Sleeve_Sistah85

Cool!!! As far as I know the Mirena (5years) and Skyla (3 years) only have progesterone...it's usually estrogen that causes "issues"...thanks for your input! I definitely don't want no surprises...and I wanna follow surgeons rules about not getting pregnant right away.

Hi my name is also Crystal...and spelled the correct way lol Welcome to the site! I've only been here since Oct 1st and I've learned so much! Good luck with your surgery! I pray for a financial blessing so that you can get your surgery for free????????????

When I called my insurance to ask about coverage they gave me the names of surgeons who are part of the Bariatric Centers of Excellence. What this means is that this facility has a high surgical procedure rate with a low complication rate. At first I couldn't decide cuz there literally a hospital across from my apartment. But I wanna do what the insurance company says so I get approved and so I lower my risks of complications.

I was wondering the same thing. My surgery will be April 2015....my 30th bday is June 2015...hoping to be healed for travel abroad.

Welcome Nikki! I also recently started this process...joined this site Oct 1st. My story is pretty much the same. Battled this weight all my life, honestly tried to lose it and it has been unsuccessful. 1st things 1st...call your insurance. Mine has a 6 month physician supervised diet thingy. They also recommended a surgeon that was part of a Bariatric center of excellence. I called that surgeon and had a consultation with him. I also met with my Primary care physician and started my diet program. Yesterday the surgeon have me a folder with a pre-op checklist, pamphlets, calendars and all sorts of information. He said that since I started in October that the surgery would most likely be in April 2015. I can't wait!!! Lol

Good for you! She's a EKG Tech...not a doctor...damn at least my friend is a nurse practitioner. That tech had no right to give an opinion she wasn't asked.

I'm in the same boat. I am 250lbs but according to most, I don't look it. I hypothetically mentioned to a good friend that if I ever got as big as my mom I would get weightloss surgery...and she flipped out. Saying "you're not that big." Although I'm flattered she thinks I'm beautiful it annoyed me to my core that she wouldn't respect my decision. Fast forward to October when I finally made the decision I only told my older sister...who coincidentally also wants the VSG. As of right now, I've decided to keep it a secret until after the surgery and there are positive results with no complications. As of right now surgery is April 2015...so I will "come out" about my surgery October 2015.

Wow! Its pretty sad that your doctor didnt check this out first. A thyroid panel is a pretty standard test to run on your annual exam...especially if you are obese.

Wow! Watch her...and watch her closely.

I think it depends on your shape and where you carry your weight most....and possibly where you lose it from.

I haven't had my surgery yet but you stated this perfectly well...1-4 are my reasons for choosing the sleeve. I originally choose lap band but I found these forums and read all the horrible side effects and money people wasted on that procedure. I encourage you to do the same.

Is it possible to add friends via the Bariatric Pal mobile app?

Although I have 110 hours of sick time and 4 weeks vacation banked I think I may do the same. Kathy posted a question that I have been pondering for some time now, but quite honestly, I dont wanna be bothered with nosey co-workers. While I know HR cannot ask me what surgery I am having, I work in a small group of women and I know for sure when i make this request for 3 weeks of sick time off I am gonna be hit with questions. I just dont wanna be bothered. Not to mention...This surgery may have complications. If complications should arise I would rather use sick time and short term disability then.

And next time you see them you'll say.."You dont plan to wear that shirt again do you?"...lol...Nah Im kidding. I am also a very sensitive and emotional person so I totally get where you are coming from. But as I got older I had to learn to have thick skin and be mindful of how I carry myself. I guess the others above are right. Say thanks and keep moving or change the subject. Good luck on your weight loss and thanks for sharing.

Go girl!!!

These things worry me also....Before I met with a surgeon or PCP I called my insurance to see if they covered it. They asked my my weight and BMI...and told me about the 6 month program. Well...I went to the doc 2 days ago and he weighed me in full clothing...the weight was 4 lbs heavier than what I told the insurance I was. As soon as I got home..I re-weighed myself and realized the doc scale was wrong. So now Im worrried that they will deny me cuz of such a small weight difference cuz of scale calibrations. My plan is to join Jenny Craig to show them that I am really trying hard. But like most I only have a 41 BMI and cannot lose much....smh...I hate this game. Part of me feels like saying F THIS, IM GOING TO MEXICO! But I really prefer to be close to home for my operation in case something goes wrong.

Wow! Thats awesome...you go girl! Please keep in touch and fill me in. Good luck with everything.

Hey Kelly! I'm Crystal...also from NY...Brooklyn to be exact. I literally decided to have WLS 3 weeks ago after 5 years of thinking about it. Met with my primary care provider today to start my 6 month diet and this Saturday I have a meeting with a weight loss surgeon. If my calculations are correct...I should be eligible for surgery April of 2015....and thats not soon enough lol Congrats on your December surgery date!...Keep in touch!

My IG is SleeveSistah85.....add me

I also created a new/private instagram. My name on IG is SleeveSistah85.

I thought it was just me.

Morning all! I wanted to know if anyone had any scar remedies, creams or treatments they could recommend. Zulily.com has Scar away cream on sale and I was wondering if it was any good. See pic attached

Good luck on your journey!!!