Starting the Process
ariesg27203
Posts: 7 Member
Hi! I am new to this group, however, I must confess, I have been 'lurking' for a few weeks as I waited for my first appointment to begin the surgical process. The things that I have read on this board has been very enlightening, to say the least.
I started researching WLS 5 years ago, but, the insurance that I had at that time would not cover it. Now, I have new insurance, so I am finally able to pursue WLS.
So, I finally had my first appointment on Monday, Aug 3 to begin the whole process. Because my insurance does not require a certain number of visits or medically supervised weight loss effort, I was able to begin scheduling ALL of my pre-op appointments--including the appointment with the surgeon. So, this is moving rather quickly compared to stories I have heard from others.
After waiting for so very long, it is almost surreal and I am quite anxious. I am so excited that I finally have some hope of actually being able to lose weight. And, of course, there is the anxiety of having surgery. I actually cried on the way home from my appointment on Monday.
Thank you all for sharing your successes and your struggles as I feel that I am better prepared to face the next couple of months of appointments.
Thanks for letting me share.
I started researching WLS 5 years ago, but, the insurance that I had at that time would not cover it. Now, I have new insurance, so I am finally able to pursue WLS.
So, I finally had my first appointment on Monday, Aug 3 to begin the whole process. Because my insurance does not require a certain number of visits or medically supervised weight loss effort, I was able to begin scheduling ALL of my pre-op appointments--including the appointment with the surgeon. So, this is moving rather quickly compared to stories I have heard from others.
After waiting for so very long, it is almost surreal and I am quite anxious. I am so excited that I finally have some hope of actually being able to lose weight. And, of course, there is the anxiety of having surgery. I actually cried on the way home from my appointment on Monday.
Thank you all for sharing your successes and your struggles as I feel that I am better prepared to face the next couple of months of appointments.
Thanks for letting me share.
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Replies
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Welcome to the group!
The time will go by super-quick. It almost felt too fast. Get started on diet and exercise now, if you have not already. It'll make everything so much easier!0 -
I understand. I was in a similar boat. It's a relief to get started after waiting so long.
I highly recommend you spend a few months learning how to eat properly, learn to log food, start dropping your daily carb intake, learn how to eat slowly, see a nutritionist even if that's not required. These are all skills that you need post-op to make that time go more smoothly and you can't be too educated or have too much information.0 -
Welcome to the board! Take heart and realize that this is going to be one of the best things you've ever done for yourself. Try not to over think things. Follow the program, and your surgeon's recommendations. It is a good idea to start walking now if you have the ability to do so. You're gonna do great. Most important thing to do.... BREATHE!0
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Hi, welcome to the group! I think I kind of know how you've been feeling. I have my first appointment this Friday. Although I think my insurance does require 6 months of supervised weight loss so I will have some time to get into the swing of things. But I definitely have found this group to be so supportive and informative in these early weeks.0
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Welcome! You've found an awesome spot for support, guidance and company. Good luck with everything!0
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Thank you everyone for the encouragement, advice, and support. I have started trying to cut back, eat less but haven't started to exercise yet. I'm going to get on it though. Woo-hoo Wish me luck.0
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Welcome!0
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Welcome! I'm one of those that had to jump through the insurance hoops. I had my final appointment with the bariatric dietician today and was really pleased with progress. I concur with everyone to start dieting and exercising as soon as possible. It will help you in the long run with your surgery as you will already have been applying good eating habits when you have your surgery. I'm still 2 months away from surgery, but so far the preop requirements have went by very quick. I hope everything goes well for you!0
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I too need to meet the six months for insurance. I'm one month in. We live in the boonies, 45 miles (one way) to the nearest Walmart or McDonald's. I'm a type 2 diabetic, 55 year old male. I met with the surgeon on July 20, went to my GP the next day to get my first of six "merit badges"
my GP wanted me to get the sleeve but the surgeon (100 miles away) recommended the bypass for my diabetes.
I have so many questions. Abbreviations for starters. I'm looking for pre-op posts mostly, for now.
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Best of luck glhbeans! I'm preop as well, but further along. I have one more visit with my GP mid September, then hopefully surgery a couple of weeks after that. If you have any questions, let me know. I'll help if I can.0
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Welcome to both you and GLHBeans! The preop process went quickly for me as I was self pay, although I did have a 9 month wait from deciding to do it to getting all of my pennies pulled together for it. I had right at a month between my initial surgeons visit and my surgery. Use your time wisely and start reading everything you can get your hands on, and start attending support groups if your surgeons office offers them.
@Glhbeans I suspect that your surgeon wants you to do a RNY because of your diabetes. The process of bypassing the stomach also bypasses the duodom (sp?) and many people find that is a nearly immediate cure for type 2 diabetes. I have an uncle who did an RNY in 2007 and hasn't needed any insulin since the day of his surgery.0 -
Glhbeans,
I'm at pre-op surgery diet month #6 but wasn't able to get everything else (psych eval, pulmonary clearance, etc.) completed in time for surgery in the summer when it's easier for me to get off work and have support help from family who are off work for the summer. So, I've delayed my surgery until next summer (probably August 2016). My surgeon has also recommended the RNY bypass due to my insulin-dependent diabetes (fast-acting insulin Humalog at 65 units/day) but due to being on a healthier diet since March 1, 2015 and getting my blood sugars under much better control (fast-acting insulin Humalog now at 6 units/day), I'm re-thinking that choice and giving more consideration to the sleeve. Back in March I never thought it possible that I might be able to get off all my insulin through diet & exercise alone but now I have plenty of time to find out and in the process, learn how to make better food choices now that will also be good for me after surgery.0
