Well, I called my doctors office this morning. I was dreading the call, figuring it was bad news. They were calling to tell me that I got my pre-auth!!! Yaaaahhooooo!!!! My surgery date is April 16th.

Did anyone start on their supplements/vitamins early to get a head start?

WOOHOOO!! Doing the HAPPY DANCE WITH YOU!!

I told you Blue Shield was a piece of cake!!

Now....start getting prepared....healthy eating and exercising....ANYTHING you do now will be ICING ON THE CAKE!

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DON'T do what I did!! And that was eat everything because you think your never going to eat real food again!! I gained 14 lbs in 2 weeks prior to my surgery and I've regretted that the whole time!!

Truth is...you will STILL be able to eat the foods you love eventually within moderation when you change your lifestyle forever to maintain a healthy weightloss and KEEP IT OFF FOREVER!

I KNOW YOU CAN DO THIS!!!


I'm SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!! WAY COOL!


Julie

Congrats on getting your date! OK if I put you on my WLS prayer list for April 16?

Oh my goodness, that's wonderful news!!
Happy dancing with you, too!

I've been told by the doctor to get into the habit of taking my vitamins and other supplements now but would be interested in seeing what the "old timers" say about it.

Congrats!!

Thanks Jeanie, any thoughts or prayers sent my way would be appreciated.

Congrats! Getting that approval is one of the best days of your life! About the supplements, you should do as your doctor wishes.

Hi and congratulations!!!!

Good news!!!!!!

I did not take my vitamins/supplements before hand, but I can't see where it would hurt to at least take a multi-vitamin daily. Especially if you do not currently do it, you could get into the habit as it is VERY important after WLS. I am 5 years out and I still have 2 children's complete multi vitamins, every single day. I couldn't swallow pills right after, like everyone, and I got used to the chewables and I like the way they taste and it is easy!

Good luck to you and I'm so happy for you!

You might want to check out some protein powders beforehand too, to see what you like.

But as always, follow your doctor's rules and suggestions.

congratulations on your date.....hugs

[quote name='Emarie' date='Feb 25 2008, 07:32 PM' post='69992']
congratulations on your date.....hugs
Hello this is my first time here. My date is March the third ans I have been shrinking my liver which consists of protein shake in the morning shake and protein bar for lunch, same for dinner. I am really getting sick though did anyone else have to do this. I have six days to go and very weak. I am 5'5 401 pounds my sugery will be the Laporscopic gastric bypass and the DR. said I will be in ICU for 3 to 4 days. I will take any information to help me. Thank You Vanessa.

I hope your surgery goes well for you. This is the only probem I have had so far. But I will keep you posted.

Congrats on getting your approval, jvf! I remember how thrilled I was when I got mine (also from BC/BS). Regarding the preparation for surgery, I had taken vitamin supplements for years and I continued to do so. I didn't change anything until after my surgery when I added iron and B12 per my surgeon's instructions. I did start on protein shakes prior to surgery. Figured it wouldn't hurt anything. Just be careful and don't buy a lot of protein powder or drinks before your surgery. Your tastes might very well change and you'll be stuck with something you can't stand afterward. I did that. Eventually, I slipped a little at a time into other shakes that I did like and was able to use it up. As others have said, follow your surgeon's advice and, if you're unsure about something, ask him/her. Ask lots of questions - be sure you have all of them answered before your surgery. That way, you will feel more comfortable and confident with your chosen journey. I remember my surgeon sitting there chuckling and shaking his head, asking me where I came up with all of these questions. I was full of them.

Vanessa, I didn't have to go on any special diet prior to my surgery but I have heard lots of other people say that they did. Many for just the reason you stated, to shrink an enlarged liver. The diet you're having to follow sounds miserable, but you don't have long to go. Next Monday!! Whoo Hoo!!

congrats jvf...i didn't start my vitamins a head of time, i also do chewable only, i have tried swallowing pills and have no trouble swallowing, but i feel like they don't absorb as well for me, after a few days i start to feel as if i haven't taken any vitamins, as soon as i get back on the chewable within a few days i feel better again.

Congratulations jvf!!!

How wonderful to know that yopu are on the approach to your important starting date!!

This is a great time to get all prepared like everyone has mentioned. I used this time to make some of the early stages recipes that my surgeons office gave me. I wanted it to be second nature for me and my family to help me. Also, I used this time to find out what tasted good to me so that I WANTED to eat these things. I bought the vitamins, etc and protein powders during this time and got all my house cleaned out of things I didn't want around.

Vanessa46, you are coming up so soon! Thank you for posting and letting us know!!!!!! I will make a special note. Please know we welcome you , make yourself at home and don't be afraid to ask questions to get prepared. It is the best thing you can do for yourself before your Arrival!!!

I don't think it can hurt to start vitamins before the surgery. If you do have any deficiencies that would help.
About chewables...I spoke w/ my pharmacist in depth one morning to make sure I wasn't taking things together that shouldn't be. I also asked him about chewables. He said just breaking them into 2 or 3 pieces is enough to increase absorption because it increases the surface area. I do that w/ my B-50 that is larger than is comfortable to swallow whole.

CONGRATULATIONS!!

congrats I hope bc is just as good to me!! When I first tried I had Cigna and was denied

Congrats and Good luck, just do everything your Dr tell you. I had my surgery back on 10-11-07 and I have lost 88lbs and have felt great. I have never dumped and I only occassionally have trouble with getting sick. The few times it has happened I either ate too much or didn't chew my food good enough. My hardest thing was finding a protein supplement that I liked, but trial and error helped me find one I could stomach.