Road to Surgery - Update/Advice needed too!

Well my pretties of VA -  Last we left off I was approved for surgery on December 14 (also my parents wedding anniversary). I have completed my galbladder ultrasound (check) I have completed my endoscopy (Yesterday! Fressh off the Anestisa!! WOO HOO).   * They did find some tummy irritation from acid reflux (I had no idea, really! I don't pay attention, just take tums when I needed).. so I am on Prilosec or Prevacid (I can't remember) now for 2 weeks. They did a biopsy to make sure that was infact what it was.

Just need one more chest exray, my CPAP Evaluation (sechduled for saturday)

I have my final blood panel and EKG on Monday  then Im home free!!

The other coolt hing is that my dear friend from High School is scheduled for RNY on 12/13, so he and I and all our HS friends are getting together for a PJ Party and weekend baking and laughing and activies  the 7, 8 and 9th and take over the old "homestead" where we all used to hang out.  Just like old times for old times sake and before we start the new chapter... I can't wait! And Tink - the goddess that she is --- is meeting me and providing some Acieve1 for me to try . CANT WAIT!! :)

ADVICE NEEDED STARTS HERE --------------- So, I got all my LOA paperwork done and in etc.  I just need to figure out what I am going to tell people or have my boss tell folks for when they ask where I am.   Any tips? Im not comfortable *yet* telling folks its WLS, but I will in due time.  I just don't feel its their business and I want to be able to tell those close to me.   How did ya'll handle it at work? Lastly - How did ya'll feel one month out...? I want to go to the Sock hop, but it's 1 month out of surgery, I'll have been back to work only one week and it's also my first wedding anniversary.. I can't believe I'll be married a year... Thoughts? So much going on this time of year! Thanks for reading and listening... XOXO Amanda

 

Amanda~ Wow! You've got lots checked off your list! Good for you. I think the acid reflux thing is fairly common...I had it (and had no idea) as well.

Your PJ Party sounds like fun...and how wonderful it is that you'll have a surgery buddy. I miss my date twin lots (Hi Amber!).  As for work....The way I handled it was this. I let my immediate supervisor know the truth. I trusted her immensely to keep it to herself and to respect my privacy...we had a great relationship. I also knew that if anything did go wrong, she'd want to know. Only one other friend at work knew and she is/was more of a friend than a co-worker.  As for the others that wanted to know why I was going to be out for a month....they got "personal reasons" or "medical reasons".....both followed up with "but don't worry, I'll be back and better than ever." This was my way of saying that it was really none of their business, but also let them off the hook about worrying or asking more questions. Seemed to work for most and for those that persisted I just kept smiling and only one person did I have to say "I'd rather not discuss it" too.  It'll be here before you know it!! Enjoy the ride! Congrats on your upcoming anniversary!

Well you are breezing right through that check list girl.  Only a few more weeks to go. A coed pj party, I am shocked (just kidding).  Sounds like a blast.  Live it up with your buddies and enjoy every minute of it. I didn't keep my surgery a secret at work mainly because there are several here who had already had it & my office was very supportive so I didn't feel the need.  I completely understand and respect your feelings for yourself.  I agree with Christina, just say something along the lines of medical procedure, you will be back & better than ever soon.

I went back to work at one month out.  Felt pretty good although I got worn out pretty easily.  I don't think the Sop Hop would be too much for you as long as you rest if you need to. make sure to make arrangments for bringing your protein, and you may want to make sure you have some food stuff available too if you are going to be on liquids or pureed foods at that time. 

You are on your way!!  Here is what I told my work .I said I was going out to have a most life saving surgery . When I got back , I Had already lost 50 pounds , so they knew either I was dying .. or I had WLS .. so I told them the truth . They where very supportive .  You may get crap from people sweety along your journey that do not agree with your decision . You hold you head high and stand firm in your decision to do this and to live the life you do . People that discount the surgery , think this is the easy way out . But I can tell them , this is harder than any diet they have ever been on .. and walk a mile in my shoes wont cha ...  You will be fine .. you are very together , done your home work .. Very proud of you !!  As to the Soc Hop . .you should be fine . As to food Choices there , David and I try to offer as many stages of foods possible . But I would bring your own protein with you , and snacks . Most everyone brings there own snack foods . Other than that I think you will have a blast !  Talk to you soon ..  Nat

Amanda, You have done a ton of tests already so your pre-testing is almost over now - Dec 14th will be here before you know it... The PJ party sounds like fun - go and have a great time - celebrate the last time you will be partying as an overweight person and celebrate that next time it will be a new you! I only told two of the girls who work for me that I was really having RNY. The rest were just told I had to have surgery and they  "assumed" it was women's problems.......I played it down by saying I had to have abdominal surgery but it wasn't serious ....... in time when I had lost enough weight I just told them I had RNY and by then I was 50-70lbs down and it was noticeable - I didn't want them to think I had something terminal lol!! Once they saw my weight loss they were very supportive. We moved house one week after my surgery lol! I was good at being the supervisor - easiest house move I ever had lolol! Friends helped us pack and unpack!  I loved it lol! I don't think my husband has ever forgiven me for that lol! I had to explain to him that once you have your surgery date NOTHING will make you change it - and the closing date for the house kept changing every week - the only constant was my RNY surgery..... I went back to work in three and a half weeks - and I had open RNY but felt fine - I could have gone back earlier but decided to take a decent rest. I was not tired when I went back either. You will be fine for the Sock Hop - you just need to take it a bit easy and remember you had surgery but you can still join in the fun and there will be things that you can eat there....plus meeting others who are a bit further on in the journey will inspire you and meeting others that hope to have surgery will allow you to help them. It is a pay forward process.... I look forward to meeting you in January! Jackie

Well...let me start by saying congrats to ya again! Sound slike you have everything in place and ready to roll........... Ok...I told a close few that  I was having WLS surgery and the rest...well...they were simply told that I was having surgery.   Same when I recently went in for plastic surgery. Many understand your need for privacy and respect that. So...sit back and enjoy the ride! Where are you having surgery at????

Hey Amanda - glad things are coming together for you! The PJ Party sounds fun & hope its a great success with lots of laughs & fun had by all. :o) For me I was completely excited and determined and I expressed openly to almost everyone that I was having WLS. I had spent many years previous debating and fighting with family & friends about the choice to do it and backed down and THIS time that wasn't happening no matter who and/or what. I prayed hard and the ONLY 3 people I truly cared with regard to surgery was the Lord, Trey & Kayla (Nora was not born yet). The Lord supported me (and still each and every day), Trey supported me (and still each and every day) & Nora would not be here if it were not for WLS among other blessings in my life. I armed myself with tough skin and quick wit and facts and broke it down for my boss/co-workers and to be honest most were VERY supportive and mind you VERY curious. As for family they were against it but funny how just 6 months following Daddy had WLS as well. SO HAHA!! Honestly WLS is one of the BEST decisions/surgeries I EVER had & I shouted it to the world then just as now. Sweetie its your own discretion as to who you tell & when. There are no rules set in place only what your heart says.  Lord willing you will be doing just fine by the time the Sock Hop comes around & you will be in GREAT company & you will be encouraged, supported & loved then just as you are now. Take time and enjoy the festivities and great people & really you'll be peachy! So, plug away at the holidays and when surgery comes around embrace, give big thanks to the Lord & keep us posted! :o) Hope this helps ya! All best....

HIJACK!!  I noticed you said someone is bringing some Achiev1s for you to try.  Question.....is there anywhere local (VA Beach area) to buy them or do you have to order them?  I've been looking for a store to purchase them (could do that in TX, so I'm wondering if anyone here has them in stock.)  Thanks!! Also....as for tellng people about my surgery....I was shouting it from the rooftops at work and with my friends.  Hubby told his family and they told everyone they knew.  I was NOT happy about that.  I only wanted immediate family (his parents and siblings) to know as the rest are gossips.  I only told my parents in my family.  Not that I mind my siblings knowing, but I do NOT want my brother's wife to know.  She's a huge gossip and so are my extended family.  If they aren't talking about you behind your back they are saying hurtful things to your face.  Support would NOT happen from these people, so I just chose to not share it with them.  I asked my parents to tell them I was having surgery to repair an abdominal hernia (I DID have one, so it was a "partial truth" thing - we just left out the WLS part of it...lol)   I told the people at work for a couple of reasons.  #1  I knew I was quitting soon after surgery because we were #2 moving to VA and I wouldn't be seeing them afterwards. *Edit*  I can't believe I forgot to add - CONGRATS on your surgery date!!!!  It will be here before you know it.  Good luck with it all.  You'll be in my prayers for a complication free surgery and speedy recovery.  Enjoy the pajama party.  Sounds like tons of FUN!!!

Jill Dennis Sells and has in stock shes in Va pm me Ill give you her #.

I also struggled with the who to tell and what to say at work.  Pretty much I had to tell my direct supervisor and the company president since I would be requesting time off.  I was SO nervous about that meeting because I was scared they would say "NO" I couldn't take the time off, and THEN what would I do?  Well my fears subsided when they were extremely supportive.  From there, I mentioned it to my HR manager, since she does all our time cards and would be taking care of the un-paid leave.  She was also supportive and has been checking in with me after each appt or test I went through.  Her concern has been very comforting.  I also went ahead and told our "company mother hen" who mans the front desk.  She just kinda knows everyone's business and is a loving and spiritual person.  She has been so curious about the whole procedure.  Somehow telling her about it, has been reassuring to me.  So in the end work has been the least of my worries. Where I have run into problems is in my family and personal life.  Obviously my husband and parents know.  Also my best friend (sister-in-law) and her husband are an incredible support for me.  But other than that, I haven't told anyone.  My mom spilled the beans to our side of the family, but I scolded her for informing them before I was ready.  She then instructed them all to keep their opinions to themselves.  Thankfully I haven't been contacted or confronted in any way.  My husbands side of the family I have strictly forbade anyone to tell.  I just don't like them, they are all self-absorbed and busy-bodies.  The worst of the bunch - my father in laws wife (guess that makes her the step-mother-in-law...er...MONSTER-in-law) is the one I primarily want to keep things under wraps.  She takes me to a place that is not healthy for my blood pressure nearly every time we talk.  I just don't want to deal with her bs.  So far so good, only the people I want to know, know.  As for the monster-in-law, I'm just praying she doesn't call my work (as she likes to do because she knows I can't avoid her calls at work) while I'm out.  I'm sure they will have to say that I will be out of the office for a few weeks or something like that which will raise a red flag. Goodluck!