MIMISAN

I was actually wondering where you got surgery for $1,199.00

I have to say that it is a good thing you posted about your reality. This is reality. I have done the Atkins diet before and lost 60 lbs, but low and behold a year later I had gained back the 60 plus about 20 more. If you can stay off the carbs long enough to cleanse your palate and create new patterns it is easier to stay on the diet but once you let the carbs creep back in the hold gets stronger and stronger. The problem with carbs is that the more carbs you eat the more you crave them. I personally am addicted to Coca Cola. Not just cola, it has to be COKE and I really want one everyday. I am in my 6 months supervised dieting to get my insurance to cover it and I cheat now with cokes. I know that once I have the surgery, cokes will be a NO NO. I also know that I will give them up for a long time but will I let them sneak back in later??? This has me worried too. The truth is that I have to make these changes or I might as well hang it up. I am older and already have trouble walking or standing for any length of time. I have to make a choice, cokes or life with my family. I think you have the same choices....carbs or real happiness.

Congratulations! That is one of the big reasons I want to do this. I am sick of taking medication everyday!

To me this is strange but with my insurance which is UMR (United Healthcare Choice Plus) they do things oddly. First of all I had to talk to an insurance person that asked me questions and verified that I qualified for the surgery that I am requesting. Then they assign me a Nurse Case Manager. She called me for a telephone appointment and we talked about a variety of things like, what made me want the surgery, what I expected as a result etc, then she explained things that have to be completed before my paperwork is all completed and submitted to my insurance for final approval to go ahead with surgery. 1. I have to have surgery in a hospital with Center of Excellence approval 2. I have to have 6 months consecutive supervised dieting 3. Have to complete a psych evaluation 4. Have to have a Consult with a dietitian. 5. In my case I need to have a visit with my cardiologist to approve because I have supraventricular tachycardia. The funny thing is that I asked her what the insurance expected of the 6 months dieting. Another words did they expect a certain amount lost per month etc. and she said that it didn't matter whether I gained or lost I just have to show that I was trying????? Isn't that odd? Then I asked her about the possible problem of starting this journey in July with the possibility that my company insurance plan might change in January and if they cut out bariatric surgery after that six month wait I would be devastated. She was surprised and said she had never had anyone ask that question and I thank the board for that. What she suggested I do was get into my Dr. before the first so I would have an accepted June date stamped and then I would add, July, August, Sept, Oct, Nov, and should be able to get the surgery in late Nov or December. I thought it was great of her to try to help me figure this out. She also brought up some information about my thyroid medication that I will be discussing with my Dr. on Tuesday the 30th to get my 1st month stamp! All in all I really liked the woman and I hope it all works out and I get to talk to her more often, she made me feel good about my decision and about the insurance company.

Exactly what foods do you eat pureed and how does that work?

I had that issue years ago after gallbladder surgery. It sounds like the intubation tubes were rough on your throat and that could be that the anesthesiologist was too rough. My pain lasted several days,but it will get better. It may not have anything to do with the sleeve part of your surgery. BUT ask your doctor. Best of luck!

Congrats! Hope I am saying the same thing in six months! When do you have to start your pre-op diet?

I understand what you're saying but I always do things totally the opposite. When I am going to do anything that people are going to want to talk about I talk about it LOUD AND PROUD. It takes the wind right out of their sails. I steal THEIR thunder. Examples: 1.Years ago I got pregnant before I was married and that was way before it was accepted, so one day at a function someone was digging at me trying to ask without asking and I announced it to the room. Joked about it and they had nothing to gossip about anymore. 2. I got a divorce after 28 years and I knew they would go nuts at work wondering WHY??? So one day I went into work and called a front office meeting of all my co-workers. I said...I just wanted to let you guys know that my husband and I are getting a divorce. Its a final decision, he's not cheating, I am not cheating, we just aren't happy. I don't want to talk about it but when I am ready you will know. Wow were they deflated. 3.About the surgery, I started talking about it and I am not secretive at all. Most support me, my family supports me and those are the important people. Its about your life and your happiness. Live it!

On Monday I finally made the step towards starting this process. I met with Dr. Michael Seger in San Antonio, Texas. We discussed several options but decided on definitely going with the gastric sleeve. He feels like I am a great candidate for the surgery. Now the painstaking part slogging through insurance begins. Apparently my insurance will require six months of documented dieting to allow me to move forward (as if I haven't tried everything in the last 50 years) but ok....I will play. The insurance has assigned me a caseworker and I am going to be conferencing by phone with her on Thursday evening for her to lay out the program etc. I will also be meeting with a nutritionist on July 1st to actually set out the diet plans for the next month and I will have to meet with her once a month for the next six months. At the end of that time I should be qualified for the surgery and wouldn't you know it would be around CHRISTMAS? That shouldn't make much difference though since I will be dieting then anyway, I may be happy if I get the surgery prior to Christmas. Anyway guys....wish me luck and keep me focused!

Fortunately I had already heard that many insurance groups require the 6 month supervised dieting so I wasn't shocked, but I was hoping that since I was older with great medical records that have gone through the same insurance company that I might be able to by pass that. In any case I am looking at it as a time to slowly get my other requirements taken care of and a way to get use to more restrictions. Nikkidoc you must be psychic because earlier today I ordered a sample kit of unjury. I am also going to test other things. Thanks for the replys so far and it looks like I will have plenty of friends to help me through all of this process.

One of the reasons I have put off weight loss surgery for so long is that I fear that I will hate how I end up more than I hate the fat me now, but I finally realized that even if I don't love the new me naked, I should still live longer and be around my family longer, so that's why I am finally moving forward. I think we all have a mental image of ourselves and it is hard for us to be realistic. You are losing weight you just may not be losing it where you want to lose it right now. For example I want to lose weight off my big belly first but I bet you $$ that my first weight loss comes off the BOOBS! LOL Just enjoy the loss where it happens and hope that in the end it all evens out.

I certainly feel for you. I like to complain about how I feel but after reading your story I feel guilty! I am in great help compared to your issues. I will pray that insurance helps you on the road to recovery.

I would have to say that although half of americans are obese at least half of those kid themselves into thinking they aren't. I have 2 granddaughters that could both qualify as obese. They are in their 20's and aren't embarrassed or worried about their weight. They wear tight clothes and seem to think they are kinda sexy? It stymies me!

Yes, this is what I was wondering. But then once you prepare this food you only drink of eat about 2 oz's right?

I know what pureed is but what kinds of foods are getting pureed? Are people making veggie shakes or steak drinks ? I wonder what they are drinking?

I can't wait to see how you are doing. I am in the beginning stages of checking this out. I have my first appointment on July the 8th. Keep us informed on how your doing.