FXDF2008

For those who haven't been following my story............... I was diagnosed with an eroded band in November of 2011 and had it removed in March of 2012. I had to wait for six months before revising to the gastric sleeve as my surgeon wanted to wait for me to heal completely and do medical tests before confirming that I would be a good candidate for the sleeve. I have complete those tests and he was satisfied that I could have the sleeve. We also found that I had developed another hiatal hernia (the first one was repaired when I had my lap band surgery). My predetermination request for the sleeve surgery was denied. They stated that I needed to complete a six month weight loss program in order for them to consider my request. I asked my surgeon's insurance coordinator to appeal based on the reasoning that this was a repeat surgery for a lap band that had medically failed me and that I shouldn't have to complete the six month medically supervised weight loss program. She filed an appeal but no where in the letter did it address the six month weight loss program so of course they denied me again stating that we still hadn't submitted the records they had requested. Frustrated beyond belief, I took the initiative to write my own appeal letter. I used language from the BCBS-AL bariatric policy regarding repeat surgeries and their rationale for requiring the six month weight loss program and explained how I had met that rationale just by having a lap band for four years and that my waiting for six months before revising to another surgery was not conducive to improving my health. I just got off the phone with BCBS-AL and they have approved my surgery!!!!!! I am actually shocked that I succeeded in my appeal. I fully expected them to deny me and had already started the medically supervised six month weight loss program in preparation for that denial (and have lost 10 lbs over a six week period which is nice). I'm excited, relieved and nervous! I've been through this before so I don't know why but I am. I was very successful with my lap band (losing 94 lbs). I remember how wonderful it felt to be thin and feel good about myself and how I looked and not to be in pain anymore from carrying around all this extra weight (yes I packed the pounds back on after my band was removed). I can't wait to be there again! Yeah me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And my surgeon allows me to have yogurt and puréed fruit on day three post op. All surgeons have different food requirements. I'd follow what yours says.

My surgeon said that the first month is about healing, not losing. Still I can certainly understand your confusion and frustration. What kind of foods are you eating?

I'm doing okay with things like Protein shakes (about 6-8 oz but it can take me 30-45 minutes to get it down), yogurt (4 oz in about 30 minutes), applesauce (4 oz in about 30 minutes). Warm non-calorie liquids I seem to be able to get down easier than cool (I don't drink anything cold). So like you, I need to improve in that area. On reality I feel like I could transition to puréed foods right now but unfortunately am on the above diet for another two weeks :-(

Didn't see a thread for the 10th yet! Our big day is tomorrow! What are we doing? How are we feeling? I've had my "last meal" for a while, will now revert to clear liquids until midnight. Need to do my hibiclens shower and pack my bag. That's all that's left except try to relax and not over think this and get all nervous (well, more nervous). I will be in the hospital for two days, surgery will last for two hours (due to prior band erosion and removal). Let's keep in touch and follow our progress, concerns, achievements, and goals! Karen

Do you have a copy of your insurance company's Bariatric policy? If not, get a copy of it and read it very thoroughly. One thing I discovered during my appeal process is that if you use their own language against them they will approve you. Do not go by what someone tells you. I had everyone tell me several different reasons why I had to complete the six month supervised weight loss program despite the fact their policy explicitly stated they covered both revisions and repeat surgeries due to erosion or slippage. I took their paragraph on their rationale for the weight loss program and successfully argued every point. I got my appeal approved when no one else could. You are your own best advocate. You just have to be smarter than they are because honestly, most of them don't know much about Bariatrics or the specifics of their policies. Good luck!

Really glad to hear that you went to the ER and that you were able to get stabilized. I would reach out to your surgeon first thing in the morning though. No sense leaving anything to chance. Take care of yourself!

I'm having the same exact issue as you. My surgery was on the 10th and I feel great except for the largest incision which like you said is sunken and I get a horrible burning, tearing, stinging sensation when I move in almost any direction. I can't stand erect, I have to hunch over slightly which hurts my lower back. The pain meds really don't touch it to be honest. I called my doctors office yesterday and they said this was not uncommon and the pulling sensation could last for weeks but the pain would slowly get better. I'm with you though, if it still hurts this bad by next Monday, there's no way I could go into work. Right now it's a challenge just to take a shower. It's really annoying because otherwise I'm doing really well!

I am only four days out but experiencing the same type of pain in the same location. My incision is about two inches long and is right beside the scar where my port for my band was (I had two separate procedures almost a year apart, one to remove the band and the other for the sleeve). I feel good in every other respect except for that intense, burning, pulling sensation underneath that incision. It is incredible how much it hurts. I called my surgeon today and spoke with his nurse and she said this was not an unusual side effect as long as there were no other side effects such as fever, heart palpitations, etc. She said some people feel the tugging sensation for weeks although the pain usually subsides after a week or two. Since you seem to still be in as much pain as you were previously, I would definitely consult with your surgeon or PCP. (believe it or not I came to this forum tonight looking for information on my pain as well).

I am now three days post op. (Former band patient that eroded, band removed last March). Was in the hospital two days. I'm sore, mostly in my lower back (probably from laying down so much) and my large incision (where they removed my stomach) really hurts when I move the wrong way. I was able to start yogurt and applesauce today along with my non-calorie fluids and protein shakes. Those seem to be going down well. I can eat about an ounce at a time right now. I'm not hungry at all. Some things taste a little different but not horrible. (My vanilla shake tasted more like coconut). I was able to get a shower today which really helped! I still get tired easily. I get up and do something then go sit for a while. Struggling to get the fluids and protein in but I was terrible at hydrating myself pre-surgery. I weighed a couple of lbs more when I came home from the hospital but that has disappeared and I've dropped a lb. I'm hoping to be a little stronger tomorrow. Besides the initial discomfort, so far so good. Ready to get back to normal!

I am now three days post op. (Former band patient that eroded, band removed last March). Was in the hospital two days. I'm sore, mostly in my lower back (probably from laying down so much) and my large incision (where they removed my stomach) really hurts when I move the wrong way. I was able to start yogurt and applesauce today along with my non-calorie fluids and protein shakes. Those seem to be going down well. I can eat about an ounce at a time right now. I'm not hungry at all. Some things taste a little different but not horrible. (My vanilla shake tasted more like coconut). I was able to get a shower today which really helped! I still get tired easily. I get up and do something then go sit for a while. Struggling to get the fluids and protein in but I was terrible at hydrating myself pre-surgery. I weighed a couple of lbs more when I came home from the hospital but that has disappeared and I've dropped a lb. I'm hoping to be a little stronger tomorrow. Besides the initial discomfort, so far so good. Ready to get back to normal!

I am now three days post op. (Former band patient that eroded, band removed last March). Was in the hospital two days. I'm sore, mostly in my lower back (probably from laying down so much) and my large incision (where they removed my stomach) really hurts when I move the wrong way. I was able to start yogurt and applesauce today along with my non-calorie fluids and protein shakes. Those seem to be going down well. I can eat about an ounce at a time right now. I'm not hungry at all. Some things taste a little different but not horrible. (My vanilla shake tasted more like coconut). I was able to get a shower today which really helped! I still get tired easily. I get up and do something then go sit for a while. Struggling to get the fluids and protein in but I was terrible at hydrating myself pre-surgery. I weighed a couple of lbs more when I came home from the hospital but that has disappeared and I've dropped a lb. I'm hoping to be a little stronger tomorrow. Besides the initial discomfort, so far so good. Ready to get back to normal!

Finally drifted off about 1:30 but had to get up a couple of times to get rid of all the water I pounded before midnight. On the way to the hospital now. Good luck all you 10th sleevers!

Heading to the hospital! Not too nervous yet. Trying to not over think think. Just do it. See everyone on the other side!

Make sure to verify the carb count on the protein shakes. My surgeon requires less than 5 carbs per shake. He also requires I use non-fat or 1% milk to make them with. Salt can definitely make you retain water. How much water do they want you to drink. I'm supposed to be at 100 oz a day. Ugh. I find using the Mio and Dasani water flavors help a lot if you aren't a big water drinker.

Hmmmm, what kind of liquids? How is your salt intake? And could it be hormonal?

I had to do mine in two separate procedures more than six months apart, but I also had an eroded band which needed time to heal before proceeding with the next surgery.

I hear you! I'm trying not to think about it too much!

I'm sorry, that really really sucks!!!!! Can't believe they would do that after already having a surgery scheduled. I would think they would block out a time where their staff wouldn't schedule any. Oh well, on the bright side, you only have a week to go! Trust me, it will be here before you know it!

Glad to hear you are doing well!

Mine's tomorrow! Everything is done with the exception of packing my bag. Going to go raid the fridge for a last (healthy) meal prior to 4:00 p.m. at which time I will convert to clear liquids then NPO after midnight. It's getting real! Sooooo nervous but so ready to lose the weight I gained after having my band removed. I just can't wait to get this part over with. Surgery is expected to last for two hours, one to two hours in recovery then two days in the hospital. Good luck to everyone!!!

Well tomorrow is almost here! I can't believe how quickly the time has flown by. My doctor expects for me to be in the hospital for two days. He expects the surgery to last for about two hours with one to two hours in recovery. I have to be there at 5:30 a.m., surgery with be at 7:30 a.m. Here we go folks!

Good luck! MIne's tomorrow! We'll both be fine! (keep repeating that!)