gina171

Sending strong positive thoughts to all of you having surgery on the 17th!!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So....how do we find you on Facebook so we can friend you? I don't see your full name, am I missing it? Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Your skin looks BEAUTIFUL. Your success gives you Rock Star status as far as I am concerned. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Hi All, I want to get some books to help me prep for post-op. If you have any books, cookbooks, emotional/psychological support books that you have found valuable, I would love to hear about them. Also, is there a single, almost all-inclusive book you would recommend for family members who are interested in gaining an understanding without reading 1000 pages across 10 different books? Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Thx, that is encouraging! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Thanks Lemm61! That sounds like the kind of program that offers the support I want/need to learn a new way of living. Who is doing your surgery? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

They're both Centers of Excellence, but I am looking forward to my Duke info session so I can get a sense of their care and post-op support. Dub, your comment really struck a chord with me, thx for the info. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

That's terrific advice, thx!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am early in the process and haven't had surgery yet, but I just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and sending lots of good thoughts and hopes your way. You're strong and brave and are going to get through this. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Any Chapel Hill/Durham folks? Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Sending you good vibes .... You don't deserved to be ashamed of ANYTHING that has to do with this struggle and journey. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Terrific letter, well done! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Congratulations, can't wait to hear more about the next steps in your journey! So happy for you. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

No I definitely would want to see the face.... Plus, if I was a little unsure about the process, and I went to YouTube to learn more from actual patient stories but they blurred out their face....it kind of maybe implies that there is something to be ashamed of? I hate to use that word, but it would send me the silent message that this is something I shouldn't feel proud of doing. If we were talking hip surgery, or even a heart surgery, would you hide your face? Showing your face makes me feel more connected to you, and really connecting with you and your message helps me relate it to my situation. Show your beautiful face.....you're doing a wonderful, brave thing. :-) Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Considering both UNC and Duke for my sleeve surgery, and was wondering if any of you were also deciding between the two, and which you chose? Is there a notable difference in the quality/care/support services of one over the other? Or am I just comparing apples to apples here? Thanks! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I have the great fortune to live in the triangle area of North Carolina, and am very close to both UNC and Duke. Attended an info session for one and liked everything, seemed pretty straightforward, but I wonder if I should also check out the other one as well? Does it really matter which I choose? Wondering if you all checked out different programs before choosing, or if you found that there were significant meaningful differences that mattered to you in the end? Thanks for your advice. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Thanks for the input! I will check out the other university hospital, and make my choice! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Chapel Hill, NC Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I am new, and wondering what are the reasons insurance would deny approval for WLS? My BMI is 48, sadly. And I suspect I have sleep apnea. But isn't the BMI alone a clear reason to approve? Anything I need to be careful to do or NOT do, in order to not ruin my chances for approval? I have United Healthcare, and have confirmed sleeve surgery is a covered benefit if BMI is over 40. Thanks for any advice! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Hi there, I am a super newbie here, going to my first info session at UNC on Tuesday. Have been thinking and reading about this for years, now feel very ready. Checked w my insurer, UnitedHealthcare, and my plan covers the surgery at 90%, which is great. But I am wondering how long is the typical wait between first contact and surgery? Does United Healthcare make patients do a 6-month diet and wait before surgery? My BMI is 48, so even that won't get me below 40. Also, I have been doing weight watchers online (fee-based), and have all my food logs and weigh in logs....would that suffice? I am 48 years old and I am sorry I waited this long, I just want to move forward with a healthier life. Thanks! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App