LeaninLanc

I realize I didn't answer your question. The surgeon's office handled the 6 month dietary program.

At my physician a Certified Nurse Practitioner saw me monthly for six months but she was doing that in the stead of the doctor. She spoke with me about setting goals, working in meeting exercise and diet plans. I had to keep a six month diary of daily calorie and protein counts. I used an app to record it and just transferred it to my log during visits. During this time I also had to meet with dietician for one private session and one group. In addition I had psych and pulmonary Consult. I only saw the Dr at my first visit and my final visit where he reviewed surgery consent. In my case I had to apply kind and gentle pressure to the office insurance person so that she'd get it submitted to BCBS. We have several family events coming up and I wanted to get the show going. My first visit with doctor was late July 2016 and I'm 10 days post op today. IT only took BCBS a few days to approve it. I also spoke with them every other day to see if the doctors office had submitted it. BCBS was very gracious. Best wishes to you! BCBS will send you the written criteria for approval, just need to give them a call.

I'm only 9 days out of surgery but this morning ran into a church member who persistently asked me "Whats up with you, you look really good ?" [emoji12]. It is hard for me to believe but I've already lost about 20 pounds and I think it is mostly in my face. I will be an ambassador for the surgery someday but since I'm literally still walking around with a surgical drain I told her that I'd been getting the best sleep of my life...and that's true. I have a real peacefulness about reclaiming my health. There's another 100 plus to lose so for now just my core group of family, friends and co-worker knows. I'm glad they do know, their support has been a gift.

You might want to ask for a medicated spray for your dry mouth. Although the nursing staff did not ask I was pretty persistent and they brought me a spray to use to increase saliva. It worked!

Just one week out from my VSG at the age of 58! Already surprised to put my winter coat on today and it was roomier! My recovery has been much less painful and difficult than I thought. Of course I wished that all the stars and moons had aligned earlier than age 58 but I am thrilled that I'm at a point in my life where I am able to be 100% physically and mentally in this game. Maturity has its privileges!

Your hospital may offer you a "binder" that velcros around your abdomen. I think I was still sort of drowsy from anesthetic when they placed one on me. After wearing it a day I decided it was not of benefit. Totally optional I think.

Do you have any pre-admission testing scheduled? I would imagine the anesthesiologist will need to be comfortable with your EKG results.

I won't present myself as a veteran here, this is only my 5th full day post-op. What I can tell you is that when I decided to seek out surgery at age 57 I did it because I decided "fearfulness" would no longer control my choices. I was fearful of all that you mentioned. I can tell you with 100% certainty that for the past five days I've awoken, and for the first time in decades, I have the hopefulness that I will regain my health and live a longer life. No more will I awake every day with a sense of dread that I'm in a downward spiral of over eating. I know I'm in the "honeymoon stage" of relief but I would not trade the minor inconveniences of pain to return to the fearful me. Go for it!

Chapstick!!! It's so dry in most hospitals and your mouth will already be having some "dry issues" due to surgery tube etc. I took a change of comfy clothes to put on after catheter was out as I didn't really want to parade around in my gown.

I have BCBS of MN and they required six months but only three had to be consecutive (in the event a scheduling issue arose). My doctor's office was slow to handle most paperwork issues including submission. I made it my "job" to call the office person who handled insurance submissions as well as the insurance co to find out if/when it was submitted. I was pleasant but persistent. It was so frustrating to do everything that was asked of the requirements and then know the paperwork was sitting on a desk. I had my surgery 6 weeks after completing my last 6-month visit. I just had surgery 4 days ago.

Your vlogs are inspirational! I'm just three days post-op. Is there any way within this app to make sure I don't miss the next episode?

Loser's Bench Newbie! I'm 1.5 days out from my vsg and plan to go home today. Since I've never had any surgery and my only hospitalizations were to pop out four kids (without any pain meds), I really didn't know what to expect. My plan has been to take advantage of all offered pain meds, walk every time I'm asked and use the incentive spirometer at bedside 10 times per hour. I'm approaching it like a job. My encouragement goes out to those waiting on a March sleeve date!

Well I'm right behind you, surgery in 5 hours! Woke up to texts of support and prayer and blessing! I'll be right behind you getting on the loser's bench.

Surgery is just 5 hours away for me! My doctor only ordered one day of clear liquids. Seems surreal the day is here since I started the journey late last May. It took me until age 58 to decide to face all my fears and get this tool to assist me. Instead of focusing on all that weighed me down in the past few decades I am looking ahead at being around to experience my grandkids and dance at their weddings (in about 20-30 years!)

I'd posted earlier with this same question. I'm two days away from surgery now [emoji322]. My brother in law had vsg 16 months ago so it felt natural to tell my sibs. My husband and kids of course know. I did tell my BFF's early on for the purpose of accountability. But I have struggled with this. The coworker that covers for me is aware as we've seen each other thru the death of his spouse, we are like siblings. I have examined my conscience though and realize the only reason I fear telling people is that they'll know I am "fat". [emoji23]. My brother in law simply told people that he'd "decided to take his health back". Works for me.

I have BCBS of Minnesota. I had similar questions so I called the BCBS offices and spoke with someone about the six months requirement and also had it emailed to me so I would be fully educated. I think that's a good starting point.

After completing the very long standardized test referenced above, the Psychologist simply spoke with me for 50 minutes to discuss any history of eating disorders, support systems, developing coping strategies for life changes. He capped it off with a memory test which I was thrilled (in my late 50's) to ace. All very painless and pleasant.

I must preface this by saying I have never been at a loss for words. I'm a 58 year old professional who has worked in and with the public for decades. Why am I so concerned/cautious/embarrassed to tell others I'm having VSG on 3/6? My family including siblings all know as do two BFF's and the must-know people at work. But the idea of telling church friends and work friends and others who will have to notice something is happening is making me so uptight. How did you handle this?

Thanks everyone for the "reset". This input was exactly what I needed. I'm confident now that I've told the key people that I needed to tell (and told some of them early on in my 6 month process to hold myself accountable). Your suggestions for handling this going forth were right on.

Oh I totally get that as I consider myself a very private person that unfortunately must live a very public role in our community. I routinely protect my (and hubby and kids') privacy like a zealot ... and on one hand I doubt anyone cares as much as I fear telling them. Guess it's all part of coming to terms with a lifestyle change.

Had my first consult mid-July 2016 and surgery is 3-6-17. Some of my delay was due to doctors office being very slow to submit to insurance. I made sure all my consults were done by November in case any follow ups were needed.

I just received my surgery date for March 6. During my multiple visits with nurse practitioner I'd neglected to ask about what the doctor required pre-op. Today I was told this Dr. only requires liquid 24 hours prior to surgery. Has anyone else had this same situation?

March 6th!! Finally.