually involves a "sleeping" patient that they don't have to talk to. My surgeon's office gave me a booklet, and it basically says to read the whole thing, and if you call the office to ask a question that is in the book, they will just refer you to the page in the book. I rely on my booklet for everything! As for the day of surgery, the nurses and anesthetists should be able to answer all your questions and allay any fears you might have. If you are confident in your surgeon's ability to perform the surgery, I would focus on that and reach out to your regular doctor for answers about your abnormal bloodwork. Good luck!

Hi Guys!
I am finding myself wanting to go on a rant about my surgeon and just curious if anyone has had similar experience.
I saw my surgeon yesterday for my final pre-op weigh in and consult. The first time I met with him I thought he was kind, knowledgeable and I know he has a great reputation. Fast forward to today ......... I first met with his NP, who gave me my instructions for the few days before surgery. She told me that they found an abnormality in my bloodwork, and that I tested positive for a Lupus Anticoagulant. Has this every happened to any of you? While I have heard of Lupus, I have never really heard of it this specific abnormality (it's not a diagnosis).
Anyway, she told me that my surgeon would come in and talk more in detail about it. He did come in, but he seemed to be in such a rush to the point that he made me talk really fast and gave me anxiety. He didn't seem to want to talk to me or answer my questions. I asked him about the abnormality and what I should do ..... and he basically said "don't worry about it, I'm going to give you some shots to take at home after surgery, otherwise call your PCP and she'll refer you to a specialist, I am only worried about your surgery." I asked him about the day of surgery and what to expect, he just said "it'll be fine", and nothing else. I asked if I would have stitches/staples in the incisions, he basically told me he doesn't "close me up" but they'll prob use stitches. After each question he said "is that it" "is that it", I was just so turned off by his lack of wanting to deal with me.
I don't know how to accurately explain how I felt. I felt like I was a nuisance to him and he was so rushed and really didn't want to be talking to me. His NP however, answered all of my questions, was patient, informative and kind, and spent some extra time with me after I saw him to make sure I understand my "day of" requirements.
I know this guy is great as his job and at the end of the day that's what I really care about. But I can't help but to feel a little bothered by his demeanor. Is this just how surgeons behave because they are always on the go?

One of my colleagues sent me a picture that was taken the day before I began my six-month nutrition program required by insurance company.

That was March 21.
The other picture was taken yesterday -- 22 days from my surgery date on September 28.

I cried. I wasn't ready to see that. I think the surgery is going to be so much easier because of doing all of this work on the front end.
Needless to say, I am excited about the second half of this journey, and I wanted to share the pictures because I am really proud of the efforts of the last half-a-year.
Best to all!
Blair

So I started my preop diet today. 5 shakes and 64 oz of Water. I made it but I swear ima be dreaming bout biting down on some food.
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I'm new to this app but my date is suppose to be 9/28 and I'm so excited!!
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Getting my sleeve done September 28th.im so ready, got treadmill, Vitamins and Protein shakes already
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