Surgical Consultation Complete

At 8am this morning I met with my surgeon. Our meeting started with an information session (another candidate was in the room) and then a private meeting. I was asked a lot of questions, given a lot of information and instructed what my next steps are. Because I have occasional indigestion, I have to have an endoscopy. I have scheduled my consult for that.

Of course I also have to complete 6 months of supervised weight loss, 2 of which have already been completed so the earliest I could have my surgery would be April.

I've also been instructed to begin daily protein shakes to begin reducing the size of my liver as well as start to lose weight.

My surgeon also requires that her patients purchase a book about WLS and actually READ it, lol!

While I feel a bit overwhelmed, I am also thankful and looking forward to changing my life.

Consultation Date!

Finally got my consultation date to see my surgeon! Monday, December 13th at 7:45am. WOOT!

Bucket List

Surgery is a long way off still, (given that I haven't even gotten my phone call to schedule my consultation with the surgeon) but I'm already finding myself creating a bucket list...of all the things I want to be able to totally chow down on for the last time, lol!


Steamed crabs
Orange Beef
Steamed dumplings
Chipotles burrito
Pot roast
Bacon
Cheese steak sub
Pizza
Famous Daves Barbeque
Lobster
Pirogies from the Hope
and that's just the start!

Protein

I know it will be critical to get enough protein after surgery. I've actually been advised to start checking out various protein shakes and begin to substitute one meal a day with a shake. I tried Muscle Milk today, not bad. If anyone has any suggestions for ones they liked please let me know. Many of the ones I saw only had 10-15 grams, the Muscle Milk has 22g.

The Process

No one who isn't very serious about have GP would be willing to go through all of the steps required for this surgery. I can't imagine the casual "I wish I could lose a few pounds" person would invest the time and energy. It's a daunting process. While each person's requirements may be slightly different, there are certain things everyone must do:

Attend and information class/seminar
Complete and submit an application packet to the surgeon
Meet with the surgeon for a consultation
Meet with a nutritionist
Meet with a Psychologist
Meet with a nurse
Complete any/all testing required by your insurance company
Complete at least 6 months of supervised weight loss effort (Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Dr. Supervised, etc.)

All before a surgery date can be set. Where am I right now? My application has been sent and I have attended the information seminar. Now I wait to get my consultation date. Yeah, part of me wishes I was already recuperating from the surgery!