LML8789

My visit was not an emotional one. she wanted to know if I understood the surgery and what I expected to change with my eating habits. She also wanted to know if I had a support system . She said she felt that I had really researched my decision and she felt I would be successful. I asked if she felt if I needed further therapy and she said no but to keep in mind that the first month after surgery is an emotional one. She also aid that once I reached goal if I found I was "slipping" to give her a call and we could do a few sessions to get me over the hurdle. It was actually a good experience for me--I was able to verbalize my thoughts on surgery, family etc and any doubts I had about the surgery, went away after that. Relax---You'll be fine .

Hello---what an exciting time--surgery will be here before you know it. I can tell you that the sleeve is the best thing I've ever done for myself-I definitely have no regrets. As far as the endoscopy, that was the one step that freaked me out the most. I can honestly say that I panicked over nothing. I was out during the procedure and didn't remember any of it once I woke up. So relax and enjoy this journey that you are on!. Lisa

I had the same issue with my mom (she lives 8 hours away from me). I just told her I had researched the procedure & my surgeon and was very comfortable with my decision. She continued to be negative even after my surgery but once she saw how much I had lost at 6 months, how my health had improved and how happy I was--she said she wish she could have it!!! Some people just set their minds against it and you can't change them. If they are the people (like our moms) that really love us, they'll feel differently once they see how your life has changed for the better. I wish my mother could have been more supportive before and right after the surgery but she wasn't and I had other people (husband and sons) that did that for me. good luck on your surgery---September 8th will be here soon!! Lisa

Hooray!!!--congratulations it's the best decision I've ever made. You'll be on the loser's bench soon--best of luck--Lisa

I got my date the same day I got approval. The let me choose and I chose the closest one so I had surgery 2 weeks later. Lisa

Hi--I had surgery last november and was insured with Aetna then. (employer has since changed to BCBS in 2014). The not gaining was listed under my requirements also. Getting approved took about 3 weeks--however, it was the end of the year and I was told by everyone at Aetna that the delay was because they were overwhelmed with surgery requests (everyone trying to get their surgery in before their deductible started over in january). I believe normally it takes 7-10 days to get a response. My request was submitted in mid-october and my doctor got the approval on 11/6/13. I was scheduled for surgery exactily 2 weeks later. My doctor requires a 2 weeks pre-surgery liquid diet so I had to start right away. I had surgery on 11/20/13---the best thing I've ever done for myself. Wishing you much success with your weight loss journey and surgery! Lisa

Good Luck!! but I'm sure you won't need it--I'm sure you've checked your coverage so there's no reason for you not to be approved. Lisa

Once I saw my nutritionist the 1st time, it seemed to go fairly quickly (though I can be pretty impatient). I personally started changing my ways the day I started with the nutritionist--I had a few slip ups but overall did well. I think it got me ready for my post-sleeve life and I've done really great at sticking to my surgeon's requirements. I've never had this kind of willpower before but I think a big part of that was slowly changing my eating habits over the 4 months before surgery. I wish you much success in your weight loss surgery: I'm sure you'll be thrilled with your progress (and surgery will be here before you know it!) (and you are about right in your guesstimate---I saw my nutritionist for the first time on 7/8 and had surgery on 11/20.) Lisa

Hi Jenny---just wanted to wish you luck tomorrow---I'm sure you'll do great. You wouldn't be normal if you weren't a little anxious. I'm 5 months out and I can honestly say that the hardest part was the pre-op and that's where I struggled the most. (none of us are perfect!) I think we've all had those thoughts of being ashamed but you know what--change that thinking and just be grateful that this option is open to all of us that want to pursue it. I have a ways to go but I feel like the sleeve saved my life. I have my days where the negative thinking takes over---I'm not going to hit my goal, I'm going to gain it back--etc but on most days I get that it's one day at a time and I'm proud of myself for deciding to make this journey. (I'm about to turn 52 & my kids are grown; I wish I had done this when my kids were younger like yours--you'll be a healthy role model for your daughter!) Keep posting and let us know how you are doing---I feel like I have a whole website of mentors and have learned so much from everyone here. Good luck tomorrow!! Lisa

Hi Amy---I'm in Charles County, MD. I had sleeve surgery in DC at Washington Hospital Center just over 3 months ago. It was the best decision ever! Just wanted to wish you the best during your journey---Your surgery date will be here before you know it and then you'll be on the loser's bench! Lisa

I didn't have a leak test the next morning--my surgeon checked for leaks during surgery. I think every surgeon is different so ask yours what he does. Here's wishing you a quick recovery! Lisa

Unfortunately this is true for most companies (though it doesn't hurt to check around--not all insurance companies have the same rules). My weight was high enough with a bmi of 49.5 and with diabetes/ high blood pressure that I didn't qualify for life insurance. Once I lose the weight and keep it off for at least 1 year, I will qualify however not a for a standard rate. They do a put a surcharge on the policy for bariatric surgery--fyi--I'm a life ins. agent.

Congratulations!!! I know you are excited and scared at the same time. I knew I had made the right decision for me because if I kept doing what I was doing, I felt I would always be morbidly obese and I wasn't really enjoying my life--just existing. I made sure I really educated myself on the surgery I wanted--both the good and the bad. I didn't want to totally put my decision in my surgeon's hands--I wanted to make sure that I understood as much as I could. I haven't regretted it since--obviously during recovery, you are not always feeling great and I'm pretty inpatient so I want the weight gone now but it's happening and for the first time in years, I have hope. Hope that I can lead a happy, healthy long life with my family. 2014 is your year and I'm sure you will have a successful surgery! Keep thinking good thoughts! Lisa

that's great news. It's funny during the whole process we all worry (mainly because alot of it is out our control) but it all goes pretty smoothly for most of us. There may be a hiccup or two but they are usually minor. You are one step closer! Lisa

Congratulations! I know you are really excited to start this new journey---2014 is going to be a great year~ Lisa

Oh and he has been amazingly supportive....

I just said to him--I know we've discussed WLS in the past and you really felt I could do it on my own. I haven't been able to and looking at my mother's health issues now, I don't want to be there in 25 years. I have done my research and I feel I'm making an informed decision but I need your help and support. good luck! Lisa

Any advice would be appreciated. I'm basically still on soft foods because everything else I've tried causes nausea/sour stomach for a few hours. I have no problem with swallowing or vomiting. My surgeon says it's normal and it will pass. any suggestions? thanks! Lisa

my PPI just ran out a few days okay--I thought it might be that but it doesn't seem any better whether I'm on it or not. I had something for nauseau the first week but nothing since. I guess I'll see if it gets any better and if not, call my surgeon for something. I don't see him again for a few months. thanks for your replies! Lisa

I was very faint--barely able to stand up from day 8 to 15---turns out it was my blood pressure. Doctor took me off all my meds and I felt much better within a couple of days. feel better soon and definitely contact you doctor! Lisa

I found out that I have mild sleep apnea due to the required pre-op tests. both my surgeon and primary doctor feel that it isnt bad enough for a cpap and losing weight should make it disappear. I was worried about this also and it ended up not being a big deal (didn't affect scheduling surgery) Lisa

I'm on the 20th also==we're surgery twins--I wish you the best of luck (and to everyone else on their upcoming surgeries). I started my liquid diet last thursday---A couple of days were pretty tough--I think from withdrawal from carbs--it's better now but I'm pretty weak. It will be here before we know it though--from what I've heard, it's not quite as hard after since you aren't that hungry--(I pray that this is true!) Lisa

I'm there with you (day 6); I thought it was my diabetes but then I read about what's called Keto Flu or Carb flu--it's exactly what I've been experiencing. I've felt like death warmed over and last night I thought there is no way I can keep this up. Today is a better day--not as good as normal but able to function. Good luck on your surgery! Lisa

Congratulations! I got my approval today too.--11/20/13. It is a new beginning for us ---thrilled to be sharing it with everyone here---good luck!Lisa