missionslimmom

Had my initial appointment and while my insurance (tufts) does not have any requirements the surgeon is saying it will be 6 months AT LEAST for me to go through their program (umass)? I am thinking of looking at programs in other in-network hospitals. It appeared the surgeon was not fond of me due to my having done my appropriate research. Idk it could have been me just feeling that vibe. I weighed in at 239.7 and 5'6.5" which they round up. I have been working with their nutritionist since August and have fluctuated a bit but am only down about 3lbs. I'm frustrated. I thought that working within this program would put me ahead with the timeline and show I've been working on it but he seemed to just brush it off. I turn 30 in May and was really hoping to be having surgery in February or March, I mean I've been going there since July to meetings and orientation and the nutritionist. Then surgeon says that I will need to lose weight but then I will not qualify at all so I might want to think about it some more if this is why i really want. Of course it's not what I REALLY want. I wanted to do it on my own and I've tried but I do believe I need this. I've spent nearly 3 years looking into sleeve gastronomy and then changing my mind because I was too proud. This surgeon says "maybe your body is comfortable at 200lbs" but it's not. It was not comfortable than and it's not comfortable now. I have sleep apnea, shortness of breath on stairs, joint and back pain. Sorry for the rant. I'm just so frustrated. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I did not have any stalls until now. It’s been too easy to be honest. I eat when I’m hungry and stop when I’m full and don’t deny myself anything but do focus on getting protein and fluids. Dr. Kelly thinks I might lose another 10 pounds but I feel really good where I am right now

I had surgery 7/24 at UMass with Dr.Kelly. I met all requirements early but then was buying a house and other stressful things so I put it off for a couple months. I hit my goal weight of 160lbs the beginning of November and have been maintaining 155-160 since then. My surgeon has said I am a picture perfect post VSG patient. No vomiting, food issues, hair loss etc. good luck!

Thanks for everyone's input as I said, I'm going to continue in this program due to the convenience of the hospital and the fact I do have an established relationship with the nutritionist but I am still a bit weary of the surgeon. I'm glad I have this forum. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I spoke with a rep on the phone two separate times and the surgeon confirmed that for me on Friday. It's no longer a requirement which is a double edge sword because it puts more trust in the surgeon/program, but also doesn't have a set guideline. You would still have to follow the program's guidelines so it doesn't make much of a difference. This is all from what the reps on the phone told me. I enjoy being a part of the Omada program. I'm in a second round now because I really like the app and scale even though I've only lost about 4 total pounds since July. I gained then lost when I broke my ankle. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Tufts health direct which is what I have does not have the requirement. I HAVE done all the visits already which is why I'm frustrated. I've seen the therapist a few times, seen the nutritionist and am participating in a supervised weight loss program (Omada/prevent) through insurance. I have spoken with Tufts multiple times to confirm what is necessary. It's not like I expected to have surgery scheduled for December or anything lol but I wouldn't have been doing all the meetings and leg work if I knew it wasn't going to count for ANYTHING even though it was all through the same program kwim? I'm in Worcester so St.Es is a bit of a hike but I did have my gallbladder removed there and felt super comfortable with the team despite that being and emergency surgery. I'm going to keep looking but I'm not going to Mexico so no worries there Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I found it so strange the way he said that. My body is actually "comfortable" at 180-185. Everytime I've been that weight I have gotten pregnant! But it takes so much work and unhealthy habits to get down there and I don't want to live that life. He said that 200lbs is the cusp of healthy BMI for my height and therefore a goal of 155-160 is good to have but I should be aware that 200 could be my bodies comfort weight? I want to look for other programs but this one is so well known and popular while also being close to my home that IDK where to start. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

The program has a "track" of visits you must complete. So because I still have to meet the behavioral therapist, exercise person and Doctor a certain amount of times he is saying it would be 6 months. I am meeting with the nutritionist again and am going to ask her what she thinks Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

That's what I thought. I see a specialist in orthopedics there but had ankle surgery at Memorial. This is all very helpful. My appointment is Thursday and I feel very prepared thanks to this group. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hello, I have just started this surgery track at umass in worcester,ma. I am 5'6 240lbs with sleep apnea and a few secondary conditions. I have my first consults with surgeon and psych next week. How long from these initial appointments is the average time until surgery? I have been working with their weight-loss center for 6 months tracking food and exercise and have only fluctuated 5-10lbs. Nervous, anxious and excited to get the ball rolling.

I have tufts and my first appointment is Thursday. If you don't get an answer before then I will be sure to fill you in Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Are you having surgery at Memorial or University? I would love to pick your brain about the program. I also have Tufts. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank You! This all gives me a bit of an idea of what to expect as far as timing goes. Especially since I have already been working with them for a few months it could be in the first quarter of next year! I'd love to have it done before I turn 30 in May.