Okay, so I am extremely nervous for tomorrow...I finally get my gastric bypass surgery. This will be a huge step in my life...I just hope I don't look "awkward" after losing a lot of wait. All I need are a few extra prayers that everything goes well tomorrow :)

Also...any advice for my future will be helpful! :)

Started this journey Nov 10, 2010. Had my lap band, and was never able to have any restriction. Finally it was confirmed, I had a leak. My BMI is on the lower side now 36. I lost almost 45 pounds during the first year, however I was working out 4 times  week with a personal trainer, 2 hour sessions. Sad to say when the abdominal pain started, I quit working out and  have gained about 20 pounds back...  When I really needed my band, we discovered it didn't work, and most likely never had. I have had abdominal pain at the port and band site since Mayof this past year. Have had ct scan and ultrasound which show everything is in the right place,they are thinking adhesions and scar tissue?  In May it was decided the band need to come out. My original surgeon, who I really like, gave me the option to the have the RNY . I have decided to go ahead with a revision. My primary insurance company was always going to allow the surgery, it was just a matter of where. There is 2 major hospitals where I live, one is contracting, and one is not. The non- contracting hospital happens to be the only facility within 350 miles who does revisions.  Took me since May of this past year to get my insurance company to allow me to have this revision to RN local, and not traveling 6-8 hours from my home.  After two appeals, finally got to them to say they would pay contracting rates, but I am responsible for the balance billed charges. Just got the news October 21st. I am scheduled for my revision on November 28. Like everyone, I don't like anesthesia, and dread the falling asleep and waking up more than the procedure itself.

If there are many revisions out there, and want to send any helpful hints my way, they would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Caitlin:

Cleveland Clinic is about 2 hours from my house...one of my best friends had her bariatric surgery done there 7 years ago...she always raves about how she got great care and really great doctors.  As I mentioned before I'm having my surgery here in Michigan at Beaumont and I just found out both Cleveland Clinic and Beaumont have the exact same program and practices...so we WILL be able to compare notes after all.   I had my pre-surgery blood draw today and now I know it is real.  Well I certainly understand why people think we are all nuts for doing this during the holidays, but my take is ...  I'm going to enjoy future holidays more is I'm NO LONGER diabetic, with high blood pressure etc;.   Don't you just know we spend one or two days getting everything ready for Thanksgiving and in 20 minutes it is all over !   SO I decided why let 20 minutes of my life take priority over the rest of my life.  As for me it is just my husband and I so it is no big deal.   I did buy a Small Turkey and trimming for him.  I also told him if he wants I'll go so far as to tell him how HE can cook it and everything else is instant.   He won't be having his favorite things because I'd have to hand make them and it is my intention to stay away from the kitchen.  Thanksgiving Day is also our 15th Wedding Anniversary and don't you know Christmas is next, followed by New Years, His Birthday in January etc;  There would never be a good time.  So here we go......  tomorrow is my final check off and then surgery is Friday at 12:00 noon.  Whoopie.  It is so wonderful that you are going to be at your parents house...I know that will comfort you.  When you get back to Wisconsin it will be so refreshing.   I spent most of my Summers when I was growing up in Wisconsin.   Some of my family is still there (Burlington).   You live in a beautiful State.    After I post tomorrow I won't be back on the boards until next week.  But it will all go so fast .. (I hope) hahahaha

In the meantime do take care and I'll make sure you have extra prayers on the 19th.

Hugs,  Patty Jo