BethinPA

My lift was covered- I didn't get augmentation. My GYN wrote a corroborating letter that helped a lot towards getting it covered. I work for a health system and so get less coverage when I get care outside of my employer network so I ended up paying about 50% of the bill, but it was still less than 100%! I know that if I change my mind I can go back and get the augmentation as a brief outpatient and so less expensive procedure. Right now I'm happy with just the lift, though.

Thank you so much for sharing your strategies. I've employed much of the same strategies, unfortunately with a lot more medication. I just hope that when I'm post instead of peri, I can sleep better! I didn't manage the insomnia very well. I honestly think the insomnia contributed to my continuing weight gain through my 50s and 60s. There's all kinds of research that links insomnia and weight gain. Here's what I'm doing these days that's helping a lot: * Post-WLS I'm drinking less coffee than I did before -- no more than a cup a day. That is helping. * I'm exercising a lot more than I did 100 pounds ago -- and that physically "wears me out" and lets me rest better at night. * About 50% of the nights I take either a Melatonin or half an Ambien. It helps. Sometimes. * Since WLS I go to bed when my husband goes to bed, in other words -- at the same time every night. Following that sleep schedule rule really does help. * I manage my reflux a lot better since WLS -- meaning that I actually take my H2 blocker antacid (Ranitadine) every day and on time. * Since losing 100 pounds, I don't have stress incontinence and don't have to get up during the night to pee anymore. Not a single time. * Finally, I'm just a lot less stressed at 100 pounds less than I used to weigh than I used to be. I fall asleep easier and generally sleep better throughout the night. However, one thing I have NOT conquered that still messes with my sleep is to deal with the damned cat who always wants out when I'm sleeping soundly; I then have trouble getting back to sleep. I think the cat and I are going to have a serious discussion. I think he's going to have to spend the whole night outside from now on. Thanks for making me focus on this a little better. The cat won't appreciate it, but I do.

I've had two plastic surgery procedures, one was covered by insurance and one wasn't. I still filed for FMLA for a personal medical procedure for each and was approved. I used my short term disability benefits for my first procedure (you can access it after being out 2 weeks) and used it with supplementation of my sick time so I got 100% of my pay for the 6 weeks I was out. My second procedure I was only out 2 weeks so I didn't file for STD and just used my sick time.

I was such a big bundle of nerves before my lower body lift last year! I was so worried about being under anesthesia for 6 hours and how I would manage the pain afterwards. But those issues ended up being fine, and other issues cropped up that I never would have predicted! The fact is, a lot of this is ultimately out of your control. I decided that however my surgeries ultimately turned out, I would see a huge improvement in my body as a result. And any reputable plastic surgeon will stand by their work and fix what needs to be fixed, free of charge, until you are happy with the results. Things do eventually work out.

Hopefully you are taking something to protect your stomach lining in addition to the aspirin.

Not much! He just kind of politely shut her down. I do know that he was adamant with me from our first meeting on that all NSAIDS were off the menu forevermore. So I guess he was trying to not make the same mistake twice.

When I used to go to my surgeon's bariatric support group, one meeting a post op sleeve patient stood up and tearfully told her story- she had been taking an aspirin a day for cardiovascular health, and ended up in critical care for a perforated ulcer. She confronted our surgeon in front of God and everyone because she had told him that she was taking the aspirin and he didn't advise her not to. She was basically trying to shame him publicly for what she had to deal with. While it was really awkward to listen to in that forum, I never forgot the lesson!

I am prescribed an aspirin a day. One regular. I try to eat something around the same time. I choose an intaric (not sure of spelling...) coating... How much do you consider high dose? I have been doing this with the sleeve from the beginning 5 years ago.

I'm 49 and dating a 50 year old. He is interested in marriage, but I want to live together first. I just can't jump into the deep end at this age; I need to walk down the steps on the shallow end to get into the pool. But I am definitely looking forward to sharing a household- as soon as I'm ready to [emoji4]

I don't think that is a reason to kick him to the curb, but I wouldn't assume that he isn't serious about seeing only you either. If you like spending time with him, I don't see why not continue to do so. I am very happy in my relationship, but I still will look at a profile on Match on occasion. I'm not looking to date anyone else, but I might know someone, or be curious about someone or something about their profile. You are only seeing him once a week, so I wouldn't expect exclusivity at this point.

No way could I do the serial dating thing - I do not have the time, energy or mental focus for that. I'd have to be taking notes when talking with people to keep their details straight! I did read an e-book that, to be honest, I didn't find to be too helpful, but the focus was on serial dating, how to do it and why to do it. You might find a helpful kernel of information on her website - her name is Rori Raye. Can't hurt to look!

My plastic surgeon said that insurance almost never pays for things like a lower body lift/abdomoplasty, and I paid for that out of pocket. He said they were much more accommodating for breast issues, and encouraged me to try to get it covered. I'm thrilled that he was right, and I was covered. My GYN who wrote the supporting letter included that I had been treated for fungal infections, had back discomfort and that my bra straps cut into my shoulders. That apparently met the criteria. When I went back for my first follow up appointment, he told me, good news - the breast tissue sent for biopsy was negative for breast cancer, which hadn't even occurred to me to consider! He said a few times a year the biopsies will be positive, and he has to break the bad news. So sometimes a breast reduction can save a life!

I just had my breast reduction surgery on 1/22, and had the dressings removed on Thursday so I could finally see them. I must admit it was a bit of a shock, and they will take some getting used to. The surgeon took the dressings off and my first thought was "I have itty bitty titties!" and I asked the surgeon about implants immediately. He laughed and said that was a first, but he knows I'm a planner, so that would be fine. The change is just so dramatic! To go from an H cup to what I'm guessing will be a C cup once the swelling goes down - it's going to take me a minute!

I had no idea! I have always thought I might go the implant route eventually- I guess I would have to do some homework first!