Ready to Join In

Hi everyone-
I haven't posted sooner because I had convinced myself that insurance was going to deny the WLS. To my surprise, I got an approval letter just a few days after completing all of the paperwork. A little bit about me: I am 39 years old (will be 40 in January) with a BMI of 35.  Last spring I was diagnosed with severe arthritis in both knees (which is what probably got my WLS approved so quickly).  I am married with 3 kids, a 6yo and 4yo twins.  I am a clinical psychologist (which made for a really fun psych eval) but right now I only work a few hours a week so I can be home with my kids.

I am scheduled for RNY on December 15th, starting the pre-op diet this weekend.  I have finally gotten over the shock and am getting excited, but nervous.  I only know one person who has gone through WLS so I was happy to find this forum.  I have told a few people outside of my family, but I also need to tell a few neighbors since I will need help getting my kids to/from school and activities.  I'm having a hard time letting people know because so far I have gotten weird responses, mainly people telling me I don't need the surgery and wondering why I want to go through with it.  Funny how nobody had ever called me skinny until I told them about WLS!

I am sure I will have many questions for you in the coming weeks, but for now I just wanted to say hello and introduce myself.
Thanks.

 Hi, things moved quick for you.
I'm just curious.  Have you talked with your doctor about pain managment with your arthritis after your surgery?  What do you currently use?  After you lose weight I am sure the pain will be much better.

Welcome aboard and congratulations!

LWs really don't need to go crazy on those pre-op diets, so please use common sense. If you get dizzy or shaky, please eat something like a peanut butter cracker.

--gina

If I had done WLS earlier, maybe I wouldn't be going through my knee replacement now.  Do be aware that we are told not to take any NSAIDs after surgery so you will be limited in your med choices for your arthritus.  Unfortunately, I still had a bone on bone knee after loosing 106# so I have a new knee as of last Wed.

Between Dec 15 and today, read, read, read.  Get yourself as prepared as possible.  That will help you so much as you go through the process.  And come here with any questions.  Welcome aboard.

Hi and welcome to the LW Boards.

I have arthritis in my hands and have had 3 surgeries.  I can tell you I do miss my aleve at times.  I would not trade my WLS though. I love the difference it has made in my life.  Make sure there will be something you can take since you can't take the NSAID's anymore.  I tried the cream, but it still bothered my stomach.  Tylenol doesn't do much for arthritis pain.  I have got some Arthritis tylenol that will help a little.

Good luck to you and be sure to keep us posted on your progress.  Ask away, we love questions!!

Linda

 Welcome and congratulations in the same message.

You will find lots of support and advice here. Ask anything. I have arthritis in hands, knees, and shoulder. Everything feels better when you have more mobility. Getting to a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your young family

Welcome to the lightweight board.

Do your research...I had a RNY scheduled but felt that wasn't right for me. I KNEW I had arthritis issues since I was on celebrex already for arthritis of the spine. So when I found out that it's not possible to take NSAIDs (or the prescription equivalants), I went hunting for a different surgery...I decided a DS was best for me..

If my insurance had paid for the VSG, I may have decided to do that but it wasn't an option on my table.

Liz

Welcome,

This is a wonderful board.  I also had people say that I did not need my surgery.  I had a f/up appt with my surgeon today and told him I would NEVER be where I am now without weight loss surgery.  And I also told him that I am GLAD I did not wait until my BMI was higher.

I have gotten much more comfortable telling people about the surgery now so I wish you luck with that.  If people ask, just say that you have some comorbidities that have contributed to the need for surgery.

I am also a LCSW so I found the psych testing interesting as well (I had to do a rorschach for pete's sake!).

Good luck and as Price said, read everything you can and post when you have questions.  My pre-op process was lengthy so I felt pretty prepared but there are still new things we learn/discover all the time.

~~Jennifer

Thank you all for the welcome!  

For those who asked about the arthritis, I had been taking Voltaren.  I ran out a week or so ago and didn't refill the script since I know I cannot take it after surgery.  So far I am doing OK without it.  I was really blindsighted by the arthritis diagnosis.  I had been having some knee pain, especially during and after using the treadmill.  I went for x-rays thinking it was related to a very old injury (had surgery for a torn miniscus years ago) and found out it was actually arthritis.  Hopefully I will do fine without the NSAIDs.  I'm not taking anything right now, except for an Advil here and there.  I plan to use Tylenol if I need it and will look into other options if necessary.  I'm hoping the weight loss will delay any future knee surgeries I might need.  

On Wednesday I go in for my pre-op visit.  I know they will be doing bloodwork and going over the details with me.  What else should I expect?

Congrats on the approval :) can't wait to be on this journey with you !
Mandy