Officially started my journey! NEED OPINIONS

[ML573663 18]

I'm writing because some of you have been so great to answer my questions and told me to keep you updated as my first consultation was yesterday 7/11!

I went in and my doctor was so kind and helpful. He answered a lot of my questions before I even asked them. We agreed that the sleeve is the best surgery for me, and he said my BMI is 49 which is SO weird because last week another doctor said mine was 39, and when I checked it said 42. Maybe they use different BMI charts? Lol. Regardless I qualify.

They sent me to a bariatric coordinator. I have Affinity and we went over what they would approve before surgery. I have to do a ton of appointments but the only thing holding me back is the fact that Affinity requires me to see a nutritionist once a month for 4 months. So all of my other appointments are in July and August but seeing that nutritionist for 4 months has me going into October. After my approval, she said that she will book the surgery out 2 weeks. I have to say it's a little frustrating that's the only thing holding me back....

Now I wanted to get people's opinion about scheduling, I'm a graduate student that travels a while to and from both my internship and school. I was wondering if I could do the surgery during my Thanksgiving break (about a week) or if I should just wait until my winter break. My doctor said I would spend one night in the hospital and then start the special diet. He makes it sound doable for my Thanksgiving break, but if I need extra time I want to make sure.

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[VEGAN ME 117]

what do you mean by travels a while?

[ML573663 18]

what do you mean by travels a while?

I have a very long commute to school- about an hour and 45 minutes. So much that sometimes I stay overnight because I have classes two days in a row. For my internship it's an hour away and I visit patients in their homes. I said this because if the recovery is iffy, I would want to be close to home, on break from school.

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[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,443]

It may well be doable over Thanksgiving break, but I'd wait until winter break just in case. The delay is only several weeks. If it were a six-month delay, then I'd go in circles over deciding. Keep it simple and safe as possible.

[reree6898 1,164]

For me I work a desk job and I needed two weeks. I have a coworker who needed several weeks and I have heard of others who only needed a few days. It all depends on how fast you heal and tolerate nausea and pain. If it were me I'd go for the longer break to do it.

[kmorri 1,689]

Everyone's recovery is different and it's really impossible to predict how yours will go....I would think you wouldn't want to count on any less than two weeks.....

good luck to you!

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Congratulations on taking such a big step toward health.

The physical recovery may or may not be easy. Mine was easy but I am not currently working so I didn't have to rush back to work.

One thing you may want to keep in mind is the mental aspects, especially since you are in grad school. I was noticeably fuzzy-headed for about a month or so after surgery. I am older than you so that may have an impact on the severity, but anesthesia along with a period of really low calories/carbs probably contributes to it. I know another student just recently posted about noticing the same thing.

Be gentle with yourself and be ready to take some time to heal both physically and mentally.

Also, take advantage of every minute you have with your nutritionist. It may seem like a burden to have so many required appointments, but they really are for your benefit.

Keep us posted on how you are doing.

[ML573663 18]

Congratulations on taking such a big step toward health.

The physical recovery may or may not be easy. Mine was easy but I am not currently working so I didn't have to rush back to work.

One thing you may want to keep in mind is the mental aspects, especially since you are in grad school. I was noticeably fuzzy-headed for about a month or so after surgery. I am older than you so that may have an impact on the severity, but anesthesia along with a period of really low calories/carbs probably contributes to it. I know another student just recently posted about noticing the same thing.

Be gentle with yourself and be ready to take some time to heal both physically and mentally.

Also, take advantage of every minute you have with your nutritionist. It may seem like a burden to have so many required appointments, but they really are for your benefit.

Keep us posted on how you are doing.

Thank you so much. I'm glad you brought that up because a con to doing it over my thanksgiving break would be that I would be mentally exhausted and have trouble with my finals. I'm definitely going to wait the time.

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[loafee 4]

I went yesterday to my first consultation as well. I have to do a few things but my ins will approve right away. I have a BMI of 41. I am in school too. And I can only get this done before the third week of August. Or on my next break in December.

I keep going back and fourth with the decision with getting the sleeve. I just wanted to say good luck! Keep me posted.

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[ML573663 18]

I went yesterday to my first consultation as well. I have to do a few things but my ins will approve right away. I have a BMI of 41. I am in school too. And I can only get this done before the third week of August. Or on my next break in December.

I keep going back and fourth with the decision with getting the sleeve. I just wanted to say good luck! Keep me posted.

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Lots of luck to you too!! So you're unsure about the surgery still? Ps what are you studying?

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