Question:
NOW THAT I AM APPROVED A MILLION THINGS ARE RACING THROUGH MY HEAD...

First, let me say that GOD and Obesityhelp.com has been the backbone that has kept me going through all of this and I appreciate everyone's kind words. Now that I have got my approval so many things are going through my mind. Will I this? Am I this? Can I this? Can anyone share some stories when they were at this stage in the surgery? Thanks. I haven't received an official surgery date yet. Does this come before or after pre-op tests?    — Brandi C. (posted on March 11, 2004)

March 10, 2004
Ahh the fear, and yet wanting surgery. FINALLY getting a date, then countinmg down both looking forward and dreading all at the same time. Because of a previous bad experience, I had nearly died after minor knee surgery and my step sister my age died after minor leg surgery a couple years earlier I was certain I wouldnt wake up after WLS EVER Looking back some 3 years ago I wish I hadnt wasted all that time worrying. If I coukld have got just a glimpse of my post op life I would of jumped on that table and begged them to begin. WLS IS THE BEST DECISION I EVER MADE IN MY ENTIRE LIFE! See my long winded profile for details. Its pretty complete, but needs a recent update. CONGRATS YOU ARE ABOUT TO BEGIN A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE. It may have a few pot holes along the way, but still its a terrific ride...
   — bob-haller

March 10, 2004
Brandi, I didn't go through this - I only went through insurance denails - it was pretty discouraging, so I'm happy for you! I do remember the elation when the funding came in for me to self-pay for my surgery, though, and the actual getting a date for surgery ranked right up there with best birthday present in the world feeling. If you'd like to read my story, you can find it at: http://www.duodenalswitch.com/Patients/Dina/dina.html Blessings, dina
   — Dina McBride

March 10, 2004
First of all- congratualtions on being approved! To answer your other question about pre-op testing, that really depends on the tests! If you need a sleep study and psych eval, you may have to have those done before you get a date, and then you will have your pre-op labs scheduled just before your surgery date. I knew I would be approved by my insurance (I work for the company!) However, the reality of an actual surgery date was like waiting for Christmas - thought it would never arrive, then it was next month, next week - and then tomorrow! I was excited and not really scared - I knew my risk factors were few, and I was a lightweight. I also knew I had tried everything to lose weight and this was my last chance to become healthy and be around a few more years, and avoid diabetes and heart disease. I remember going out to dinner with my DH and "practicing" eating the "new"way - small bites chewed well. I also enjoyed a lot of the foods I thought I would never be able to eat again. (Some of them I have eaten - others I have no desire to eat again!) I spent a lot of time day dreaming about the clothes I would be able to wear, getting rid of my to big stuff. Although I have not lost a lot of weight, I am healthy and happy I had the surgery. My best advice at this stage would be to try and get yourself into the best shape you can for surgery. If you smoke - try to quit now. If you don't exercise, start walking - even 5 minutes a day is a start. Consider getting some small weights and using those. Get a video tape and work out in the privacy of your home if you want - if you can't do the whole thing from the start - no biggie - just keep working on it! All the best!
   — koogy

March 10, 2004
Please take some time to read my profile. This may help you prepare yourself and you home for after the surgery. This surgery is a commitment to yourself. Your new stomach is a tool that will help you develop good eating habits. When I decided to have this surgery I stated to myself "I want to eat to live NOT live to EAT! You will find that after the surgery how much of your time was spent eating. Now what do you do with yourself since you can no longer eat. This can be a real struggle. It was for me. Remember, the surgery is not a miracle worker. If we have emotional issues before the surgery you will have them after and some. I suggest support groups before the surgery and after, this website and even professional help if needed to deal with these issues. I LOVE my new me. I have lost 178 lbs in 11 months (down to 151 lbs). I doing things that I haven't done in 20 years (playing tennis, riding bikes, walking races, etc.). I have gone down from a size 32 pants to a size 14-16. I wish you the best of luck with your surgery.
   — Linda R.

March 11, 2004
We are all so different that it is hard to predict what you will experience once you are postop. A couple of things that I did during the going-crazy waiting period that were helpful: 1. I had a professional picture made. I had been hiding from cameras for so long that I didn't have a photo. I went to a Motophoto (strip mall place) and they took a picture. They even put it on a disc for me. I was so glad to have it once I lost my weight and didn't look like that anymore! 2. I organized my closet into sizes. Like many m.o. people, I'd been on many diets and had many different sizes in my closet. I looked at everything and first decided whether or not to keep it. There were some things that were just out of style. Everything I still liked, I organized by sizes, largest in the front of the closet, smallest in the back, everything else in order in between. This helped me later on as it was much less work to find something to wear as my size changed. HOWEVER, I didn't try stuff on often enough, so sometimes I would pull something out to see if it fit and it would be already too big. Also - and I never anticipated this - by the time I was done losing I was many sizes smaller than the smallest I'd ever been before. But in the meantime, it was great to be able to "shop my closet" when I needed a new size. Good luck to you! hugs, Ann RNY 9/10/99 260/124
   — [Deactivated Member]