Hi there folks!

I have been lurking OH for years.  Seriously contemplated surgery for about 3.  First decided on lap band, now I'm at the end of the process for the bypass.  I've done my nuts, my psy, my rn's... all that jazz.  My next appt. is my surgeon consult, which I guess I will be setting up my surgery as well. 

A little info. on me.  I'm 5'2 ish, 235ish, 33 years old.  I have two little ones... 5 and 6.  They are a HANDFUL.  I have a great husband whom has been a size 30 since I met over 15 years ago. 

So yeah.  So nervous, but I've made my decision!!!!  I'm doing this!!!

THings I am most nervous about...
1. I'm a BIGGGGGG baby!!  Totally nervous about the surgery and the post op. 
2.  I have panic disorder which is under control by medications.  Nervous about how my meds will be affected immediately post op.  I've also heard people go through some depression due to hormone shifts.  This is a major concern of mine.
3.  really I guess that is it, but those are kind of a big deal deal for me.

So thanx for listening!!!! any advice would be appreciated :) 

I will let you know how my surgeon appt goes....

Oh one last question... when did you get your insurance approval?

 Hi there!  Im a newbie also! We have close to the same stats too. I'm 35, 5'2, 210 and I have a 2 year old.  Im in the middle of my 6 mont physician monitored diet. I need to schedule and EGD. I've seen the surgeon so I think this is just a waiting game now. Congratulations on your decision!!

 Welcome to the lightweight board.

Liz

 Welcome to the lightweight board. 

Liz

Welcome aboard!

--gina

Darn, OH ate my post

Welcome to both of you.

Definately ask your Dr about the meds issue.  The hormone thing is real and my group suggested that everyone go on an antidepressant before surgery.  I did and I think it helped with the hormone swings as I didn't seem to have them like others did.

RNY was my 5th abdominal surgery so I knew what to expect.  But lap instead of open made all the difference in the world.  Yeah, the first couple of days were uncomfortable but you will have good drugs and you should use them if you need them.  It is major surgery and you will have a recovery time but you will be up and going before you know it.

Our insurance approval was sought after we had completed 12 classes and done the test that were needed.  Then we got a surgery date and started a 4 week diet before surgery.  Each group is different but at your visit they should be able to give you a list of what your insurance will require and timeline.

Welcome aboard. I'm not here as often as I used to be but I can say that it's the best site on OH! I am 5"0 started out at 247 and now I'm 133. I have a 13 yr old and 11 yr old and they are still a handful! Then there is work and hubby which keep me busy as well. I went through the hormone changes really bad. They didn't last long but I was made aware of them and posting on this site helped. I think the mental preparation prior to surgery is best. Talking to people who have been through it and making friends who will be good ears has been a life saver for me. I work for the state and our insurance program doesn't approve the surgery until a week or so before the actual surgery which is scary. Good luck! 

Welcome

WELCOME and Congrats on your upcoming Surgery! 

Having WLS has been the best decision that I have ever made for myself. I wasn't the least bit nervous about having surgery because I had to be strong for my Hubby and Daughter #1 who where scared to death that something was going to happen to me.  

I've never suffered with depression but within a week after surgery my emotion**** me like a ton of bricks and the crying lasted for several months. Since I never had a problem before surgery I refused to take medication because I was didn't want to be dependant on it and eventually it just seem to disappear as fast as it came.  Since you are already on medication you might be just fine.

I know that for the first few years after WLS I had to take less medication (cough syrup etc,) because it made me really jumpy and I had heat flashes just like I was dumping.  We are all different so you will just have to experiment with your meds and then talk to your Dr. about the results.

Good Luck to both of you.

The post-op is different for everyone, but the new advances in laproscopic surgery have made a big difference in pain and recovery times.  I had an uneventful recovery from surgery, and felt great soon after.

I continued with my antidepressant, and didn't have any issues with that.  You may want to make sure that your medication is not an extended-release medication as that may cause problems. 

Feel free to ask lots of questions - there is a lot of experience on this board and everyone is willing to help you out.  Everyone here is helping me with some diet issues, and I'm 9 months out.

I had a difficult time with insurance and ended up being self-pay (long story), but it was the best money I ever spent.

Welcome to the LW Board.  I think we were all nervous at some point during the process.

Hopefully since you are already on meds it will continue to help you after surgery.  Each person is different after WLS on how things do for them. 

My insurance approval was the middle of July and I had surgery the first part of August.  I had to go through 6 months of physcian led diet and six months of support groups or counseling first so I was on the insurance program.  Once all steps were completed I was approved the next day.  Be sure to contact your insurance and get in WRITING what their requirements are.  Each insurance company is different.

Can't wait to follow your journey.  Be sure to keep us updated on your progress.

Linda

 Thank u for all of your responses.  They made me feel much more comfortable.  I'm just so ready to do this!  Hopefully my surgeon consult will be scheduled very soon.  I'd like to have the surgery the first week of July!  We'll see what they say!

I really appreciate all the responses!!

Welcome!  You've made a GREAT decision....you won't regret it!