Natashca

I had my surgery with Eviva back in October. Wonderful group of doctors with a great team.

Thank you! I'm having issues getting my fluids in. Every sip no matter how small causes massive amounts of belching. It's insane. How have you been doing? Tasha

That’s great! When will you be able to go home?

Good Luck! Let us know how you're doing. I was sleeved yesterday. SO glad its over and I'm back in my own bed. Tasha

Hey there, Tomorrow I finally get my sleeve. I can't believe how slow the time has gone. The last 6 months DRAGGED. Now this last week everything feels like its going so fast! I haven't even packed. I'm scheduled to be at the hospital at 10 AM. Looking forward to getting to the other side. Who else is getting surgery tomorrow? Tasha

Congrats on your surgery. Sorry to hear that you had such a rough night! I didn't sleep much, I had my surgery done a surgical center instead of a hospital. I only stayed overnight since I would have had to come back in the early AM for IV fluids. I had a reclining chair, the folks with cpap machines got beds. Either way it wasn't bad. Thankfully I didn't have any poking me for more blood. I was always asking to get disconnected from the machines so I could walk. I can't stand being idle for too long. I just had gas pains for the most part until the iv drugs wore off. I'm so glad they warned me beforehand that I was not in fact having a heart attack, it's just gas. Hopefully your hunger will level out for you. I'm not hungry, and I'm glad for it. Every time I drink water it causes terrible belching and makes me queasy. So glad you'll be home soon. Best wishes for a smooth recovery. Keep me updated with your progress! Tasha

Hi there, Just a quick update. I'm on the other side! My surgical team was simply awesome. My nurse that went over my history and got me ready to go the the OR was simply wonderful. She was great to joke around with with putting in my IV and getting changed into my gown and pretty hospital socks. Met the OR nurse, anesthesiologist and my surgeon before going in. They were super accommodating for me, I have an aversion to being strapped down to the OR table (less than pleasant experience with a c-section). I asked if I could be asleep first and they were totally understanding. In fact I think from the time I walked into the ER to the point of unconsciousness was maybe 45 seconds. Literally, I laid down, saw a bright light and... that was it. Next thing I know, I'm back in my room, husband waiting. The first few hours are a complete blur. Vaguely recall my surgeon checking in and telling me I had a really small liver. I don't know what drugs they gave me but man, I didn't feel anything in the stomach area, just unbelievable chest pain from the co2. I hope this helps some of you guys that haven't gone in yet. If you have any question let me know. Tasha

Thanks Broyse! I head over in just an hour!

DonnaGC, Have you had you final preop with your doc? When I had mine I was given a sheet stating when to stop taking my medications. Also, when the office called with the surgery day instructions she clarified when to take certain medications, when to stop eating solids and drinking water. If you're still unsure call the office, it's important. Best of luck to you!

Best of luck!

Hi! Thankfully, I don't have a clear liquid diet. For the last two weeks it's low fat low carb to shrink my liver. However, the last couple days I haven't really felt like eating much, getting anxious. How have you been fairing with the clear liquids? Tasha

I have Anthem BCBS of GA, not sure if that's the same as what you have. I had to complete 6 months of supervised diet, visits with the Nut and Psych. I didn't have any comorbidities so I had a few less doctors visits then you have. Thankfully, all of my doctors visits were coordinated through the surgeons office to make sure that nothing was missed. Once I finished the last supervised diet appointment the office submitted the paperwork to insurance for approval. It took just a couple of days. Although, I did call the Nurse from BCBS that I was assigned to a few times to make sure I wasn't forgotten. [emoji3] I hope this helps, if you have any other questions, let me know. Tasha

Hi there Marylou, For me at least, my insurance required a six month supervised diet before approving the surgery. As much as I hated to wait in some ways I am glad since It's given me time to adjust to eating smaller portions, make exercise part of my routine etc etc. Best of luck to you! Tasha

October 23rd! Just got the approval from insurance! I start my pre op diet on the 8th. So excited! Tasha

WhooHoo! I'm scheduled for the 23rd as well! Want to be sleeve buddies? Sounds like you're set. Going to have to pick up some SF popsicles and SF pudding myself closer to the date otherwise the kids (and husband) will eat them all. Good Luck! Tasha

Have you gotten your approval? I'm waiting as well! Just finished up my 6 month supervised on Thursday. Paperwork was submitted today. I've spoken with the BCBS nurse prior to submitting and went through her checklist. With any luck I'll have some good news in a few days. Thankfully, the surgeons office has already scheduled a date for me. I think they tell us 30 days as a maximum, that way we don't keep harassing them asking if its been approved! Good luck!

HI Chica320, I have Anthem BCBS of Georgia. I have finally finished my required 6 month supervised diet. I don't think that they've rejected a claim for not losing anything. Do you have a Nurseline that you can call? With my plan I have a nurse assigned to me to answer any questions and to help streamline the process of approval. Tasha

Currently I live in Seattle, WA. Formerly Tucson, AZ, Atlanta, Ga, Boston, MA, but home sweet home will always be New York!

If you have a Trader Joe's near you they have fresh, individually portioned grilled chicken breasts that are actually pretty tasty. 150 calories, 5 grams of fat, 27 grams of protein, 0 carbs. They come in so handy when I just can't think about cooking anything. Tasha

I have to agree you. There's just something about the texture.. gritty maybe? I can totally live without yogurt but, I tried yet another kind today and it was really good. Try the Yoplait 100 greek yogurt. It was crazy creamy. Creamy enough to make me actually want go and buy more for tomorrow!

With my surgeon he generally discharges the same day as surgery unless there are complications. However, they request that you come back to the office first thing the next morning for IV fluids. If the patient lives a bit away from the surgical center they ask that you stay at a nearby hotel.

I have my next Doctor's appointment next week. I better give them a call. Thanks!

Hi there! Quick question for you since you were approved through Anthem. When it came to approval, did they take your starting BMI or your current BMI at the time of the request? I don't have any comorbidities with 5 months left to go of my supervised diet..... so yeah. I want to lose as much as I can before the surgery to maximize the effectiveness. But, I also don't want to pay out of pocket! LOL. Thanks in advance! Tasha

Okay, pretty much the same as mine. Do you have BCBS? Since you've already be approved, do you know if your insurance takes the BMI at the beginning of the process or what it is right before approval? I haven't contacted BCBS to find out yet but I'm worried if I drop below 40 then they'll deny me. Tasha

I like the ready to go Premier Protein in chocolate as well. The vanilla.... not so much. I find that it's sicky-sweet. But I bought a whole case and need to get through them. I've blended it with a few fresh strawberries to make it palatable. If you have a Sam's Club nearby a case of 12 for I think $16-$17. Which compares to $7.47 at walmart for 4 it's a good deal.