Can I really do this??????

I had my orientation today.  I was measured and talked about exercise, tasted optifast samples with the nut, visited with one of the doctors, etc.  We were given a large binder and told to read all of it and there would be a test next week.  I was there from 9am to 12 noon.  By the time I left, I wasn't sure anymore if I was doing the right thing.  Plus, I didn't realize how much time I would have to take off work after the surgery for all the group meetings that start before 5pm. (Don't they realize that we have jobs and can't come and go as we please?) They made it sound like the whole process was going to be miserable!  Are they trying to scare people off?  I know I am miserable now, but I felt so down by the time I left.  I feel very overwhelmed!!  Has anyone else felt this why and gotten through it all?

Hi JoAnna

I didn't feel overwelmed until a few days before my surgery.  I can only guess why they made the orientation seem so bad.  This isn't the easy road to take.  There seems to be folks who think this is a magic wand to remove all the bad habits some of us have ((ME ME ME)) lol.
I have not had any complications from my surgery.  Thank goodness.  But that being said, there is always the risk.  My diabetes was so out of control it was surely going to kill me.  I no longer have high blood sugar.  So my surgery is working wonders for me.  I am down 77 pounds in 14 weeks.  I have gone from a tight size 24 to wearing a size 16 jean. My shirts are XL now,  not XXL or XXXL lol. 
So keep your mind positive. Maybe someone there had a bad day.  But this is a huge lifestyle change.  I wasn't as prepared mentally for the surgery as I thought I was.  I kind of panicked when I got home.from my surgery.   I had no way to soothe myself.. since that is one way I used food.  I only had to spend the night in the hospital. I wasn't even there 24 hours.  I had lap RNY.
I don't know about the group meetings being before 5pm... as I live in southern IN.  Most of the support group meetings I attend are later in the evening... 6pm... 7:30pm...etc. 
Keep the  faith.  You should or will know in your heart if this is the right way to go.  What does your heart and head tell you?

JoAnna, why don't you talk with Dr. Sloan's nurse. It's hard for most of us to understand as I'm sure he runs things differently than the docs here in Indy do. As for the group meetngs, St. Vincent offers support group meetings in Fort Wayne and I think they start around 7. Could you see if you could attend those? I'm sure you're overwhelmed, but hang in there. Ask questions, voice your concerns regarding the meeting times, etc. Keep us posted

Dr. Sloan's program is very structured...you have to commit to 16 weeks--4 pre op, 12 post op, of classes.  Personally I would not like it any other way.  He has a set agenda that you follow every week you have a class and you do take a test--if you read the manuel which I could not stop reading it as it warns you about anything and everthing that can possibly happen,plus what to expect, the test is not hard--it is their way of knowing if you have read the book.  They want you to enter the program with your eyes wide open..I needed this because of the reasons Leah mentioned, to prepare myself mentally that I no longer would be able to use food to lean on.  Dr. Sloan's patients have a very high success rate.  If you meet him you realize he is very compationate and goes the extra mile to see you succeed.I love the group meetings because we learn from each other. Each week we meet with an Rn, get weighed, and see the doctor.  We also have Lab work every 3 weeks. Then we have group with either the Nut, counselor, Physical Trainer. I love my group and learn so much everyweek. I haven't been miserable yet!! I hope this helps.

I forgot to mention there is also a support group that meets the first Thursday of each month in the evening. You attend after you graduate from the 16 weeks....

I think taking a test is an awesome idea, we all should have had to take a test. I knew a lot before surgery and did 1,000's of hours of research on Roux En Y but still missed a few things.  I am sure your surgeons office has not designed a test that you will fail if you are taking this seriously (I am sure you are) so relax and read up. 

16 weeks of group also sounds lovely. You will appreciate the time to be with your peers, who are having similiar happenings.  I do understand about missing that much work though, seems like that is asking a lot of folks.  I have a flexible job and could get by with it but I have had jobs in the past that this would have been very difficult.  I dont see it as a deal breaker though.  Take it to your supervisor and see what can be worked out.  Perhaps you can make up the hours missed in some way.

I think the more real this surgery becomes the more scared we become.  I put on a brave face for my family because I didn't want them to be worried about me but on the inside I was scared big time.  I think its normal to be afraid of something so life altering.  Its a good thing though.  I have zero regrets!

Jeannie

st. Vincents had a quiz more than a test.  But they also had a very long class 6 hours.  And they had an orientation that lasted 3 to 4 hours.  It is all well worth the investment of your time.  I understand your issue with work and your hours.  I think I too would call the nurse and discuss it with them.  I think given that he has a very structured regimen  it will not be the first time someone has called with issues.  So dont be afraid to ask all questions to them.  They want you to succeed. 

Good luck and hang in there!  YOU CAN DO IT!

Huge hugs,
Tracy

Joanna,

Take a deep breathe!  It's ok to feel the way you are feeling if you didn't I have to say I'd be worried about you!   I've been reading the post and see that Dr. Sloan does things different from the St. V's patients that doesn't mean one way is better than the other he just wants YOU to have a different set of tools to deal with your weight loss.  It seems to care about your success and wants the best for you. 

Now about the meetings at 5.  I know you'll be inconvenienced for a few weeks by having to attend these but AREN'T YOU WORTH IT?  I don't think they are trying to scare you off but I do believe they are trying to find out who is serious about loosing weight and who isn't.  A lot of people won't be willing to jump through the hoops.  Better to get them out now before they waste the doctors time.  

The tests sound like an awesome idea!  It took me 1 1/2 years from the start of the process to the actual surgery due to insurance requirements.  Let me tell you I thought I was prepared for everything - LOL had my first melt down the day after I was released from the hospital.  Have had several more along the way.  I thought I was prepared for everything that would come my way and I wasn't.   Tests and weekly sessions would have been a blessing I would start a list of questions for my monthly support meetings and if it got too long I'd have to email them to the dieticians at St. V's and wait for answers.

You have to remember Joanna God has a plan for you and you may be scared and nervous right now but it will all work out!

Hugs!
Frankie

Frankie,  Off subject,  I just want to say you are so funny...I love to read your posts....Have a great day   ...

Thanks Paula!  I have to tell you I've spent a lot of years being funny and 'hiding' behind it... now I'm finding I laugh and cut up a lot more because I can.  Hope your day was blessed!

Frankie