Yes, Another Newbie

Hi there everyone!  I figured since I've been lurking for a couple months doing my "homework" and have started leaving "Yo go girl!" and "Woot woots!" on people's posts that I should introduce myself. 

I'm currently waiting for approval from BCBS of NC for my sleeve.  I've been thinking about and researcing wls for a long time now, and it finally felt like time to stop thinking and just do it.  I'm going to be 37 this August, and I don't want to waste any more time.  This forum has been immensly helpful in gathering information for the surgery.  The vets here seem so nice, and it's really wonderful to have a place to get information from people that are working their sleeves and kicking butt at it!

I used to have a long list of newbie questions to ask, but have found most of the answers here already by reading older posts.  Of course, being a noob, I still have a few:

Is there any particular product that you can't live without after surgery?  I mean anything- a protein supplement, a particular vitamin, a peice of kitchen equipment, whatever you have found to be crazy-helpful in your after-life.  And has anyone tried Pro-Stat 101 Liquid Protein? Is there a flavor that is less gross than others?  And are any of the bariatric brand soups, etc. work getting, or am I better off adding unflavored protein to "regular" foods?  Some of the brands I am wondering about are WonderSlim, BariCare, ProtiDiet, Proteinex and HealthWise.

Is there anything you wished someone had told you before the surgery?

Do you have any reading recommendations?  I've been reading/working through Geneen Roth's entire catalogue, and have read a few Kindle books written by sleevers outlining their journeys.  I'd love to see what kinds of reading resonated with others.

It's been nice to "meet" folks here, and I'm so glad to have such a cool support tool here at OH.

Take care!

I am fairly new also, my surgical consult is tomorrow. I dont have answers to your questions but wanted to say welcome!
Candy V

Thank you!

No advice as I'm still pre-op, but I just wanted to say hi! I'm also in NC (Asheville area) and also have BCBS of NC. I had no trouble at all getting my approval- I hope yours is as easy as mine! Where is your surgery going to be? Mine is actually in Greenville, SC, as I just wasn't impressed with the program here. Best of luck to you!

Hi!  I'm having mine with Dr. Bruce at Bariatric Specialists of NC.  Everyone there has been wonderful!  I also liked that they are a Center of Excellent for bariatirc surgery.  I am hoping the approval will be a smooth process, since I have a BMI of 47 and my cup runneth over with comorbidities (PCOS, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.) 

It's nice to "meet" another NC person!  Best of luck to you as well!

Dr. Bruce did my surgery!!!! Isn't he great!!!  I have BCBSNC what stage are you at?

He is great!  Everyone at his office has been wonderful.  They sent my paperwork to BCBS on Friday, so hopefully I will hear back in the next couple days.  Eeeekkkk!  I'm so excited!

Do you go to support group? I haven't seen you there. Some of us are getting together for a girl's night Wednesday nigh, since the meeting has been cancelledt. We are going to the movies. You are welcome to join us! Message me if you want to go and I will give you the info.

 I haven't been to the support group yet. I was going to go to the one Thursday night- is that the one that is cancelled? I'd love to get out for a girls' night! I'm busy this week (we are moving next week and I'm wayyyy behind with packing) but will get my booty to group so I can meet some of you in person and go the next time!

The support group at the Lifestyle Center at ARMC was scheduled for Wednesday. That is the one that got cancelled. They have seminars and support groups every other week, so it will be two weeks before another group. I don't have my schedule for the date, but it will probably be a Tuesday night next time. Is the one at ARMC the one you were planning to go to? I know they have two practices and do groups in various locations.