Tamarita

Congratulations on quiting smoking and making it this far! Waiting is the hardest part! I've completed everything and have been approved. I'm just waiting for the scheduler to call...

Whew, you've been through a lot! I'm glad to see you're doing better! What gut test are you worried about? I'm sure if they found something, you'd be right back on track once it's resolved.

Congratulations!!

I'm only a few days away from my last appointment prior scheduling my surgery and I've been doing a lot of soul searching. I've been struggling to identify why I eat when I'm not really hungry. I believe I'm eating because I don't feel full and any time I don't feel full I want to eat until I do. I'm 50 years old and came from a time when I had to clean my plate no matter how full I felt. Now I need to figure out how to undo a practice that I've done for my entire life. If not, I'm worried that I'll just keep eating after surgery and not be as successful as I'd like. I'm interested to know if anyone else struggled with this and what they did to manage it to successfully lose weight and maintain the loss.

Thank you for your thoughtful comments. Your statement above will be something I will print and keep on my fridge. I too track my calories but catch myself eating when I'm not really hungry but don't feel full. Definitely room for improvement here!

Hcat - I'm glad things are moving you along for you now! I know the cogs can move slowly within the VA sometimes. I'm glad your team was willing to help you find an alternative to basically starting over again on the weight loss program. I'm fortunate that my surgeon does accept the MOVE program and all the VA testing and labs. I'm so anxious for my appointment on Tuesday because the next step will be scheduling my surgery. I'm so ready! Best of luck with your upcoming appointments and yes, lets stay connected!

My first visit was about two hours. I met with the doctor, my 'Navigator' and the dietitian. That appointment was on 15 Jan 2020 and my final appointment before scheduling my surgery is scheduled for 11 Feb 2020.

The EGD wasn't bad for me. I have only one more appt with the dietitian also, then my surgery will be scheduled! Are you having your surgery in Atlanta also? Mine is in Asheville, NC.

I look forward to not worrying whether or not I'll break someones toilet seat when I visit their restroom. What ever would I say to them? Honestly, the fear is real! I've done it twice but luckily, I was at home both times.

Bucky0126 - Thank you for the encouragement; I’m hanging in there. I actually went out and bought a variety of nutritional shakes today so I could decide which ones I liked before surgery. I’m glad for your progress in the program. I’m sure you’ll do very well. Are they planning to perform your procedure at the VA hospital? I was referred out.

cutebutcrzy - you gave me a great idea with the earbuds...I'm going to add earplugs just in case I get a snoring roommate! Thanks!

I'm at about the same point except I was approved before I met with my surgeon. My last pre-op appointment is scheduled for 11 February, then I'll be scheduled for surgery. I elected the gastric bypass. I agree, the sleeve seems less scary to me also but I'm afraid my reflux would be an issue. Good luck!

Thank you for sharing this information! I am a veteran also and completed the MOVE Program last spring. In mid September, the VA approved my referral to Mission Weight Management Center in Asheville, NC. Although my referral was approved at every level, it took Community Care three months to place it (you know how it goes). I had my first appointment and met with my surgeon on 15 January. I have two more appointments (surgical support group and second meeting with my dietitian) before I'm scheduled for surgery. To this point, the process has taken 14 months. Most of that time was waiting for appointments within the VA so I'm sure it would vary greatly depending on which VA facility the veteran is assigned to. My last pre-surgical appointment is 11 Feb so I'm guessing my surgery will be sometime late February or in March. Best wishes to you and I look forward to your updates!

You look so happy; congratulations!