LadyH

That's a great idea with the scheduled emails. I wish my server had that option! You'll conquer the battle and win the war.

Thanks for the perspective. I've thought about both those aspects. If my surgery gets postponed again, I won't be able to have surgery. I'm so disgusted with the medical/insurance system right now. It's such a racket.

I'm so stressed out, I'm almost thinking that's the best outcome-hah! We have no control except to tell them no surgery. Very scary stuff.

IDK about the skin, but I also have surgery on Dec. 15. Are you freaked out? Because I'm so stressed after being delayed since last summer and nearing the start of the pr-op diet.

Mine was also a joke. first, I'd specifically requested to talk with a female, not male, so the female doc shows up with a male intern in tow to do the eval. He was clueless and couldn't keep track of what he'd already asked me. He asked stuff like what town I grew up in, just totally irrelevant stuff. An hour with the hapless, confused, male intern cost over $1700. At the end of the appointment, he kept saying what great rapport we have and I need to come see him more. Totally. Oblivious.

I'm sorry you've had such a stressful, negative experience. I think all the docs/staff are so burned out that those of us at this point in the year are getting the dregs. It's scary. I was told only bariatric vitamins and supplements, and nothing chewable, but do whatever your nutritionist/team said to do. There's so many versions of what is/isn't OK to do, it's tricky to sort it all out. Hang in there!! Congrats and kudos to you for getting through the surgery and back home. That's a fantastic start!

I'm also worried about the long term effects nutritionally, especially as we age or get a chronic/serious disease, like cancer, etc. I've asked my team multiple times for data regarding the elderly who've had this surgery in the past, and I'm simply told there isn't any. Which can't be true. People have been having these surgeries for 30 years or more. There are a significant number of people 70+ who would be dealing with the long term effects. One staffer who had the surgery 15 years ago says she has serious osteoporosis and now needs constant medical care. I also wonder what happens if the supply chain/pandemic/economy issues prevent the required supplements and vitamins from being available and/or affordable.

I agree about the infections. I'm more worried about what's going to happen to me in every way, once I'm at the hospital. I'm also planning on cleaning out my cabinets just before the liquid diet. I think if I just didn't have to quarantine this would be so much less stressful.

And having to miss all the holidays with family/friends for the second year in a row is also demoralizing.

I understand when you ask is it worth it. I wouldn't be doing it if it weren't for some funky heart stuff that's just been discovered. I start my liquid diet on Dec. 1, and I know it's going to be brutal, mostly because I also have to quarantine. If I could still go to the gym, swim, see family/friends, shop, go out, etc., travel, it would be a whole different story. Quarantine itself makes people crazy, so I know this is going to be rough for me. I'm in the midwest US, so this is now winter, and the weather will soon make it impossible to even be outside. I will be a prisoner in my house. Just saying it is horrifying.

I'm having multiple procedures as well, and I'm also very nervous. I've lost a lot of confidence in my "team" for various reasons, but I'm also concerned about contracting Covid while in the hospital since staff don't have to be vaccinated. I've heard some horror stories. With all the delays and changes of plan, I wonder if anyone is really in charge. Haven't met anyone in person yet, and I've been on this path since December of last year.

Covid. The state where I'm having surgery has had a Covid explosion and very few beds left. The gov issued moratoriums for 2 months, then because of those delays, all the rest of the surgeries were way behind. Anyone who gets Covid can't have surgery. We all have to have a Covid test 2 days before surgery as well.

So glad to hear it all resolved. You must've been scared and frustrated. Super news!!

Yes, and that diet requires you have a 2,500 calorie deficit per day. That's more than the total calories per day you'd eat now to maintain the weight you're at. Idk--they must know what they're doing. But sometimes, ya gotta wonder.

My pre-surg diet is just liquids--4-5 protein shakes per day and clear liquids only. Mine is for 2 weeks. I'm glad yours went well, and it sounds like it helped you get into the zone for long term success. Let me know how your surgery goes. It sounds like it's coming up soon!

Wow! That sounds nuts to me. 20 lbs in a month? I kinda feel like if we could do that, we don't need surgery? Good luck to you. Let me know how it goes and what you do to get through it. I start a liquid diet only (protein shakes and clear fluids) 2 weeks before my surgery date.

One strategy I'm hoping will help me to stay active and getting out of the house is purchasing some souped up winter accessories: a balaclava, insulated boots and socks, insulated gloves, scarf, and insulated hat. I figure if I can be warm outside, I can still be walking, playing with the dog, puttering, etc. I also got a puzzle and a book that I'm hoping will keep my mind occupied and me away from the kitchen during the pre-op diet. Anyone else have some ideas to share? I'd love to hear!