MissSqueezedLemon

All of my prerequirements were done, some twice, quite a story behind THAT, had my presurgical July 17th, found out that day when it would be. Started on my liver-shrinking diet August 1st, met with a Internal medicine resident, who went over in great detail my previous surgeries, any reaction to anesthesia, went over my med list with a fine toothed comb, a lot of meds on there but truly boring type stuff. Gave me 2 bottles of a prep diet solution, one at midnight, other 2 hours prior to surgery.Made by Abbott Labs, the folks that make Ensure, also headquatered in Columbus, do I sleek a slight kickback there? Wanted to give me a nice big bottle of Hibiclens, get that nasty stuff Away from me, found out at previous surgery ( on my left knee) I am quite allergic, looked like somebody thrown acid on my poor leg. So I got special instructions , Dial Gold liquid soap, double shower, 2nd shower leave on 5 minutes and be sure to scrub your navel. Hnnnh? Turns out my surgeon Dr Needleman uses there as one of his portal sites, so I got 7 , one in the navel so it was made clear. At 6 months they have faded some much into the surrounding stretched marked territory they are not easy to find. Only one still clear is the one just below the sternum kinda between my breasts, that was where the liver retractor went in, and the liver shrink diet work, lost 15 pounds that month alone and he said my liver was small, sleek and smooth like a newborn calf, once I was certain he wasn't going to sell me for veal I felt pretty proud of ME..
Would I do it again? Oh no doubt, I have not had a textbook recovery but I'm more mad at my crabby old 73 year old body for mal- healing than I could the hospital, surgical procedure or my wonderful surgeon, in my ❤ he was and is a miracle worker. And to my dying day, and I don't plan to do that for years, I will be intensely grateful he took a chance on me when many programs would have turned me down on age alone. I fought seen and unseen hostilities for 3 long years to get Precious Pouch installed, although she is an ornery brat who rules my life, we will still make our final peace, the GERD freedom makes up for a lot of things, the blips, twists and turns in my bariatric journey . Basically we each write our own journal, in our lives, mine will be a cliff- hanger, you won't go to sleep if you read mine. ?

Easy Breezy. I have had many in my life and no problems. You will be ok. I will schedule mine for 3 months from now.I first start on three month diet. Let us know how things go.

Still learning how to use the forum. I am 67 and weigh 260. Yes I am freakin short too, barely 5 ' .Struggle all of my life. Lost 130 pounds once kept off for a few years and have gained it back. How many things in life I have missed out on because of my weight. I live alone and really do not have others to talk to about my new journey. I am next facing visit with nutritionist to start 3 month diet.I am told this is strictly for insurance.I sort of, well actually resent being told to diet.Hey I have done enough of that and don't make a decision at 67 to go under the knife in a frivolous manner. I will look at it as a positive to see what I can learn. Already I feel better having had a few responses from this forum group as I am on my journey alone. I have chose to only tell two friends who do not judge. I want the next 10 years of my life to be joyful and not feeling isolated and judged because I am fat. Thanks for your kind words guys.

Welcome to these forums. Good luck with your surgery decision.

Over 65 next week go for 3 month pre-op diet. Gained 10 pounds in two months. Time to get serious. I hope nobody makes me feel uncomfortable.
I need some buddy help to get to the end of this journey at age 67.

I have UHC. Policies vary even within the same health system. My policy didn't give a wooty-toot-toot whether I lost weight during my 6-month supervised period or gained weight! Sometimes a doctor's office staff can (in good faith) share the wrong information, so find out what YOUR actual policy states. Call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask member services to clarify your policy for you. Are you getting the bypass?
Write to me privately. I might be able to help you navigate other policy details.