pookybear

I have no patience! LOL I originally started this in 2009, my patience is verrrry thin lol I HOPE they call me tomorrow!

My situation is a little different. My (ex)best friend was extremely supportive, and had the surgery herself this past year. We were supposed to be surgery buddies. Our friendship ended because of her constantly lying to me and doing drugs (yes, post op as well). With my surgery coming up, I just can't have the negativity and stress that the friendship was giving me. It still kills me that I had to cut ties with one of my biggest supporters, but I feel like I really had no other choice. The only real non-supporter is my grandfather. He's just old and set in his ways lol.

I've checked my insurance coverage at least a dozen times since I started this process. Everything tells me the same thing, 80% of eligible expenses. Problem is, I can't, for the life of me, find anything that explains what the eligible/non-eligible expenses are! Anyone have a clue? I have UHC.

I'm from Dartmouth!

That definitely sounds wrong. I'd call the billing department at the hospital tomorrow. Also call your insurance. The average cost is $20000 I think. Does it have a breakdown of the charges?

The pouch can definitely be stretched if you over eat. My surgeon says no liquids 30 minutes before or 45 minutes after a meal. If you make your meals moist enough, you shouldn't need a drink. If you really do, just a sip or two, no more.

Under Armour also makes compression shirts that I think a lot of people use too.

It's so weird how different surgeons have such drastic differences in their programs and guidelines. I went to a seminar, then saw the surgeon, then was mostly on my own to schedule the nutritionist, psych eval, pre-op labs, and cardiologist. I only had to make sure the psych eval was done before I started the workshop and then after that had the nurse education appointment. I read about people who have to have sleep studies and so many other tests, and how some people can't even meet their surgeon until a certain point in the process. I met mine at the seminar and the first appointment I has. It's just weird. It's such a popular surgery now, you'd think the whole process would be more standard everywhere.

I want to try kayaking, and I want to be able to go to a movie theater to see a movie without being embarrassed because I can't quite fit into the seat. Oh, and I want to be able to go to Fenway Park and sit anywhere, rather than having to get standing room only tickets!!!

There's actually a local store just down the street from me that specializes in bariatric vitamins and supplements. They have Bariatric Advantage and several other brands. I've only been once to check them out so far. Check with your nutritionist to see if they know of any local nutrition stores that carry bariatric products.

It stays put and continues to create bile, which now enters the intestine to dissolve the food at a lower point, bypassing the portion of the intestine that absorbs the most nutrients. This is why you have malnutrition.

Congrats!!!

Thanks! I know everyone's different but it at least gives me an idea of what to expect.

There are a few thing I'm wondering about, and I never seem to remember when I'm at the doc's. 1. Stairs - any issues after surgery? 2. Showering - how long after surgery can you shower? 3. Post op care - did you find it necessary to have someone there with you in the week or two after surgery? Or were you pretty much ok on your own?

*Calling the hospital. Ugh.

I had the same question about paying up front. The insurance company told me to call the billing office at the hospital the surgery will be at and ask them. I did and thy told me that they like to get the payment up front, but they'll work with me. She said not to worry, they won't cancel me if I don't have it. I'd suggest Caplin the hospital and asking them, they are the ones that could tell you what would be required or if they'll work with you.

Oh, also what have you found to be the best sleeping position right after surgery?

I haven't had the surgery yet, but the nurse practitioner at the surgeons office told me I'm going to be beautiful after surgery. When I got home I told my boyfriend she said that, and he immediately said "She's an idiot, you're already beautiful." Some people mean to compliment but don't realize exactly what they're saying.

Ok so hopefully within the next couple of days I will be submitted for approval. Hopefully this time all goes ok!

Unfortunately not anymore. My insurance doesn't cover the Nutritionist and its over $300 each time I go. I still have a bill from the last time I was there that I am trying to pay.

My dietician says no more than 15g of sugar in one item, and no more than 25g total in a sitting. But it depends on what you can tolerate.

I have the same concerns! My boyfriend is the same way, he likes larger women. But we've talked about it and I know it'll be ok. He loves me for my personality, not my size or body. Talk to your hubby. Express your concerns, I'm sure he'll tell you the same thing. Physical attraction is what sucks you in, but who you are as a person is what he's stayed for and that won't change.

Last week I was at the surgeons office (12/13) and I had lost 6 pounds of the 19 they want me to lose. The cardiologist gave me a prescription for Phentermine to help lose the remaining 13. I started taking the pills last Friday. Today I had my nurse education appointment. I've been eating less with the pills, so I was expecting to see a pound or two loss, or at least the same as I was last Thursday. But when they weighed me I was back up to exactly the same amount I started at! No way I gained back 6 pounds in one week. I am so frustrated. And scared that if I can't lose the 19 pounds he won't do the surgery. UGH!!

Best.Thread.EVER. LOL