this is moving fast!

I started the process in January and this whole pre-op process is finally DONE! I had my EGD this am and made my 2nd appt with Dr Giovanni on March 19th. The woman at the office said they already have an authorization code from my ins company. Which means I'm already approved!! Now I'm wondering how far in advance they schedule the surgery from my appt. date. No one at work know's I'm having this done so I am going to tell them I'm having a hernia repair. Was going to say gallbladder out but then with my luck that would happen later!! lol Since I'm an RN I'll need the full 6 weeks out.

Hi Jan, They generally schedule the surgery date at your next visit. My doc. fit it to my schedule. I needed to have it done in the summer as I am a teacher. Really, after all your testing is completed they can schedule it for whenever the next time the doc. has surgery time available. I didn't tell any of my co-workers at first. Then, I only told about five of them. The rest still do not know that I had the surgery. It's really what you feel personally comfortable with. Most of my co-workers are very positive and complimentary about my weight loss, and many ask me for advice! Imagine!?? As far as I can tell, the few people I did tell have remained confidential. I think telling them you are having hernia repair is fine. Which then allows for that full six weeks, which you should take, especially if you ever have to lift/move patients. Even if you end up with an actual hernia down the line, people can get more than one in a life time. My brother's had two. Actually, I wouldn't mind getting one myself as they can do a tummy tuck at the same time and the OR is paid for through insurance. You just have to pay for the bit of plastic surgery that's done, but the main cost is covered. Weird, wishing for a hernia. Good luck, and congrats on your approval and upcoming surgery! Pam

HI, Congrats on your approval. It does move fast with Dr Giovanni but as soon as it is done you will be feeling great. It took two weeks for me from my last visit but that changes with the Hospital schedule and Dr Giovanni and Dr Pohl. I had both of them but scheduling was still quick. On your last visit they will set you up to go to Roger Williams for blood work and pre admittion meetings. I went the next day. This happens 2 weeks before surgery date. I was operated on on Tuesday and out on Friday and went to work on Monday but I did no lifting so be careful. Be sure to stick to the pre op diet the last week it is really a help to a faster recovery. Get your " one more times" out of the way soon Good Luck, Everybody there is GREAT you will love them. Tom

thanks for the replies. Tom, Does Dr Giovanni require one or 2 weeks of liquid diet pre-op? Also, how are their protein shakes at the office? I am going to have to take the full 6 weeks post op due to me being a nurse on a busy cardiac floor. At least I will have TDI! lol

The wildberry shake is the one you must try. The others have a funny flavor.

Thanks Danielle. I'll have to get some! How long does the pre-op liquid diet last? thanks!!!

If I remember correctly - mine was 2 weeks long. I had to do a shake for breakfast and lunch and then a meal at dinner that consisted of 3 oz of protein and veggies. Good Luck! Danielle

Jan 1 week but I did two because I was OCompulsive about shrinking my liver so I would not be open surgery. Men carry more fat in front of organs women behind. The wildberry from the office is good and I like the hot chocolate in the am. The others are a little thick and turn into pudding. I mix the hot chocolate with a stick blender because it can be lumpy. I also use vanila and strawberry EAS Advantage shakes from wallmart. But only do liquid Am and lunch. Enjoy your veggies at dinner with a small portion of beef chicken or fish and enjoy it will be a while. Last day is the only liquid only day. Take your time off with joy and find lots to do. I had surgery on the 4th of February and to date have lost 78 lbs. I have no hunger. Dr Giovanni explained the body chemical that creates hunger remaines in the sewn off part of the stomach YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEA I have made a couple of mistakes. I had one bite of pizza and it left me flying in about 10 minutes. Peggy warned me I could have caused an obstruction so I won't do that again. Also I had just one spoon of icecream and that lasted 60 seconds. I got the message the pouch rules!!!!!!!!!!!. I feel so fantastic that I can't wait f or you to feel the same. Have no reservations you will. Everyone I spoke to prior to my surgery said the same two things and I say them now as well. \ " I should have done it sooner and I would do it all over again in a heart beat" I am sure that others out there agree. You will be in the hands of some spetacular people from start to finish. Keep us informed. Tom

thanks Tom. I'm actauuly getting the lap band. Dr Giovanni recommended it over RNY in my case. I have no co-morbities so she said I'm the classic case. It's the same pre-op process though. I'm so happy to hear about your success!! GOOD FOR YOU! Your wife must think she's with a different man!! I did buy some body fortress protein pwdr today. They also had the EAS brand. Wasn't sure which one to get...lol