HotRod67

I am hoping to have VSG approval from UHC - Options PPO later in March or early April. Wondering if anyone else has had this coverage with the Bariatric option and how your approval process went?? They are not covering anything pre-op or post-op; only the surgery and facility. I will be sleeved @ Vanderbilt in Nashville, TN. Congrats to all that have made it through this process and can now see the light at the end of the tunnel! Hope to join you soon

Herbal Decaf Teas have worked wonders for a sleever friend. I haven't needed them but really related to not wanting to have another meal shortly after surgery! Good Luck!

I like the "Think Thin" protein bars found at Kroger grocery near the organic/natural foods. The Brownie Crunch has 230 Cals/8 Fat/25 carb/0 sugar/20 protein. I think our store carries 3 different varieties. One is Peanut Butter but can't think of other. I keep them in my purse for those "times" that I need some protein and have nothing else with me.

I was regular prior to surgery and now the days between have varied . . . 26 days one month and 31 days the second. Also, the flow is A LOT heavier than normal for my two cycles since surgery. I think it's to be expected with all the changes our bodies are going through. I take Tylenol for cramps. Good luck!

My doctor allowed it after one month. Good luck to your husband.

I had surgery on May 10th and had similar problem sleeping in bed. At 1-week visit nurse practioner gave me a wide, elastic waist wrap. I'm not sure of the exact name of it; but it really helped. I put it on at bedtime and have been able to sleep in bed every night since. It feels like it keeps the tummy from shifting . . .it's like having a pillow constantly pressed against my stomach. Highly recommend it . . . (it's similar to a back brace without the braces and it's as thin as clothing).

United Healthcare only took 4 business days to return an APPROVAL! Yippee . . . May 10th is the date!

Vandy submitted to UHC last Friday and UHC gave verbal approval on Thursday (4 days later). Waiting for letter in the mail and surgery will be scheduled.

Oh that is great! I'm happy to hear about your progress so far, too. That is great weight loss already. I hope to join you with an April surgery date . . . time to get ready!

What do you mean the hospital "surprised" you? I'm going to Dr. Williams @ Vandy . . . Congrats to you

How long did it take to get your approval after all documents were submitted to United Healthcare? Good luck with all your pre-ops and your upcoming surgery!!!

I haven't had surgery yet; but you sound very motivated and obviously if you've found your way to this site, you know how to find support. I just want to encourage you to look at the overall picture of what you've accomplished so far and know that this slight gain you've had will be history very soon. Focus on your immediate recovery and start tomorrow with a new focus on getting your liquids and Protein and Vitamins, etc into your great, new, tiny tummy! From what I've read on this site, most people have gains after a hospital admission for whatever reasons. Keep up the good work!

I had similar feelings several years ago. I attended a seminar about bariatric surgery and while I was interested, I thought I wasn't prepared to go forward. So, I started telling a few people about the surgery. Various people and especially one of my sisters fed into my hesitation/fear and I eventually talked myself out of it. My husband continued to encourage me that I could do it on my own. I continued to gain weight. I became less active physically, etc. So, then my weak back finally couldn't handle it any longer and a disc ruptured in my back and the next week, I had surgery. I said I WOULD NEVER HAVE BACK SURGERY! But, I had no options unless I wanted to remain in a wheelchair . . . with a 2 year-old, a 11 yr old and a 17 yr old? No Thank You! The surgery was a complete success and all my fears were laid to rest by a completely competent and confident surgeon. Fast forward to 2011 . . . . I went to a seminar with a friend to support her decision to go forward with bariatric surgery and for the first time I heard about VSG. Holy smokes! Can this surgery be for real? I listened intently to the surgeon who seemed completely COMPETENT AND CONFIDENT. And, I was hooked. I immediately told my husband about VSG and we went for a one-on-one with the surgeon. My husband became a "be-sleever" too! (Is that a new phrase?) This time around, I have surrounded myself and shared my decision with supporters! No need to tell people that will add fears. I am so at peace with this decision. It feels right and I am so glad I didn't have gastric bypass 6 years ago. Sure, I wish I could've spent the last 6 years as a thinner, healthier person. But, I'm better for this journey because of what I've learned about myself and this process. I have also joined 3 friends for a weekly gathering where we have our own "support" group meeting basically . . . and we discuss our ups & downs, cravings and victories, and Celebrate each other as a Christian sister that is moving forward in different approaches. We're reading a great book that has shed a lot of light on our emotional eating issues and I feel this has already been a tremendous help as I am at the end of my 6-month weight loss monitoring. Hopefully, I will have a surgery date within the next 30-45 days! I wish you peace as you go forward! Just do what feels right for you . . . but never give up!

Hi Heather, I hope you're progressing nicely towards surgery. I have one more visit in my 6-month waiting game . . . and while I was frustrated at first to have to wait so long, it has been a good thing. I have used this time to prepare my mind and body for the upcoming surgery. I am going to Vanderbilt also (Dr. Williams). I had back surgery 4 years ago and desperately need to get the weight off my 5-4 frame too. Good Luck and keep us posted on your progress.

How about tampons/menstrual pads? Did surgery cause anyone's cycle to kick in early? That will definitely be my luck.