BobBayCityMI

AM doing three Protein shakes per day. That is what they require of me. A Fiber drink and a lo cal Soup once per day. Multi Vitamins and Calcium also. Just looking to get over the hump.

Good to see you back. Good thoughts for quick healing your way.

We were told that some oozing, called seroma, is quite normal. This is evidenced by the oozing, usually one to four weeks after surgery. They suggest warm compresses and a cut up kotex to collect drainage. Hope this helps!

OK...feeling tired, not too grumpy, a bit headachy, and did I mention tired? I mean bushed, whipped, and damn near comatose. Those of you who went through this, is this normal? Had the runs a couple of times (just what you want to read), have been doing all of my water, and eating (if one can call it "eating") at the right times. Please tell me it gets better. I still have 10 more days!

I went to my pre-op meeting with the dietician last week. Group setting; maybe eight people there. Had one, well, less than dedicated one. She actually asked two astounding questions: Does this operation mean I can't eat my fried chicken any more? And, why isn't Mountain Dew a clear liquid? I about coughed up a lung trying not to laugh. I guess it takes all kinds...

For my pre op they did the full blood work up, chest x-ray, EKG, and breathing test. Found out I was good for surgery, but am borderline diabetic and just a touch anemic, but nothing to prevent surgery. Also found out that my uric acid is way too high, and so am now on a med to lower that. The doctor asked me if it hurt when I peed, and I thought they only asked that for an STD. Guess they do for abnormally high uric acid levels as well. Mine was about a four hour work up and exam. Found out that I was not preggers! Phew! Hopefully you know of anything that would prvent the operatrion before this!

I had the same choice. At first I was gung-ho for the lap band. Then I did some more checking. Found out about the sliming, slippage and fill dilemmas; the removal of the "I am hungry" sensor; the success rates being so damn good; nothing plastic left in me (even if it can be removed); and fewer problems with malabsorbtion. I personally liked the permenance of it. The stomach is left with the toughest part of the belly, so less chance for stretching, unless I am really a doofus. All in all, I am very happy with my choice to go for the sleeve.

I am selective in who I tell. Even some family I chose not to share my upcoming surgery with because I was not ready for the battle I may get. "You know, if you just stick to a diet and exercise..." I told a couple of people at work just so if I need additional time for appointments and such, they will know. It is an individual decision for me, as I am sure it is for most. Now I know I will get the questions after the weight starts coming off.

Welcome, Chancie. Good group of people here. Am glad that you make our number one more. Bob

I would guess, too, it would be the high acid level. Just a guess...

I am through a privately insured group with work. We are self-paid. ConnectCare is the brand name. They have a HUGE set of requirements to be approved, but it is OK. Gave me time to think and know it was the right thing to do.

Yes. Many plans do consider the sleeve to be investigational, although it has been done in Europe for many years with very good, long-term results. It is just a way and a reason that insurances can use to deny the procedure. Plus, my private feeling (nothing to base it on at all) is that some of the insurance companies are in cahoots with the band suppliers. You will have to wait the weekend to get your answers, but know that you are not alone in this sometimes frustrating trek. I was thrilled beyond words to be approved on the first try, but I also know I did a helluva lot of work to make sure everything was done beyond the minimal expected requirements. And I had to have patience, and, goodness, I hate that!

I just got a Magic Bullet type mixer at JC Penney. End cost will be about $21.00 (there is a $10 rebate). Look very similar and works nicely. Knew that many like to use the mini mixers and thought I should pass this along.

Well, can you give us some details? Why was it denied? Was it something they say you did not do? Or not meeting their criteria?

Sex...hmmm. Fun thing? Curls the toes? Makes one scream loudly? Never heard of it. But I do hope that weight loss will result in intimacy increases. Might be easier to, well, ummm, dock?

Start my pre-op liquid starvation diet on Sunday. My, oh, my. It seems like one of my best friends (food) will be dying. But I also know it is OK. They warned us about the headaches, bad breath, grogginess, and irritability. To which my wife responded, "So what's new?" She does have a point. A fat, eating wrong Bobby is no joy either!

Am considering getting a magic bullet. So much protein stuff to mix!

That's a bummer, but as long as not canceled, just delayed, that is promising. The eight months I waited to get approved seemed like an eternity. Had to do a lot of one day at a time and pray for patience. Just think...will be one week ahead of you and can guide you through!

Had my pre-op eval done today. Most things were good, such as breathing and EKG. Blood levels showed that I am so close to being diabetic (6.5 on the scale; 7 is diabetic) and my uric acid levels were high (arthritis can happen). But the good part was that the doc (who specializes in pre-op intakes and is not on the bariatric team) believes I am an excellent candidate for this procedure. Most of the problems they found with the testing will be eliminated or greatly reduced from the surgery and subsequent weight loss. Only part I hated was the blood draw. Had to be poked twice..ugh! Tomorrow I have my pre-surgery dietician meeting. liquid diet starts Sunday! Be well all! Is good to know I am not alone.

Thanks all. She is going, but I asked her not to go to pre-op, to just go and wait. I want/need that time fro myself. Will be in for two nights and three days; she will be there, too.

We have discussed it at length. She is just worried that it is non-reversible and that I will croak. I know if I do not lose, I will croak. So she will go. I am lucky in that I would not be alone anyway as I have friends who work at the hospital I am having the surgery at and they will bug the hell out of me anyway!

Oh, she will go, and yes has met with the doctor and all. My problem is my not wanting her to go. But, you're right Susan...no need to hurt her with my selfishness. Have done that with my eating too often.

This may sound odd, but I do not want my wife to go with me when I have my surgery done. To me, this is my choice and I want to do this on my own. Yes, I know it will affect her as well, and that she has a vested interest in my doing well. I just am so torn. My pigheadedness is showing, I suppose. I just have disappointed her so many times in the past with my promises to lose weight, and although she supports my choice, she is not for the surgery feeling that I should be able to lose weight in more traditional ways. Just needed to vent...

Heyas fellow Michigander. Way to go! I have my surgery on August 3 at Hurley in Flint, but am looking forward to the wonderful change in life as well.

*checks the plumbing..* Nope. Guy! Phew~! Would have to fill out all of those damn forms again...