cls5186

Hey guys, i'm about 2 months before surgery and i'm nearly done with all my insurance and surgeon requirements: as per insurance i have had to complete 6 monthly PCP visits, 1 psych visit, structured nutrition plan as overseen by my PCP/surgeon. As per my surgeon i have had to have, 2 chest x-rays, bloodwork, EGD, sleep study (was then diagnosed with sleep apnea), 1 psych visit, EKG. My question and what i've been worried about is payment after all is said and done, i have a balance of $600 after my sleep study i am to pay (after insurance) which i'm signing up for an FSA through my employer to pay for these costs, i'm just not sure how much to put on my FSA or credit card they give me, at the first of the new year (2017). Anyone have any idea how much i should estimate for total surgery, one co-pays are made? Just the hospital stay and surgery itself (plus the sleep study cost). I checked out the cost estimator on Highmark's website and it was no help to me at all. Help please!?

I just had my FINAL 6-month weigh in, Monday and i'm down 49/50 lbs since i began! I could not be prouder of myself. I'm "slated" to have gastric bypass in mid- to late January and my surgeons office just submitted all my information to insurance yesterday (Tuesday). Anyone have Highmark BCBS of Pennsylvania that could give me a timeline of how long i'll hear if i'm approved? I'm so nervous waiting, i can barely sit still! I still have 2 pre-op appointments, one EGD procedure and an eco of my heart. I'm 90% there!

Yeah! That's who my surgeon is. Wonderful surgeon!

I know a lot of people who have gone to Geisinger for their sleeve or bypass and made out fantastic. But yeah, i just started taking stool softeners and it has helped a bit, but still the feeling of rocks in my stomach stays-which stinks. Any other questions you have, let me know! I'll answer em for ya!

Small world, I'm from Clearfield originally! I work at Accuweather currently in State College. But about surgery, haha. My date was Jan. 23rd and I had it done in Pitt. by an awesome surgeon. I'm about 8 weeks pre-op, everything seems to be going ok except it's so hard to poop! Haha and it's uncomfortable at times. I miss some foods though, carbs being a big one!

@hannah_621 hey! yeah I'm in State College, are you also in the area? Are you pre-op or post-op?

Hey guys, i had gastric bypass on 1/23/17 which was roughly 4 weeks ago, i've lost 16 lbs. I've seen that people have lost more, i'm just concerned my rate is slow. Can anyone else tell me about how much they've lost within about this time period? Thanks!

I had my gastric bypass surgery last Monday, Jan. 23rd and i've been feeling so low and depressed recently. Is this normal? I'm also going stir-crazy in my house and am so bored of watching tv. I also have a giant cyst from the catheter in the downstairs region which is more painful than the actual surgery incisions-which i am getting taken care of tomorrow. So it's a mix of feeling sad, bored, a little hungry for anything other than soup and water, a little lonely and the pain from this damn cyst. Help?

Hello cls5186, I'm looking for options to loose weight b4 surgery. I needed to loose 13 but gained at least 20 so now I need to loose 33. Where can I find info on the liquid diet? Thanks in advance Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using the BariatricPal App

For sure recommend the liquid diet, it's required before surgery. Mine is 1,000-calorie high Protein, low fat, carbs, cals, etc. It's extremely difficult (at least it was for me) but this is day 7 of my 10-day liquid diet and i've lost close to 20 pounds since the beginning. It's safe and i'd recommend that if you're trying to lose weight quick, safely.

Ok, among a few other things i'm scared about one of the main ones is after surgery. I've read articles where patients who undergo gastric bypass don't report feeling as full as they think they should. With a smaller stomach you should feel full with 4 ounces of drink/food, correct? I'm scared i won't feel that feeling of being full and overeat again, not lose the weight and be back in the same boat. Anyone that can help me shed some light on this?

Ok, i'm sorry but i really need to vent about two things. First, today is day 1 of a 10-day liquid diet and i'm admittedly miserable. I'm at work hating everyone and everything, i know this is necessary and will benefit me long-term, but i really just needed a bitch session. Also, secondly i had sleep study as a pre-op guideline from the surgeon and found out i had sleep apnea, this was Halloween night. I've been fighting to get a C-PAP machine since, if it's not one thing it's another. First it was my insurance, then it was my doctor sending in the wrong forms, or leaving out his first name causing chaos and making the process not run smoothy. At my pre-op, my doctors said since i didn't have a C-PAP using oxygen while in the hospital was fine. I got a call Thursday saying it wasn't fine and i need to get a C-PAP before surgery, my surgery date is Jan. 23rd--yes, that's in 10 days. I have been calling the place everything was faxed to and apparently they're STILL waiting on some form from my PCP. I am at my whits end, i don't know what to do....not only am i hungry but i have to deal with this C-PAP drama.

@@dottiewalker1127 the only time i've ever tried one is during my sleep study back in October, i'm projecting i'll also hate it. My surgery is Jan. 23rd too! I'll be thinking about you on our surgery date, good luck! @@Vinasu i thought of that! if this doesn't pan out, that's the route i'll have to go.

@@lisaann0321 today is better than yesterday, BUT i'm still starving for real food i can chew! haha

@@justhere4theshow yes, i've made them aware of time constraints. i may have gotten through to them finally! i have an appointment to get fitted for one Tuesday morning.

Just sharing my approval with Highmark BCBS of PA, I was approved within 3 days and received a letter by the weekend. I'm ecstatic, but my parents who aren't very supportive of the surgery are unhappy. It sucks because I want to share my joy and happiness, but they're being happiness sponges. Any advice on what I can say to try and remedy the situation? My possible surgery date is January 17th- and I've decided on gastric bypass. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hey guys, i'm almost there...almost to the home-stretch! My pre-op appointment is tomorrow and i'll find out what i can eat or drink rather. I know it'll be a 14-day liquid diet, with the day before surgery being clear liquid only. What are some experiences from people who have been through this? I'm really dreading it, but i know i have to just get through it.... Also, what are some things you pack for your hospital stay after? Thanks!

You guys all had ideas of things to pack I didn't even think of! Thanks so everyone's suggestions and good luck on your journeys! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you all! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Mine is January 23rd. My pre-op appointment is tomorrow., I'm excited but nervous.

I'm having mine January 23rd, i'm so excited! Good luck with your journey!

I'm going through Allegheny Health Network, i'll have my surgery at West Penn.

@@sherri~ i'm having my surgery in Pittsburgh, but i'm from the State College area. Mine was submitted Tuesday, but it hasn't show up as a 'claim' on Highmark's website. My surgeons office takes care of sending all paperwork to insurance, so i trust they sent it. I hope so anyway, haha Have you already had your surgery?