Thanks for the info, Frances.  I didn't even think about the soup.  I'll have to get some tomorrow.  I do have a good variety of liquids.  I am making my supplement order on Friday.  I am taking a multivitamin;  GNC Mega Men.

Maybe we can get together and watch the Eagles-Redskins games. Football-watching is a big deal in our little household and I had to teach my little one "Hail to the Redskins" quickly after she accidentially screamed "How Bout Dem Cowboys" after watching Jerry Jones on TV when she was about 3. As you can imagine, there was almost a request for a paternity test after that slip up.

I see your date is coming up fast. Are you prepared with supplements and a variety of liquids for the first couple of weeks? Having a variety of warm or hot soups to alternate with the jello, pudding, and other cold stuff is a good way to keep from getting bored.

By the time you get to mushies, smooth chili and gumbo or soup with crabmeat and chopped shrimp will be good options.

I sauce it up with herbs and spices and I try to keep the sodium low. My big Redskin gained nearly 150 pounds in his first decade down here, but I'm proud of say that he's lost 70 pounds in the last year. I must say, however, that one gets "really good service" when you dine with a 350-pound dude in an NFL jersey. Most people think he's an aging football player they just don't recognize.

Ha .... nuff said.

Let me know how things are going with the preparation and keep those spirits and goals high.

Onward,
Frances

Well, got some news on Friday afternoon while at work.  The bariatric nurse at Ochsner called me to inform me that they had an approval from my insurance company for my RNY.  She wanted to know if I was ready to schedule a surgery date.  I knew the call was coming, but I admit I was just a little stunned to hear the actual words.  I wanted to have it as soon as I could while still giving my manager time to find a replacement for me on shift.  My first date was the 26th, but I would have had to start my two week liquid diet on Monday.  Not really a big deal, but the surgery date on that date would have meant my wife would have had to take a day off.  Since she is trying to save her vacation days for July and the fact that she just went back to work after her car accident I decided to schedule it for the 28th, which she will be off for.  I am expecting to have to be at the hospital early so the 28th is better.

My last day at work will be the 26th.  Actually, I'm working that night and will be getting off the morning of the 27th.  That week is my normal week off, so the amount of time I won't be at work will be three weeks.  Every three weeks, I get one week off, so I can wrap two scheduled weeks off around the three I work.

I have already contacted my company's short term disability provider and arranged everything there.  I have 26 weeks of 100% pay for the STD, so that's not a worry. 

I kind of had my last bad meals.  I gained one pound over the weekend.  Spent all day yesterday working in the yard, cutting grass, and mowing brush as well as trimming bushes.  I was whupped last night.  Back to work tonight and for the next seven days straight.  My PCP signed off on my surgery yesterday, so I get to see Dr. Richardson on the 20th, and away we go.

My surgeon will be Dr Phillip Gachassin in Lafayette.  I am self pay VSG and his price is $11,500.  I believe the Lap Band is around $16,000 and Bypass is about $20,000.

He has a team concept.  He has someone who does Nutrition, Excercize person, a Financial person, a Behaviorial Modification person.  They have info seminars monthly at Lafayette General Medical Center and support group meetings after the seminars. 

The price of the VSG, pays for hospital, surgeon fees and followup visits for a year.  I have only heard good things about Dr Gachassin.  I was very comfortable when I met him at the seminar and my first pre-op visit.

Hope you can find a Dr. who you have confidence in.

Marlene

My surgeon was Dr. Richardson at Ochsner Main Campus in New Orleans. He was absolutely fabulous!!  His assistant is Amber whom you usually see for the visits and she is great as well!!  I am totally happy with my decision and my surgeon!  good luck