makemyownluck

I'm in IL, most plans here are BMI 35 with comorbidity and 40 w/o comorbidity. But every plan is different. If you call your insurance, they can tell you exactly what the qualifications are and the requirements for approval.

I hear you. When I started this journey, I had such drama with the first surgeon I was referred to, my insurance woes and I ended up having to change surgeons, change insurance... it got to the point that I was more consumed with getting approved than actually having the surgery. Then I finally finished all my pre-op requirements and it was submitted to insurance. I thought "Well, here we go, another battle..." and was shocked that I was not only approved, but that they approved me WITHIN 2 DAYS. Amazing! I'm less than two weeks from surgery day and I swear I call the doctors office at least once a week just to verify "We're a go for surgery, right? I don't have anything else to do?" Thankfully, the staff is really understanding and patient, they don't mind reassuring me that everything is okay. Now that I'm actually doing the pre-op diet and the day is getting closer and closer, my nerves are TOTALLY shot. This is a major life change! There are things I'll never do again! Silly things that shouldn't make me sad, but they've given me such pleasure in my past -- but I know I'm ready for it. I wouldn't have fought this hard to get to this point if I didn't really want it. I can't stand the wait!!

Here's the link to it on puritan.com: http://www.puritan.com/biotin-421/liquid-biotin-3000-mcg-051290 they offer deals if you buy in multiples. Right now it's 2 for $5.99, 5 for $11.98. It says it's mixed berry flavor, but taken on it's own it reminds me of cherry cough syrup. I don't mind it, but I did mix it in with some crystal light as well, and since you just use 1 dropper full, you can't taste it in the crystal light (I put it in a pomegranate cherry crystal light, which is a fruit punch sort of flavor, so it masked the Biotin well). Each bottle will probably last about a month and a half or so. I also get my sublingual b12 from this site, they have a formula that has extra B6, Folic Acid and Biotin in it as well: http://www.puritan.com/biotin-421/vitamin-b-12-2500-mcg-sublingual-with-folic-acid-vitamin-b-6-and-biotin-018641; those are 2 for $17.99 or 5 for $35.98. Each bottle is a 2 month supply.

It seems everyone gets different directions for their post op diet. I personally think that since it's YOUR body, and YOUR body is telling you it's hungry, then you should try a little of a shake and see if your tummy tolerates it. It's not like you're going to get that much down anyway, so go slow and see if it makes you feel better. They tell you to wait a week (or 2 days or 3 days or 2 weeks, depending on the MD) so that you go through the stages with as little side effect as possible as far as indigestion, gas, diarrhea, etc. But every person is different and as long as you're just doing a shake (meaning, you're doing a liquid, not trying to jump right into pureed foods), then go for it and see how you feel. If it makes you feel sick or anything, then wait a few more days before trying again.

Do you have the same reaction to soy or almond milk? I've never been a fan of milk, so I've been using almond milk in my shakes (the 30 cal, unsweetened kind) and I was planning to continue with that post op. Do people who use non-dairy alternatives have this same reaction? I've only seen people refer to having a problem with milk, and I'd guess that's lactose related.

whats that?

I wish I would go to the gym more. I was going regularly through the fall, but I never like to leave the house when it's cold outside, and Spring hasn't quite SPRUNG in Chicago, so I'm still in the "I don't wanna go out in the cold" slump. That should change soon. Hopefully! I'd recommend using Protein shakes as a Meal Replacement at least once a day, to get used to having them. Change you diet, increase protein, reduce carbs, purge your cabinets, etc.

I haven't been sleeved, but when I had by gall bladder out, the hospital gave me a binder that I didn't use. it seemed to irritate my incisions more than anything else. But the pillow idea works. I also used a heating pad after I walked, it helped the soreness. It wouldn't hurt to try it out and see if it helps you!

yeah, i figure that's the reason too, but seriously, how often would that happen anyway? That's what moderators are for, and this is a site about surgery and the related emotional, physical and FINANCIAL aspects! Not a big deal or anything, and I'm certainly not offended by shitty or anything, just think it's a bit odd.

Good luck! I hope you get a speedy and favorable response!

Also, I find it silly/ironic that you can say something is "shitty", but I can't make any reference to H.M.O. insurance on a board about surgery unless I put in the periods because it will by blurred out as ***. RIDICULOUS.

If it's their requirement, then there's no way around it. But ask them to clarify what they'd consider as part of that. If you've been going to Weight Watchers or can show you recently joined a gym, they MIGHT consider that as the start date. Otherwise, get yourself to the doctor ASAP and schedule a visit with a nutritionist. Sorry you have this requirement. Your alternative is to go to Mexico and self-pay, or try to find different insurance. I'm sorry you have that requirement.

I swear, I've repeated this on soooooo many different posts lately, tho not quite as intelligently as you did. Thank you for providing the facts on this, I feel like it should be a featured post that everyone has to read, because TOO MANY people lately have been talking about using these products and they are NO BUENO!!!

I'm getting sleeved 5/2. My surgeon said it would only be about an hour and a half.

for the Nectar "customize your own" sample pack: https://www.bjsbariatrics.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=bjb&Product_Code=synSamplePack&Category_Code=syn and when you figure out what you like, buy them on amazon - look for those sold by amazon and are eligible for free shipping on orders over $25. I realize tastes might/will change, so I'm not stocking up on flavors just yet. I plan to get another round of samples and then decide what to buy in tubs after surgery. I did stock up on the Unflavored nectar, and I'm pleased with it. I've only tried it in chicken broth, crystal light and orange juice, but it's undetectable in all of those! I do want to try the Chike brand, and Big Train for the coffee/latte flavors they have.

That's great!! A coworker told me that I looked like I was losing weight. Even though I AM, I still don't see it because I'm still quite heavy. But she said she could really notice it in the face. Then she patted her own double chin and said, "But maybe I only notice it so much because I'm jealous". She's a friend, and it felt good to actually have someone NOTICE! Can't wait til I lose even more so EVERYONE notices! Myself included!

Hi Celine! I'd check the nutritional info on your shakes and make sure they aren't high in calories or carbs. A lot of Protein supplements are made with body-builders in mind and are used as a gainer. If you're using a high carb/calorie protein supplement AND working out a lot, that would explain the gain. Muscle weighs more than fat. Since you're seeing a loss in inches, you're most likely losing fat as well as gaining muscle. If you switch to a leaner protein supplement, you won't bulk up as much with muscles and you'll see more of a loss on the scale. Good luck!

I'm on my liquid diet now. Started yesterday (officially, but I worked myself into it starting last Sunday), it will last 2 weeks, I'm getting sleeved 5/2. I'm pretty much allowed anything liquid. I've been having about 3-4 Protein Shakes a day, lots of Water, sometimes with crystal light, and 1 cup of coffee in the morning. I can also have broth or Jello, but I haven't wanted anything like that yet. I haven't been told to go low carb or low fat, but it's working out that way since the shakes I use are pretty low in fat and carbs anyway. My surgeon told me it's more important not to have anything solid - that I could have 10 shakes a day if I really wanted to (which I don't!). I've lost 13lbs since Sunday! Every surgeons plan is different. Some people have to do it longer, some shorter, some not at all. Some people are allowed 1 meal a day on their diet. I think it varies by patient, depending on how heavy you are, etc, and also your surgeons preference. Plus, it's good practice for post op life!

I'm actually not sleeved yet! I'm scheduled for 5/2, on my preop liquid diet now. I have thin hair already, I've been using biotin for about a year. I got the highest dose I could find in the store, took it twice a day and didn't really notice a difference. But I've been doing the liquid for about 2 months and its about 4x more potent and I'm noticing faster growth and thicker hair. I'm hoping the biotin helps me hold on to more after surgery! I also started using Wen products around Christmas time and my hair feels better than it has in years, and I color my hair and blow dry/flat Iron it daily. It used to feel like straw, now it's smooth and silky and shiny!

Syntrax is the brand, nectar is the line of Protein powders. Many flavors, no aspartame, low cal, low to no carbs and 23g protein. Go to bjbariatrics.com and customize your own sample pack, amazon.com has good deals on tubs when you figure out what you like. I'm still going through my samples, but the chocolate truffle and strawberry/kiwi are good!

try puritan.com, they have great prices on Vitamins. I decided to try the opurity brand chewable Multivitamin made specifically for sleeved patients, but I might look for an alternative when that supply is low. It's about $43 with shipping for a 90 day supply, which isn't THAT bad, but I think I might find something better. Everyone is different, but here's what you'll likely need: sublingual b-12 Biotin (I got a liquid version off puritan.com, this is good for maintaining your hair) Calcium supplement maybe Iron, depends on your blood work. because tastes can change, you're best to just get some sample packs of powders to decide what you'll want for your pre-op liquid diet. bjbariatrics.com sells a sample pack of Syntrax powder which is really good, and uses natural sweeteners. Syntrax also makes an unflavored powder, which is what I've stocked up on because it can be added to anything. I suggest the sample pack that I mentioned, then when you figure out what you like, get the tubs off amazon.com. You can get them as part of their super saver shipping option (it will be listed as "eligible for super saver shipping on orders over $25") at a decent price. I know it seems overwhelming and expensive, but consider that your grocery bill will be lowered considerably, as will your budget for going out for dinner. If you shop around online you can find lots of good stuff at good prices. It might be a good idea to pick up a few things here and there that you'll probably want on hand post op: gas-x strips peppermint tea (helps with gas and bloating, besides being delicious and refreshing) liquid imodium-d milk of magnesia or miralax tums or prilosec (check with your surgeon to see if he's gonna give you an rx, some do) bandages, gauze, tape hydrogen peroxide slip on shoes and/or slippers, if you don't already have them. bending over will hurt for a while I've got all this and more ready to go, but I'm SURE I've still forgotten that one thing I'll reallllly need. Hope this helps for starters!

Puritan.com has a great selection of sublingual b12 in different doses (and really great prices). As far as I've read, there's no danger in taking "too much" b12 but you can verify that with your NUT or MD. I got a formula with 2500mcg of B12, plus B6, folic acid and Biotin in it as well.