Where is everyone in their journey?

I thought maybe we could share where each of us is in our preparations as we approach our surgery dates.

In August, my GI doctor at Mayo told me that the RNY was the only way to fix my severe GERD.  Significant weight loss (badly needed) would be a nice by-product.  He referred me to the Bariatric Center and the first available appointment was October 7th.  I made the rounds of the different departments and had 17 vials of blood drawn.

I returned yesterday for my 2nd of 4 pre-op visits.  I saw the nutritionist and passed my written test with a 100%.  She also said I have lost so much weight in the past month (28 lbs) that I may not need to do the 2 week Opti Fast liquid diet.  The medical doctor agreed that I might not need to do the Opti Fast, and he would leave it up to the surgeon, who I see next week.  I saw the psychiatrist and Physical Therapy.  PT taught me a full body routine of strength training exercises - most to be done with resistance bands.  I'm to do that routine 2-3 X a week, and do cardiovascular exercise 4-5 x a week.  The medical bariatric doctor said I cleared everything medical and with all the other departments; he would be writing my letter of medical necessity and have it submitted by the insurance department with the prior authorization form.

I go back next Tuesday the 26th for more blood work and to be cross and type matched; see the anesthesiologist and the surgeon, and do my pre-admission paperwork.  I am still waiting for them to schedule me with the someone in the department of pharmacology - to review my meds and see which ones might need to be changed.

My final of 4 pre-op visits is December 10th.  My GI doctor wanted a follow-up appointment, and my husband needs to come with me to a detailed nutrition workshop.  Then - if all goes well, my surgery is December 17th.

I'm excited and can't wait!

Karen

Hey guys,  I live in Louisiana and have been scheduled for surgery on 12/4.  I start my liquid diet tomorrow.  I go Monday for a visit with the nutritionist and have final lab work and to get my preregistration done at the hospital.  I started in October going to the first seminar and has my first consultation the week after.  It took almost 2 weeks to hear that my insurance approved but it's been lightning fast since then.  I am sooo ready though.

Janice

Janice - Things moved quickly for you too.  That's great. 

I hear you about being SOOOOOOOOOO ready.  Me too!  Since you are the paving the way for most of us, you can let us know us know how it goes.  Please keep us posted as you do your liquid diet.

Karen

I 'officially' started my journey in June with an informational seminar about the procedure with the surgeons. I have been investigating my options for about 7 years, and finally have insurance that covers the procedure. 

I had to do 6 months of NUT appointments, and have managed to lose about 13 pounds...unfortunately, in the  middle of all of this, I ended up having some female issues, had to get several tests and a uterine biopsy- ended up all is well, and had to have an IUD inserted (TMI, sorry)...but needless to say, I gained a few of those pounds back. I'm back on track now that the issues are behind me. I seriously feel like I've had an appointment of some sort every week for the past 6 months, PCP, NUT, Psych, GYN...The good news is I hit my out of pocket max. months ago. :)

My surgeon doesn't do a liquid diet phase...only the same pre-op diet I'm already on...no carbs, high protein. I have to go on 12/4 for some blood work, then on 12/12 for my full day of education and testing, then 12/23 to meet with the surgeon one last time, then on 12/30 surgery at 7:30am...Happy New Year to me. 

The journey has been long and at times frustrating...but I actually think that's a blessing because now I know so much more about the process, what life will be like after, and I've had a chance to find this board, and to connect with all of you who will be experiencing similar things. :)

I'm so excited....a little nervous too, but I've got about 6 weeks to work those out...and I know it's the right decision. 

There is no such thing as TMI in this group.  We all understand and we all have many issues other than (or possibly because of) our weight.  This is a place to let it all hang out and say what we feel. 

I know I'm not big on large in person support groups.  I have found these forums very helpful and therapeutic, and I feel strongly that having this group just for people having surgery around the same time will be a life-saver for me (and hopefully for everyone else). 

Karen

I am done with NUT appoints, psych exams, Upper GI, EKG, weight management appointments, weight history (2 years) provided and scheduled for surgery!!

I had my first appointment in July and was approved within a week of insurance having my paperwork. I had gall bladder surgery on October 7th which pushed things back a little but I didn't want to have surgery until December anyway while I am on Christmas break from college.

I have my pre-op appointment on the 11th when I will start my liquid diet and register with the hospital. Surgery is the 17th!

My daughter will be having surgery (knee) on November 26th so I am sure I will be done with hospitals for a while after this year (hopefully anyway!)

Woo hoo, I have someone sharing my surgery date!!

You will have your hands full for sure, between your surgery and that of your daughter.

Karen

I started my journey at the end of June by asking my PCP about WLS and here I am 5 months later  I will be having the Vertical Sleeve on the 18th of December. I am both excited and nervous. To be totally honest I didnt think I would qualify and when my doctor said I was a perfect candidate my feelings were a little hurt.  Crazy huh? I am 5'4 and weigh in at 222 at the moment. HW was 230. I have Diabetes, Sleep Apnea and arthritis and PCOS.

I am mostly having the surgery to get rid of my sleep apnea and diabetes, that is not to say the weight loss wont be a great thing but I really really really hate that CPAP mask.

Good Luck to everyone!!

I'd toss my CPAP in the pool if it didn't cost so much.  I have sleep apnea, hypertension, and degenerative arthritis.  The reason I was referred for a Roux-en-Y is that I need surgery to fix my rotting esophagus and gastroparisis.  Weight loss will be a much needed and welcome side benefit. 

Karen

My journey started in June. I had to do three months of weight loss with the dietician and met with the surgeon. I got my approval from insurance the first week of November. On November 19, I had my preop testing. My surgery date is December 10th. I start my liquid diet tomorrow.

Since June I have lost 34 pounds, which makes me extremely excited. I just wish the two weeks til surgery would be here already!