I'm nervous

Hi All, I have been watching this forum for about 2 years now and this is my first post. I am scheduled for my RNY on May 15th. My concern is that I don't have insurance that will cover the surgery. I have insurance through Aetna and HealthNet but both policies have exclusionary clauses so we have taken out a loan for me to have this surgery. I am really afraid of any complications. Aetna says that they will cover complications because it will be a different diagnostic code when submitted for payment but Healthnet says absolutely not. I am really nervous that I will have some kind of complication and that Aetna won't pay in the long run. Has anyone else had any issues like this. When I talked to Lois in Dr. Aranow's office she said that they rarely see any complications. I feel like I should be comforted by this but I'm not. A friend *****cently had the surgery told me that there are a lot of emotions that you go through before the surgery but I had no idea how emotional I would be especially as the date gets closer. I am not usually an emotional person but I am making my husband, my son and especially myself crazy. I would love any thoughts, prayers, suggestions that anyone has.

Hi Kim, I am Dr Aranow's patient and is almost three years post op . Let's me tell you about mine..... I trusted Dr Aranow's hands because I know he is an excellent and alot of experiance for this kind of surgery. Few hours before my surgery, i got all mixed emotion feelings.. my husband asked me are you sure you want to have this surgery.... I said yes and know my life will change after I had this surgery like I gave birth of my kids and my life changed as mom/Wife and this surgery changed is changing your life style to eat foods, increase exerrcise and stay exercise 4 or 5 times a week and go support group meeting or meet someone who had this surgery to talk and support. I was crying when I am going to have surgery in 30 more min and Dr Aranows gave me prep talking and told me he will take good care of me and asked the same question what my husband said to me... Are you sure you want to have this surgery? I am hoping to meet you at Summer Gathering party on August 11th.If you follow this tools then you will be successfully like the rest of us who keep our tools. Please feel free to email me private then I will be honest to answer your questions. You know Dr Aranow..... He is tough love doctor and expect you to use this tools.... GOOD LUCK!!!!! Kathy K

Who LOVES ya baby!

Hi Kim: Being nervous is so natural... and to be expected. Looking back, I see it as an emotionally cleansing time. For me... Facing the reality that I needed to do something about my weight... an issue that I had tried for years to take care of by "dieting" with no real lasting results. That was step one for me, facing the problem head on. I had lots of denial that it even bothered me. "I'm fine." So when I began my journey to have surgery... all that came right to the surface. Wow... it was powerful... yet cleansing. Finally I had found a solution that gave me a chance to make a real change. I began to BELIEVE that my efforts might possibly have good results. Not just struggling, feeling it was all in vain. And I had also found a new family of people who "got" me and my weight issues. I began to have hope where there was none for years. I began to take care of me... what a new concept. And then saying goodbye to food as I knew it. I likened it to saying goodbye to an abusive lover. I told the part of me that ate abusively... NO MORE. I am taking my body back. It's over between you and me. And then I THANKED MY BODY for hanging in there all those years until I could find a way to get healthy again. And I made a promise to my body (internal talk you know) that I would do all that I could to help it get healthy again. We became a team. Allow yourself to feel your feelings, knowing that they are just that... feelings. All things are subject to change. So even your overwhelming feelings will pass. Kind of like the ebb and flow of labor. You are birthing the new you... you are... COMING HOME. You are on a most challenging, yet glorious journey. Remember, you are not alone. If you have a chance to go to support group meetings before surgery, do it. It will help. Also... you have a great surgeon, who will require you to participate fully in this process. Embrace it all and he will be your strongest supporter. Attend support group meetings and see a nutritionist. Exercise as early as you can... slowly of course. Here is a wonderful site that I found helps me focus on my body in a way that is healing. http://www.consciouseating.com/oasis.html Be well. Towanda

Kim, even though my surgery was more than 3.5 years ago, I remember the feelings you describe as if it was yesterday. This is normal; and this will pass. Try and get to the support group meetings (every Monday at Middlesex, I'm sure you know that) before your surgery; take your husband and kids, they will feel better. Remember, the more fear and anxiety you are feeling and projecting within your family, the more fearful and anxious your kids will feel. Think of this: this is major abdominal surgery, nothing more, nothing less. You will have pain upon waking up and it will begin to diminish every hour, every day if you do exactly what you need to do - get up and start walking as soon as possible and as often as possible. By the 3rd day, you will have a shower - and for me, that's when I really began feeling better. Dr. A. is one of the best, you are in great hands. We're all here for you and you will be just fine. The best thing you can do for yourself right now (and for your family) is to get centered, remain calm, and think very positive good thoughts...you are about to embark on a journey that will literally give you your life back. I started at 360 - my highest weight was 402. I am now maintaining between 142-145 and I am more fit and healthy than I've ever been. My husband and I just bought new bikes and we are tooling all over the place - I feel like I could climb Mt. Everest. I am no longer hindered in any way by the devestating effects of super-morbid obesity. I am ALIVE and LIVING the hell out of life. You will too. Be well, be calm, and post to this board as often as you need to. I would love to stop by and see you on the 15th, let me know if you are ok with this - perhaps we will be able to walk the 4th floor corridor together, what do you say??? Take care, Kim, all is well. Maureen

I am so grateful for everyone's support. I really appreciate everything that you have all said to me. I will listen to it and will follow the advice that you have all given me. Maureen I was in the group when you spoke at Middlesex a couple of weeks ago. My husband and I were both very impressed and encouraged by your story. My husband has been my biggest supporter and is with me 100% but unless you have been there no one can truly understand everything. He loves me no matter what but I know that it can't always be easy for him. May 15th is coming so soon and I can hardly wait but an scared at the same time. I would love to have any visitors that would love to stop by on the 15th but know that everyone has busy lives. I truly am thankful for each and every one of you who has been so kind to me.

hi, kim do i no you from the training school if so this is debbie konopelski

Hi Debbie, you probably do know me. I work for CRI formerly in Brookfield and now in Middlebury. Which cottage do you work in?

I was a mess when I went in for my RNY. Please be at ease knowing that you are in good hands! Hugs, Chrissy

hi, kim yes we have met i was the cottage chg of 30 we met at an ops also maybe in c41 were i am now stop worrying you will be fine if i can answer any ouestions let me no deb e-mail [email protected]