Enchanted

Sore throat is common after any surgical procedure where you are intubated. Your calves issue could be because you are not getting enough hydration. However, if you continue to have this problem, you should get it checked out -- don't want to have a circulatory issues. I've not had my surgery yet -- someone else may have an answer for the gas issue. Good luck to you. -Christine

Exciting! Congratulations! I lost my 5% over a couple of months during the time I was getting all of my pre-surgical testing out of the way. I would just take it easy with food during the week. I also didn't want to lose too much too quickly out of fear of regaining before the surgery date. I did have "one last meal," that turned into a weekend binge. I'm up two pounds and have until April 30 to lose that. Easy enough -- as long as I remember to tell myself that I've already had that "one last meal." Drink lots of water, take small bites, get your protein in, start practicing for the way you'll be eating after surgery and you should be able to lose the weight in time for your surgery. Good luck! -Christine

Congratulations, Lucie! It's normal to be anxious about this even if it is what you really want. Good stress is still stress. Think about how anxious you were before getting married, having a baby, starting a new job -- all good and exciting things, but still stressful. Let us know how you do. -Christine

Exciting, Lynne! I'll be thinking good thoughts for you. Let us know how you're doing when you can. -Christine

Wooo..sounds like things are moving along for you, Jen. After jumping through all of the cardiologists hoops (which were deemed excessive by my other docs), they were awful about sending my surgical clearance and test results to the surgeon. After two weeks of nice phone calls every other day or so, I decided to spend a day making sure I got what I needed. So . . . I called them every 90 minutes one day, "Was that information sent? When do you think it will be? OK, I'll call back in a little while." They assured me I didn't need to call back repeatedly. I assured them it was no bother and I would even stop by there and pick it up if that was easier for them. It was a pain..but they did get the information off to the surgeon. It just takes perseverance. Hang in there -- it sounds like you're close! -Christine

I'm glad you're feeling better, Nicole. Without commenting too much on that other thread, I think you did the right thing by calling your doctor and getting real information that you can use rather than something sensational posted on a message board. Good luck to you. -Christine

Welcome Bette.... Totally off-topic question -- how do you like being full-time in your motor home? I have romanticized the idea of doing exactly that and wandering the country. Christine

Target audience, talk show, lawsuit -- wait...where is the book deal? Sensationalism is all this is about. -Christine

Oh yes, my doctor also requires weight loss before surgery -- but that has more to do with size and firmness of the liver than with commitment to a program (at least according to my doc). I don't think insurance companies appreciate much else than the bottom line :crying: If our health is a side effect of their bottom line, that's just a bonus. I dislike insurance companies as a whole (obviously), but I have to say that Anthem BC/BS has been fantastic -- covering all of my pre-op testing and getting my surgery approved in ten days. -Christine

I'm a little confused about this -- are the insurance companies looking for you to lose weight? But if you lose too much, will they turn you down? "See...you can do it on your own!" But if you don't lose (or even gain!), do they think you will not be committed to the band as a tool? I suppose the other thing the insurance could be doing is just a delay tactic? Some people will just drop out, end up not having the surgery and the insurance company won't have to pay. Just a newbie trying to figure it out... ...Christine

My doctor recommends no driving until after the post op check (five days). Christine

I will not miss . . . -diabetes -being uncomfortable on airplanes -big food bills -Lane Bryant

I think the original question was more about awareness during the surgery -- not necessarily waking up in the middle. Apparently, what happens is that the patient is paralyzed (on purpose from the anesthesia), but aware of what is going on. There was a movie on this topic recently and The View did a segment on the same subject. After hearing two terrible stories from women who were aware during their surgeries, a physician was asked how often this happens. I believe the answer was 1 in 100,000? It's very rare and apparently most often caused by patients not giving complete and accurate histories (meds taken, drug use, etc.), but can happen for "no apparent reason," too. The question I will have is: how many of these surgeries have you attended? I want to see how experienced the doctor is at administering anesthetic to overweight patients -- we're more risky. Good luck with your surgery. Christine

Instead of using precious vacation time, I'm using some sick time. (My surgery is on Wednesday, April 30 and I plan to return the following Monday.) My company offers ten sick days / year and I rarely use more than a few. I just told people at the office that I am having a "semi-minor surgical procedure." I'll let them interpret what that means -- it sounds mysterious :biggrin: I'm also in a good spot since I work from home. I just figured this isn't vacation, it's a legitimate medical thing and qualifies as sick time. Good luck with your surgery and recovery!

I seriously thought I was the only one who thought of doing things like this until I started reading here a week or so ago. Silly me. I doubt that I really needed the keys in my pocket, the extra sweater on my back, and the liter of Water in my belly. I was close on weight, but I have diabetes and high blood pressure.

Woooooo! I got my insurance approval today and am scheduled for surgery on April 30. Anthem BC/BS was FAST with my approval. The surgeon's office said it would probably take three weeks for approval. It actually took ten days. My surgeon is Dr. Peter Kwon (Tri-State Bariatrics) in Middletown, NY. I've been so impressed with everything and everyone there. They recommend going to two shakes and one meal per day in the couple of weeks before surgery. Today is my first day of that. I'm so excited. It took years for me to make this decision, but I have not looked back since deciding. Yaay! Christine