almosthome

It's day four, and I don't feel terrible. Just somewhat fuzzy-brained & fatigued with a minor headache and still feeling hungry every night at bedtime (takes a bit longer to fall asleep).

You could lose more or less than predicted by your surgeon. There are many factors other than initial BMI, including but not limited to: age (younger=greater loss), sex (male=greater loss), eating habits (junk food & grazing=lower loss, high odds of regaining), regular exercise (more=greater loss, less regain), and lipo/plastics after loss (yes=less regain). Of course, the above is a just general guide and there will always be exceptions to these rules. We've all read about that person who gets away with grazing on junk food and that person who 'does everything right' but doesn't lose much. Total weight loss and maintenance depend largely, not exclusively, on habits and choices after surgery. Accurately calculating exactly how much weight you will lose is impossible.

Day Two, Noon: Sister made pizza. Left half out on the counter. (I will not lick the pizza. I will not lick the pizza.)

Please add me to August 5th on the list. Thanks!

Began my pre-op diet today. Have been hungry the last couple hours but can't consume anything with calories again until tomorrow . Yes, I'm a sissy.

Looks like a lot of us are scheduled for August 5th (including me)!

The big question: are you still losing? Your BMR is 1800-2300 calories, which means 1500 calories results in a deficit even without any exercise. You are probably hungry because your body actually needs more calories for its basic functions; eating too little can put you in starvation mode, making it more difficult to lose weight. Alternatively, given how much you work out, it is possible you are gaining lean weight (a great thing). As long as you are losing at least something every month, try not to sweat it. Let your body lose and adjust at its own comfortable rate. You will be better off in the long run.

1. VSG can be converted to duodenal switch (DS) if the initial weight loss is insufficient. In both cases, the pylorus remains intact, so food is let out of the stomach gradually. Both have a much lower risk of dumping syndrome than RNY, and the weight loss outcomes of DS are even better than RNY. 2. More foods tend to be tolerated after VSG/DS than after RNY, mainly due to the intact pylorus and size of the stomach. VSG also allows regular nutrient absorption and doesn't cause as many embarrassing bowel/gas disorders. 3. Weight loss can be more gradual after VSG than RNY, which can result in somewhat less loose skin. No guarantees! 4. RNY is a better option for people who graze or eat junk food/fast food, though, because the sleeve only controls portion size and sometimes hunger, not eating frequency or food quality. 5. RNY may also be better for people with reflux, as VSG can worsen it over time.

It could be your body trying to normalize a bit after such drastic weight loss. 93 pounds is a LOT to lose in six months! Rapid loss is obviously possible, but most doctors recommend aiming for a max 1% total body weight loss per week (or .5-2.0 lb) after the first couple months. Celebrate your loss thus far and keep a longer view of things. What was your average weekly loss over the past two months? Three?

Scheduling varies widely by practice. One surgeon I considered was able to schedule patients one week after meeting the requirements. The surgeon I chose has been scheduling two months out.

I've read before that surgeons tend to schedule in order of risk (highest risk first, lowest risk last).

I began losing weight immediately after my first NUT appointment. Last I weighed showed 18# gone and my clothes are still getting looser and looser. It's been about four months now and all of a sudden my already fine hair is coming out about thrice normal or more. I'm taking my vitamins, getting in lots of protein, fruits, and veggies, and really expected hair loss to come well after surgery, not before! It hasn't changed my mind about getting the sleeve but does make me sad. Just wanted to share and ask if others experienced early hair loss, too.

By the way, those of you who went through UIC, what tests were required after you got the surgery date?

Today I begin the pre-op diet. Strangely enough, I don't actually have a surgery date, so this is a 'just in case we find a slot for you' sort of thing. If on Wednesday they haven't found a way to fit me in, I will stop the diet and re-start later. UIC initially said they couldn't get me a date until June. Several weeks after I sent them a letter (and began the process of switching to a new surgeon), UIC called saying they would try to slide me in at the beginning of May. Regardless of the surgery date I have decided to switch back to UIC.

This past week a number of claims showed up on my insurance account for pre-op visits and testing. We all know these things are necessary for approval. But it dawned on me today that if insurance hadn't approved my surgery, I would be stuck with $4,000 in medical bills (counting only those that were initially denied) for appointments leading up to insurance submission. Thankfully approval was a simple process with my generous insurer, but I don't want anyone left with loads of debt just because their insurer is nit-pickingly particular. If you are contemplating surgery and plan to use insurance, PLEASE check your coverage and pre-certification requirements carefully before scheduling your first bariatric center appointment (after the free info session). Make sure you are well enough over the insurer's weight requirement. If your insurance requires that you have been over a certain weight for a X number of years, be certain you can obtain acceptable evidence (some insurers require a four-year history!). If you only qualify on the basis of pre-existing conditions, make sure you have been formally diagnosed and recently evaluated. And so forth. Wishing everyone the best!

They ain't no tight 8, either!

At your age, the skin will probably do a decent job bouncing back as your chest shrinks. That's how it was for me, at least, in my early 20's losing about 100#.

That's relieving! The info folder just has so many pages on Bariatric Advantage, such as an order form and another page stating in big letters, "Once your surgery is scheduled a fee of $147.48 will be requested for the Meal Replacement Diet." I do like that nuts and fruit are allowed pre-operatively. Not so excited about the colon cleanse; just did that for a colonscopy last month and it was hell. From what I've read, most bariatric patients just go on Clear liquids for a day or two before surgery. People, correct me if I'm wrong! It's good to hear the staff truly care, both at the center and the hospital. Thanks so much!

Still pre-op but eating less. NSV - I can't keep my pants on! Tried to hold them up while grocery shopping today but pretty sure dozens of people saw a significant portion of my undies. Time to pull out the sewing machine!

I was told the problem is Dr. Elli will be away for two weeks in May and unable to have pre-surgical appointments at the required time. When I spoke to Janneth she made it sound like the wait time is different for various procedures, so maybe Melissa was aware of earlier scheduling for different surgeries? Maybe once the office finds out I'm having my records sent elsewhere they will magically fit me in a month from now (has happened to other posters on this board!). The Kane Center is the Alexian Brothers Health System bariatric program with offices in Hoffman Estates, Arlington Heights, and Elk Grove Village. My surgery would take place at St. Alexius Medical Center. Kane has four highly experienced surgeons, and Dr. Rantis just happens to be the one with the most immediate info session (this Saturday). He has a profile on this site and positive bariatric reviews elsewhere, too, from what I have been able to find so far.

Same here; hoping for the week of April 28th.

I was planning to use Dr. Elli as my surgeon and received insurance approval today. When I called about scheduling, though, they said he doesn't have dates available until June, so I might be switching over to Dr. Rantis through the Kane Center (can get me in a month from now). Feel bad about it but am confident they are both quality providers.

Note: I am extraordinarily grateful to have health insurance and understand there are many whose plans don't cover bariatric surgery. This post is simply a reflection of my current feelings and frustrations regarding unmet expectations -- expectations I thought were completely reasonable. On December 1, 2013, I was finally able to select a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan in Illinois through healthcare.gov. It was such a relief to finally be able to get medical care without sky-high out-of-pocket expenses. But BCBSIL messed up my application processing. First, they cancelled my medical insurance when my dental application came in and had to reinstate the coverage (thankfully, still effective January 1). Second, they invoiced incorrectly, showing I only paid through January, so providers were blocked from the preapproval system. I couldn't even get my prescriptions covered despite having fully paid my premiums. After >20 hours (of my time) on the phone and nearly a month since BCBSIL first fully identified the problems, my providers still can't submit pre-approval requests, and I still have to pay out-of-pocket for prescriptions. I filed a complaint with the state insurance board but don't know how much that will accomplish or how long a resolution will take. Re: Sleeve - BCBS in IL (and other states) does not require a supervised diet, so I expected fast approval for the sleeve. Originally I had hoped for February surgery. Then I hoped for March. Now it's looking like late April, which leaves me in a difficult position. This spring was a convenient time for surgery. I'm just writing my masters thesis and looking for work. If surgery comes too late, though, it could necessitate delaying regular work. It's beyond irritating. Thanks for letting me vent! <3

Talked to the insurance coordinator. She says that since the surgeon will be gone a couple of weeks in May, I will probably end up with a date in early June.

Got a tweet this morning saying I am approved!