sleevedtbd

So late responding, sorry! I live in Selma, right on the edge, but of course work in SA. Things are going well, down 30lbs! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

@@acyum2008 I was sleeved 9/30. I live in San Antonio, but periodically work in Austin. I am considering moving up their next year some time. Wondering what the atmosphere is like overall (I'm 25), and for African Americans? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

(Long post and excuse the typos - writing on phone). I was sleeved on 9/30 and even though I did a ton of research I do feel like I overlooked, or missed a few things, so I have just a few questions for those sleeved before me. Quick back story: My surgery began around 12ish Wednesday and was over after 3:30. Doctors encountered some issues. 1. Larger than expected hernia 2. Weird stomach shape. (Small at the top and large at the bottom). 3. Loose stomach? He said it was something he nor his counterpart had ever seen, but my tummy was not set. It was swinging all over the place. They had to stitch it in place which he said would cause more nausea than normal. 4. Had to cut some abdominal muscle because of size of hernia, stomach. 5. Upper GI study showed some obstruction, but fingers crossed its just swelling. I wasn't able to HD anything down until they day I was released. Surgery took over 3 hours because of all of this. Recovery in the hospital was pretty horrendous at times and peaceful at others. I ended up having to stay 4 days. (Just released at 3pm yesterday). Q1: Is it normal to have regret, I literally have some hours were I cry and then some hours where I can't wait until months 6+ to see how far I've came. To add, when I went to get my upper GI study to see why I couldn't hold my liquids in (found it was just slowly dripping) the nurse and doctor both where asking me why in the world I got this surgery saying the usual "your not big enough," or "it seems like they are allowing smaller and smaller patients". So not what I needed to here while being told I couldn't go home and I may have an obstruction that needs a revision. Q2: This ties into Q1 because I think it's the main reason I'm struggling to appreciate my surgery. I'm still wearing the mid section binder to keep everything firm. It actually hurts terribly when I don't have it on or tight enough. I also have to use a pillow to walk since they took my staples out yesterday. I was able to walk fine in the hospital, pretty fast actually with no pain, but now it's painful to even walk to the bathroom or get up from the bed. My pain meds help, but it feels like I'm being ripped apart when I move. Any advice? I'm desperate. Q3: What's with my mouth making all the extra saliva? It's to the point I actually have to have a cup with me. Gross. Anyone have this issue or know how to stop it? Q4: Can I take benadryl for allergies now, or is it something ill-advised? Q5: Where'd you all buy a pill crusher? Q6: I started mixing benefiber in mio flavored Water.. Too soon? Q7: Ive read so any things about how to take care of my incision. What's the easiest/safest way? Q8: Am I being dramatic? Lol. Thanks all!!

Thank you all for the advice and well wishes. Since it's Monday I was able to speak with my PA about all my issues. The main thing being the pain inside my tummy that's keeping me from moving around like a normal person. Instead of dreaming about food, I'm dreaming about shopping. ???? I basically will have to deal with it until it subsides since the liquid pain meds aren't doing a thing to ease the pain. I also may have to have my surgeon go back in to widen my stomach-esophagus area so I can take in more liquids. Again, thanks for all the words of encouragement!! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

239 on the day of surgery, I'm 5ft 3in. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

Was just about to start the same post! @thevsglife ..pretty much the same, keeping my surgery private.

I went in for my pre op lab test yesterday. I was told if everything cleared/passed I would meet with my surgeon/NUT next Tuesday and surgery on the 30th. I'm wondering what they are testing for? I could be over thinking it but what exactly does cleared/passed mean. She did say my surgeon always orders a ton of test, which is a good thing as it shows he is thorough. They did a medical history eval, EKG, nose swap, chest xray (I have asthma, but it is controlled), and took 5 or 6 tubes of blood. Just out of curiosity does anyone know what specifically they test for? Will having asthma be an issue?

[Excuse the long post] I have so many mixed emotions right now. I decided I wanted to have the Gastric Sleeve in July. I did not expect things to happen so freaking fast. Almost wondering if this is too fast. Like have I had enough time to process eveything. So I made my first post here about my insurance requiring a 5 year weight history. I didn't have any to submit, and was really worried about being denied. Background: I'm 25 years old - 5' 4" - and my weight has been a struggle. I'm currently at a whopping 245lbs. Never have I ever been close to this in life. I was always between 200 and 230 up until this year. Like most of us, I have tried everything known to man. In July I started looking seriously into WLS, and I decided on the sleeve. I spent countless hours checking my insurance, reviewing doctors, and of course lurking on this forum. I wanted to ensure I knew what I was doing, what life would be like after,.. The good, the great, the bad, and the ugly. I have UHC Choice Plus and my company requires a BMI of 40 (35 with 2 comorbities, in network surgeon/hospital, and a 5 year weight history. I picked the BMI of Texas office. They have been great. I am using Dr. Englehart. My first consult was August 6th. I completed my Psych Eval the next week (Sunday). I went for the Gallbladder Ultrasound the following Wednesday, and finally my endoscopy last Friday(9/4). I called my advocate Tuesday 9/8. She verified my check list over the phone. The only hurdle was the 5 year weight history. She stated she would submit a letter on my behalf and we should hear back within a week. I prepped for a battle, after reading the denial horror stories posted here. Especially with UHC. I work for AT&T as an engineer and I have their management plan. What's so awesome is they have there own AT&T group and my experience has been wonderful with them. Actually quite easy. I got a little anxious and called to ensure they had everything and to get an idea of when they would make a decision. (About 3 hours ago 9/10). The rep told me it was approved, but to speak with a care coordinator. The care coordinator stated he can see the approval and they already have a surgery date of 9/23, a hospital listed, and I just need to contact my surgeon to discuss next steps. I literally was like whoa! Not expecting that, and so quick!! I will change the date to the last week of this month or the 1st week of October to give my mom time to fly in for a few weeks and my mind time to really mentally prep. So what do you all think, record time? Any advice?

Awesome. I hope everything works out for you. The first step is the hardest part.

I'm getting sleeved with the BMI of Texas on 9/30. Would be awesome to have someone to follow along with!

Yes it is. Just completed pre op test/labs today. Good luck with your RNY!,

I am with BMI of Texas also! What's really funny is we had the same "Case worker." I just started calling Aimee for everything. She has always responded to my calls and emails. My surgery is 9/30 with Dr. Englehartd. Good luck!

Hello All, So glad I found this thread! I will be sleeved on 9/30. I'm all over this forum looking for any shred of advice. - If you knew what you knew now after going through surgery what would you tell yourself? advice? How long did you all take versus need off of work? How are people reacting in your life to your weight loss. Specifically those who don't know you had surgery. Only my boyfriend and mom know of my plans. What do you tell them you are doing? My biggest fear is missing food. Is that something that sticks with you for good? My apologies for the random questions

Literally just hung up with my PA a few hours ago. Surgery date was set for 9/30 (next available was one month out), and my PA is having me start the Pre-Op tomorrow! One thing I didn't prepare for was to have to go shopping for it on short notice (later tonight). I expected to be able to prep a few days in advance. I've searched but couldn't find a specific thread on what to try/buy for these 2 weeks. What are the must have brands as it pertains to Protein shakes is my main question. I'm having to prep so fast I want to make the best decision. Any tips for someone without a lot of time to prep? Also, it just dawned on me she didn't give me calorie restrictions or protein goals. Any general guideline rules? I thought maybe I should follow the post op full liquid guidelines or is there specifics for the pre op diet. Sorry for the rambling, still trying to keep up with the speed of things. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

Thank you Daisee68! I do plan on calling in the morning. I actually left my book at my last appointment, may try to swing buy for another. I was able to pick up a few things to get me through tomorrow. Thanks for all the helpful advice. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

Awesome, thanks! Will be heading to Walmart soon, and have those on my list. Will also check out GNC tomorrow when it opens. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

That's what I'm thinking @formerfatguy - less time to talk myself out of it. - Good luck, that's just around the corner!! - Yes, my goal is October 1st, but no later than the 7th. Fingers crossed.

@MisMac Yes. That is my thought process. I'm sure once I know my exact day the pre op nerves will kick in. @OutsideMatchInside I haven't decided about work. My boyfriend, mom, and dad are the only ones who know. My 2 older sisters wouldn't totally understand. I may be easier to let my coworkers know. They're all men and probably would be supportive, and eating lunch with guys is no small feat. They literally debate on it an hour before we actually leave to go somewhere.

Hello All, I have been a long time lurker on here, soaking up information. This forum helped me make this decision, and over the last couple months I have been working through the process. Stats: Age - 25 Gender - Female CW - 243 So far I have completed all of my doctor's and insurance requirements. - Initial Consultation - Psychological Evaluation - Gall Bladder Ultrasound - Endoscopy - Met with Dietician I have United Healthcare Choice Plus through AT&T's management plan - 80%/20%. They require a BMI of 40 or a BMI of 35 (with 2 comorbities). They also require 5 years of documented weight history from a physician. My only hang up is the 5 year weight history. I don't have a primary care doctor, nor any documentation from any other weight loss programs, period. All my weight loss efforts have been private. My advocate stated she could get some weight "guesses" from me and have the doctor sign off and submit that, and hope for the best. She says she has had success that way in the past , but with UHC it's hit or miss based on your case worker. My questions are: 1. Do I have a shot with her doing that, and is it a slim chance. Specifically, if you have UHC. 2. Do I have other options or "ways" to show my BMI over 40? 3. If I have to self pay, do hospitals/doctors accept payment plans? Any comments, ideas, advice, and experiences are welcome. Thank you!!!

@ non at all.

@@jane13 thanks for responding! I go every 2 years. My doc from 2011 doesn't have the record anymore. Waiting to hear from doctor on 2013 (moved to Texas in 2013, so different doctor). There is also the possibility I was under the 40/35 BMI range, so it may be a double edged sword. No comorbidities that would count according to my doctor (lifetime history of Ashtma and Psuedotumor Cerebri). I guess at this point I may just have to play the dreaded waiting game. ????