Day Dreamer

Wow do we have the same Dr? My Dr is through the VA (for prior military) and he was like "not just no, but hell no - try these pills". He put me on Wellbutrin. So, I went to a bariatric group to do my surgery only to find out they still need the GP referral. So I typed up this nice letter explaining to him that I have done tons of research, how my weight effects my quality of life (lack there of), and how this would be a tool that I think would help change my life. I fax the letter to his nurse and to my delight, he signed it the very next day granting his approval!!! YAY I really think the letter helped my case. Good luck.

I am glad you asked this question but this one haunts me. I am in the approval phase and have tried not drinking with meals. It is very hard for me. I find myself wanting to gulp down water; almost like I am dehydrated or something. (Not actually dehydrated though.) So I take a few sips like Tiffy said, then find myself gulping again after the meal. UGH!! I have to keep trying this so I don't mess up post op and hurt myself. Funny thing, I am making my kids stop gulping during meals too. LOL It sure is easier to stop them than to stop myself hehehe!!! Either way, it is a good lesson to learn early - even without WLS. :dance: :boink:

Hey Sarah, are you feeling any better? Did you try Gas-X?

Meg, thank you for posting this. I think people forgot that medicinal marijuana is in use. I too have a nerve disorder but MM is not approved in my state. Sometimes I wish it were, because the drugs they have me on are pretty strong and leave me loopy. I am hoping the weight loss with help me as well. Good luck Kinky, Why couldn't he just munch on low carb Snacks??? (Think: beef Jerky, SF pops, turkey roll ups) The munchies shouldn't scare you if you are prepared with high Protein, low carb options. Just a thought.

Lisa, I broke down and emailed my coordinator again. I just had to know if they actually submitted my packet to insurance. I feel bad bugging them but waiting is so hard. I don't even feel like this is real yet. Once the approval comes in (fingers crossed) then I know that feeling will change. Anyway, there are lots of us out here in VSG land with you!! I will keep your quick approval in my prayers tonight. Good Luck, Heather

This year I won't get to enjoy swimsuit season. No worries though. Next year, girl it is on!!!!!!!!!! LOL

Very inspiring!! Thank you for sharing and congrats on an amazing 97lb loss

The Dr's office should have provided a meal plan or outline for post op eating. When I read people feel no restriction, they usually admit later on that they were eating soft carbs - mashed potatoes, ice cream, Pasta etc. One thing I have noticed from these boards is that many people are serious carb counters. Most Dr's suggest you eat Protein first and limit carbs to 100 per day (give or take). If you are not counting carbs you may be cheating yourself. I think your weight loss is a great feat and you should be proud. Never compare your loss to someone else because there are many variables: how much they have to lose, co-morbidities, thyroid issues, glandular issues, exercise routine and diet routine. Be proud of your loss and push through your stall!!! It may mean switching up your current diet or exercise routine, but you can do it. Don't give up

I have heard people on OH talk about going straight to mushies post op. I, personally, do not agree with it. Ok I am NOT a bariatric Doctor or any type of medical professional so this is only my opinion. But based on my readings of the Sleeve, the liquid diet post op helps to lower the chance of leak. My Dr even went over this and accredited his extremely low complications rate to the fact that he is more strict with the liquid post op diet than other Dr's. For me, it is better to err on the side of safe than to jump into something. I have even thought about staying on the clear and/ or full liquids longer than required because I am so utterly scared of a leak. I would ask the Dr what his complication or leak rate is. Ask how many VSG's he has done. And, lastly, I would educate, educate educate myself on the procedure and do what you think is right. You could even express your concern to your Dr and see what he says. He may tell you that if it helps you feel safer, then go on Clear Liquids for X amount of time. Good luck and keep us updated.

I like the idea of mixing the shake with coffee. Atkins has a shake that is called cafe latte (I think) and it is so yummy. I drink it now and I haven't even started my pre op diet. Good idea :thumbs up:

I pray that my new addiction will be exercise, eating right, shopping for others or sex (school girl giggles). Those are all great addictions. I really do worry that I don't have what it takes to be one of you great post op sleevers. Some of you are so dedicated to exercise and carb counting. Just can't shake the what if's... ugh. I keep telling myself, if I could stick to an exercise program and constantly watch/monitor what I put in my mouth then I probably wouldn't be doing this in the first place. Man... don't let me be that bad sleever. I just keep praying for one of your healthy substitute addictions.

I really like the end... "I will still need you in my life". I think people feel like we are leaving them behind. Friends want their fat buddy to laugh with and overeat with. Family are worried about the actual complications and loss of you, but that could happen with obesity. Gym buddies and trainers probably think we won't work out, or it is an easy alternative to working out, but they go hand in hand. Thank you for sharing.

Your entry brings tears to my eyes; as if I were reading my own diary. I don't want to leave my beautiful girls without a mommy. I want to be there when they are mommies and many years after!! Like you, God held my hand and led to begin my journey. I am still in the approval phase but I have seen many signs that I was on the right path. Congrats on your weight loss and your new life. And thank you for sharing <3

Glad to hear you are doing so well Congrats on the great weight loss as well.

Bellah, you have an amazing attitude about you. I believe that is helping you to remain motivated. Your words seem so calm and well reflected. It sounds like you are doing a wonderful job!! Cheers

Waiting is definitely nerve wrentching. My coordinator told me that my insurance (Anthem BC BS) usually takes the full 30 days to approve. I am hoping for a quick approval so I can finally believe this is real. Right now, it just doesn't seem like reality. Good luck on your approval!! Keep us updated

Congrats Sarah, sounds like you are doing very well I started my MBA about 5 months and it is such a good feeling. Stay positive!! Hugs

Great Job!!!

My COE mandates us to do a 24 hr pre op liquid diet with 1-2 weeks of Atkins beforehand. Just a thought, have you tried the unjury Protein? You can have the protein chicken broth as well as the flavored protein (clear liquids) that will help you stay full and ward off those nasty hunger pains. Good luck and congrats!!

Friday is my one-stop stopping appointment. Bluegrass did a basic overview of my insurance plan to make sure I fit the requirements. Everything else will be done in their office on Friday: Weigh-in, lab work, psych, nut and whatever else they deem fit. I like the idea of one-stop shopping. I have seen people running around to different doctors to get everything done, and it seems very stressful. The bariatric groups gather the info and submit it all to insurance for me. I can dig it. The hard part for me is waiting up to 30 days to see if Anthem BC/BS bites. I fit the requirements now (no co-mo's), but still worrying about the co-pays, out of pocket cost and deductable. Really hoping everything comes together. Once approved then maybe I will feel like this is real. Right now, it all just seems like a pipe dream. Anyone else feel this way? Seminar: 3/5/11 and 3/15/11 check Intake: 3/25/11 Approval: TBD Surgery Date: TBD

Sorry to hear that :*( Maybe you could finance your surgery??

If you have been on OH, you probably noticed they have "surgery angels". These angels keep everyone else updated on the progress of the patient. I think this is a great idea and wish we could do this on VST easily. (Right now you could post a comment/update on their profile or the surgery date thread.) I have gotten close to quite a few people on here and it makes me nervous when they leave for surgery and we have no update for a week (or more - or never hear from them again). I understand that not everyone wants to give out personal info and I think that is where the "angel" or trusted friend could update us. Maybe this is something we could start doing ourselves.. just keep everyone updated on your buddy. Let's look out for each other.

On the flip side, I am totally amazed by those of you that posted updates hours after surgery!! Luv you guys hahahah!

Amy, bawhahahaha! When I read that, bow-chicka-wow-wow ran through my mind! hahahaha!! Don't listen to me, I am a bad influence hahahaha!!! How did you do with the hunger pains?? How are you feeling now?? Hugs!!

Once the scales gets moving, this will be a fleeting thought