sue in ne

Southe1010 and All, Am 2 days post op and feel sore but great. Have an extended reach thingy from Walgreens and DH so I don't have to bend over too much. Since I let others know about the WLS have met some really nice people who share they have done it also. Including one nurse aide at the hospital who did a half marathon 6 weeks post surgery, said she hadn't done anything like that before, had 200# to lose, wasn't in shape, but felt great after the surgery.:cursing: Looking at her, I couldn't tell she had it done-she looked great. . Gotta get to walking !! TTFN .

JoannMarie and SuzQ , Hi, I'm BAAACK! They kept me overnight ( due to a history of allergic reactions to some drugs ) But this was by far the easiest surgery I've had. The women in the local support group said having a C section was more difficult and they are Right!. I'd have to add it is easier than oral surgery and knee surgery, too!!! Have some pain medication, am sore, and still a bit tired from the anesthesia but this went smoothly !! All staff were great!! Do everything the doctors say and don't hesitate to ask for some pain medication. The nurses stressed it was easier to maintain a level of comfort than try to get it back. Talk to you all soon. :cursing:

HI all, I just back from the Hospital too. I went in Monday, surgery at 9:30, woke up in recovery about noon. They kept me overnight because of past allergic reactions to some drugs. Have something for the pain, too. The Nurses stressed it is easier to maintain a level of comfort than to try and get it back. Have had other surgeries and this was by far one of the easiest. Good Luck All!!:cursing:

Southe 1010 and all, Hi, Just got back from the hospital an hour ago. Went in at 7:30 on Monday, the 1st. Surgery was a bit after 9:30 , woke up about 12:00 ; then they put me in a short stay room. It was an outpatient procedure but they kept me overnight (Am allergic to many antibiotics) -:cursing: It was a breeze!! (Have had other surgeries and this was one of the easier ones) Have some medications for any pain. I was feeling some discomfort where the sutures are as I woke up, which slowly got worse; and they gave me something for the pain. Today, slight ache in my shoulder- ( from gas) and tummy is sore but feel great!! Had clear then full liquids after the fluoroscope ( to see where the band is and if it works). I am not really hungry but definitely thirsty I know I will be sore but NOTHING like what I imagined. Still a bit tired from the anesthesia but I can start walking tomorrow All I can say is do not hesitate to ask for something for the pain-they told me it is easier to maintain a level of comfort that to bring it back. Good Luck ALL!

SuzeQ and all, Knowing this is no more difficult than more common surgeries like appendectomy or a C section was a big relief to me. About IVs- -You have all had blood draws for lab work, right? An IV is no different though usually in the back of your had. If they usually have trouble finding a vein, be sure to tell them--Had the most experienced RN do it for my C section- it was painless. The Hospital, is a piece of cake. It is a mini break from all the stuff happening in our lives, but on your back (You won't care as you will be sedated.) DO follow instructions. The catheter is not something I enjoyed when done in the doctor's office but they do it while you are sedated. No pain.Removal is painless. They DO give you medication for any pain. Was told the gas that remains will move through your body and up, probably to one's right shoulder area. Don't know about that but have dealt with aches and pains before. I will be in the hospital overnight so won't be back until Tuesday. Will let you know how it went!!:cursing:

HI Steph, D stands for Dear, as opposed to Ex, X. . BTW, I have Surgery tomorrow!! Guess I'm a Holiday Hottie too. On Clear liquids today. Too much to do in the next 23 hours!!

HI! Tomorrow is Dec1st and my surgery. Nothing but clear liquids today... Am still a bit nervous but went to a WLS support group this week. Was the only one waiting for surgery- some were as much as 4 years out. I introduced myself and started to tear up. But the group was great. By sharing their experiences I feel a lot better!! i've had a C section and several said that was more difficult than this. They made me realize my anxiety isn't having surgery ( been there , done that) but the fear of more failure. One Woman works for the surgeon and gave me her phone #- she'll be in the next buildng tomorrow. she is 15 younger than I but we have many of the same stressors, and issues.

The Surgeon has me on 2 weeks of 2 Slimfast and one reasonable meal/day. Lost 8 #. But they recommend adding protein supplement it really cuts the hunger. For about 2 months prior, I got ready by switching to slimfast for breakfast, boosting protein to 70 g/ day and upped the exercise- have lost 33 # overall .

Hi,My banding is Dec 1st. Am anxious and nervous about the whole thing. i am as ready as possible and the forum helps s lot. ...

Van Girl, Are you taking any aspirin, Ibuprofen, or other medications for pain? Especially on an empty stomach, they can cause nausea and vomiting, esp on an empty stomach. Check with your physician and your pharmacist. I have felt this way, too in prep for another surgery- turns out the Ibuprofen and other pain meds were too strong. Am toughing it out and taking Protonix

Losing weight to shrink the liver is the goal pre-op. It isn't as bad as it sounds. Here they urge you to use protein supplements to liquids with a goal of 70 G of protein a day. It REALLY does help with cravings, etc. I started using the protein and supplements prior to the 2 weeks of a partial liquid (Slimfast) diet. Have lost 27 # over 2 months, and 4# on Slimfast in 5 days, so far .

All, My surgeon has me on 2 weeks of a partial liquid diet- 2 meals of Slimfast and 1 "reasonable meal" nothing else . A few times I've felt hungry but it passes. Am also excited and nervous about the surgery...

South 1010, Will let you know. Am on day 1 of a partial liquid diet, in preparation for the surgery.

Kimmee, Relax. Rescheduling happens around the holidays all the time. If he was taking time off at Christmas, the 1st date made sense; but plans change .. i've had mine moved , too. I, too have to get it in before Jan 1- My employer changes insurance carriers and would have to start over, too.Good Luck !!

I just got my surgery date last week. Mine is December 1st. ! Am already on the partial liquid diet.

WillowCat, been there myself. :wink: But for anything to succeed, you need to be honest with yourself. You don't have to be desperate. But be honest at your ability to stick with any diet regimen, alone. I, too, kept saying I can lose this on my own. i did do several weight loss programs but something always happened - life, illness, injury and I couldn't get back on th a treadmill. I've been anywhere from 138 to 311# in the last 30 years. :cursing: I really hesitated, until my Family doctor suggested it. I still hesitated after a consult and wanted to save the co-pay 1st.( Roughly 6-9 months) Then i had a 4 month roller coaster experience with my health - all complicated by my weight. I'd had enough and said I was ready. Just got insurance approval yesterday !!! Will use some of the $ for the Kid's college tuition, but at least I'll see her graduate.

Yes, it is hard. Everyone has good and bad days. Let's put this in perspective- no one jerks a cigarette out of a smoker's mouth unless they're in a highly flammable area. So why is it OK for your 'friend ' to behave so rudely? The 'friend' isn't treating you with respect. Don't beat yourself up for their behavior. Focus on you.

WV GAl, I am waiting, too but Do go to GNC, Walmart, or the local Health food store ASK them for protein supplements, Either in powder or mixed. Try some. Drink these;they're like slimfast, only more protein. Aim for 70 grams a day total of protein , inlcluding whatever food you eat . it cuts down on cravings and helps lose weight. As a former smoker, and watching peers go through other surgeries while smoking, even when told to stop- save yourself the discomfort- tell the doctor. I don't think you can inhale once you have the band, it may force air into your stomach.

MacMadame, I haven't heard from him. His office responds to my calls but he won't be in contact until the insurance Co. decides. Right now I am really trying. But if i could stick to a diet now, chew 20 X, omit carbs, use a baby spoon, and leave half my servings, wouldn't need the surgery. i am just tired of getting jerked around. :tt1:

Hi, need help and a another opnion- . I have been seeing the psychologist, have done all the evals, the paperwork is now with the ins co, as of 9/30/08. Fine, but 10/3/08 , the psychologist said they have to send a letter to the surgeon ok'ing me before the surgery will be scheduled. Then I am told- i am too stressed and dis-organized at this time. Of course i am stressed. Of course i need to make changes; but i have to start with me. BUT, am I soo Disorganized? My husband is in worse shape than I but won't do anything about it. without going nto details- Life at home sucks My job kept me on the road for 30+ years until a year ago. (Politics and finally going all on line). The road trips were getting a bit much and ddn't help my eating. But now I might as well be invisible. My job is boring, draining, and may be eliminated. My siblings are still in touch, except for my only sister, She hasn't spoken to me since our mother's passing. She wanted to control how the estate was handled, and carried on saying she was having a hard time because her mother had died. I sided with my brother who in charge of the estate and told her to get a grip- we all did. Somehow I have portrayed her as the evil sibling (?) i did apologize but she still won't respond. :sad: I've had health problems and injuries like many of you . conducive to a rote schedule. Many, but not all Household chores get mostly done.(i.e.haven't been able to weed all summer due to Asthma)and the house needas a good cleaning. Something/ anything will throw plans off. :tongue2: i did join a sports club with conducive hours and activivites. Fine but My back and neck started hurtng enough to put me on prescription pain pills after this Wednedsay. Wanted to walk upright without prescription drugs so am holding off until tomorrow. Am I soo Disorganized?

Bandme up Scotty, Good Luck! Am originally from Akron and have friends in Youngstown ( Plus the NU Football Coach is from there) . (Buckeye in Husker Clothing)

Well, it is fraud. i can understand your frustration for being so close to the criteria but not quite. i am a terrible liar and could not pull it off. Plus i,too work with health insurance. Most cheaters are caught sooner or later. Your height is a matter of record in many places including your driver's license. Your weight can vary but a significant change in a few days would be noticeable, unless you have a pre-existing problem with water retention. If caught, the insurance Co may not ever authorize the surgery. So , don't blow it

I had problems with straight Vit E oil. Try Bag Balm- it is at your local Joanne's or Hancock's fabric store, and some drug stores. Some nursing homes use it on any sign of redness that may turn into a bed sore. Quilters use it as their hands dry out with handling the fabrics. i use it on any red, chapped area. might help.

Go For it !! Are you, alone, seeing the surgeon at an appt. ? Or is this a general seminar open to others ? Either way, this is a good question to bring up and ask plenty of them....:smile: i went to a general Seminar, after i had a meeting with the surgeon. The general seminar was what i really needed, 1st, before seeing the surgeon. (I tried to wait to save for the insurance copay but my health started getting complicated and decided not to wait any longer) . Start a list- NOW I didn't till after the seminar. Jot down the concerns and questions you have as you think about them. it helps a lot. Every one is different but before the surgery, ask about typical experiences: what kind of work and lifting can you do right after surgery;how much can you lift (like your toddler); How soon until you can drive; go back to school. Others may have problems with child care or be from out of town. so ask. Usually, one of the speakers/consultants can answer or direct you to someone who can. Sometimes the person only has to remain in town for a day or 2, rather than in the hospital and specific nearby hotels are used for 'aftercare'. Time - If it is a general meeting. it can be a few weeks to up to 3 months for an appt with the surgeon. If your family doctor refers you, it can be faster. At the initial visit with the surgeon and their consultants, they will tell you which tests/evaluations will be needed. How soon these can be arranged and results sent to the insurance co. will affect how soon it is approved. Every insurance co. is different. I lucked out and had the initial evals scheduled within in 3 weeks of seeing the surgeon. If everything had gone smoothly, these could have been submitted in 6-8 weeks after the initial appt. The surgeon had dealt with my insurance co already, said about 3-4 months from his appt to surgery. (but then i developed some health problems affecting surgery so that's delayed, to more like 5-6 months):thumbup:

Hi, Wish all who are waiting, hang in there and good luck, :smile: Find something else to deal with (It's the " watched pot never boils" thing) . I too am waiting. I also deal with the local Welfare agencyfor medical authorizations - but NOT dealing with weight loss surgery (I cannot answer ?s on this or Medicaid.) Let me fill you folks in on approval processes- 1)Even the most experienced physician and professional consultants do not always send in everything, with the specific information needed. 2)the Doctor may tell you they will send it in today but may not communicate that to the office manager who sends it in later. 3)Sometimes, without reading the return from the insurance co.(which may request more information) the Doctor's office says it is a denial- please check with the insurance co yourself, if you don't get a letter from the Insurance Co directly. 4) Insurance reviewers change as does medical care. New reviewers or changes in medical care criteria can affect the whole process- esp for needed information and time. 5) remember, every insurance co is different. National companies may vary among different States. State laws, court cases, and State Agency ( i.e. Dept of Health, Dept. of Insurance) regulations can impact insurance companies, too. So Relax, ( I know it is hard - am there myself ) :redface:Concentrate on you, BE positive - all of you have other things going on in your life and will need to make changes, get supplies/arrangements for the immediate post surgery stage.