provenzee

You guys are all so inspiring ????

Finally got my approval yesterday. I go in for surgery February 2nd. I couldn't be happier. For those who may have insurance questions, I have BCBS of Virginia, and I am paying 3000.00 out of pocket, which is my out of pocket maximum. I had to do a six month supervised diet, psych eval, EKG/Bloodwork/Chest X ray, and endoscopy. My first consultation was June 8th, 2015. So excited to be joining the post-op world after all this time yay!

Thanks for the answers everyone! Very inspiring my goal is to lose about 140lbs so I was hoping this is possible!

Mine is scheduled February 2nd, and I am nervous too! Not exactly sure yet what I am bringing but definitely some comfy clothes good luck with everything!

Hi, Why did you get denied at first, if you don't mind me asking? I am nearing the end of the 6 months nutritionist visits and I am scared of being denied, when I am so close. I was denied because they weren't satisfied with the psych evaluation. It wasn't anything I could have done, they just didn't feel he asked me the right questions. My surgeon spoke with the insurance company and was able to get them to approve it. They told me I must have just got someone grouchy looking at my application to deny it :/

It was submitted on January 11th and they called me with approval January 18th. I think it would have taken less time but I initially got denied and they had to have a peer to peer review to get it approved

I am also February 2nd! Feels so good to be able to say I have a date and am approved! yay!

Anyone have a recommendation? I mean, do I actually need a nutribullet or would a blender work? What are you guys doing?

I never even heard of a shaker bottle before now. Thanks!

I don't qualify for FMLA at my job because I haven't been there long enough. My HR office suggested I apply for ADA (Americans with disabilities) to ensure my job during the surgery recovery period. Anyone know if this surgery qualifies under this? I couldn't find anything and according to what I read online it looks like the ADA is for people with more permanent issues.

As excited as I am, I am also going crazy. Originally my surgery date was November 5th but it has been moved to September 29th!! I start the two week liquid diet September 15th. It sounds so soon. I am so nervous!

I am really beginning to notice how much of a difference being 272lbs compared to weighing 222lbs is. Most of my life I hovered around 220-230 but after multiple failed diet attempts and switching from a job that requires constant movement to a desk job, I gained weight. I always told everyone being heavy did not effect the ability to do things, and that even at my weight I was still able to run, walk for hours, and live my life without issues. Now at 272lbs, I am embarrassed to admit that it does effect me in so many ways. I dread walking up stairs, I can't walk a mile without my back and feet killing me, and I get out of breath doing the most simple tasks. I long for the days I can go somewhere without worrying that I physically won't be able to do it. This is a terrible feeling. So grateful that I will be having this surgery and giving me a second chance at getting my life back.

I am really beginning to notice how much of a difference being 272lbs compared to weighing 222lbs is. Most of my life I hovered around 220-230 but after multiple failed diet attempts and switching from a job that requires constant movement to a desk job, I gained weight. I always told everyone being heavy did not effect the ability to do things, and that even at my weight I was still able to run, walk for hours, and live my life without issues. Now at 272lbs, I am embarrassed to admit that it does effect me in so many ways. I dread walking up stairs, I can't walk a mile without my back and feet killing me, and I get out of breath doing the most simple tasks. I long for the days I can go somewhere without worrying that I physically won't be able to do it. This is a terrible feeling. So grateful that I will be having this surgery and giving me a second chance at getting my life back.

Originally my goal was to reach 158lbs, but I got to thinking. If I can go that far, why not go all the way and make it to an official "healthy" weight for my height. I changed my goal to 142lbs, because I figure why not dream big! At my height of 5'3, 142lbs would bring my BMI to right around 25. Of course this is easy to say now, pre op! lol But yay, here's to higher goals

Anyone out there have a Fitbit scale? Is it worth it? I've been thinking about getting one but for over 100$, I'm making sure it's worth it haha

My doctor's goal for me is 170, but I'd really like to get down to 158. That would be a loss of 114lbs. I hope this is possible What's your goal? Did you already meet it? Was it the same goal your doctor gave you?

I've come to notice that many people assume those of us who are overweight are this way by choice because we are lazy, and feel as though it is gross and unattractive. Do you think people will treat you better after weight loss? I've read on numerous sites that when someone is thinner, the general public treats them with more respect, they have more job opportunities, and of course, get more dates. Do any of you guys expect this to happen to you? How do you think people's reactions towards you will change after the surgery?

I know how bad loneliness can feel. While I have not had an issue finding dates, my issue has always been getting a man to respect me. I've had men make me pull up around the corner to pick them up/drop them off for dates because they didn't want their families to see me. I had a man I was in a serious relationship with for over a year call me a "fat disgusting porker" and tell me I deserved to be cheated on because of my weight. I've had men use me, and treat me as though I wasn't worthy of so much as decent human respect because of my weight my entire life. The dating world revolves around weight, whether people admit it or not. Of course I am sure there are some that don't care, but they are few and far between and I have never found one, even at my weight which is generally somewhere around 250lbs (270 now), it is literally the number one factor. It is hard for women too. I am 99% sure my dating life will improve after I lose 100 pounds, and I am sure yours will too. Women are easy to figure out. If you want something long lasting and serious, my advice is this: Women want to feel wanted. Tell her you love her/miss her and make time for her. Treat her with respect. The rest will come easy.

You are an inspiration! I hope this time next year I can be saying the same things you are right now. My goal is 158! Congratulations

I would say start slow. My personal opinion would be to start cutting bad foods out of your diet now. I have a horrible sweet tooth, so I am cutting out candy bars, drinks with calories, and ice cream. I am not so much on any particular diet as I am not trying to lose a bunch of weight during the pre-op phase. I want to lose about 7lbs before my liquid diet starts at the end of October. I still eat normal foods, and of course I slip and have some chocolate here and there, but I am trying. My main goal is no snacking between meals. As far as caffeine goes, I wouldnt say I am addicted or anything, I just enjoy the taste of diet soda. So far I haven't gave it all up yet, but I would say, start switching to decaf so that you can kick the addiction now. Decaf coffee, caffeine free diet soda, etc.

Wearing a pair of heels would be nice too!!

I don't think it's a big deal. BCBS seems to be pretty lenient about it. As long as you lost weight overall, I think you'll be fine

Two things mostly: being able to shop at stores in the mall and knowing they have my size, rather than having to order from the extended sizes section online, and being able to ride all the rides at amusement parks without worrying I won't fit in the seats! Yay

I know at the hospital I am going to they won't allow you to drive after the surgery.

It is a struggle to not gain during pre op. My body doesn't know how to maintain. It's always either gaining or losing. I went to the surgeon on July 8th, and when I met with my PCP on July 26th I had gained two pounds. I meet with the surgeon again on August 26th, and I am working hard to lose those two pounds I gained. Hopefully I can blame it on water weight or PMS if they mention it. It's making me nervous knowing I can't gain anything until November. If I didn't have an issue with gaining weight, I wouldn't need this surgery! Ugh.