jj7481

I started the discussion with my PCP. After that I called my insurance company to find out their specific requirements to have the surgery approved and paid for. When I started I was referred to a close Bariatric Center of Excellence. I attended their informational session, filled out the paperwork, an waited for a call. They followed up and advised me my insurance viewed them as a Tier 2, and I needed to seek a Tier 1 to have the surgery covered. This is other thing I would advise people to do is not only ask what is covered, but which hospital they consider Tier 1 coverage or recommend. Another big point is not to make assumptions that just because you have, for example, BCBS the requirements are the same for your plan. Insurance companies are specific to your employers or healthcare exchange plan. My employer and my wife's employer are both covered by BCBS. However, we are under her insurance because through my employer is several hundred dollars more per month, and doesn't have as good of coverage.

Go through the motions and jump through the hoops. Most importantly: ASK QUESTIONS! Especially of your nutritionist.

I'm 6 wks out and am currently in my first stall. Glad I've seen this post come up before otherwise I'd be rather frustrated right now.

I don't believe so. However, depending on the smart phone you have there are apps to help accomplish this. The one I have used and recommend is Blood Pressure Companion from the App Store. It's free and great way to trend daily BP's.

Best of luck to you for the surgery, and to your future success!

Most certainly normal. I had loose stools until I started incorporating greek yogurt daily. It finally brought things back to a mostly solid form. Either probiotics or yogurt with live active cultures will benefit more than you realize.

I've always been told when in doubt....go back to basics & fundamentals. Start tracking portions, Fluid intake, and Protein. Make sure you are getting your protein and Water in first.

I have family that makes irritating comments and I finally learned to do this: let it roll off like Water off a ducks back. You cannot control what people say. You can control how you react and what gets to you. In my experience most people have good intentions. Those that don't are just trying to stifle you success and accomplishments. Control what you can: you.

Best of luck!

I wasn't able to sleep on my stomach for at least a week post op. Basically, I rotated from my back, to one side, to my back, to the other side.

Why can't you? Phone calls and emails are typically free. You can at least try and see what they recommend (short of coming into the office to be seen). Your surgical team knows best what you can do with your sleeve to help overcome the bug.

Go back to basics and the foundation of your weight loss. Concentrate on portions, chewing, and slowing down your eating. Make sure you are getting plenty of Water. Aside from that get in regular exercise and you'll lose that weight in no time.

The only person that can answer this....is you. You know your medical hx and/or problems. Think about it this way: your body is ALREADY altered from what it's supposed to be. You are carrying too much weight and that complicates a myriad of conditions/symptoms. It comes down to a risk/benefit scenario that only you can decide to be worthy. A common theme found here is apprehensions pre-op. However, as people tell their story you will see how those apprehensions were overcome.

This is the best thing you can do. Keep up the line of communication with your nutritionist and surgical team.

Some of the best forums I've been apart of have been adaptive and ever evolving. The original premise that created the forum still takes center stage, but smaller sub forums allow for expression of the whole person.

This all comes down to you. If you truly desire to succeed at weight loss surgery....you will. Additionally, this forum will help guide you every step of the way. Keep in touch with your weight loss team. Make sure you have an open line of communication with your nutritionist, surgeon and/or their NP/PA. The biggest thing about this: you're not alone in this.

I'm 5 wks also and the lower part of my belly still....just sits there. I'm incorporating more abdominal workout time per week in hopes it starts to fade.

Many surgeons are backing away from LapBands as research shows poor sustained loss', and lots of patients having to have subsequent sleeve or gastric bypass.

After surgery it becomes one big experiment. Once coveted foods become inedible to some. If he loved it and can eat it with his specific stage diet....go for it.

A lot of questions come into mind when answering this: How has your appetite changed since changed insulin? Are your listed numbers accurate (45lbs lost since 1999)? Are you exercising? How often? Are you still tracking your portions? Are you intaking more carbs? What insulin did you switch to? How often are you taking insulin? As a clinician I have seen many people talk about how insulin (and other meds) make them gain weight. Physiologically this is inaccurate as these hormones and medicines have no calories. What is changing is the hormones and signaling in the body. As insulin levels drop hunger levels rise. This is further complicated by patients who take shots multiple times a day as satiety is affected by insulin and blood sugar levels. Mainly....have you brought this up with your endocrinologist and surgical team? The biggest advantage you can give yourself is good communication with your providers.

WOHOO!!!! Congrats!!!!

I look forward to Stage 4 when I can try these.

I definitely underutilize avocado.

Ok, so I've got a pretty good grasp on proteins during stage 3. My question is: what side dishes are you fabulous folks making to supplement your meal(s)?

That's great news on the update! Like any other surgery GB has it's risks and surgeons are human which occasionally make mistakes. Best of luck on the continued improvement and your future success!