Cherylmilla

Hi Syrus! 👋🏻

I went to my consult with my doctor July 24th. I have been through my psych evaluation (only one required), went to one nutritionist appointment (I have 3 pre-op) and I have my appointment with the gastro doc on 8/27 (the EDG isn't scheduled yet - it will be after this appointment). I just want to get my date already! My insurance only requires a three month period but it still doesn't seem real until I know my date - and then I can go to my primary doc for the rest of the pre-op tests. I have lost 30 lbs since I started trying 7/14/19 to lose weight, because I wanted to be healthy. I'm happy I'm losing on my own but I'm ready for the next step. I feel like all I do is obsess about having the surgery and looking at everything about it, every day, from the procedure, vitamins, people's before and after pics, etc. I also don't want the doc to schedule my surgery for the date my father passed (10/21). I found out it would be a Monday and, sure enough, 10/21 falls on a Monday and I have this weird feeling that that will be my date. I hope I get a choice because I feel bad karma around that date. But I want it as soon as possible. Sorry, I just had to vent somewhere where people understand.

I’m doing two snacks. Still haven’t called nutritionist. I have to remember her # to bring to work

It totally doesn’t seem like time goes quick and then boom, here I am, 12 days to go. There is so much to do, learn, etc. I often felt time went too slow and now that it’s upon me, it’s going fast. That’s my nerves talking. Sometimes I wish it was faster, because there is all this time to be in your head and obsess. But it’s also good to learn and get all those tests and be as safe as you can. 3rd day liquid diet. It’s not easy, but I know it’s worth it. Already lost another 6 lbs in the first 3 days of liquid. Good luck 🍀 ☺️

It totally doesn’t seem like time goes quick and then boom, here I am, 12 days to go. There is so much to do, learn, etc. I often felt time went too slow and now that it’s upon me, it’s going fast. That’s my nerves talking. Sometimes I wish it was faster, because there is all this time to be in your head and obsess. But it’s also good to learn and get all those tests and be as safe as you can. 3rd day liquid diet. It’s not easy, but I know it’s worth it. Already lost another 6 lbs in the first 3 days of liquid. Good luck 🍀 ☺️

Yeah, you still get hungry. The meal isn't big. My surgeon said, even if they gave full liquids (no one meal), I wouldn't have had to adhere to it, because I lost 50 lbs of my own accord. 2 weeks full liquid must be harsh. I give you credit. I was told I can even have a meal the last day, but I may do full liquids the day before, just because that's me. Once I have my second shake (which i just did), it's a lot more tolerable. I know people that only had one day of full liquids and they get angry. I decided, on my own, to do 1 liquid meal a day, even before. I'm also very active and stuff. When I go to the gym and work out for an hour or more, I get more hungry. We all get through it. We all need to vent.

I'm on day 2 of my pre-op diet and, I'm hangry. I'm at work , which helps a little, but it's still rough. I restricted my calories for months before, dropped weight and so, I didn't think it would be this tough. Maybe it's in my head. Maybe it's also because there is food with all of the birthdays at work. I usually have lunch with people and I don't feel like it today (but I will go with them and sit at the work deli downstairs). I thought I was mentally prepared, and I am, but it is hard. My stomach growls. They told me 2 shakes, a sensible meal (3-4 oz of meat, 1 cup non-starchy veg and 1/2 good carbs, i.e. quinoa). They said snacks, like SF jello, pudding, oikos trip. zero yogurt, but didn't say how many you can have. I don't want to mess up. I don't have my nut's phone # with me to ask today. Sorry, just venting. This is some hard core mental prep, for sure.

Today was day one of the liquid diet. Not too shabby. 2 weeks from today is my day. Scared and excited!

Everyone talks of the gas pain....did anyone have gallbladder surgery before their WLS? Is it worse than that pain? I was ok after the gallbladder.

I got the good word of official approval from insurance and doc’s clearance today...10/28 at...2:30 pm. I hope mine gets moved up

He’s the #1 doc in robotic surgery in NY/NJ. That eases my mind! If you’re the best At something in NY, that makes you one of the top surgeons in the country. I will see him tomorrow morning, my last appointment before surgery ☺️

That's awesome. You have been through a lot. I know others that have waited 6 months, a year or even more. It makes me feel bad for whining about waiting, but once you start the process, it is hard to wait. Now that it's coming, some days I want time to speed up and others, to slow down (when I have my scared days). It will be worth the wait, in the end.

She's my nutritionist too! Dr. Rainville is my surgeon. See, even online, it's a small world. It would be great to meet you on the losers bench.

Though I started in July, I really started researching and all years ago, so I feel more than ready. Scared, but that's just normal. It's still a major surgery. I've done everything right that I could. We have a good group (If you're going to Clara, we have the same surgical group). I walk and exercise, eat well, drink all my water, and do everything I can to prepare. Once I'm in the OR, it's in the hands of my surgeon and God. I'll pray for you, please do the same for me If you ever do make it to one of the support groups, let me know. The next one with the psychologist (the other months are zumba, plastic surgery, etc.) is in December. She said last night they may do once a month next year. they also have one in Livingston tomorrow night, which is right by my job and a little closer to your area (not by much). This is a good support group, but I like to meet people in person too. We all chat afterwards. Hoping to make some good friends with this in common, because while family and friends can be supportive, only those of us going through it will truly know.

You look familiar, have you been to the group support? I was there last night.

I live in Bergen County so I'm going to Clara Maass to get it done. You?

I'll definitely remember your date. Good luck to you as well. I'm sure I'll post the outcome once I'm over and done. We become a little family here.

Yes, it will be 2 weeks of mostly liquids, with one small meal each day (consisting of 3 oz meat, 1/2 cup veggies and 1/4 cup starch/carbs). I start the pre-op diet Monday, 10/14. My last appointment with my surgeon is tomorrow and he should now have all of my results. I'm so nervous and, like you, I'm still checking on this site (and others), all throughout the day. I feel prepared and well informed. It's good to know but, sometimes, I have to block out the negative comments so I don't go full-on hypochondriac mode. No one scares me like....me with too much information. You have a good date - Veteran's day and my grandfather's birthday.

I haven't had any prior WLS, but lap band to sleeve is super common. I see your doc is Dr. Ballem (I'm going to his partner). There is actually a seminar at Clara Maass tonight, if you're close by. Dr. Ballem will run the 6 p.m. info seminar and then the support group is at 7 p.m. I'm sure he can answer any revision questions you have. They're a really nice group of docs (as you know).

I'm right there with you (my sleeve is the 28th). All the waiting....tick, tick, tick. It's hard to concentrate at work sometimes. I'm glad today was a busy day at work.

How are all of the October folks doing? How did your surgeries go (those who've had them)? For the rest of us in the final countdown, are you all as nervous/excited as I am? It's such a journey!

I'm the 28th too, also sleeve.

We made it all, OCTOBER! I know there were a lot of 10/1 folks. Wishing you all a speedy recovery ❤️

Yep, I expect the stalls. I've been losing since beginning of July and I went on a two week stall and lost more. And this is just me doing my own thing. I've heard of your doc, my friend went to them. I work in Florham Park but I don't live there, I live in Bergen Co.

40 in NJ - getting the sleeve 10/28. Lost quite a bit on my own. Excited to see what the future holds. These last few weeks seem to be the longest (and the shortest, when I get scared). Good Luck, keep everyone posted!