Ariellestarr

Good choice I absolutely adore him. He's so comforting and patient. He will sit with you for an hour and answer every single question you have. Do you have a surgery date yet?

I am seeing Dr. Neff at Kennedy. I've heard nothing but good things about the surgeons at Kennedy. I believe I read that Dr Balsama does the single incision surgery and was one of the first to do it.

What do you feel you needed at home (or wish you had on hand) for your beginning post op days? Please share!

These are all great suggestions! Every bit of information helps. @ I don't think I could live without Netflix pre or post op lol

Hey all. Just curious if anyone has gotten their surgery yet or a date. If so, did the insurance company give you any trouble? How long did it take to get approved? I have my pre op exam on June 4th, aiming for a surgery date of June 30th!

My nutritionist wanted to keep seeing me, though I only needed one visit as required by insurance. I suppose my situation is unique because he did absolutely nothing for me. Not even a food pyramid chart! NOTHING! My referral was for up to 6 visits, but I only needed one. I'm pretty sure he's just milking the insurance company and wasting my time. I hope you're in a better situation than I am. Good luck!

My nutritionist wanted to keep seeing me, though I only needed one visit as required by insurance. I suppose my situation is unique because he did absolutely nothing for me. Not even a food pyramid chart! NOTHING! My referral was for up to 6 visits, but I only needed one. I'm pretty sure he's just milking the insurance company and wasting my time. I hope you're in a better situation than I am. Good luck!

I had to pay out of pocket... $300. But that was the only out of pocket expense I have had, so I just sucked it up and put it toward my good cause. HNJH does not cover any mental health care unless you are covered under a specific program.

I absolutely can't stand that! A lot of the doctors I have seen ask "why are you electing to have WLS? have you tried diet and exercise?" Like no sh*t, I've tried that and everything else! I think it's so rude, especially coming from a doctor. I wish some of them were more educated on WLS and realize it's not at all the easy way out. You still have to work your ass off!!! You go girl!

I'm spending this beautiful Sunday afternoon doing laundry. Some clothes are still from the chilly weather we've been having in NJ- sweaters, jackets, and whatnot. When suddenly it dawned on me... I will never be wearing some of these clothes ever again! Feelin' good

Baking soda helps. Not the greatest taste of course, but more natural than medications. There's a natural or organic baking soda (forgot the name), just mix with some water.

I feel the same way. I might look into seeing someone else. Though, there is so much information between the forum and the internet. I'll just take matters into my own hands! We can't possibly be the only bariatric patients he's ever had. He's also a pediatric gastroenterologist. I would think he would have a little insight. Sounds like you might have gotten a little more info than I did though. I'm hoping the next appointment is better. When are you going back?

Hi! I'm a nail tech and also do hair. Just curious, how long did you wait to go back to work? I'm nervous about leaning over on the incisions/port area. Being in this business, I really don't have any frills (medical leave, vacation time, etc.)

I'm in Middletown!

That's a great idea! I think I'll do the same just in case. I really hope youth is on my side. Though I think I'll be happy with the outcome no matter what. It would be great to be even 30 pounds down.

I hope it comes fast too! Did he sit in front of his 3 computers when talking to you? I think he was googling everything I talked about. Maybe he had a little time to prep for you after he saw me lol. You said your surgeon gave you an info sheet? What are some of the things on it?

I'm the same size as you! I'm 23 and terrified of where my boobs might end up. Luckily I've always had gorgeous breasts, but with the big drop in weight I hope they don't drop as well. I'm pre-op and would like to prevent as much loose skin/sagging as possible. Anyone have a similar situation?

@@HealthynHappy How was your appointment with Dr Fried?

Also, the only thing he told me to do was keep a food journal and come back in a month. Idk if I want to go back though lol he said "they" (insurance) probably want to see that I went back. I think that was bs, but whatever...

He was kooky, just as I thought. Didn't really do anything for me nutrition wise. He examined my abdomen, took height, weight, and blood pressure. Then went into his office and wrote up a letter for the surgeon. He just read it to me as he went along, adding some nutritional information. I double checked with the ins specialist at the office. She said ins is happy with one appointment, but the in house dietician does 3 because she gives a lot of info.

That's exactly what you need! I am a hairstylist. I know whether I'm doing a client or getting my own hair done, it makes you feel better and puts that little pep in your step that will just get everything going. Congrats on your down size! Nothing is silly about treating yourself to a few new tops. Enjoy them while you can! Soon you'll be shopping out of those "fat lady stores". I can't wait to buy clothes for the new me. I'm 23 and there are so many cute clothes out there that I sadly cannot wear now. I have a pair of jeans I ordered from the UK a few years ago. I guess the sizes are WAY different! They were supposed to be a 14. For some reason, I never sent them back. I'm glad I didn't. They are now my little (denim) piece of incentive and inspiration! Loving these positive vibes today!

Those are all great ideas! Would be a nice before and after photo as well. It's a real motivational feeling I'm sure we can all relate to. Just a reminder that things are getting better and so am I! My mother, being the lovely woman that she is, got me a pair of rainbow soled memory foam sneakers in honor of the beginnings to a new me. Today will be the perfect day to try them out

Thanks, mrsbailey! It's a lot of work running all over to see different doctors. I have my nutritionist appointment on Monday. Hopefully he knows something about it. I'll call the surgeon as well. I have about two appointments on each of my days off until my next appointment with my surgeon. It will all be worth it in the end!

Middletown!

Oh so I'll see him before you do. I'll have to keep you posted. He didn't seem to know what he's supposed to do. He was asking me! I was like idk, you're the doctor! So it has to be 3 visits, at least 2 weeks apart?