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Today is my first day of pre-op preparations.  I have started on my pre-op diet which consists of 2 protein shakes and one "Atkins" type meal per day.  The morning protein shake wasn't so bad, but I was getting pretty hungry by lunch time.  I actually made it through the second shake and am now looking forward to my meal this evening.

My journey is just beginning, but so far, so good.  I started researching bariatric surgery in depth back in November 2012, only two months ago.  I am an analyst by trade, so I always need to thoroughly research everything before I get started.  I had in the past discussed bariatric surgery with my primary care physician (PCP) and she was supportive of the idea if I chose to go that path.

I first contacted my insurance company (Humana) and worked with their Bariatric Management Program.  I found out exactly what was required of me to be authorized for the surgery; 18 years of age or older (well past that!), Body Mass Index (BMI) of > or = 40, or > or = 35 with other associated comorbidity issues such as hypertension, type two diabetes, etc., physician's documentation that I had unsuccessfully attempted to reduce my weight, and the surgery must be completed at a Bariatric Centers of Excellence.  They provided me a list of in-network surgeons and Centers of Excellence in my area.  They also provided me information on what types of surgeries were authorized.

I contacted a surgeon and scheduled an appointment.  I also spoke to his office and began a rapport with his assistance via email and received information on what needed to happen prior to me begin approved for surgery.

Here is the list I was provided:

• Schedule an appointment a dietitian (they provided me several to choose from.)
• Begin food journal.
• Attend a weight loss seminar.
• Psychological evaluation (again several names provided by surgeon's office.)
• Bloodwork
• EKG
• Chest X-Ray
• Pulmonary evaluation and consultation (Sleep apnea test if pulmonary specialist warrants it.)
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Endoscopy
• Colonoscopy (I had already had one and was within my 5 year recheck, so no need for that test.)

I scheduled appointments with the dietitian and the psychologist.  I scheduled an annual physical with my PCP so I could also get some of the other items completed.

In December, met with dietitian, psychologist, attended seminar, had annual physical, completed bloodwork, and EKG.  Met with surgeon to discuss options and scheduled ultrasound, check x-ray, pulmonary evaluation and endoscopy.  All of those were completed on 01/02/13.  I contacted my surgeon's office and told them I had decided to do the gastric bypass RNY.  They submitted my paperwork on 01/08 to Humana and it was approved that same day!  I completed my endoscopy on 01/09/13.

My surgery is scheduled for Thursday, January 24, 2013.

Now, the hard part begins.  The paperwork and red tape are easy obstacles for me, the hard part will now be to change my mindset about food.

So -- today is the first day of my new journey!  I am excited but with trepidation though I plan to succeed with a vengeance!

Wish me luck!