The First Step to the Best Days of My Life - Houston, TX

HI Marie2222, my insurance required two evaluation sessions. the first one was an hour and the counselor asked me questions to be sure I was well informed about what the gastric sleeve surgery entails, both physically and nutritionally and if I realized what a lifestyle change it will be. She administered a bariatric questionnaire that had about 175 questions and made a follow up apt for when the results of the questionnaire came in. At that session, she asked me if I had any fears (to which I answered - a healthy fear of failure), if I had a support system in place, and what my plan of action would be when I face challenges or difficulties post-operatively. I made a list of things I hate about being fat, and a list of things I'm looking forward to when I get to goal, which I will post on my fridge and read again and again when I feel down or tempted or disappointed if I'm not where I think I should be. I also made a list of 50 things to do instead of snack. I asked her for her number in case I ever feel I may need someone to talk to beyond my bariatric team and nutritionist. She said it sounds like I'm prepared and positive about it and feels I have taken steps for a successful outcome. Take some time to evaluate your feelings, thin about these issues and just be honest. You will be fine!

Chatty Cathy ... Thank you so much...very helpful information. I have never had a psych evaluation before. I have researched the sleeve procedure and am very very familiar with the whole process and mentally think I am ready. I can't wait to get started. I love the idea of posting a list on your fridge...what a great idea! Have you had your surgery..if so..how are you doing?

I have one more weight management class to fulfill my insurance requirements, which will be in late May. I hope to have a surgery date of mid to late June. I too, have researched, tried the various protein powders (Unjury Strawberry Sorbet in Crystal Light Fruit Punch is my favorite), put together a notebook with recipes and meal plans for each post-op stage of eating, begun to stock my pantry with post-op foods, I have cut out all soda and caffeine, and am now drinking two protein powder drinks per day and a healthy meal for dinner and one or two healthy snacks per day. I have lost 19 lbs since Feb. 24th, and hope to lose another 10 to 12 before surgery. I started out at 243 and my goal weight is 135, which puts me at a healthy BMI with a height of 5' 6". I have slowly increased my daily activity and keep a food journal on LoseIt.com and bought a Fitbit which also tracks my activity, food and sleep. My next goal is to start sampling/taking the vitamins so I will be in the habit and on a schedule by the time I have surgery. I've never been a vitamin person and take what few meds I'm on all at one time in the AM, so this seems to be a challenge for me. FYI, the liquid vitamins for the first couple of weeks after surgery are expensive but I understand they are necessary. I have tried to spread the cost of getting all these items over the last few months so I will be prepared and so it doesn't impact my pocketbook all at once. It seems anything with bariatric on it costs twice as much. ;-) LOL! But we're worth it. BTW, ther eis a great blog to follow called The World According to Eggface (Google it). The girl had gastric bypass and has some great recipes as well as articles to encourage you. she had her surgery many years ago so there is ALOT of info on the blog, but it's worth the time to read her story and insights. This site is great also. We'll be looking forward to following your story as you travel this journey with us. Good luck and success to you. When is your surgery?

Chatty Cathy , Wow you are a wealth of information and seem very prepared. I just started this journey by attending a seminar last Saturday, and by Monday afternoon had scheduled my first appointments. My first appointments are the 13th of May for my first general appointment...blood work..EKG..etc. then on the 15th I have my 1 hour nutrition and 2 hr psych appt. My BMI is at 39..5'7" 243 lbs. so for insurance reasons I need proof of two complications of being over weight due to the fact I am not a BMI of 40 or greater. So this week am going to my podiatrist to get documents proving my foot pain, I also have an appt with my MD to get documents for my knee pain and last but not least I have to go to Medical Weight loss and Weight Watcher for proof I have tried to lose weight in the past. This is a lot of work but well worth it. I have heard a lot about tis Unjury protein drink but have not tried it. Where do you get it? Keep up the good work....I am very proud of you for being so organized and prepared. Marie2222

Marie2222, you can order Unjury online at Unjury.com , they also have Opurity bariatric vitamins. I received the chewables and they're pretty good. A little dry, but all chewables are...they have a citrus flavor. It sounds like we're about the same size but you have an inch on me, which reminds me of a joke I used to make regarding my weight - I'm not too fat, I'm just too short - yeah, I know, not really funny and that's why I am determined to get to a healthy weight and lifestyle again! Let us know your timeline for surgery and update your progress.

Decided to try on a Size 20 pants today. They fit! I can even breathe with them on. From a 24/26 on February 26. Yay!

I chose to have my procedure at Victory Medical Center. I believe that it is a center of excellence as well. Drs. Scarborough and Nyu own their surgical suites at that facility. What truly made me choose them was the quality of nursing care I received. The nurse/patient ratio was never more than 2 to 1! That appealed to me greatly especially coming from recovery where I am known to have the most complications. ALL of my care was personal, prompt and excellent. If I had not gone to Victory, Hermann would have been my next choice. Remember that I am self pay and had a bit more flexibility than those who are bound by their insurance preferences. Mine was based on research and the doctor plus location I felt best suited MY needs. GOOD LUCK!

Thank you. I will check if Victory Medical Center is an accepted facility. I will be having my EGD there to se if I have a hernia that needs repair when they do the sleeve. I have had reflux issues for years but have never been told I have a hernia, so hopefully that won't complicate matters. You are doing GREAT! Post a new picture so we can see your progress too.

Latina Curves Your encouragement keeps me courage to keepp goining, in general, helping me believe I WILL me my goals. You are an absolutely fantastic motivator. I am always so grateful for having you share this site with me! You are player 1 in a million, special lady! Thanks for all that you do.

omg you have no idea how i needed to hear that! im going through a rough time too, just feeling depressed about myself, and wanting this surgery sooo bad :(....Ive been keeping a food journal and checking my blood sugars after every meal, this morning instead of feeling sorry for myself i went for a bike ride did 30min, it was sooo hard, I pulled my 3 yr. old in a trailer...but gosh it was tough....but i did it and i do feel like i accomplished something. Im so proud of you and your gona be just fine, thanks for writing back to me really means a lot, love reading all about what your doing and feeling since this surgery :) xoxoxooxo