Lurker no longer.... - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

ShreddedPickle · 09-11-2009, 04:04 PM

Hello,

I've been reading this forum for months now as I had been dealing with my HMO for years trying to get approval for WLS. October 2008 I changed over to a PPO that was to take affect on Jan. 1, 2009. Well guess what? I received approval in November 2008 from my PPO to have the surgery. I scheduled an appt, in late December 2008, to meet with the doctor and I explained that I had switched over to a PPO. He recommended I go with the PPO as it would be quicker, sure it would, as the HMO wanted me to be on a provable diet, nutrisystem, weight watcher, etc, for 6 months.

Jumped through all the hoops the PPO wanted me go jump through, and exams the doctor wanted, except I still have a physical exam. I am here to say I finally got my surgery date: Oct 23, 2009.

It has been quite a journey, to say the least, to just get to this point in my life. I'm not fearing the surgery, as I had an appendectomy a few years back and have been told the surgeries are similar in some aspects. I wished that while they were in there taking out my appendix, they would have gone ahead and done the bypass, lol.

I wanted to ask, what would you consider the time period you began to feel like you could go back to work? The reason I ask is I cannot use the appendectomy as a reference as I had infection to deal with after the surgery and it took a month before I could get back to work. Does two weeks sound about right?

I've a two week liquid diet coming up, all this while the football season just began. How was this for you?

Anyway, thanks for listening and I'll post more as I get the time.

Take care.

Thiningly,

Casey

poet_kelly · 09-11-2009, 04:12 PM

Welcome to TT.

Two weeks is enough time off work for many people, and in fact a few go back to work even sooner. Some people do need more time off, though. It depends a little on what type of work you do, but also depends on how your surgery goes and if you have any complications.

I only had to do a five day liquid diet, and it didn't really seem that bad. But I'm glad it wasn't two whole weeks. Two weeks seems to be more common, though, than just five days. Drink a LOT as it will help you feel at least somewhat full, and try to stay busy.

Kelly

hollycerniglia · 09-11-2009, 05:39 PM

I was supposed to be off for two weeks, but only took off one week. I am a case worker and sit at a desk most of the time though. Good luck with your surgery.

Socalmomof2grownkids · 09-11-2009, 08:01 PM

Howdee,

Was reading and my doctor wanted me to take off 6 weeks for my Gastric Sleeve, I wanted 2 days LOL.. Gosh Im torn, take the time off or not has 4 weeks saved up for time off..

Congrats to you finally getting your surgery date and Good Luck 2

Chrissie23 · 09-11-2009, 08:05 PM

Welcome to TT, Pickle! First I wanna ask.....is there a meaning behind your name? Cos it's making me giggle when I read it. (yes I am tarded I know)

Congrats on getting your surgery date....eventually some friggin day I'll have a date too. It's taking forever, though, ima be left in the dust!

Againnnnn....welcome to the forum.

Marella · 09-12-2009, 02:35 PM

Welcome to Thinner Times, Casey... How wonderful it is for you, I know, to have so much journey and hoops pass to finally have your date near. From seminar to GBS, for me it took 14 months.

Two weeks off may be OK, it may not. Since each of us recovers differently, as well as recovers our stamina at different times, you're going to have consider that an additional week may be required. Just remember that you'll need your rest as well as lots of walking and drinking during this time in between your rest periods.

I wasn't afraid of the surgery either. I had great confidence in my doctor, and I wanted it so bad I chose and accepted that my need outweighed the risks. Mine was an open. I sailed through it with a modicum of discomfort and my 1st month was down quite easily (well, once the drain and the stitches were out, quite easily followed).

Congratulations, your time is nigh... I wish you every success!

Crimson Kittie · 09-12-2009, 09:14 PM

Welcome to TT!!

Momof2boys · 09-13-2009, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShreddedPickle

Hello,

I've a two week liquid diet coming up, all this while the football season just began. How was this for you?

Take care.

Thiningly,

Casey

Welcome Casey! I have been a forum lurker for a long time too.. I have finally completed all the hoops needed for my insurance and am schedule for surgury Sept 21st (a week from Monday!! OMG!!) Anyway.. to answer your question..

I AM THE ULTIMATE FOOTBALL MOM!!

I have been for years. I have 2 boys and am vice president of our booster club. I am at fball practice 4 days a week and at 2 games a week. I work the concession stand every time my kids are not on the field. We serve ALL of my weaknesses because I had a major hand in planning our menu years ago.

All of this is to say that today is my 3rd day on my 10 day preop liquid diet. 2 weeks ago I began cutting out diet cokes (I was up to 6-8 a day). The diet cokes were VERY hard for me while in the concession stand having a cooler at my disposal.

I just kept remembering all the before/after stories and pictures I have read here and other places (mostly here). Yesterday was my son's 10th bday and we served chili dogs and nachos like we do in the concession stand because it was a 'football' party. It was hard (because I just loooooove those) but it was NOT as difficult as I thought it would be. I have made this delicious chicken broth that is very satisfying and delish!! No, its not nacho cheese LOL but for some reason it was not as hard as i thought it was going to be.

I dont have to work a concession stand next week as our games are away, so that temptation will be gone.

If you keep your eyes on the goal i dont think you will find it as difficult as you think. Day one was my most difficult so far... I wont lie.. I was starving.. miserable.. and cranky. Day two was a little better as the stomach seemed to not need as much and the hunger wasnt bad... I am half way through day three and so far the worse part was my son's bday breakfast when i cooked sausage. My mouth watered at the smell..but i ate some jello and drank a little orange juice and I'm really ok.

I see it only getting easier with each day.. I'll keep you posted..

I put in for 2 wks off work. I sit at a desk and type and answer phones all day (paralegal) from what I am reading everywhere this 2 wks should be sufficient.. I'll let you know how that goes too ...

Good luck and congrats!!!

Ms. Readytobehealthy · 09-13-2009, 09:55 AM

WELCOME to TT!!! YOU WILL FIND SO MUCH SUPPORT HERE!!

suebry05 · 09-13-2009, 10:02 AM

congrats on getting your date!! and I love love love your screen name...shredded pickle!!

we will all be here to cheer you on and answer any questions or listen to you as you embark on this epic journey!!

as far as time out of work..it varies greatly - but good luck- If it were me personally- I would plan on 4 and hope for just 2 weeks..I had lapband tho and worked the next day..