New to post

I have been looking into surgery since October last year and have finally decided to go for it. My surgery date is July 13. I am paying for the surgery myself because I have no insurance. Is there anything that any of ya'll would recomend? I have researched alot and read whatever books I could find. My surgeon is Dr. Sosa from Hialeah/Miami.

Crystal - congratulations on your decision to have surgery - I know that's not an easy decision because of the dangers of pre-post complications etc. And it's brave for you to be able to pay for it - I know I would not be able to do it w/o insurance. My question is what recommendations are you looking for? Are you asking about the doctor, or what things you need to get ready for surgery? Keep your yourself - reading posting from here and the main board there is a lot of information in this site - cause we're all here for the same reason.

Crystal, congratulations on getting a surgery date. What hospital will you be going to? I would say that during these preoperative days that you continue to educate yourself as well as you can. Follow your postoperative guidelines which I'm sure your surgeon will give to you. Just know that after every surgery you must use an incentive spirometer that the hospital will provide for you........you must "deep" breathe, cough up any secretions. You will be encouraged to walk hours after your return to your hospital room.......don't give in to "not feeling like it". I live in Miami and we can talk by phone so email me if you like. LuvitsunnyB~lo/goal

crystal congrats on the surgery and i wish you the best just research it till the day that you have surgery and i will be a week out the day of yours i was supposed to be the same day as you but they changed mine i am doing great take this as a blessing and follow everything to a T you really need support as well if you need to talk for any reason just email me and we will be able to talk on the phone God bless you..!!!

Hi Crystal, I am also new to this board with a surgery date for July 22nd. I am self paying as well. After two years of trying to jump through hoops with my insurance and then being told they have change their policy and no longer pay AT ALL for WLS my hubby and I decide to refinance our home to pay for the surgery. This board has been wonderful for me to read, I have learned so my about what kind of decision I am making and I feel that I more informed. Good luck!

My basic question is... Does anyone have any regrets? Having to pay for this surgery myself--and I am not rich--is a big deal. But I am 25 and 360 lbs. BUT, if I hear my family say one more time that "You better not mess this up" I will scream!! I was just wondering if anyone else felt that way. What is a spirometer? Does anyone recommend any books? Thank you for the support and I am sure I will think of more questions later.

The hospital is Palmetto and I am also looking for a list of what to buy that I will need but may not think of. And anything else that I may not think will be different but will. Example.. My bed is just the matress and box Spring on the floor I just realized last week that it may be painful to get out of that bed. I also have another question... I am a care provider to a developmentally disabled young man the Dr. said 4 weeks till I could go back to work. I don't lift him but he is a large young man--around 250--I have to bed bath and roll him off the bed. Does 4 weeks seem like enough or should I take longer?