GADeltaDawn

My surgeon posted a list of questions to ask my insurance company on her website before my first visit. Here's the problem... They won't answer any of them! They just kept telling me the surgeon has to call for the information. This is my policy, don't I have a right to this information? Anyone else have this problem and find a way to get answers? This is info that should be easily provided such as the diet requirements, tests covered, medical history required, etc. I'm getting aggravated and will have no answers when I meet with the surgeon.

Surgery this morning. Everything went great! Pain was bad for first 2 or 3 hours but not much now. As long as tests come back good tomorrow I can go home tomorrow night! So glad I did this...no regrets at all!

You just breathe into a machine that measures your lung capacity. Done right in the office. Only takes about 15 minutes.

Surgery this morning at 7:30! Ready to get this done!

I was originally going to do the sleeve until I found out that my reflux would likely become worse. I was also sold on the bypass because of how long it's been done and the success rates with it. It seems to be the gold standard.

I use Quest powders. The syntrax nectar have some fruit flavors that are more like juice that are good.

April 22nd!

I had my group seminar on January 21st and I'm scheduled for April 22nd Surgery. Definitely doable! You just need to stay on top of your appointments. Be aware that the NUT may require two visits 30 days apart. That's the one thing I wasn't aware of and yet I made that my last appointment. I could have been done 2 weeks earlier.

I am preop also and have pretty much adopted the post op diet already. I've lost 20# far. Here's what I'm doing: I've given up all sweets including sweet tea, no caffeine (I drink decaf coffee), I get 80-100 grams of protein a day through food and protein shakes (I love the quest protein), I eat something or drink a shake (2 max per day) every 2 hours (I feel like all I do is eat), and drink at least 64 Oz water a day. I focus on the protein first and stay away from white bread (actually almost no carbs). There were 2 days last week that I didn't get enough protein and barely had my snacks and gained 1.5#. The next day I upped my protein to 120g, had all my snacks and lost the 1.5 plus 1 additional. I don't eat anything after dinner especially sweets. Ever since I gave up sugar I no longer have cravings. My guess would be that you need to up your protein intake and track your food in a diary. I'm sure there are other options that would better at controlling your sugar than eating cake right before bed. You definitely should speak to your dietician about that. Good luck to you! It's hard but will be so worth it to lose some before the surgery because we will heal faster and have fewer complications.

So excited! Went through the whole process in 2 months and got my approval! April 22nd is my day!

I was surprised it went that fast! I had already settled in for a wait them got the call. Didn't even realize my surgeon had submitted for approval. Good luck to you both in your journey!

I'm in HR and you don't have to tell anyone. You can request that your surgeon put "General Surgery" on your FMLA paperwork. I have only said I'm having surgery. If pushed for info I'm telling them it's personal but is for the betterment of my health.

Breathing function test and chest xray. Not bad at all.

I just bought quest vanilla protein shake. It is wonderful! Tastes just like vanilla ice cream!

Hi all, A friend keeps telling me that my insurance might pay for my protein drinks, is this true? How would this work, would I need a prescription? Also I've heard that premier protein will give bariatric patients 2 free cases but I can't find any info on this offer. Any ideas?

I didn't have a waiting period or a supervised diet. I'm still preop and had everything done within 3 weeks. I'm just waiting on my dietician appointment and then I'll get my date.

Has anyone tried the quest shake powder? I love the bars but I'm still looking for shake options.

Hi, I have anthem BCBS also and was curious if anyone knows what the negotiated rates are? My doctor gave me the self pay cost but they said the insurance company will only pay based on their negotiated rates which could be as low as half that amount. I'm really trying to find out how much I'm going to need. I'm only responsible for 25% of the negotiated rate with no deductible and a max OoP of $3000 for everything.

Thanks so much for the info! I'm preop too and don't want to purchase a lot since I'm not sure what I'll like after surgery. Just trying to get several options stocked up. Good to know what to look for. Good luck to you!

Oh wow, I had no idea premier was the wrong protein. I haven't bought much yet but have been collecting a variety of samples to have after surgery. Can you share some good protein brands? What should I be looking for?

I'm in a holding pattern too. Everything completed in less than a month now I have to wait 30 days for my one on one dietician visit and then insurance submission. Wish I had know this sooner because I would have done my nutrition class first. It's aggravating but I can't change the requirements. I'm so ready to get this surgery done and can't wait to start my new life. Best wishes to you all in your journey.

I'm in Atlanta too! I'm having my surgery at Dekalb Medical with Dr. Rashid. I'm still preop and only have the nutrition class to complete before being submitted for insurance approval. That's this Thursday, everything is flying by for me. Best of luck to you in your journey!

My dietician wants me to set a goal weight. My surgeon said that according to the antiquated medical chart they use that I should be 145# but at 5'11" that seems mighty low to me. I was 135# in high school and looked anorexic. Can anyone share how you decided on a realistic and healthy goal weight?

Anyone have any tips on transitioning eating habits before surgery? Did you give up caffeine and sugar cold turkey or wean yourself? How did you handle the withdrawals such as headaches and irritability? What non food vices did you have to tackle?

Mine asked if I found the seminar helpful., what surgery I was interested in and why, went over my medical history and diet history. She also took a look at my stomach to make sure she wouldn't have any obstacles during surgery. She gave me a list of diet changes to start making now because they would aid in the healing process. Then the patient coordinator came in to discuss my insurance requirements and steps to approval. I was also given my order for labs.