So, what are people doing to get ready, emotionally or physically?

I'm buying some protein powder...trying not to overbuy, since people say your tastes change after surgery.  I'm replacing my magic bullet since i've had this one for over 5 years and it doesn't work the way it used to.  I've gottten chewable multivitamins and calcium (I always take calcium, it's not surgery related) 

I've told work--I don't have the final approval from insurance yet, so I had to give them a tentative (though probable) schedule.  My doc wants me out for a full 4 weeks since I'm a nurse and I'm having a band to sleeve revision--I think it's excessive, but I have extended sick leave that we can only use after a week so I have well over 4 weeks I can take.  I've told a few of my coworkers why, and the grapevine will handle the rest.  I wasn't going to--but I decided coming back after weight loss would make it obvious.  

I've been walking on my treadmill and doing yoga--trying to build up to more and more exercise. 

What is everyone else doing to get ready?  

September 5!!  I've been counting the days since I got approved.  The office staff thought it odd that I wanted to schedule so far ahead, but it comes down to the money, you know? 

I've been worried every single step of the way that something would happen and prevent me from having RNY WLS. I was supposed to do 6 months with the doc, ins cut it to 3 months.

Then I was afraid that my employer would change my insurance ($5k deductible, more than $3k met!) and my deductible would start over.  They kept the same policy. 

Then I sent my stuff to insurance and was approved first shot!  Whew! Another bullet dodged.

Oh, then they tell me that ins only covers $4k of the $16,500 surgery and that I have to come up with $12,500.  My wonderful, long time best friend cosigned for care credit for me (couldn't get approved on my own) and I'll have $6k cash by the time surgery rolls around.  Pretty much dodged every bullet a 6-shooter can spit out at this point.  Oh, that's right, I'm a machine gun target with a full belt. 

Well, then I was worried about needing time off and my employer (who has been SOOOOO supportive) and I agreed that I could do the surgery during the time many of our clients will be attending a conference.  Whoop Whoop!  Two weeks off for me! 

Oh, not to mention  my bloody psych eval!  Geeze!  I know I'm quasi-normal, but the psych eval...holy cow....the last thing i want to do is have someone tell me I'm too obsessed with my weight (with good reason, mind) to have the surgery!  But they said I was good to go.  My PCP supports my decision and my family....bless them!  Honestly, they've been amazing and supportive and definitely as excited as I am about this.  They KNOW the struggles I've had my ENTIRE LIFE (seriously!) and I can see they have hope for me, too.  Hope is something I've not had in ages...and dadgumit, i've got more hope now in my little toe than I've had in my entire body for years!

today's nearly over so I'm going to say 29 days! 

Here we go September Folks!!  LET'S DO THIS!!!! 

Sarah :)

PS: feel free to add me as a friend.  I'd love to keep up with your progress and postings!  I ramble, though (can you tell?) so if you don't want to keep up with me, i understand. 

I have a few worries right now:

This friday is the last visit of my 90 day pre-op insurance requirements.  Then they submit to insurance.  I do not have final approval yet, and although everything has been done to Aetna's standards, I'm worried something will come up.

I have two weeks off between semesters (I'm in grad school) so if something gets delayed, I have to push my surgery to December--my next break after September. 

I'm worried about the pre-op diet (who isn't?!?)  I know I'll be hungry, and cranky...and preparing for a final, all at the same time.  Oy.  

Work is giving me trouble since I told them I would most likely need time off in September but it's not definate yet.  They need to get my shifts covered if it is definate, and they need time to do it.  However, *I* don't know if it's definate yet, and they don't seem to get that.

A little voice in my head keeps asking if I"m making the right choice (VSG instead of RNY--not surgery in general).  I'm having my lapband out and revising and I never want to go through this again.  I really want the VSG, but my doc is trying to persuade me to the RNY due to me having (probably band induced) GERD.  Everything I've read makes me think VSG is a beter option for me, but I can't see the future!

 I just got my surgery scheduled on Friday for September 25th.  I'm nervous, excited and ready to begin a new chapter of my life.  I to am nervous about the PRE-op diet.  I'm going to be cranky!  ;-)

I somehow deleted your friends request...not on purpose!

What's going on that you feel let down about?  Your doc wants you to lose 29 lbs preop and you are *only* down 17?  17 lbs is a wonderful accomplishment!  You will lose more on your preop diet, and if you could lose a ton on your own, why would you be having WLS?