vdub_tx

My aftercare binder says I can have cream of wheat (very thin), sugar free applesauce, and thinned greek yogurt during full liquids. I'm still 4 weeks out but I'm stocking up on non-perishables so that I won't worry about it after surgery.

The difference in hospitals is enormous. Because I'm self pay, I was able to choose and it was thousands of dollars worth of difference. My surgeon charges $4,000 and then the rest is made up of hospital fees, anesthesia, etc. Luckily, the hospital that was most cost effective for me also is the hospital that is the Bariatric Center of Excellence, so I was very happy with that.

I was told that it is not possible. An exclusion is just that - an exclusion. It is a procedure not covered for any reason. But don't lose hope! Mine ended up being partially covered because I have a hiatal hernia. So my cash price was much more manageable. I would ask your surgeon's office to outline your options.

Oh yes, the hospital is by far the most expensive of any of the costs!

I'm self pay in Houston but I'm not using those particular doctors. They should be able to give you a cash price at your consultation. Mine went over all my options at that time. I can tell you that the cash price for my doc was $12,400 but reduced to $8,100 because they found a hiatal hernia, so my insurance will be subsidizing the surgery. However, there is a HUGE variance between doctors in Houston. Even down to what specific hospital you use. That was actually the biggest cost variance in my surgery.

First of all, congratulatins on your weight loss so far. That is awesome progress. Secondly, here's my take on this. I have lost weight (sometimes significant weight) over and over and over again. Losing weight for me is not the problem. Keeping off the weight is the problem...I always end up fat and unhappy again. I say every time that THIS is going to be the last time. That I can keep up with the changes on my own. That I will make the life changes necessary all on my own. But I don't because I can't. I need a tool, which is why I finally decided to have surgery. I am going to follow every single rule because this WILL be the last time I do this. I can't do it on my own...but I can do it. However, this is just me. You absolutely have to do what you feel is the very best thing for you. You know yourself and your own weight loss history better than anyone else and only you can decide if this surgery is what you need. Whatever you decide, I wish you the very best of luck on your journey.

I'm in Houston and getting sleeved March 5th. I'm so excited, I feel like it's never going to get here!

Thanks for the photo. You look amazing. Photos like that are my inspiration. March 5th can't get here quickly enough!

I am using Dr Ata Ahmad in Houston and I really like him. I don't know for sure about his surgery requirements because I'm not borderline. However, if you call his office and ask for Rhiannon, his bariatric coordinator, she can answer any questions you might have. She is going on vacation next week but you may be able to catch her tomorrow morning if she's in the office still. She's very sweet and will help you figure out if you qualify for surgery, help figure out your insurance, and talk to you about your options if you don't have insurance. You may need an appointment but I believe that if you end up being self pay, the consultation is free.

I picked the sleeve because every single person I know who has had the band has had some type of problem, be it slippage, erosion, etc. Two of them had to have the whole thing removed and then heal and then have yet another surgery to do the sleeve. By then they had gained back a lot of weight and had to start over. The thought of going through this more than once freaks me out. Also, their experience taught me that most severely overweight people need a lifelong tool so I need it to be permanent! Everyone has to make their own choice as to what works best for them and I wish you the best of luck, whatever you choose.

Unjury has an unflavored one that can be added to just about anything. At least that's what my coordinator told me when she was going over all of the protein powders/flavors/brands available.

I swear I don't think any single surgeon has the same pre-op requirements. I met with mine yesterday and I'm only allowed to use Celebrate or Unjury during the pre-op diet. But then I see other people can use whatever kind they want or have a totally different list. I'm sure they all have their reasons but you would think they would have some kind of standard protocal.

I specifically asked my surgeon this today at my pre-op appointment and he said walking only for six weeks. After that I can add intensity slowly as I felt comfortable. Definitely ask your surgeon before you start anything- at least call. It is easy to feel like you are ready and then injure yourself.

I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for taking the time to post. Life is short and we must make the most of the time we have...sometimes I need that reminder. I wish I had words with which to comfort you in your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers.

My surgery was just confirmed for March 5th. I had my pre-op blood work done today and they gave me a bunch of different samples of protein that they prefer pre-op and right after at the very least. Celebrate and Unjury for sure...not certain what else. I'm going to start trying them tomorrow so I can decide what to buy for my pre-op diet.

I had my pre-op labs done today and was told no drain for my surgery. They do a barium swallow to check for leaks. I also have an exclusion on my policy and am paying significantly less because I have a hiatal hernia. I know that my surgeon had to send the EGD results to the insurance company for them to cover that portion of the surgery so I seriously doubt they can just "say you have one" to get you into surgery.

Living in Texas, I want to be able to wear shorts and sundresses in the summer, go to the beach and hang out at the lake without feeling embarrassed. Also...roller coasters, plane rides, water parks, vacation cruises, nights out dancing with my husband, family photos...the list goes on and on and on.

I am self pay but not a revision. Not sure if you were looking for either or both!

Good to know because my surgeon really recommends the Celebrate brand after surgery due to the added vitamins and I haven't tried then yet.

Oh I somehow missed the "IV" portion of that. I thought you meant going home meds. Apparently I get morphine in the hospital. But again, if you're in pain, tell the nurse. They do NOT want you to be in pain. As a matter of fact, after I had a c-section with my second child, the nurse kept telling me I couldn't have any more Vicodin even though I was crying in pain. When the doctor came in again he was PISSED that no one had called him. He said that he wanted my pain under control and that it is harder to manage once it's to the point that you are crying. He went and got a different nurse, had them inject my IV with Demerol and told me I wouldn't be seeing the original nurse for the duration of my visit. I would be suprised if any of his other patients saw her either. Sorry I kind of veered off topic. My point...if you are in pain, let someone know.

I'm a big baby when it comes to pain so I had a discussion with my surgeon about this, even though my surgery isn't until March. He said he typically sends patients home on Vicodin; however, if that particualr medicine seems either too weak or too strong you just have to call the office and they will happily change your meds. He said he wants his patients to be comfortable because excessive pain slows the healing process. So don't worry too much. If that particular medicine isn't effective, I'm sure they will change it for you.

I actaully didn't know the sleeve existed when I started looking into surgery about a year ago. I really felt that bypass was too drastic for me, even though it works for a lot of people. So I looked into the band, even though every single person I know in real life who has it has had serious problems. Then I found out about the sleeve and after a lot of reserarch felt it was the right option for me. When I went for my surgery consult my surgeon said that he was glad that I had decided against the band, both because I have more than 50 pounds to lose (which typically means less success with band) and because he's taking more out than he puts in these days. I'm glad that I did my research and learned a lot about sleeve surgery though, because as I tell my family/friends about the upcoming surgery, I've had to explain it a lot! People just aren't as familiar with this surgery yet. It's such a personal decision, I think everyone has to choose what makes sense for their own situation. Good luck to you!

I'm scared but more excited. I try not to think about what could go wrong because I can't control that. I just have to let it go. I do my best to focus on the good things to come following surgery. I bought my daughter tickets to a concert today for her 10th birthday and the concert isn't until October. All I could think was that by then I won't be embarrassed to barely fit in the seat!!

I had toyed around with the idea for quite some time but kept thinking "I don't have THAT much weight to lose" and was convinced I could do it on my own if only I could find the "right" program. The thing is, I was able to lose weight, sometimes significant amounts, several times. However, every time I would gain the weight back plus some. About a year ago I realized that I was avoiding social interactions because I hated how I looked, hated trying to find something to wear, hated being the biggest person in the room. I realized that I haven't taken pictures with my children in years and if something happened to me tomorrow there would be very little record of me even being in their lives. So I started looking into it and found out my insurance didn't cover it and was very upset and defeated. Then my husband said "I love you no matter what but you are unhappy so let's find a way to make this happen." So we did and I'm scheduled for surgery on March 5th. I can't wait. I've taken the past year to learn as much as I possibly can about the surgery and what to expect during recovery and the changes I will need to make for the rest of my life. I've spent some time learning about food addiction and started working on addressing those issues as well because I want to give myself the best chance for success. I have small children too and am terrified to die in surgery and leave them motherless. But really....I'm killing myself slowly now right in front of them. I am not participating in their lives and it's just a matter of time before the health issues start piling up even though they aren't now. I'm just READY. I'm scared...but I'm so ready.

Hey we have the same surgery date! I'm March 5th as well. My 2 week pre-op diet sounds like what you are doing now. Protein shakes and a sensible dinner. I wanted to try out different protein powders as well but I keep hearing that you might not like the same ones after surgery? I'm not sure why that is but I don't want to buy a bunch of something I like now just to waste it because that stuff is not cheap! I have to do 3 days of full liquids prior to surgery but I'm not sure if it's full liquids or not? I really hope so because 3 days of Clear Liquids sounds very, very scary to me. I'm committed and I will do it but still...scary. I have an appointment for blood work next week and will ask for clarification. Weirdly I don't seem to have a lot of interest in food funerals. If I could get to New Orleans for one more time at ACME Oyster Bar I probably would but that's about it. I'm trying to change my habits now and look forward to having a powerful tool to help me conquer my weight issues. Today I bought Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies and The Emotional First Aid Kit because I'd like to be as prepared as possible for life after surgery.