babelow

Started 400+, Surgery was July 1, 2013 and was very easy up and walking within a couple of hours. By morning I was ready to go home, wanted to go the gym the next day but my wife talked me out of it. Down a total of 98 including pre-op liquids. This journey is amazing, I exercise 5-6 days a week. Eat smartly in very small portions, but can have a bite of almost anything. Work and life are so much better today than a year ago.

Just approved by BCBSMN, finally. Went through all of the requirements, had everything completed including pre-op diet. The only problem as that the surgeons office submitted a day or two later than planned and BCBS MN would not move on their 10 day requirement. I was at the hospital for surgery on 6/14 waiting, while the surgeon argued with BCBS MN on the phone about the approval processing. In the end had to cancel, and reschedule for 7/1. The ironic thing is that BCBS approved within a day of the original surgery date. I realize my surgeon should have submitted sooner, but here was a total absence of customer service or compassion on behalf of BCBS MN.

Trenton area here! Surgery 6/14 at Centra State. in Freehold. (hopefully if insurance is approved)

Hi, my wife went through VSG in August 2012. It has been life changing! She is down over 100 lbs. So I know what it is like to be the spouse. I am also prepping for my VSG on June 14th so I know what you are going through as well. I do not know of any spouse's support group however, I did find our surgeon's monthly support group meetings useful, both as the spouse and the patient. Good luck.

I had mine about 2 months ago. I was so nervous about the EGD. My first time in a hospital not visiting someone else. But it was so easy! One minute I'm talking to doc and staff in procedure room, and next thing I know I'm waking up in another room, feeling like a just had a good night sleep. About 30 minutes later on my way out to my ride home. Easy, Easy Easy.

Layer the following in a crock pot/slow cooker 1-2 lb boneless chicken thigh 1-2 lb boneless chicken breast 1 packet taco seasoning 1-2 cup chopped onion 1-2 cup chopped green pepper 1-2 cup yellow corn 1 jar prepared salsa 1 touch of hot sauce Cook on low for 8-9 hours until it shreds easily. Serve in a wrap, over rice, or on a salad. Makes quite a bit. Also freezes well.

Seat are very tight regardless. depends on aircraft and your body shape. Seatguru.com is a good reference for sizes. Seat belt interfaces vary by airline, be careful Some flight crews will tell you, you can not bring your own, and give you one from the air craft. I suggest when you board and quietly ask the flight attendant to provide you one. They either give it to you right there, or bring it to your seat, normally discreetly.

I have BCBS MN as well and and just about done with my 6mo diet. But it has given me the chance to research and learn about myself, and the changes I need to make long term. I look at it like the preseason, and soon it will be real!

I've got much farther to go, BMI about 55. I have lost 19lbs on the supervised diet so far. My insurance BCBS MN covers almost everything, but requires 6 mo supervised diet. It seems a bit longer than is really needed. But it has given me time to learn, adjust and realize that the Chinese Buffet is not ever a good choice, and something I CAN live without long-term. I have had to go through Pysch, Gastro, sleep, and PCP clearance, and finally Cardiac. It has not been too bad, but you really have to want it. I have seen more Drs in the past 5 months then in the previous 10 years.

A guy fromNJ here. Scheduled for May 24th. Only cardiac clearance left on the list. I have been on the md supervised diet for more than 4 months, it has been quite a bit of change in diet and mind. The whole sleeve thing is really starting to get "real" now