Newbie awaiting GBS Jan 12th - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Monica S. · 11-13-2008, 10:17 PM

Hello everyone!
I am a newbie here, awaiting my GBS which is scheduled January 12th, 2009. I was approved by my insurance company October 19th. I know some of you are wondering why are you waiting til January. Honestly I didn't exspect to get the approval so timely. I went for my last medicaly supervised weight loss appointment on thursday and the surgery schedular called with approval on Monday. I about freaked out. I scheduled it out because I have a son in the Army and we are going to visit him in SC week Thanksgiving

, then he is coming home for two week at Christmas. I wanted to spend as much time with him I could while he is here. I had already ask off and been approved for vacation for the time he is going to be here. He joined the Army after i had started this journey. Well I findout that the time off christmas it probaly not going to happen. My surgean doesn't operate from December 15 to January 12. It is very disapointing I was going to spend the time off getting prepared and being with my family. I had planned it that way to be able to have nice visit. I could have scheduled my GBS for December but I didn't because it have been easier on my work to cover in January. The visit with my son was the real motivation for January. So now I am not going to get the time off to spend with the son while he is home

and still wait for this surgery January. I am probaly going to have to take FMLA at work to be able to make all my pre op and consult appointment so I don't get acrual points.
I am really having a had time today with my choice of GBS. I have had bad second thoughts. Maybe this isn't so strange to have these thoughts. I have had my mind wrapped the Gastric Bypass during the six month period workig on getting the surgery approved. In the last week I have become confused mainly should I do the band instead, should I not do it at all. My insecurities have come mainly from friends and co workers. I will admit I am nervous, scared of the unknown. I am equaly scared of the thing I know like I have a BMI of 44, hypertention, blood sugar high, high cholesterol, finding it hard to do the simple things, not comfortable in my own skinand the weigh keeps coming. I have had to endure the horror stories of my co workers as well as their take on the situation. Needless to say I am a Nurse in surgery a department and we see the reality of complications everyday. I honestly think sometimes you can to much for yuor own good. Well, at least I got get it out. Thanks to anyone who listens.

Monica S.

imdaprincess1157 · 11-14-2008, 08:08 AM

Welcome to T-T Monica, home to where everyone cares!!

Its normal to second-guess yourself through this process. I had the gastric bypass, so I really can't help you with band questions. I orginally was going to do the band because of my age, but my doctor talked me out of it. He said for my BMI, I needed to lose weight faster, and the pouch would be a tool to guide me to success. I was scared going in for surgery, but I'm happy with my results thus far. And, I had an idea of what I was getting myself into because my mom had the surgery 7 years ago.

Try not to listen to the horror stories. I mean, there are always complications. I was lucky in the sense that I had none...but the stories will only make you worry more. You need to be optimistic!! Anyways, good luck to you as you embark on this journey! We'll keep a spot for you on the loser's bench!

bubbleheadmom · 11-14-2008, 07:03 PM

Hi Monica,,,Congrats on getting a date for your surgery. I am still doing the 6 month program with my PCP and have so many questions. I qm wondering about some of the complications as well. I hear all good things in here and I know things can and do go wrong but I never hear any details. You working in a hospital environment have seen plenty I am sure. Would you mind sharing some of the things that you have seen and are they as a rule fixable? I will not be able to have my surgery until April and am already excited and nervous at the same time. I am so tired of being a prisoner to food.

Monica S. · 11-14-2008, 08:44 PM

Katie
Thank you for your support. I am working hard at be optimistic. I think being in the healthcare field sometimes hurts more than helps when it comes to fear of the unknown. I know I have to let it go and think about the new me I will be. Because the current me feels like crap. I get excited when I think about being 100lbs less crap. So, save me that seat on the bench.

Monica S.

Monica S. · 11-14-2008, 09:07 PM

Bubbleheadmom
You know you are right. Working in a hospital enviroment I have and do see alot. However, The last few days the thing I have had to remind myself about is that risk comes with any medical procedure. One thing that my surgeon said that kind of stuck with me was that GBS has bigger risk, because it is done on bigger people. Common surgeries like gallbladder, hysterectomy and hernia repairs also have bigger risk on bigger people.
We do not do bariatric surgery where I work, so the type of complications we see is usually in our outpatient procedure unit. Those are usually the long term problems like anemia, low calcium, potassium, B12 levels. These can be treated with supplements, injection and /or intervenious infusions. My surgeon was very clear that you have to be committed and willing to suppliment as needed. This could even include lifetime monthly injections of B12 and iron if needed. It is part of the lifestyle change you have to be willing to make. Good luck with your journey and keep your goal in focus.

Monica S.

niseyweesee · 11-15-2008, 11:28 AM

Monica,

I know this is selfish but I am glad you're having it on the 12th of January because I am toooooo!!! We are going to be podmates!!! YEAHHHHH

Monica S. · 11-16-2008, 09:12 PM

nisey
It is comforting to know I will not be alone on that day. I am very nervous and excited at the same time. What time is your surgery scheduled for?

Monica S.

niseyweesee · 11-16-2008, 11:34 PM

Monica,

I don't know a time yet, but from what I have heard HELLA EARLY...like before 7am!!! Do you know yours already??? I am not nervous I just want it done...like yesterday!!! he he he