JessLess

I’ve only told my husband, my best friend, and people who have had it. I have terrible chronic back pain, which is part of why I am having it, so I’ve told work I’m having a procedure and I’ve mentioned to a few people that after, I will be on a medically supervised diet. I don’t want to tell people and it’s none of their business. :)

Let's stay in touch!

I'm going 10/15 too for the same procedure. Good luck to you!

I'm very lucky that I just live with my husband and he likes staying alive. He was doing the bulk of cooking and shopping before, except things like protein powder I buy myself. He's well aware of what I need. I think I've chosen this lifestyle, in part, because it's easier.

Me either. I added it to my LONG LIST for my doctor.

Are you allowed Gas X strips? https://www.amazon.com/Special-Pack-GAS-X-STRIP-CINNAMON/dp/B003LZOL5G/ref=sr_1_5_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1538324734&sr=8-5&keywords=gas-x+strips&dpID=41wr6AqlPuL&preST=_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

I get chicken bone broth at Trader Joe’s.

Good job! I don't have to do a liquid diet until after, but your load looks almost identical to what I just ordered. I also got a glass with the ounces marked off so I can measure 2 oz. after.

I used to be in great shape, play rugby, etc. That was a while ago. I live in Boston where winters have a lot of snow and ice and sometimes I just can't drag myself to see a personal trainer after work. I also have a bad back, which is part of why I wanted the surgery. So my exercise was physical therapy 2x a week. I just bought a True M30 treadmill for my house. Today was my first work out, walking for 30 min. I'm beat. But I assume it will get easier and I'll be able to speed up as time goes by. I'll add in the strength component after I get this sorted for a bit.

I don't think the scale or BMI are reliable. They're just the easiest ways to measure weight. A muscular person will have a higher BMI.

Smart

Ditto. Don't know how I lived without it.

I’m bringing the comfortable cotton undies I wear during my time of the month and some loose PJ/yoga pants for after I can change.

I just got my date! 10/15/18. I've gone off the pill, I didn't drink soda before, quit drinking alcohol, and am ALMOST off coffee. I'm very excited. I just ordered some Premier Protein drinks and a glass with the ounces marked so I can measure out 2 oz. I also bought sweatpants with a loose waist for the hospital. At my hospital they give you a dilaudid self push hand thing and a small script of dilaudid to take home, so I'm not worried about pain. I have an office job and they are completely cool with me working from home 2-3 weeks if I feel like I want/need to. That was a huge relief. I'm super excited about my surgery and meeting my fellow Oct. sleevers.

Thank you!

I just got insurance authorization, told my bosses and they were super nice, and my date is 10/15/18! Yay.

Yeah, that's a great point. There was a woman in my nutrition class getting an RNY reversed and getting sleeved. I didn't realize that was possible until today. I agree, getting lots of medical viewpoints is the way to go.

Those are all good points. Thanks!

Sorry, I guess it would have helped if I explained I have a law degree. I understand HIPPA and FMLA. My concern was that the guy that owns my company would ask ME why he should give me the time off, not that the doctor or insurance would inform him. And if it's that difficult, I should be looking for a new place to work anyway.

The program at my local hospital is highly rated and my friend had her VSG there so that was an easy choice. They assigned me to a doctor. I liked her and she’s done 500+ VSGs. She’s willing to try to do it laparoscopically through a single incision in my bellybutton, which is what I want. And I’m an education snob and she went to Penn and Cornell. She gives me a good feeling of competence.

Thanks, @sillykitty.

Sorry, obviously I have not had my surgery yet!

I'm wondering if using a Wet Brush might help? My hairdresser turned me on to these. They are only about $15 and are much more gentle on your hair. It's called a Wet Brush because you can use it to apply conditioner in the shower without pulling out hair, but I use one more often because it detangles but is very gentle.

Unfortunately, I don't know that to be true for a company smaller than 50 people. I believe the prevailing law is "work at will" which means they can let anyone go for any reason. Is there something legally I don't know about?

No, but I am in sales and my sales numbers are quite high, which leads me to believe (hope?) they will want to keep me. If not, I have savings and am prepared to get fired or laid off, get COBRA, and get a new job. I have a couple of standing offers to do sales at other tech companies near me. They do know I have debilitating back pain (I have a standing desk, etc.) and that is one of the main reasons I am getting the surgery. I (and my doctors) think getting the weight off will really help my back. At least worrying about this has me totally fearless about the surgery itself!