So I started looking into gastric surgery in 2011. I didn't have insurance at the time so the only way to get it would have been to pay out of pocket. Fast forward to 2013 and I have insurance and start the long process of getting authorized. I started seeing my nutritionist in July 2013 and finally finished all my requirements Jan of 2014. I had to wait about a month for all the tests to get sent to Stanford and get the approval from my insurance but it actually happened 2/07/2014.

I had been planning on having the surgery in mid to late April if everything worked out. I got a call today 2/18/2014 and they are ready for me on 3/10/2014 with preop visit in a week. I am excited but I am also very anxious. I have waiting so long but to actually have a date and it being in less than 4 weeks is crazy.

I have so many mixed emotions. I am scared, excited, nervous. I am thinking what the last couple of normal meals should be before my liquid diet. I am nervous how my job is going to handle it. Wow. I am just a little blown away by how little time before surgery day.

Happy for you! Remember that those last meals aren't the last time you will be able to eat normal foods. It will take a few months, but you'll be able to eat them again. So eat healthy and be well. You'll do great.

Hey Charlie I am a newbie here also and I have all the same emotions, feelings, and concerns as you. Probably a little bit more intensified because my surgery date is 2-26-14!!!! I went from so excited to nervous. I am doing really well on the liquid diet, lost 10 lbs already. I am just glad I found this place because it's great to read and talk with so many ppl that know how you feel. So welcome and good luck. WE CAN DO THIS

I am SO envious of you both! I'm approved but still waiting for the overbooked system to fit me in for Psych eval and Nutrition meeting, and they won't even let me schedule a pre-op appt until those are all done. Groan - so not until May for a pre-op, and that's if i'm lucky.

Anyway, from all I read those emotions are good ones to have and help us think through all the ramificatoins of such a big move, but notice no where in that list did you say it made you want to eat?! That's great in my book. Planning the pre-meals will be fun too, since you'll know it's not "never again" but rather 'not for now.' Maybe that faster timeline will be good too, since it'll leave less time to worry and overthink things.

I know what you mean about work worries, I have that too. I'm going to just say that my doctor has recomended some surgery, and this is when they can do it. I'm not ready to tell people what it is, as I've got a really public job. I figure if people ask what I'm going in for, I'll try to say it's personal - and not much fun to talk about, but reassure them it's not cancer or something they expect any recurrance with.

Congratulations on getting dates and so soon you two!

I am scheduled for mine on 4/3, an I am having all of those emotions too. I think it is al very normal. Just focus on how much better you are going to look and feel. I am jealous that your insurance company will pay - I have to pay privately, so that is a blessing. Make sure you are mentally prepared - but don't be afraid. You have not made a rash decision and you know why you are doing this. Everything will be fine and you will be glad that you took this step towards better health! I'll be praying for you!

So I started looking into gastric surgery in 2011. I didn't have insurance at the time so the only way to get it would have been to pay out of pocket. Fast forward to 2013 and I have insurance and start the long process of getting authorized. I started seeing my nutritionist in July 2013 and finally finished all my requirements Jan of 2014. I had to wait about a month for all the tests to get sent to Stanford and get the approval from my insurance but it actually happened 2/07/2014.

I had been planning on having the surgery in mid to late April if everything worked out. I got a call today 2/18/2014 and they are ready for me on 3/10/2014 with preop visit in a week. I am excited but I am also very anxious. I have waiting so long but to actually have a date and it being in less than 4 weeks is crazy.

I have so many mixed emotions. I am scared, excited, nervous. I am thinking what the last couple of normal meals should be before my liquid diet. I am nervous how my job is going to handle it. Wow. I am just a little blown away by how little time before surgery day.

Hey Charlie

Congrats...my journey dates are the same as yours...but I'm still waiting to hear from insurance and doctors to call me...the waiting is so hard...I'm praying for information soon! I'm going to follow you if you don't mind.

I have been thinking now of what I want to eat before my surgery. I only have a couple of days to eat at my favorites spots. I know I should be focused eating right and exercising but going from eating my normal way to liquid only does make me want some old favorites.

I have been thinking now of what I want to eat before my surgery. I only have a couple of days to eat at my favorites spots. I know I should be focused eating right and exercising but going from eating my normal way to liquid only does make me want some old favorites.

I just went through that process last Wednesday night. I joked I was eating like a man on death row. I had Cheesecake Factory and did a neighborhood tour of my favorite local Chicago joints and finished off with a Chicago pizza. It was great but as I ate the various things during the last few days I really thought about what I was eating and why. It was quite enlightening as to why I got to the weight I am. Why did I scarf down 1300 calories at McDonalds for lunch without really tasting it. My last McDonalds as I tried to enjoy it tasted like crap. I may not have the same cravings after surgery but I am looking forward to savoring my next solid meals.