bowlinJJ

So, I get the call from my office that they are going to put in the paperwork to insurance (tricare), and proceeds to tell me that Tricare doesn't cover the vsg. They will only cover the bypass or lapband. So, any suggestions, which route to go? I'm leaning towards the bypass. I need help? I weigh 309.6 lbs, I'm 5'3", bmi = over 53. What's the differences between the vsg and bypass? Ugh! I have a consultation with the surgeon to discuss everything on Monday. I'd like to have a little bit of knowledge and for questions to ask. JJ

Hi Everyone, I was reading my manual that my Bariatric Education Team gave me last night, and I'm trying to wrap my mind around how I'm supposed to get my intake of protein once the liquid stages are over. I understand that I will be on Protein shakes during the liquid stage, but then after, I get to mushy and solid stages, and I can only eat a couple of bites at a time, how am I supposed to get in the 70grams of protein that is needed per day? Is this something I'm overthinking? I need help making sense of them. Please, any input is appreciated. Thanks, JJ

I found out today, that I passed the Psych Evaluation, I'm now just waiting for the Psychologist to get his notes over to the Bariatric Center and then for them to get it over to the Insurance Company. So, at least, I'm one step Closer. My surgeon requires that I have an EGD done, and that is just two days away. So my hoops that I have had to jump through are getting fewer and fewer. Thankfully. Just needed to share this with folks who understand. Hope ya'll have a great day. JJ

I tested positive for it as well. I was quite surprised and actually angry about it. I'm on my second day of the "cocktail" as well. All I can test in my mouth is the medicine. I've brushed my teeth twice this morning, and still can't get the taste out of my mouth or throat. It's gonna be a long two weeks. I haven't been scheduled yet, however, they (bariatric team) told me that it shouldn't effect the surgery at all, and I wouldn't have to do another egd to see if it's gone. My surgeon says that it's actually quite common, and not to stress over it. Interesting the different information that we get. Good Luck, I'll be thinking of you. JJ

I appreciate your help much. I'm trying to work things out so that I can have the sleeve. We shall see. JJ

I have Tricare Prime, and we are located in Central Texas. Ft. Hood is the closest Military base next to us, and because my husband is retired military, I'm not able to be seen there due to the amount of people they already have on their installation. I can understand that. What I think I need, is the procedure code for the VSG. Thanks for your help. JJ

She did sum it up perfectly! I did contact my insurance company and the bypass and lapband are their two options. I just don't understand it. I've seen others have the same insurance as I do, and have the sleeve. Ugh. I just don't know what to do, but more research. Thanks for your input. Much appreciated to both you and Tiff. JJ

Glad to hear that you're doing well. Keep up the healing, and you'll be on your way!!! Good thoughts to you and your family. JJ

I can't wait for the day that I can find a store that has regular sizes in it, and I fit into them. I hate the "big ladies store" I think for some reasons, that designers think we need horizontal stripes and big flower patterns. Ugh, I think that we're big enough without that help. I'm really looking forward to Regular Sizes! Haven't been there in nearly 17 1/2 years. It should be fun. Congrats to you!

Interesting, mine was a endoscop. I'm sure that they can tell about the bacteria no matter what they do. good luck

It's an upper endoscopy. they are checking for certain bacteria in your stomach. Mine was last friday, no worries, Just found out that I do have the H-pylori bacteria, and will have to do two weeks of antibiotics to get rid of it. Good Luck. JJ

Congratulations! You Rock!

Hope all goes well, looking forward to hearing how you're doing. remember, sip, walk, sleep, repeat as necessary

I'm afraid you're not the only one who's obsessed. I finished all my loops, and am waiting for the psych eval to get over to my surgeon's office and then off to insurance. Hopefully some time next week, we'll know when surgery is. I'm hoping for sometime in August as well. I'm constantly lurking around the boards and reading, thinking maybe it will make it happen faster .

I'm sorry that you're upset about your glucose levels, I understand, I've been a diabetic for over 15 years, and totaly understand frustration about them. First of all, my doctors have advised that I don't test my blood sugar until 2 hours after eating, no matter what meal. My next question would be, did you put any type of sweetner with your oatmeal? or what did you drink with your breakfast? Did you put any type of fruit on your oatmeal, if so, most of them have the natural sugars in them and will spike your blood sugars. These are only observations and questions, no offense meant. Congratulations on your weight loss! JJ

my understanding about both of these medicines that they were being asked to use the week before surgery, and not after. do I have my medicines mixed up?

Hey there, I've been told by the nutrionist that I'm not supposed to be using a straw because it helps put gas in the stomach, but yet, I find that I can sip easier through a straw at a slower pace as required with the new sleeve. So, what are you're ideas about this? JJ

Good Morning, Today is my Psych Evaluation, not sure what to expect. Any insights that you that have gone before would like to share with a newbie? Thanks much, JJ

I love pizza, but I can't handle the bread nor the sauce, I do a low-carb pizza that uses cream cheese, half and half, and mozzerrella cheese as the crust, you mix those ingredients together, and then back that for a few minutes and then you add your toppings. It's really good, and you can find several recipes for it at foodnetwork.com. I'm not sure that once I have the sleeve, that I would be able to do it for quite a while. But, I'm sure for those craving pizza, this might be an alternative. The good news is that even tho you can only eat a few ounces of it, you can freeze it to last longer. try it, you'll like it.

Take one breath at a time, relax, let your surgeons do their thing, and think positive thoughts. You will make it through this! Sending positive thoughts your way.

Hi, I'm from Waco, I'm still a newbie here. just finished my psych eval today. Now, I'm waiting for the dr to fax over the results to the Bariatric Center so that they can send everything to Tricare(my insurance) and see if I'm approved for this. keep your fingers crossed. JJ

Ya mean, I wasn't supposed to listen to those voices? Man, I must be doing something wrong! LOL It went well, yes, they asked those questions, plus more, I didn't understand why they would ask those questions, but they did. I did just fine. thanks for your reply. I gotta good laugh with the voices thing:) JJ

Just letting everyone know I made it through the Psych eval today. the Dr. was a nice man, Hopefully, he will be able to get the results back to my Bariatric Center quickly. Thanks for everyones insights. appreciate it. JJ

If your surgeon has a sense of humor and you do as well, try, "Itsy bitsy, Teenie Weenie, Yellow polka dot bikini" I don't know the full name of the song, but hey, it should bring a smile:) Good Luck on your Surgery!

Thank You for sharing your pictures, what an Inspiration! You are BEAUTIFUL!