tmposton

My office's owner actually told me that I need to schedule my appointments on my days off since I only work 3 days a week. I have had 2 major back surgeries in the last 2 years and my surgeon is only in for follow ups on Wednesdays. I just had back surgery in June and I got in trouble for having to go on a Wednesday. I'm just afraid of losing my job since I don't have FMLA yet and who knows when we will get it.

Hello everyone! I am in the beginning phases of my journey. I'm in the process of getting my clearances. I'm hearing a lot of horror stories about the band working for a couple of years just to have the weight find its way back on. My family doc is suggesting the sleeve, but I don't think I want to go to that extreme. I know several people who have had roux en Y done and they have either gained it all back or they are very sick. This is one reason I have chosen to go the band route because it is adjustable and not irreversible should something go wrong in the future. So, has anyone gained their weight back with the band? Am I just getting the jitters? Thanks guys!!

I have just spoken with my surgeon's office to get started in the process of having the surgery done. I have been scheduled for the first session that is required for my insurance. I was told by the gastric surgery coordinator that I have to have 6 months supervised diet documentation. I have been doing Weight Watchers for 5 months and have all the diet logs from that. Does anyone know how I can transform that into dietitian documentation so I can get the ball going faster???

I am in the process of the pre-op things that have to be done. My surgeon's office is saying about 4 months. I'm trying to get in my head how to determine bite sizes after the surgery as I have taken notice that I take pretty big bites now. How do you determine your bite sizes? Also, how in the world am I going to get through these next few months? I'm so excited I don't know what to do with myself!

I have had 2 major back surgeries in a little over 2 years. My last one was in June and the medications they put me on for the nerve damage has made me gain so much weight. I've always been heavy but now I have other accompanying issues to go along with it so I'm ready to get it over with

I think right now I need mine closed completely. Lol

Thanks guys! I probably post too many questions on here but I'm just trying to grasp all I can before I actually have the surgery. My surgeon's program director told me to invest in saucer sized plates and baby spoons now so that I can get that in my head that they are going to be my utensils from now on. So, my daughter bought me 3 saucers yesterday and did the permanent marker drawings on them and baked them for me. They are cool! One of them has random things on it and, of all things, she put a bikini and a belly button ring on it. She said that was going to be my motivation. WOW!!! Thank God I have her and my other daughter's support. I really don't think they realize the changes that are going to happen. But they are 15 and 13, so I'm sure they will get it.

How do you add friends on here if you are using the iPad app?

Best of luck to you. Keep us posted as to how you are doing.

Here is the medical reasoning for the weight gain. Once you stop exercising for a few weeks or even days you have to get the muscles going again. When you do this, Fluid gathers around the muscles you are working. This is a protective mechanism to keep the stretches muscled lubricated and to keep the joints lubricated. As for the muscle weight compared to the fat weight ... Yes, a pound is a pound is a pound. However, it takes a LOT more muscle to fill the spaces than it does fat. It is denser than fat and it is tighter "wound" if you will than fat. So, ideally, muscle does weigh more than fat since it takes a lot more muscle fibers to fill a glass for instance than it takes loose-fibered blubber. Hope this helps!

Me me me!!!!

I'm in SWVA!!!!!

Is there anyone who can tell me the requirements of Virginia Premier/Medicaid for the surgery? I'm talking in terms of pre-op requirements such as supervised diet and things like that. I have had two major back surgeries and my stomach is causing increased pain in my fusion area. So I am more than ready to get this done. I'm tired of living this way. I saw my pcp yesterday and he is working on the authorization and he did lab work and my EKG. He also said for me to get copies of my past medical records ASAP. So, does anyone know what has to be done for them? I'm planning on going to Radford to Dr. Bissell for the surgery. Thanks in advance.

I too would like to know this.

Oh ok. I'm new to all this and am just trying to figure out what I am going to have to do after the surgery is done.

I have Virginia Premier and was wondering if anyone knows anything about their process of approval. I saw my family physician yesterday and they are working on the preapproval process. I have had two spinal fusion surgeries and am getting no pain relief because of my weight. Any help would definitely be appreciated because I'm ready to get this done ASAP!!!

I will do it. Wytheville is about an hour south of Roanoke on 81. If you are ever down here give me a yell, too!

I am from Wytheville.

Hello all! I'm new to the forum. I went today to see my primary doc about getting banded. Now I have to wait on blood work to come back and to hear from the pre-authorization. I'm nervous about that because my BMI is just 36. However, I have had 2 knee surgeries and 2 major back surgeries. My last spinal fusion was in June, which resulted in a 4-level lumbar fusion. I've struggled with my weight my whole life, but these surgeries have left me continuing to gain. I was placed on a medication that helps with depression as well as nerve damage and pain. That caused even greater weight gain. I'm tired of getting depressed when I go shopping with my daughters so here I am. While I'm waiting on the authorization, is there something I need to be going ahead and doing besides the diary?

Has anyone tried the Special K drinks or the Ensure type drinks? I haven't had my surgery yet but I am a nurse and know they have the Ensure that are kinda like a juice or flavored Water. I'm curious about the Protein drinks as well. I'm trying to learn as much as I can before I have the surgery. Best of luck and best wishes to everyone for a great weekend!