ashleymullen

Add me! username: ashleycathey

For the past few weeks I had been substituting meals with protein shakes. I thought this was something that needed to be implemented before surgery so that it would make it easier getting in enough protein after surgery. However, my surgeon told me that protein shakes should only be used after surgery because adding protein pre-op could cause weight gain. However, I have lost 16 lbs while supplementing protein. Did anyone drink protein shakes to help with their pre-op weight loss, or should I avoid these for now?

Who's your doc? Woodman or Weaver? So glad to meet someone else from Memphis!

I can understand your anxiety. I am in a similar situation myself. When I originally met with my surgeon I was planning to get the Lap Band. However, during my meeting the nurse I spoke with suggested that I get the sleeve instead because they felt it would be more beneficial to me. When the office submitted my info to insurance, they had submitted for the Lap Band even though I had decided to have the sleeve instead. Two weeks later I received my approval letter but my surgeons office had to resubmit since I was no longer having the lap band. I was told by the coordinator that it shouldn't take as long for the second approval (for the sleeve) since I was already approved for a similar procedure, that they would basically just change the procedure code in the system. However, it has been a month since they resubmitted and neither I nor the surgeon's office has received any reply from the insurance company (Anthem BCBS of GA). So, now I'm worried that I've put myself in a bind and insurance won't come through before my January 14th surgery date!

How much B12 is recommended for bariatric patients?

Today I received my letter of approval from insurance, but the insurance company had approved me for Lap Band when I am suppose to getting approved for the sleeve. I called my surgeons office and they informed me that it was an error on their behalf. So now they have resubmitted my info to insurance to have me approved for the sleeve instead. Has anyone had this happen to them? I was just curious if it would take them as long to approve this procedure? Also, since I was given a date for surgery by the insurance company, will my surgery date change now? I would be grateful for ANY input.

I've heard that MiraLax works wonders for gas. Just a suggestion...

Although I have not had the surgery myself I think it is completely understandable to feel the way you do. Just think, this surgery is a huge life event. You have given much blood and tears for this one thing. With any major life event it may be hard for a few days, but I really do think it will get better for you. I wish you the best!

I live in Stanton which is about 30 mins from you. I would love to talk with other people in this area. Feel free to email me ashleycmullen@gmail.com

I'm from Memphis and Woodman is doing my surgery too! How long did it take from insurance approval til actual surgery date?

Congrats!! Hope everything goes PERFECTLY