Hello all -

I've been enjoying this site for a couple of weeks now, and am finally at a place I feel comfortable sharing. I wasn't sure even what month my surgery would be up until today, so I didn't want to get 'involved' if it all feel to pieces.

I started my journey in August by attending a seminar provided by Swedish Weight Loss Services in Seattle. I had pretty much made up my mind at that point to have the surgery, but it was required to even get a consult with the surgeon. I had my first appt. (3 hours long) on September 5 and saw a psch., nutritionist, medical doctor, surgeon and finally a patient coordinator. I passed all the initial testing they did and had other tests set up including a sleep apnea test, endoscopy and lab work (required for ALL patients). I attended my 2nd nutritionists and a RN visit just last Wednesday the 16th. They told me they had just submitted my file to the Insurance carrier, BCBS if IL. I got online and sent a note to BCBS of IL and asked if they had received it and how long the process would be to see if I was approved just this past Friday on the 18th. I got an email first thing this morning from them saying it was approved (ALREADY!!!!) and a letter was going out to the surgeon's office!! Now I'm scared and excited and nervous all at the same time, but that seems pretty normal after reading everyone's posts.

I'm trying not to call the surgeon's office and bug them today, but I may end up at least calling and letting them know about the acceptance. I am hoping to have surgery the first week of November, and if not I'll have to wait until the 3rd week because of my husband's work schedule.

What got me here to this decision? My mother was never healthy, and didn't live a very full life because of it. I'm following in her footsteps in a lot of ways. She just passed on May 25th because of obesity and diabetes...it was a horrible death and I have chosen to look at it as a 'last gift' to me from her...I don't want to live the life she had, and I certainly don't want to die her death. I'm finally ready to do something for myself and give myself a fighting chance.

I am 52, married 33 years, and was thin until I was 20. I have PCOS and never had children. This site has been a Godsend in my opinion!!!

HW: 275, CW: 259, GW: 140 - 5'7"

Hello all -

I've been enjoying this site for a couple of weeks now, and am finally at a place I feel comfortable sharing. I wasn't sure even what month my surgery would be up until today, so I didn't want to get 'involved' if it all feel to pieces.

I started my journey in August by attending a seminar provided by Swedish Weight Loss Services in Seattle. I had pretty much made up my mind at that point to have the surgery, but it was required to even get a consult with the surgeon. I had my first appt. (3 hours long) on September 5 and saw a psch., nutritionist, medical doctor, surgeon and finally a patient coordinator. I passed all the initial testing they did and had other tests set up including a sleep apnea test, endoscopy and lab work (required for ALL patients). I attended my 2nd nutritionists and a RN visit just last Wednesday the 16th. They told me they had just submitted my file to the Insurance carrier, BCBS if IL. I got online and sent a note to BCBS of IL and asked if they had received it and how long the process would be to see if I was approved just this past Friday on the 18th. I got an email first thing this morning from them saying it was approved (ALREADY!!!!) and a letter was going out to the surgeon's office!! Now I'm scared and excited and nervous all at the same time, but that seems pretty normal after reading everyone's posts.

I'm trying not to call the surgeon's office and bug them today, but I may end up at least calling and letting them know about the acceptance. I am hoping to have surgery the first week of November, and if not I'll have to wait until the 3rd week because of my husband's work schedule.

What got me here to this decision? My mother was never healthy, and didn't live a very full life because of it. I'm following in her footsteps in a lot of ways. She just passed on May 25th because of obesity and diabetes...it was a horrible death and I have chosen to look at it as a 'last gift' to me from her...I don't want to live the life she had, and I certainly don't want to die her death. I'm finally ready to do something for myself and give myself a fighting chance.

I am 52, married 33 years, and was thin until I was 20. I have PCOS and never had children. This site has been a Godsend in my opinion!!!

HW: 275, CW: 259, GW: 140 - 5'7"

Welcome aboard, you have found a great sight, full of knowledge and support all that is needed is you posting your concerns and questions. I do want to say how sorry I am to hear that you lost your mother. Looking forward to reading your post and your success to becoming a new person on your journey.

Good luck on your journey!

I am very sorry for your loss. I hope your journey to becoming healthy and happy is a smooth one. See you on the losers' bench!

Welcome!

CJ S Journey.

I am sorry to hear about your loss. You are correct this is the best gift you will ever give yourself.

This site is has an excellent support group around the country. if you cant sleep and want to get something off your chest or need advice there is almost always someone on line and willing to help.

Best luck on your surgery and your journey. my only advice is eat wisely,healthy, hydrate,exercise, and dont weight yourself every day youll drive yourself crazy.

RJ

Thanks all!!! The support is wonderful!! I actually got my surgery date this afternoon...dec 2! I was really bummed because I'm done with all the pre surgery tests but he is a very good surgeon and his schedule is real tight. I'm just thankful I got it and will find a way to not wig out until then????

Sorry to hear about your mom I lost mine the week of Mother's Day this year as well. Welcome to this site; it is like therapy.

Thanks all!!! The support is wonderful!! I actually got my surgery date this afternoon...dec 2! I was really bummed because I'm done with all the pre surgery tests but he is a very good surgeon and his schedule is real tight. I'm just thankful I got it and will find a way to not wig out until then?dc40

Dec 2nd come so quickly!!!! take this time to change you eating habits and get into your " zone"you need to be mentally prepared for whats about to start.

While not going to excess you may want to get together a bucket list of foods you may never be able to eat again if you are having the RNY. dont go crazy with the portions but this also let you say goodbye to the old you and your favorites..... the only one i forgot was Birthday cake......

If i can answer any question i will try to help. Have a great day

RJ