karen091866

We can die commuting to/from work...or driving to the grocery store or the mall. Each one of us had one or more comorbidities when we first met with our surgeon-of-choice...or else we wouldn't have qualified. Anyone literally terrified of going into an elective surgery should likely do some serious reconsideration.

We have United Health Care PPO...Spouse works for a large corporation, so our out-of-pocket costs are pretty reasonable, simply based on the number of people covered within our group/plan. My total cost= $600. I couldn't be happier with my choice to have the sleeve...Life-changing in SO many wonderful ways...never 1 second of "buyer's remorse".

Yeah!

I'm right @ 4 months post-op and have experienced much the same thing w/ coffee...I soon found that it wasn't so much the coffee I was wanting, but something flavored...so I bought several Torani sugar-free flavorings...in the flavors I once enjoyed in my coffees (hazelnut, cinnamon, etc) and I use them in my Protein shakes...and that quelled the craving. I avoid coffee altogether...it just wasn't worth the stomach upset it was causing. We have enough going on with managing our new limitations and needing to be so disciplined that I simply couldn't be sidetracked with heartburn, nausea and the fear that if I "insisted on drinking that coffee", I might barf....not a risk I was willing to take.....Torani flavorings are a wonderful thing! <3

I have to agree...Every surgeon is different, but they should at least discuss & prepare you for the post-op piece of this---explaining what you'd be sent home with...so you'd have had the chance to ASK for meds---just in case. If you do end up calling your surgeon, and they don't/ won't call anything in, Dramamine (for motion sickness) is available over the counter and combats nausea...as would sipping tea with ginger stirred in. *I've been a nurse for 25 years, so feel totally safe in suggesting those things* Sure hope things get better for you & FAST...None of us needs hiccups in the road to recovery =/ ...and I also agree that this forum is a great support resource, as there are LOTS of 'old timers' here who are experienced sleevers and do not hesitate to help out newbies! <3

Wow--after reading this, I feel truly blessed. We've got United HealthCare through my husband;s employer--and my portion was $600 ... Six hundred dollars. Period. It must have to do with your specific plan. He works for a huge company, (so the out-of-pocket cost to subscribers is less).. and we have the PPO option plan.--Not sure if the PPO part would make any difference, though. In the end, though...when anyone reaches the point where weight-loss surgery is even on the table...the benefits SO outweigh any costs associated with it. If you need the procedure done, there is always a way to wiggle funds around and make it happen. I am about 3.5 months post-op and don't regret my decision one bit. Never a drop of "buyer's remorse"... I can't put a price tag on health and happiness. <3

We're covered by United Health Care through my spouse's employer- and registering with a Bariatric Resource Coordinator was required. I think it must have to do with the specifics of your group. I'm 3 months post-op & the Bariatric Resource nurse was a great help- she made sure that all of the requirements were done in a timely manner, she helped facilitate appointments in a timely manner, was the primary contact while I was being approved - and even made a few post-op phone calls to make sure I was doing well. The extra oversight made for a smooth process.

I had my 3-month post-op appointment yesterday, 2/15/16 & mentioned something similar to my surgeon. I am one that has struggled w/ weight for a majority of my life--but have had periods where I enjoyed a healthy weight for periods of time. Since having my surgery & dropping a great deal of weight in a short time, I definitely am perceived differently....But here's the caveat....I also see myself differently. This being the case, it is up to ME to adjust how I navigate the world. The newly-added attention has kind of made me a bit of a turtle....I'll think I have my 'sea-legs' and be out shopping or whatever...then some sort of new attention comes my way...and "into the shell I go".....Not that the attention scares me, but it is foreign. My philosophy has become: "I'm the same person I've always been. If you didn't have time for me before, I don't have time for YOU now"....and this is what works for me. I'm not going to wade in the shallow pool. I have tried to find words for it...and there aren't words...it is just how society is. Obesity is like the proverbial "Scarlett Letter"...when we are overweight, we stick out...we do not "blend"....Let's be honest with ourselves....I'm not trying to start a battle of words on this page by any means...but our lifestyle choices made us different from the mainstream - and society is harsh. People who have always been a normal weight cannot relate to extreme weight loss...and why should we expect them to? I have light brown hair...and cannot relate to stigmas associated with blondes or redheads...and don't want to. This is MY life, my journey...and I have to find my own way. Those closest to me DO understand the struggles---because I've taken the time to explain them. If I can't "own this" and be honest and purge myself of everything associated with the extra weight, I'm not going to ever emerge from that shell. I kind of liken the process to AA or something...we have to first ADMIT that there is a problem...decide to get help...seek support from others that understand (this website, our 'in-person support groups', family)---and then we have to WORK OUR RECOVERY by exercising, eating healthy, DOING what the Nutritionist TELLS US TO DO...and Living the Change ---every...single....day. * Disclaimer * that doesn't mean we aren't human...and it certainly doesn't imply that the road will be easy --- Stay focused...and keep your eye on the prize! My decision to have my sleeve was about being healthy...and nothing more. I shouldn't have to hope anyone would have issues understanding that.

You need to develop a little repertoire of "nip this in the bud" comments. I would have said, ".....and YOU obviously have untreated Tourette's!"

I agree w/ fernandfj... NO ONE would willingly have 80-85% of their stomach removed "looking for an easy way out". People are cruel, nosy, they are busy-bodies...always looking for the next juicy piece of gossip to spread. I had my procedure for ME...to reclaim a quality of life I'd gone without for far too long...The journey of preparation and the surgery itself weren't easy...and the life-long commitment is one that we have to be constantly aware of...watching, planning our bites and sips. I'm less than 2 months out--and have heard more than a few unwarranted comments and absurd inquiries. My last reply was, "You know how when you've got several problems going on...and you fix ONE...and the others sort of begin to take care of themselves and things fall into place on their own?---Yeah---that's the kind of surgery I had....I'd be glad to tell you more if you'd like to pay a portion of my medical bills...otherwise, I don't care to feed your morbid curiosities" That put an end to it. Hugs to you---and congratulations on your spectacular success!

I had my VSG 11/19/15 & would love to connect with y'all... I'm in Monroe,WA I recently found a great website: theworldaccordingtoeggface (all one word) ---Her website is awesome, credible and packed with helpful, tried and true information & recipes-- stuff we can all benefit from!

I'm 49 days post-op and have (fortunately) never felt any of this...but did have intense yo-yo'ing mood swings for a few weeks...almost like I was not even myself. I wanted to cry frequently...and finally put my finger on the cause-->I didn't know what to expect---from anything. My tummy was confused....my bowels were confused...I got fatigued by simply taking a shower....but 2 weeks in, when I had my post-op visit...and stepped up onto that scale, I regained control......and so will you. Our bodies have undergone tremendous changes...Please be gentle with yourself <3

As a nurse, I have to agree w/ Daisee68...The Voltaren gel can be a life-saver when you can't ingest NSAID's. --Or Lidocaine Patches..those are great & you cut-to-fit and apply them only where you most need the relief. ...and it is unfortunate for all of us that damages to our joints (hips, back, knees...everything) is already 'done', although relieving the pressure on our musculoskeletal systems by losing weight helps, the stress and premature/ undue wear and tear cannot be undone. Hope you feel better soon. [[[[[ hugs ]]]]]

Wow..can I relate to this thread! I had my surgery 11/19/15..and returned to work 2 weeks ago...(having lost 35 pounds since anyone last saw me)...one doofus @ work immediately blurted out, "Did you have gastric bypass?!?"---I confronted her and curtly told her that my surgery was personal...and essentially none of her concern. The next day, I returned to work to hear that she told everyone I had vaginal reconstruction!!! I was appalled. Again, I confronted her..asking just WTH her problem was...spreading lies that had placed her on a fast-track to a workplace harassment charge...now possibly sexual harassment....and she meekly replied, "I was just concerned about you"--- BS...."concern" would have been checking in on me while I was off from work...not speculating and fabricating BS lies upon my return because you don't know ANYTHING about my personal life...and you have some sick need to be the focus of everything. --- I told her that if anyone wanted to 'really know what went on while I was gone from work', that I'd gladly tell them, provided that they be willing to pay a portion of my medical bills....otherwise, it's NOYB. Period. I told her that if she spoke one more word about my health or appearance, there would be consequences beyond which she cared to imagine.....Strangely enough, she has been quiet as a mouse since. Some people just have serious issues seeing someone else experience anything positive....My choice to undergo such a life-altering procedure didn't come lightly...and the victories are MINE...and of no concern to anyone other than those I choose to share with.

All of the rebuttals and counter-arguments / hissing, etc... aside, each of us will attend follow-up appointments with our surgical team or WLS clinic...so THAT is where your information should primarily come from. Anyone who elected to have surgery from a place that "poorly prepared them" should have done some shopping around. You get what you pay for...and after-care is a HUGE part of WLS and success. There are some things that simply shouldn't be Googled....

So glad to see this topic! I am 3 weeks post-op as I am posting this--and have been nothing short of appalled @ some of the clueless comments--Almost as if every bit of prep suddenly "doesn't apply to you" and you have NO CLUE what to do with yourself regarding hydration, Protein...and the bit about asking a bunch of forum people "what should I be doing???"---hello---call your surgeon...Like anyone wants to accept liability? NO ONE undergoes any form of WLS without education, literature being provided, multiple counseling sessions... Some people just want / expect an easy out...And that just isn't going to happen...There are rules in this--and for good reason. I can't agree more about the wide array of variables when services are recieved at a place that is NOT a Center of Excellence...Those 3 words mean a LOT...and the level of education, support and continuity of care are night and day from some of the more "high volume clinics"... Many thanks to the OP for opening up a wonderful place to vent.

You will likely encounter a wide variety of people, with an assortment of comorbid conditions- asthma, sleep apnea, diabetes, high cholesterol, mobility issues.....conditions we are all familiar with or have been warned about. My first seminar was conducted by a team of Bariatric surgeons - and they did a detailed PowerPoint presentation, giving an overview of the procedures that they offered (everything BUT Lap-Band, as it is somewhat obsolete in my area, and other procedures offer more successes), explaining risks versus benefits of each surgery. They had a rep from their office that had underwent WLS years ago who then spoke to the group, sharing about her journey. She spoke more on a personal level to everyone. We were all given informational binders and had the opportunity to speak with an insurance rep and schedule an appointment if we felt ready. Those that were "ready" then started their required Nutritionist visits, labs, psychiatric evaluation, etc---all of the prerequisite items each individual insurance had set forth---and we went along our merry ways---Early on, I had to get baseline labwork, have a general physical exam & of course, the psychiatric eval....Every program is different, and the sequnce of when the appointments take place varies from person to person, I'm sure. The monthly Nutritionist appointments are information-packed, seeing how as there are different requirements (# of sessions, based on insurances)---they weigh everyone, present the information to the group & allow time for questions.---The real work is, of course, on us---because I had to set and meet goals each month leading up to my approval and surgery. Once you meet all of your insurance requirements, you get that wonderful approval letter and schedule your surgery date!

As a nurse, I'll try to reassure you that these conditions you have been diagnosed with are manageable---but they all put you @ risk for anesthesia and/or surgery/post-surgical wound healing. Your care team is simply looking out for you by wanting to stablize these conditions ---because to move forward with a surgery beforehand is simply irresponsible....especially an elective procedure.

Deep breath! Any life-altering change causes people to rethink their decisions a bit---DON'T do that with this...because the outcome is going to be spectacular! I burst into tears when I stepped onto the scale @ my 2 week post-op visit... I had my surgery 11/19/15 and clothes that were VERY ill-fitting prior to surgery, now hang on my like a feed-sack! I'm not gonna lie...you will have some discomfort post-op...but you will ALSO have an attentive team of nurses, taking care of you. I had 6 lap-incisions...and the sorest of the 6 was the one that my excised stomach was plucked out from....which is totally understandable and reasonable for us all to expect. Your surgeon will have orders written for pain meds...the aides/ caregivers on the post-surgical floor will be tending to you....So deep breath! You've worked hard to get to this point....we ALL did....and the results are SO worth it---and I'm just seeing the beginning! I think that a big piece of the fear and nerves comes from the fact that VSG is irreversible...and for years, we have all found some sort of comfort in food....and now, we have our new buddy, our sleeve, making us do the best things for our bodies....and who likes to be told what to do? You will be fine! I managed largely with liquid Tylenol and liquid Ibuprofen once I came home....never truly having "pain"...just discomfort that warranted medication so I could rest & recover. Keep us posted! You'll be in my thoughts and prayers that all goes well....and it WILL.

JustWatchMe...you wear that dress! ...Accessorize yourself to the 9's...splurge on a new haircut beforehand...complete with getting your nails done ----and ENJOY yourself! Sounds like you have definitely EARNED it!

You don't mention-specifically- which medication you're taking. Softeners aren't always the answer....because too much....makes things too soft...so you need a stimulant laxative, to get some gut movement goingagain, and move things along. I am a bit over 2 weeks post-op & find Senna x 2 tablets daily works for me. Miralax was "too unpredictable"...so that was not an option. I would try Senna if you haven't already.

Thank you for taking the time to share all of this information with newbies! I appreciate it very, very much. Right now (and an important factor to share with others who will read this post)--is for EVERYONE to take the time to investiage the quality of their selected protein...taste isn't (shouldn't be) "all we're after"...Whey protein ISOLATES are different from Whey Protein Concentrates...(the majority of sources readily admit that ISOLATES ar, indeed, the better choice for what we are all after)....So, reviews aside, don't skimp on quality. Just wanted to add that footnote to the fabulous information given to us by the original poster.

Fortunately, I'm in NO way doubting my decision. I haven't had any hunger..." head hunger" or emotional yearnings....and I'm grateful for that. I know my body well enough to know that my particular roller coaster must be hormonally driven. Regarding the tearfullness being linked to Oxycodone, I've only required a few doses...so mine aren't " narcotic tears" Glad that I have my post- op appointment on Monday! I'm thinking B-12 may be what is needed. ....at least for me

Before I started this new thread, I searched, in vain- using the words, "Emotional"--Nothing. "Tearful"---again, Nothing...Lastly, I entered, "Crying"---No replies. Not one single thread indicating that anyone else on bariatricpal.com was a basketcase....but for me. I had my surgery 11/15/2015...I'm 2 weeks post-op today, as I'm writing this thread. Today, I went grocery shopping with my son...and stopped by the pharmacy @ the grocery store to convey my sincere thanks to them...On the day I was released from the hospital, I had to present with my narcotic prescription in-person...but they didn't have the liquid Oxycodone---but the pharmacist on duty was so nice - and he called it in to another pharmacy in town...All I wanted to do was thank them. Instead, I started crying in Safeway...and my son had to finish the conversation for me. I'm crying now. Someone...anyone...What in the world is going on w/ me? Earlier today, I got the nicest text message from the Director of Nurses where I work as an agency nurse...She messaged me that everyone @ work was wanting to know if I was ok...told me that the nursing team and all the other peeps missed me & they wanted me back @ work ASAP... I sent an elated reply....and cried. I'm at a loss...and really...SERIOUSLY...wanting the tears to stop. On an up-note, it is so very nice to be eating some actual food today....pureed-mush or not, I've enjoyed the most resplendent scrambled egg today...it was almost a "Meg Ryan moment"....LOL

[[[[[[[ hugs ]]]]]]]] Enjoy your movie and visiting with family. I've cried a few times this past hour...just happy knowing that I'm not the only one crying. Lolol