bls01

Had my surgery 9/28/15. Had to do a 6 month monitored weight loss mandated by my insurance. Although I only lost 15 lbs during the 6 months I was actually really glad I had to do it because it gave me an opportunity to change some habits and it only made me even more convinced I was doing the right thing. I had absolutely no pre-op jitters. Surgery went great, they did have to do a hernia repair also, and I was in the hospital one night. I do have to admit that the first few days I was home I did think "what the heck did I do". I didn't have any pain, luckily, but trying to get the liquids down made me want to puke. After day 3 though each day became easier. I was able to start increasing my intake without feeling like I was going to puke. One week post-op I went back to work and I am down about 10 lbs. Still struggle a little bit to get in all the Protein and Water but every day I try to do a little more. Can't wait to get to pureed stage though because protein shakes and Soup are getting very old and aren't keeping me satisfied for very long. Best decision I ever made so if there are any of you out there doubting or discouraged, chin up because this is a marathon not a race and your life will be better on the other side.

That is about what i have been getting in as well but just try to do a little better every day. Although I do a little better on the Protein because I get in at least one Premier Protein shake in a day. You should not be afraid to tell your dr. about your struggles. They should be supportive and give you ideas to help you through this phase. Good luck

I did share with my boss and friends I knew I could trust. I am far beyond the point in my life where I care what other people think or say. If people ask after surgery I will decide at that time what to say. So far, all have been very supportive.

I have UHC and had to do the 6 month monitored diet program. Didn't like the idea of that at first but it went very quickly and did give me time to start to change some things that I would need to change post-op anyway. I think it will make the post-op easier. I just looked at it as an opportunity to grow. They said my estimated out of pocket would be $1500. I have found UHC to be very easy to work with. Am waiting for final approval and then they can schedule my surgery.

You look amazing. Hope to look as awesome one day and not have to avoid having my picture taken

Thanks for the reply Eli. So awesome to hear how well you are doing. I, unfortunately, only have Gastric Bypass as an option through my insurance so we will see. I have heard good things about Dr. Patterson and she is the only one my insurance will cover also but I have complete confidence in her. I am hoping that as long as I am diligent about avoiding the things that cause me issues I will not have a problem with dumping. Fingers crossed Sounds like you are having an awesome time in Arizona. Can't wait to once be highly active. Congrats,

Congrats Marie, keep us in the loop how you are doing. Eli, what has been the hardest thing post op that you have had to deal with? My biggest concern is dumping and will it keep me from doing the things that prompted me to have surgery in the first place or will I always be worried if I am near a bathroom

I am in the Oregon City area also and will probably have surgery late August early September. My surgeon is dr Patterson. I have a 6 month insurance mandated waiting period but have had my initial evaluations and consults. So excited. If anyone in the area is going to a face to face support group I would be interested in attending

Has anybody had any luck getting the 6 month insurance mandated waiting period waived?

Good luck. Be sure to let us know how it went and how you are coping. What are the most difficult things post-op to deal with? I just started my 6 months insurance mandated wait period so trying to prepare for all that may arise pre and post op. SO excited for you

After doing quite bit of research while waiting for insurance approval I had decided on Gastric Sleeve. Got insurance approval and found out that only Bypass is covered. Very disappointing. Has anybody petitioned insurance to cover an alternate surgery and been successful. I certainly can't afford sleeve without insurance coverage. I will proceed with bypass but think I would have been happier with the sleeve