peacequeen

Thank you for posting, your story is inspirational. A huge congratulations on your accomplishments!

I was just told that UHC required a 5 yr weight history of morbid obesity which is over 40. I've already turned in my list. I meet every other bit of criteria. I currently have a bmi of 47, my past 5 years..only 3 years were over 40 but I've been over 35 for at least 6. I've been dieting since I was a teenager so yes I was dieting during the past 5 years . I don't know if I could get proof unless I just take pics of the books I have bought, pills I have taken, websites I have joined, fitness equip I have bought (some I have gotten rid of),,and I joined WW for a while plus went to OEA. I have a ton of medical proof. I am on disability. However, medicare is my secondary and they don't pay for the sleeve anyway is reason I am going with my UHC. I was in the hospital 3 times this year so I'm getting my med records for my surgeon. UHC should be very aware of my comorbs, they have paid over 1/4 mil. in doctor bills for me over the past year. 2 of the physcian letters did note that I had made numberous attempts to lose the weight but had been unsuccessful. I sure hope all this helps too. Thanks yall.

That's funny,,he had a couch.lol Just my 2 cents..All I know is that if you have a "thing" with any type of food,,you better get your head around it before being sleeved. I went through 2 different clinics so I had 2 psych evals. The first one, I didn't do well and was recommended to see a psych till I get clearance,,which I have done and it really helped. I see a therapist regularly. I had a tragedy in my family, my parents were killed in an accident several years ago. We talk about alot of things though and he is always open to talking about my issues with food so it's a good thing. I haven't had surgery yet but I'm not sure I would do well if I hadn't been getting therapy. Everyone is different though.

Hetera, that was really good advice. I'm trying very hard to pep up the mood..keeping busy and I had my 2nd pre op appt today and it went great..very motivating. Thank you so much for the helpful post..fun way you put things Hey, LL. I saw the NUT (amazing lady..I learned so much) and phy. asst. It went really well and I'm feeling more and more comfortable with the process. I have a list of things I have to do but I'm gonna kick it in the butt. I'm starting to get fed up and determined. It's that moment when you're like..OK,,enough of my sad sappy pity party..thanks to this forum and that appt today, I'm on my way. I made it through the family day out and next year I'll be one of the smaller ones..hehe

Every year my sisters and nieces go to this magical place together in honor of my mom who is now past away. Tomorrow is the big day for our get together this year. I want to have a good time for my daughter but I'm really dreading it because I've gained even more weight and I don't want to see the judgement in the eyes of some of my family. I'll be the fattest one there. Any words of encouragement would be great. I feel really down on myself lately, still waiting for a date and not losing any pre weight. I am so unmotivated even though this experience should be very motivating,,what's wrong with me???

I know that is true, Zoe,,thank you so much.

Well I made it through it. It went well. No one ever really mentions my weight, I have a kind family but my own insecurities make me feel like they stare and wonder what has happened to me. If the subject of weight gets brought up, I usually get the most advice. My daughter is 27 and I have 6 kids and 4 grandchildren so I have alot to live for, that's what keeps me going but doesn't make me feel any less guilty for what I've done to myself. I still have some things to go through before I'm able to have this surgery including approval from the insurance company,,there is some criteria that could stand in my way so I face each day anxiously waiting to hear something. The hospital I'm going through makes you go through every step before you get to hear whether you're approved or not. Well, my 2nd pre op appt is tomorrow so I'm sure I'll get a good chewing because I haven't lost anything but I am looking forward to getting another appt under my belt and meeting the nutrionist to give me some input as to why I'm self sabataging. My therapist thinks it's the life bumps in my past but who knows. Thank you all for listening, I'm sorry I sound like a "debbie downer". I have good days but events really stress me out.

I found this on another website and felt it not only interesting but it really eased my mind. It amazes me what this little girl was able to endure and survive. I know it's crazy to compare but if I get to keep all my organs but lose a portion of my stomach for weightloss, I'm not near as concerned as I was before. How Vital Are Your Organs? Could you live without a small and large intestine, stomach, liver, spleen, and pancreas? By Howard LeWine, M.D., Harvard Health Publications Q: I just read about a girl who had six organs in her belly surgically removed during a cancer operation. Could she have survived if doctors were unable to put her organs back in, or to transplant another person's organs into her body? A: According to news reports, the young girl's small and large intestine, stomach, liver, spleen, and pancreas were removed as part of a 23-hour cancer surgery. The surgeons replaced her liver and small and large intestines. Her spleen, pancreas, and stomach could not be saved. What if none of the six organs could have been replaced—and transplanting another person's organs wasn't a possibility? Of the six, the only organ that is an absolute for survival is the liver. She couldn't have survived if her entire liver was removed, unless she received a liver transplant. But healthy liver tissue has impressive regenerative abilities, so if a little of her liver was healthy and could have been left in, she could have survived. Of the other organs, the absence of a spleen and a stomach pose the fewest problems. The spleen acts as a filter to remove red and white blood cells that are old or damaged. It also helps us fight infections. But it is not an essential organ. Thousands of people walk around without a spleen, usually because they required emergency surgery when the spleen ruptured after a trauma. As part of the immune system, the spleen acts to boost antibody production when a person gets a vaccine or acquires an infection. Antibodies are molecules that block bacteria and viruses from entering healthy cells. The immune system can work without a spleen, but not as efficiently. In non-emergent situations, doctors give patients who need their spleens removed a host of immunizations. With these immunizations, the body will likely be able to produce normal amounts of antibodies. As the surgeons did in this case, a pouch to hold food can be created to substitute for a stomach. If the small intestine had not been put back in, she would not have been able to eat or drink. So there would be no reason to create the "false stomach." Normal adults have about 20 feet of small intestine. To absorb sufficient calories and nutrients, at least 5 feet of small intestine would need to be saved. If less than that is able to be saved, a person would only be able to survive with intravenous feedings. Moving down to the large intestine, the main function of this organ is to reabsorb Water that is mixed with food. It's not essential for survival. For example, the only option for some people with severe ulcerative colitis is surgery to remove the entire colon. Many people today live without a functioning pancreas; however, it's a huge challenge. The pancreas produces digestive enzymes and hormones, including insulin. This young girl will always need insulin injections to keep her blood sugars in control. Also, since she won't be making the digestive enzymes that break down food products in the intestines, her diet will need to be adjusted. She will probably only be able to eat simple sugars and Proteins, and just the essential fats. She will also take pills containing digestive enzymes, which will surely help. Howard LeWine, M.D. is a clinical instructor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and practicing internist with Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. He serves as Chief Medical Editor of Internet Publishing at Harvard Health Publications.

Just in case I'm denied, I was wondering if any of you that were once denied but appealed and made it through could share what you did to make them decide in your favor?

I just felt it might interest those who are nervous about losing a portion of their stomach where this child lost several of her organs and still able to survive. It's a wonderful example of modern technology. It really helped me to put the whole "loss of my stomach" into perspective. I was thinking it was such a major surgery and so risky and dangerous but I think I've been worrying for nothing. I know the sleeve is an invasive procedure but I feel more confident that it's safe after reading articles like this.

Congrats! I can't wait till I'm approved,,that will relieve alot of stress.

That's a good list, Sonja! And congrats on your approval..that's awesome!

You look fantastic, it's amazing!

I hate going to doctors offices, they are kind enough to offer "big" chairs but I don't wanna sit in them! Even the bariatric center I go to has the wide ass chairs. I need them right now but I soooo hate to use them.

It's a never ending debate on here as to whether one should tell anyone about having surgery. I was against it. So I went out on a limb today and told 2 of my sisters. They just seemed surprised by saying REALLY???? And one said "well you've lost alot of weight before", how did you do that, can't you do it again? What to say...I really wish i had said nothing. The conversation shifted and I became uncomfortable and would have liked to have defended myself but felt it would be a hopeless attempt. I feel kind of alone, I want to share my decision, I'm not sure why it matters to me at this point. I got the response I thought I would. It wasn't support it was questioning my decision. I'm the youngest of 8 kids..yes, the baby. Although I'm questioned alot about choices I make, I still thought I'd get something positive but nope.

I haven't had surgery yet but I've watched several different youtube videos, very glad I did and I'll probably watch more. I would suggest others to view them as well. Probably not so good for those easily sickened by the sight of blood and such.

Here's a link to a post recently about all the things one would need. http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/10081-the-official-what-you-will-need-for-your-surgery-thread/page__st__40__p__203482__hl__list__fromsearch__1#entry203482

Yes, you are in good hands physically and spiritually. You are in my thoughts and prayers!

I have no idea why I have multiple posts..I am so sorry.

Congratulations! You look great!

Congratulations! You look great!

Congratulations! You look great!