Approval / 4 Hr. Seminar / Need A Friend To Show Me The Ropes!!

Hello Everyone! Okay, I'm having one of those brain freeze, dont think its really set in, so now I'm panicking, kinda things! Soooo, my insurance co. got my paperwork on 9/29/08, and I've since then called them dang near every M-F since...only to hear the same ol' thing.. "Its still back w/ the Med. Director, in review"...Ughhhhh, how sick I was of hearing that!!  I've introduced this site, and my PCP to a girlfriend of mine who is interested in the LB also....wouldnt ya know it...insurance got her paperwork, and she got approved the same day(Bout a week ago).  So, here I sat Mon, Tues, Wed, calling insurance...blah blah blah...getting no-where!! Then there was TODAY!!!  My girlfriend asked me if I had spoke w/ the lady Joyce, at the Dr's office, about setting up my 4 hour mandatory seminar...Nope, I hadnt done that....so I called, Joyce said they usually dont set up those meetings until you have been approved, but due to the classes filling up so quickly, and she didnt see a reason why I'd be denied, she scheduled me in a class for Nov. 3rd!!! So, why not call my insurance back..haha...I did...thank GOD I got a different lady on the phone..haha...Yes ma'am she said, I see you have a date for Nov. 20th...You've been approved!!! WOOHOOOO...Okay so now here is my deal....I'm awaiting my letter from the insurance company, and scrambling for all my lil notes I've made on things I need to pick up, but wouldnt ya know, cant find a thing...Im a wreck..go figure!!  I've read post on here bout the support groups you all attend from time to time.....so, I guess what I need is for someone to snap me back to reality...if I could meet up w/ someone and tag along to one of these meetings with, that would be great!! Also, what kind of protein things do you all recommend...shakes / bars, etc.  Oh, and that liver shrinking diet, from what I know, most everyone HAS to do that, and I've heard its Heck for most...what can you all recommend as far as that goes....Can anyone give me any pointers on where I go from here..things to buy that'll make it easier on me...anything you guys can tell me to give me a heads up would be appreciated...I'm kinda one of those gals that likes to be ahead of the game...like, wayyyyyy in advanced...dont really like surprises..haha...so the more I know, the better... Thanks in advanced!! Im so excited!!! And I look forward to seeing you all on "the losing side"of the bench...or however you all say it..haha..

Good am,

Welcome to the VA Board! Glad you're approved and now on with the journey at hand. Attending support groups and continuing them as much as possible before and after WLS are incredibly important tools to keep on your belt. I'm 6 years post-op this coming 29th Jan and I still keep up with support groups and still continue to learn something new everyday.

Each doctor is different in what he/she wants their patients to do before and after WLS. You'll want to talk to yours and get their protocol. I cannot speak on the liver shrinking diet as that was not done by my surgeon. For some tips: I would suggest NOT stocking up on protein shakes, powders etc but rather getting samples of several different kinds. Your taste buds change so much after surgery so you'll want a wide variety. Things to consider are having someone with you following surgery especially if you have young children to help you for a few weeks. Making sure you grab things off your list your surgeon have given you such as Carnation Instant Breakfast, broths, jell-o's etc.

Take lots of pictures to mark your journey. Take them now, in the hospital etc. Things change rather quickly! Many folks here will supply you with great tips, tricks & info. Oh about "surprises" trust there will be some and hopefully all GREAT! Enjoy the journey!

Yep...what Kat said.  I am 3.5 years out and still learning new things daily, too.  I make it a point to learn everything that I can.  Ask questions, attend a support group, find an angel or a buddy (I am an RNY patient and not of your surgeons group but am here if you need me!) and sit back and get ready to have the ride of your life! 

Hi! The previous posters are WAY farther out than I am so have much more experience. Just one suggestion. If I am not mistaken, your surgeon is with Richmond Surgical Group. I know that there are several on this board that have gone through that group and may be able to help you. Maybe make a post asking for patients of that group? I am sure they could help with how that particular office works. Again, just a suggestion.

But honestly, I had to do the liver shrinking diet for 2 weeks prior to surgery and it really wasn't that bad. Carnation instant breakfast for breakfast & lunch, healthy low fat dinner, and 2 snacks (foods off their list) each day. It was very manageable but each doctor is different.

Good luck on your journey! While it is going to be the wildest ride you've taken, it will absolutely be the very best thing you've done! Congratulations!

Welcome tot he board and congrats on your approval!!  It is great you want to be ahead of the game, but at this point until you see your Surgeon and find out their protocal, those efforts may go in vein.  Each Dr has different protocals.  The per op diet is also so different from Dr to Dr.  My Dr. had did optifast, some have you go on protien shakes.  And not all doctors do it for every patient.  I had it because I diffently had a fatty liver.  Things will start to fall into place as you go through your education!

Kat,Tam,Theresa & Melissa....Thanks so much for all the advice...I appreciate it...Okay its been over 24 hrs since I found out about my approval, and although I dont think its set in yet, I'm a lil bit more relaxed, and a tad more together/organized.  Hopefully I can find someone on here also who is familiar w/ Richmond Surgical Group, and pal around to the meetings with! Will keep you all updated!  Congrats to all of you on your loss thus far...Keep up the great work!! And hey, if ya'll can think of anything else please let me know...Thanks so much!!