Hi Everyone,

I had my orientation last Thursday. We then received our next appointment which mine is with the Psych for February 26th. They said this process will go as fast as we want it to, however I feel sooo discouraged sometimes with the length in between the appointments. I started the pre op diet (not liquid) the very day after orientation so that I can show progress. I’m on Day 5, and haven’t gone off of the diet. It’s been rough! But what makes it even more difficult is the fact that I haven’t even met my surgeon yet or have a weight loss goal. Everyone keeps saying he will take in my beginning weight into consideration when creating a goal weight. I’m hoping that I can be enough on track for him to say “let’s get you scheduled with the case manager”. I went to my first support group so I have that crossed off my list. I just REALLY want this and can’t wait for the surgery to get here. However the not knowing anything makes me feel like I am walking in the dark:(. I hope I’m not starting this pre op diet too early. Any advice?

Don't stress out over the amount of time it takes. It does feel like a long time while it's happening, but after years of getting our weight to a place where this is advisable, what's six months or so of preparation? particularly if you are already losing weight and learning better habits? I lost 25 of my 71 pounds lost before the surgery. They all count! And the process is important, whether you are shrinking your liver to make the surgery safer or reading posts on here for valuable hints and tips (for example: I learned to expect stalls, which my medical team didn't really discuss). Read posts, look at recipes and before/after pictures--whatever motivates you.

Good luck!

Don't stress out over the amount of time it takes. It does feel like a long time while it's happening, but after years of getting our weight to a place where this is advisable, what's six months or so of preparation? particularly if you are already losing weight and learning better habits? I lost 25 of my 71 pounds lost before the surgery. They all count! And the process is important, whether you are shrinking your liver to make the surgery safer or reading posts on here for valuable hints and tips (for example: I learned to expect stalls, which my medical team didn't really discuss). Read posts, look at recipes and before/after pictures--whatever motivates you.
Good luck!

Thank you. I just wish I had my surgeon appointment to tell me what he wants me to lose. You’re right though- they all count in this journey. My focus is on being approved and scheduled for surgery. It drives me crazy that I have my psych appointment before my surgeon consult...

It's probably just down to scheduling, but look at it this way--one more thing checked off the list to tell the surgeon. The psych consult is pretty routine--they just want to know that you have realistic expectations about the surgery.

I felt the same way when I discovered my insurance required a 6 month medically supervised diet.

Someone close to me pointed out I was using the 6 months as a reason to not do it and that wasn’t good enough. They were right.

I’m almost 4 months in and to be honest, I needed this time to get all the requirements for my surgeon completed. Nutritionist consult, exercise consult, psych evaluation, sleep study, support group, pathway class, primary dr sign off, ekg, endoscopy. It takes up more time than you think!

And working in a corporate office, people are starting to notice how many appointments I have. So far I’ve been able to keep it under wraps.

I felt the same way when I discovered my insurance required a 6 month medically supervised diet.
Someone close to me pointed out I was using the 6 months as a reason to not do it and that wasn’t good enough. They were right.
I’m almost 4 months in and to be honest, I needed this time to get all the requirements for my surgeon completed. Nutritionist consult, exercise consult, psych evaluation, sleep study, support group, pathway class, primary dr sign off, ekg, endoscopy. It takes up more time than you think!
And working in a corporate office, people are starting to notice how many appointments I have. So far I’ve been able to keep it under wraps.

Wow that’s tough. I am so glad my insurance doesn’t require that. You’re right. I need to just take a deep breathe... I’m on this diet and I’ve lost 14 pounds so far. I’m really curious as to what they will require me to lose