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I am 7 weeks post-op and have lost around 45lbs from my highest weight. Recently, I saw some friends I hadn't seen since well before I started losing weight and who do not know I had WLS. They immediately noticed and commented on my weight loss, which made me terribly uncomfortable. They of course asked what I was doing and I simply stated I'm focusing on high quality protein and frequent, small meals because that's what my body seems to like best (all true). Then I quickly pivoted and asked how they were doing, blah blah blah. People LOVE to talk about themselves. Give them the chance, and they will run with it.

I'm "auditioning" protein shakes during my self-imposed pre-op diet. So far I really like OWYN ("Only What You Need"), except the chocolate flavor is disgusting. And it's 35g plant protein in 355 ml (12 oz), and it is still palatable at room temperature, given that I'm going to be sip-sip-sipping on it for an hour or two. Premier Protein is... just okay. (I hear the cafe latte flavor is good but it's also caffeinated which makes it a no-go). What else should I audition? I'm not planning to buy a ton of any one thing, knowing (from y'all!) that my tastes are likely to change post-op.

I had a great experience. Super easy surgery. Walked over a mile in the halls in the evening. I think I had surgery at 8am? Woke up the next day at 7am, showered, washed my hair, put on clothes and was itching to go home. Very little pain. Zero nausea. The hardest part for me...was that first week after...when essentially your entire life revolves around drinking little cups of fluid several times an hour...and writing everything down. Pain in the butt and felt like a full time job. Worth it, though! Best wishes. You got this!

Surgery itself was a doddle. The first few days were annoying, because I was trying to expel all the gas they pump into you. Just follow your surgeon's orders, walk as much as you possibly can even if it hurts, and know that the first 1-2 weeks are the "price of admission" to what will 100% change your life.

I’m headed back into the office for the first time in 18 months and I am 60 pounds lighter. Not sure why I am so nervous but I guess I’m not sure what to say about my weight loss. No one at the office knows I had WLS. And you can’t really tell over zoom. Thoughts?

So I have a lot of experience with surgeons because of my career, and honestly some of them are just that way. If you don’t have an option to change surgeons I’d just move on and tell him you’re sure you want the surgery (if that’s the case) and use the forums as much as possible for your support. The surgeon will supply you with the tool- it’s up to you to use it appropriately. If you believe in yourself and know that you’ll make the commitment and do what it takes to utilize your surgery then he can think whatever he wants.

5 weeks post sleeve and I've been physically hungry all day. I've not yet felt this. Made a pizza for the teenager and i had 3 bites. It's sitting like the dough ball that it is in my pouch. I feel awful. Lesson learned, i hope! Sent from my SM-G977U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hey everyone! I'm sure there are many posts on here for revision but I'm in need of some help. I'm 7 years out of VSG surgery and am embarrassed to say I've gained everything back. The only excuse I have is life got in the way. I've been in touch with my surgeon and have been discussing revision surgery. My issue is, I do not have the same insurance (Aetna) now that I did when I had my original surgery. I'm having a hard time finding an insurance that will cover a revision. My current employers' plan does not even remotely cover anything bariatric wise so I'm hoping you fine people can give me some info of where I can turn. I thought I found a decent multiplan but I've since been told they do not cover bariatric surgery either. Thank you all for your time.

So I lost a lot of weight on my own before I consulted with the surgeon for the first time (around 50 lbs). Between my consult and the day of surgery (about 10 or 11 weeks later) I lost another 20 lbs. My BMI the day of surgery was around 37. I’ve lost over 40 lbs since surgery 10 weeks ago and my BMI is currently a 29. I did go to that calculator and it estimated my weight at 1 year to be about 17 lbs less than where I am today - so know that is just an estimate and dependent on many other factors.

I have not yet received any bills for the two issues I'm about to discuss, just the EOBs (Explanation of Benefits). For non-US readers, this is a notice that an insurance company must send the patient whenever the insurance has received a bill. It explains to the patient about the bill: the medical provider, the service rendered to the patient, the charge from the medical provider, how much of that charge will be covered by insurance, and how much the patient can expect to self-pay. My original surgery date was delayed/changed due to the hospital's COVID-related closure to elective procedures. I therefore ended up having surgery about 6 weeks after my original date. I just received the EOB relating to the hospital's $55,000 charge. The EOB states the charge has been denied due to "preauthorization was not obtained". I went through all the paperwork I've collected since my journey began and found the preauthorization approval notice for the original date of surgery... but it seems I never got a preauthorization approval notice for the new surgery date. Naturally, the surgeon's office has several people whose job it is to get insurance approvals/preauthorizations prior to surgery... I'm worried that the person handling my case dropped the ball... The second billing issue concerns an EOB that shows I will owe $900 for the nurse anesthetist's bill ($500 deductible plus 50% copay). The anesthesiologist's bill was covered at 100%, but the issue is that his assistant (the nurse anesthetist) apparently doesn't participate with my insurance so I'd be responsible for the high out-of-network charges! Naturally, I as the patient only get to pick my surgeon... I don't get to pick the anesthesiologist or the nurse anesthetist or any of the nurses, for that matter. Again, the team used for my procedure is something that my surgeon's office and the hospital should have put together properly. I called my surgeon's office a week ago and was transferred to the insurance specialist's voicemail. I've not received a call back. I'll try again tomorrow (Monday) but I'm worried... should I be? I know a lot of people here have had their surgery dates moved around due to COVID, so this can't be the first time this issue has come up...? I'd appreciate advice and opinions. Thank you!