http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/ Gastric bypass surgery dates, insurance issues, emotional preparation, etc. en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:02:59 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/ http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40706-upper-gi-today-info-fobi-band-thingy.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:38:32 GMT I just got back from my EGD and my surgeon doesnt do them...but his associate does. So, I asked him about this "band" and he said he doesnt do them. Some doctors believe in them and others dont. He chooses not to offer them. Oh Ok. But, his BOSS (my surgeon) does. Strange. I did ask that if he DOES do the band, does that make my procedure the "Fobi Pouch" as far as researching it goes and he did say YES. So, I guess if I did opt for the band, I would be getting a Fobi Pouch as opposed to just a normal, standard RNY.

Also, when they finished, they gave me a script for nexium and another ulcer medicine. I didnt know I had ulcers and they never mentioned they were going to give me any scripts before the started---so would this mean he FOUND ulcers? (I did not get to talk to him after the procedure and even if I did, I wouldnt remember it because i was in lala land.) OR, is this medicine standard to take before surgery?

At my preop apt he gave me a script for xanax too...can you take nexium and xanax both at the same time?
EDIT....Zantac, not Xanax. Bummer.
Thanks. ]]> Pre-op Gastric Bypass FatButNotHappy http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40706-upper-gi-today-info-fobi-band-thingy.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40692-night-before.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:57:15 GMT I am sitting here with a knotted stomach, and trying to put into words what is going on in my head. Happy to be going into surgery tomorrow, scared, apprehensive, excited. hmm is there more?

I drank the bowel prep solution and it hasn't kicked in yet. But it will. I have had this before when I had a colonoscapy. It doesn't taste that bad really but just knowing what it's about to do makes it disgusting.

Thanks to all who have responded to other posts I made over the last couple of days, and to those who will respond to this post. I very much appreciate all of your words of kindness as well as the valuable information and experiences you all share.

:) ]]> Pre-op Gastric Bypass MrJ http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40692-night-before.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40632-my-pre-op-appt-afternoon.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:09:32 GMT So, I go to see my surgeon today, so I can ask any last minute questions and voice my many concerns...mostly being MRSA and C-diff. I have no idea why these two things scare me more than anything else. I am hoping from working in the nursing home I am somewhat immune to most MRSAs because it... So, I go to see my surgeon today, so I can ask any last minute questions and voice my many concerns...mostly being MRSA and C-diff. I have no idea why these two things scare me more than anything else. I am hoping from working in the nursing home I am somewhat immune to most MRSAs because it seems that half of the patients that come in there have it (they bring it from the hospitals.)

Do you all have any advice or suggestions or whatever that I should be talking to him about? I know he is going to say "well, do you have any questions?" and i will be stupid and say "no, i learned everything i need to know from TT." I dont want to do that. So, uhhh...teach me what I should ask! :)

Did you realize that in three weeks from today---I will be post-op. I cant believe how fast this six weeks, since i was approved and got my date, have flown by---and dragged on at the same time. Strange! I guess I will officially have to get hardcore about my pre-op diet in the next few days. ]]> Pre-op Gastric Bypass FatButNotHappy http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40632-my-pre-op-appt-afternoon.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40604-one-step-closer-check-off-list.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:41:52 GMT Informational seminar - check 6 months of PCP visits documenting weight, dietary program, and exercise regimen - check Evaluation by bariatric surgeon - check 3 visits with dietitian - check Psychological evaluation - check Only thing left.. submit it all to the insurance company and... Informational seminar - check
6 months of PCP visits documenting weight, dietary program, and exercise regimen - check
Evaluation by bariatric surgeon - check
3 visits with dietitian - check
Psychological evaluation - check

Only thing left.. submit it all to the insurance company and schedule the date.

Woohooo.

What a strange emotion - feeling excited and nervous all at the same time. ]]> Pre-op Gastric Bypass TxHunni http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40604-one-step-closer-check-off-list.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40581-hospital-stay.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:58:53 GMT Can someone please ttell me about what to expect when I am in tthe hospittal, my surgery is Nov. 30th. I know what to expect before surgery and recovery, but what about day 2- 4? What tests are performed? How do they determine when you are released if you do not have complications? Etc. More... Can someone please ttell me about what to expect when I am in tthe hospittal, my surgery is Nov. 30th. I know what to expect before surgery and recovery, but what about day 2- 4? What tests are performed? How do they determine when you are released if you do not have complications? Etc. More details the better as I am getting very nervous and the usual jitters before surgery. Help...I have major pain pain and neck problems so I am worried about the pain meds. I am already on strong meds but they do not help witth tthe pain now much less after they perform major surgery. Any advise or wisdom would help ease the mind. Thanks! ]]> Pre-op Gastric Bypass savonnataylor http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40581-hospital-stay.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40580-7-30-a.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:22:18 GMT Surgery is tomorrow morning at 7:30 and I'm so excited! I'm not nervous or scared at all I just want to get it over with and get on with my new life! =)

Anybody have have any suggestions on what questions I should ask my surgeon and nutritionist?


I'm almost on the other side of the bench! Save me a seat! ]]> Pre-op Gastric Bypass samtherockstar85 http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40580-7-30-a.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40523-rejected-mental-health-reasons.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:50:07 GMT I am new to this board but I have been reading around a bit in the past week or so.

Two days ago I was told that the surgical group that I was going to be getting my bypass surgery from has decided that they will not operate due to my past mental health issues. Despite the fact that I haven't had any mental health issues in over 6 years they determined that statistically people with my past issues didn't do well after the surgery. I could go on at length about what my past problems were and how I overcame them and how differently I look at life now but it would take a book.

While I first spent a couple of hours feeling hopeless and rejected I then decided that if I had allowed others to tell me what I am or am not capable of doing then I never would have gotten as far as I am today.


I then made appointments to see another surgeon and start the whole process over but my question is this....am I wasting my time? Is it even possible to find another surgeon willing to perform the operation if I was already rejected by one? Is there anyone else that has had any success with getting another surgeon to do the operation after a previous rejection?

I am feeling rather helpless right now. I am sticking to my diet and haven't had a cigarette since my rejection (determination to prove them wrong) but I just need to know if there is even a chance. Thank you.

P.S. I am sorry if this topic has been addressed before. I spent quite a bit of time searching for a similar story before I registered but was unsucessful. ]]> Pre-op Gastric Bypass ChangedWoman http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40523-rejected-mental-health-reasons.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40511-calling-all-december-2009-staplers.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:17:46 GMT Well, someone suggested I change the title of my other December thread but I am too stupid to figure it out. I thought it changed but it only changed the sub-title. Anyhoo, I went to my pre-op testing appt. It was all day long. I talked to the nurse, hospitalist, exercise physisist,... Well, someone suggested I change the title of my other December thread but I am too stupid to figure it out. I thought it changed but it only changed the sub-title.

Anyhoo, I went to my pre-op testing appt. It was all day long. I talked to the nurse, hospitalist, exercise physisist, nutrition, discharge planner, and I had a chest xray, 14 vials of blood taken and an EKG. I was there about seven hours.

Things I learned today....I will not have to do puree. I will have a drain tube, but it will be pulled before I leave (if all goes well,) I cannot lift, push or pull more than ten pounds for eight weeks. That will be terrible with my job being a therapist and lifting people all day long...and pushing them in their chairs. YIPES! I CAN drink a diet pop after 2 months but I wont (and it isnt encouraged.) I can drink up to the time I eat my meals but not with them...wait 30 minutes. I shouldnt drive for two weeks -- unless I am 100 percent pain free when twisting and reaching. I have to have clear liquids for 5 days. then full liquid until day 12 and then soft foods for 6 weeks...I have to take four vitamins...centrum, calcium, iron and b12. No G2, too many calories. Oh, stay under five grams of sugar in whatever i eat at one time. I sampled a lot of proteins and liked them, but i really liked the chicken broth stuff. I will not get a pain pump. Ok, that is all i can think of. Cant get pregnant for 18 months--which works out good, since my husband has been neutered. I cant drink alcohol for TWO YEARS.

So, how does this sound compared to anyone else.

Also they said there is no proof that you can only absorb so much protein at one time. ]]> Pre-op Gastric Bypass FatButNotHappy http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40511-calling-all-december-2009-staplers.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40498-just-getting-started-pittsburgh-magee-hosp.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:09:30 GMT Hi everyone!

I'm just getting started on this process and am happy that I found this great support bboard! I've been haunting the site for a few months now, and researching gastric bypass for a few years, but just finally joined.

I talked to my PCP about this 3 years ago, but she was dead set against it (even though I was 274 lbs and 5'9"), but my new PCP actually suggested it to me (the old one left the practice after having a baby). I've watched the Magee informational video and sent in my initial paperwork for the screening. We'll see!

My story is similar to many of yours. I've been yo-yo dieting for years. I took 20 lbs off by cutting out junk food, gained back 35-40; lost 40 lbs on Weight Watchers; gained back 60; lost 72 lbs on Atkins, gained back 80, etc. I'm at the point now where I just don't see the point of dieting anymore when I would have been better off if I never started in the first place. *sigh* Hence my decision for something more drastic that can help me with keeping it off.

Other than my weight, I don't have any medical issues. I just had blood work done, again, as my doctor can't figure it out, but I have excellent good cholesterol and low bad cholesterol; my blood sugar is fine; my thyroid is fine; my blood pressure is the medical ideal, etc. I do have slightly elevated liver enzymes, but that's about it. Basically, I'm just fat. So, I'd like to get this taken care of before any issues do develop.

I looked into the lap band and RNY and am leaning more towards the RNY. I like the idea of the lap band, but all the stories I've read about issues with slipping, plus the idea of the port and all the fill visits, have me thinking the RNY is more for me. Even though I know there can be more complications and such with that one.

My fears: I have a husband who I love and who has been with me when I was "fit" and married me when I was fat. I actually asked him if he was one of those "chubby chasers" who would have a cow if/when I got thin/fit again. He says he loves me either way but would like to have me around for a long time (although I'm sure he wouldn't object to the improved sex life either). I also have 2 boys who I'm terrified of dying on with the surgery. That morbity rate scares me. I don't want to go in and have this surgery and then not come out of it. Also, of course, there's the "what if I do all this and don't lose the weight?" I know it's a tool and that it's all about how I use the tool, but I think anyone who has lost and regained + lbs before is going to have that same fear. I know I can lose the weight, but keeping it off has always been the issue for me.

I figure that I might as well start the process and I know I have to do the 6 months supervised diet, etc., so I can always change my mind later if I get too freaked out.

If anyone has experience with any of the doctors at Magee Women's Hospital in Pittsburgh, or with HealthAmerica HMO insurance, I'd love to have that information!

Thanks! ]]> Pre-op Gastric Bypass Sunmaid http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40498-just-getting-started-pittsburgh-magee-hosp.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40458-pre-op-tests.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:10:14 GMT Hi, Does anyone know what pre op tests are pretty much standard before surgery. I'm assuming blood work, endoscopy, and I wasn't sure what else. And can you have all/most of them done on same day?

Thanks,

Christine ]]> Pre-op Gastric Bypass slim4three http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40458-pre-op-tests.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40452-very-worried-about-surgery.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:20:21 GMT Hello to all! I am very glad I found this great support forum. I am scheduled for surgery on December 15th--I have been approved for a while, but wanted to wait until classes were finished this semester. Then I have 5 weeks before the next semester starts and I go back to work. I have been... Hello to all! I am very glad I found this great support forum. I am scheduled for surgery on December 15th--I have been approved for a while, but wanted to wait until classes were finished this semester. Then I have 5 weeks before the next semester starts and I go back to work.

I have been able to follow very restricted weight loss plans (medically supervised fasts) in the past for extended periods of time. But, last night, I couldn't go to sleep worrying the post-op eating changes.

I am older and having so much pain in my knees, hips and back that I got the courage up to go to the surgeon (who I like and value his good outcomes), but now I feel scared.

I think it would have been easier if I had just moved ahead faster to the surgery date, but knew I wanted time off for early recovery.

Can anyone tell me how you coped with feelings of anxiety or fear before the surgery? What worked best? Thanks for your help. Penny ]]> Pre-op Gastric Bypass Penny http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40452-very-worried-about-surgery.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40422-mixed-feelings.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:46:58 GMT Last night I had the chance to have my husband take my photos so that I can see progress. Now I am bummed...I know I am overweight, but looking at all the views of the photos made me ill! I do not feel as "big" as I really am...I am just so upset about what I really look like. I feel that I had so much anxiety over this and in my head it seems that it was worse than the idea of going in for surgery to help the situation. I am just wondering did anyone else experience this and how did you get it out of your head to make it "ok." I am also embarrassed...my husband didn't think anything of it, obviously, but I am just beating myself up I think?!:confused: Any input would be greatly appreciated! My husband and family do not understand any of these emotions...thank you! ]]> Pre-op Gastric Bypass buckus611 http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40422-mixed-feelings.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40420-tomorrow-my-big-day.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:56:23 GMT HI
Had my pre op appointment yesterday and that all went well. The RN who did the blood work was excellent! I was watching and I still didn't feel the needle AT ALL. And when she changed vacutainers...I didn't feel it...that's unusual because you can usually feel some pushing as they put the new one on for more blood but not this time!

As for how I'm feeling. My head says "You are strangely calm" but my bowels say "Oh no you're not" LOL

Today I can only have clear liquids all day and nothing after 12am. It's a good thing I'm on a nocturnal schedule and my last REAL meal was at 1am this morning. :)

I'm sure I'll get more and more nervous as the hours go by. I don't have a time for the surgery yet...have to call at 2pm to get that. Guess they don't want me chickening out. LOL

So wish me luck...I'll soon be joining you on the losers bench! And for those who still have it ahead of them... BEST OF LUCK TO YOU TOO! ]]> Pre-op Gastric Bypass momrobare http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40420-tomorrow-my-big-day.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40381-surgery-date-jan-05-2010-a.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:40:51 GMT I just got approved Friday afternoon and my surgery is scheduled for January 05, 2010! ~ Chris I just got approved Friday afternoon and my surgery is scheduled for January 05, 2010! ~ Chris ]]> Pre-op Gastric Bypass BrowningBabe http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40381-surgery-date-jan-05-2010-a.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40360-blue-cross.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:32:15 GMT I'm so frustrated with insurances! My center has lost it's Center of Excellence status with Blue Cross because they went a few months between surgeons, so now BC is dragging it's feet reinstating them even though they have hired two doctors with Center of Excellence status. I am grateful the center has allowed me to take the required nutrition classes in December while they work out the details, but my insurance changes in January and we don't have enough details to know which centers they will cover. Anyway, I've lost the pre-surgery weight and now I could have a couple of months (or more) before surgery. How do I keep this off throughout the holidays!????:confused: ]]> Pre-op Gastric Bypass valleyfree http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/pre-op-gastric-bypass/40360-blue-cross.html