ava32

Just turned 23 and I'm one month into my 6 month supervised weight loss. I calculated that if things go well I should have my surgery sometime around August/September. My concern is I will be starting Nursing school around that time. How long after surgery can I go back to school? What if I get too far behind? How has anyone adjusted to college life after WLS(i.e. socializing, partying, dating, etc) As a nursing student I'm sure my life will be extremely busy, but I still want to have fun.

Just turned 23 and that is a huge concern for me as well. I'm single and I fear dating after wls. Our generation is completely into physical image. I hope I "snap back" well after surgery. I've already made up my mind to get a breast lift after reaching my goal weight. ????

I'm 23 and live in Seattle, WA. I'm at the beginning of my 6 month supervised weight loss for insurance purposes. I have been contemplating wls for the pass 3-4 years but because of the hoops insurance put in place I was hesitant. But seeing how my weight has affected my life I decided to play into the insurance "game" and start the process of bettering my life. The wls community on IG has been a huge help as well as this app. I'm pissed about the 6 month thing but people keep telling me it goes by quick. Just celebrated my birthday a couple of days ago and it sucked waking up to my body. I'm excited for what my future has in store! ????

Just turned 23 a couple of days ago. I have been overweight my WHOLE life! I was really active when I was younger but once I stopped playing basketball in 8th grade, the weight really piled on. Since then I've tried Slimfast, Nutrisystem, pills,etc. I would lose some weight but then gain it all back. I'm now in the process of my 6 month weight loss period. I'm looking forward to the end. My dad and stepmom are totally against me getting the surgery. My stepmom has told me negative things like "you'll always be big no matter what". And my dad brings up mortality with getting surgery in general. He also told me I need to work out and eat less(which I've tried). My stepmom is over 300 pounds overweight so I think she doesn't want me to lose weight because she will still be big. Her cousin got the bypass surgery 10 years ago and looks great! I think she is jealous and envious of the both of us. Lucky for me a recent situation has caused me to cut both my dad and stepmom out of my life forever! ????

Only share with people who you feel will be the most supportive. I've told my mom and sister. I'm 5 months away because of 6 month supervised weight loss, but I still don't see me telling anyone else. I've read a lot on BP how telling too many people can backfire.

Thank you for your kind words and advice. I really appreciate it.

OMG sounds EXACTLY like the psychiatrist from my evaluation!!! The whole time she kept probing for more information while nodding with this weird grin on her face. Does my pain get you off? If anything she should've had a neutral facial expression. When I would wipe my tears away I just saw her smiling. I do NOT want to see her again but I have another appointment with her in April.

Wow! I had a similar experience with my psych evaluation. I'm at the beginning of my 6 month program. I already had my initial evaluation with the psychiatrist who works with the wls center. She brought up her concerns that she saw in my initial application i.e.( severe depression & anxiety, brief bulimic experience & my drinking alcohol). I felt VERY attacked and uneasy. I wanted to make sure I was honest on my application but had NO idea it was going to be used against me later. She suggested that I meet with an outside therapist to work on my issues. I asked if she had any power to deny me surgery and she said she doesn't but she gives the surgeon notes. I have to meet with her again in April and I'm not looking forward to it. I plan on seeing a therapist but now I'm worried about being so honest if it is going to stall my surgery. FYI I have wanted wls for about the last 3-4 years. My insurance has put me through the ringer and I'm SO close. I don't want to mess anything up.

She came off really judgmental in my opinion. In my initial application I shared that I have 3-5 drinks a week and that I was a victim of sexual abuse. I straight out asked if she had the power to deny or approve my surgery and she told me that she doesn't. She said she shares her notes with my surgeon and it all depends on my surgeon. She did suggest that I go to therapy. Yeah. She basically implied that I was an alcoholic. I wish I wasn't so candid in my initial application if I'd knew they would throw everything back in my face. And told me I need to go to see a therapist. I explained to her that I'm a full time student who can barely afford the visits for getting cleared for surgery, let alone a psychiatrist. Because of my mom's insurance I have to do a mandatory six month supervised weight loss. I'm currently on my second month.

She came off really judgmental in my opinion. In my initial application I shared that I have 3-5 drinks a week and that I was a victim of sexual abuse. I straight out asked if she had the power to deny or approve my surgery and she told me that she doesn't. She said she shares her notes with my surgeon and it all depends on my surgeon. She did suggest that I go to therapy.

Agreed. I also suffer from depression and anxiety. I already had my psych evaluation. The psychiatrist was concerned because studies have shown that people who've had WLS attempt self harm. I deal with my mental illness through medication and meditation.

Have you tried Christian Mingle?

I'm going through the SAME thing as you. I do have a different insurance company though. My current BMI is at the lower end of the BMI range that qualifies for coverage. I was worried about having to do the 6 month supervised weight loss because I wasn't sure if the insurance company would pay if I fell out of that BMI range. My dietician told me that if I get close she will help me maintain the weight so I can get coverage. With all the appointments & test this whole process sort of feels like a part time job. ????

Thanks, you're right! It is just I have been struggling all my life. And when I found out about the 6 month requirement, I got really discouraged. But I guess it's better to look at the glass half full instead of empty. ????

80-90 lbs.That's not bad. I lost 95, I'm sure I'm quite a bit older than you, and the only problem area I have is my tummy. And that's not even too terrible (although I have considered plastics for it). Look at my pics in my profile and you'll see my skin isn't too bad. I have been exercising and lifting weights along resistance training for the last 14 months, so I think that has helped. At least I like to think it did Wow you look great! I'll be 23 next month you don't look that much older. Resistance training is an amazing idea. Have you tried shape wear for your tummy i.e. waist trainers/corsets?

Thanks for responding. Great advice to start saving for plastic surgery. I've read that if you have too much loose skin some insurance companies cover the removal, but I'm sure that is no small feat. I'm a huge worrywart. Something that has also occupied my mind is the potential of blood clots.

80-90 lbs.

I started my 6 months supervised weight loss this month as well. I'm so pissed about it but I know it has to be done. Anyone have any ideas on how to remain positive or tips to make the time go quick?

I'm at the beginning of my 6 month supervised weight loss. I agree completely! Why are you making me lose weight prior to surgery when that is the reason I want the surgery? I've been told BS how insurance companies want to see how well you do with a structured lifestyle similar to the one after surgery. To me I'm just continuing living a miserable life for 6 months. Also I asked my dietician about losing too much weight and my BMI not being within range for insurance coverage. She told me if it gets close to below the range that there are ways to maintain that BMI prior to surgery.

I'm not sure if non weed smokers know this but, not all strains of weed induce hunger. FYI... ????

. I know this a pretty old post, but I found it a couple of days ago. I'm currently a nursing student who is in the process of getting cleared for the VSG. I medicate using MJ as well for the same reasons and lower back pain. I was told by my surgeon that I should stop usage 6 weeks before surgery and to no longer smoke afterwards(just edibles). I want to know your experience with smoking after surgery & how you are passing drug tests as a nurse.

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