Acceber12

I'm hoping someone might be able to help shed some light on an odd pain I've been feeling the past week or so. I am about 3 weeks post- surgery, and when I bend over I get this sharp, almost like a burning pain on my lower stomach. It feels like it's something irritating my skin, and not internal. It's also not near any incisions. It's the area in the center of my lower belly below my belly button. Has anyone else experienced this or something similar?

I have the Mirena and hadn't had a period since I got it, about a year ago. The week after surgery I got my period for the first time since getting the Mirena. I asked my surgeon about it, and she said it had to do with the stress of the surgery. I'm hoping that's true and I go back to not having periods again, ever

Maybe I'm one of the lucky ones but I feel great. I have a little bit of abdominal soreness from my incisions, and I'm bored of the liquid diet, but otherwise I feel good as new. I went back to work today. How about you? Feeling good?

does anyone know what causes the hair loss? is it hormonal, some sort of nutrient deficiency, or something else?

Hi all! Just found this forum and just wanted to say hello. I was sleeved on 4/27, and feeling good!

Good question, I was just sleeved a little over a week ago and had the same concerns. I haven't had any issues drinking my water and eating (drinking) my protein. I stopped the pain meds after 4 days, and went back to work after a week. I was also initially concerned about feeling hungry even after eating, but I'm already starting to not feel hungry and forgot to eat. Today I set a schedule so I could get all of my meals in (4 oz, 6 x a day, 60 g protein).

Also in Seattle and just had the sleeve on 4/27! I think I love it already

That's exciting, @@FabFatFish ! Best of luck. @Munstersfan207 -- Sorry I haven't logged on in a bit. My appointment in May was ok. I've been going through all of the pre-surgery prerequisites and testing, which has taken a bit longer than I had hoped. The only thing I have left to do is some bloodwork and then I can meet with my surgeon again to discuss moving forward. Unfortunately, I've gained about 12 lbs since May, so I have a feeling that might set me back in terms of being able to schedule a date. We shall see.

Hello! New to this site, and scheduled for my first consult with the surgeon on Monday. I was wondering if there were any others in the Seattle or PNW area? Also, I was wondering if anyone knew of any in-person WLS meetups or support groups in the Seattle area that they would recommend? Thanks!

Glad your procedure went well and your recovering quickly, @kadie777.

Yes, please do follow up and let me know how it goes, @kadie777. Lots of luck and good vibes today!

Hi I had FEP as well. Keep us posted on the outcome. My guess is that your surgeon will be able to identify at least one co-morbidity in your health history. FEP did not approve my surgery initially bc they thought I was below 35 bmi but they eventually approved when I resubmitted. I would assume as one gets closer to 40 BMI that they would be more willing to approve. Keep us posted! Sooo I had my initial consult with the surgeon, and I ended up clocking in at a 39.3 BMI. I am a bit disappointed that the nurse insisted my height was 5'3, when I think I'm closer to 5'2 and have been measured at that height multiple times by my PCP and other providers. The inch difference would have meant that I probably wouldn't need to prove co-morbities. But, oh well. The appointment itself also was not what I would have expected...the surgeon and resident seemed surprised I was interested in surgical treatment of obesity. The resident also commented that I was smaller and healthier than the patients he normally sees in the clinic. I didn't really think that was a compliment nor helpful. They seemed to get it a little more when I explained my rational that I want to get this surgery to help me lose weight before I develop diabetes and other weight related health complications. The surgeon ended up enrolling me in the pre-surgery program, so I am happy about that. Now I just have to wait and see if my insurance will end up paying. Anyways, I see your surgery is coming up fast, @@kadie777! Are you excited? Nervous?

Awesome! Hopefully I'll get the green light on Monday from the surgeon saying I'm a good candidate for the sleeve/WLS Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

That's kinda a bummer. I was hoping to find a meetup, but no dice. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

No fun, I had plantar fasciitis last summer and my feet hurt so much I would soak them in ice baths every night. I found rolling the bottoms of my feet on a golf ball helped, too. I also went to a local running shoe store and had someone help me pick out sneakers for my foot type and under/over pronation, along with some inserts for extra padding. Eventually it felt better on its own. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

That does seem odd. The plan's terms and conditions should be available to you in writing. If your insurance policy is through work, and the benefits person at your work won't give you the Plan Document after you make a request (even better if you request it in writing), you can call the DOL and they can help. Employer sponsored health insurance is covered by ERISA. Good luck! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi @@Allibrooke28, I'm in Washington too! I think the best bet is to get the Plan Document. This should spell out the terms and conditions of your plan, including whether WLS is excluded. If your health insurance is through work, you can request the Plan Document from your work's HR person. Everyone's plan is different and has different prerequisites for getting insurance approval. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@KristenLe - is your health plan through work? If so, you can request the plan document from your HR person. The plan document should outline whether WLS is covered and any prerequisites for coverage. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Assuming your insurance covers WLS, maybe try contacting your group and asking for an in network provider list of bariatric surgeons? If there aren't any that could be a problem, but cross one bridge at a time. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thanks for sharing, @gotosleeve. Your scars don't look bad at all! I just had my gallbladder removed 2 months ago with similar looking scars. Once I have the sleeve my stomach is just going to be a laparoscopic scar mine field (fingers crossed my insurance will pay, my first consult is Monday). Oh well, seems like a small price to pay for something that will hopefully help change our lives for the better! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

That's great to hear! Congrats again Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you, @@Munstersfan207! And congrats on your surgery! Do you love it? Any regrets? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My plan is also 2 years. I had an appointment in December 2014, where I weighed in at 220. But since then I've gone down to 196 and then back up to 205, 210, and now most recently back up to 220 again. I'm hopeful that the December 2014 weigh in counts even though my BMI has gone below 40 since then!

You should consult with an attorney. A reputable med malpractice attorney should do a consult without charge to see if you have a viable case. I can't give you legal advice, but if your stomach is still intact, and your surgeon billed you and/or your insurance for a gastric sleeve procedure, I would consult with a medical malpractice attorney ASAP. You should act fast, as there are statute of limitations issues at play that could bar your claim. Best of luck.

Thank you for sharing, @@Miss Mac! I also have Federal BCBS, and am anxious about not having the requisite BMI of 40 or any co-morbities. I have my first consult with the surgeon on Monday, so hopefully I will have more information then. I did have gallbladder disease, but I had it removed earlier this year so I'm not sure if that counts anymore...