Freija

Can you share the link? I think that's how we join private groups without being friends. It's unlisted. Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm looking for a secret group so it doesn't show up for my friends to see that I've joined. I'm holding off on announcing until I've recovered because I don't wanna deal with people until I take care of myself, if that makes sense. I hope to use FB and this app to give me more options to stay accountable and provide privacy. If we have a secret group we can just message each other on here to add each other to the group. Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Awesome! I'll message you. Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm scheduled for Sept 13! [emoji322] Would anyone else be interested in joining a secret Facebook group for September 2017 Sleevers? I'm not as open in these forums since they're public archived but I would love to have some private support with others going through the same process. Let me know if one already exists, or if your interested I can create one. Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Update - I got my date! Sept 13. Pre-op diet begins August 30. It's not a total liquid diet, I get limited veggies, fruits, yogurt, and shakes, but unlimited broth, sf popsicles, and sf Jello. Still not looking forward to it. Let the countdown begin! Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm so glad that you all are moving along so well with your programs! I don't have a date yet, but am hoping to get one very soon. I've done everything required except my next appt. with the NUT. on 7/26. She said all of my results will be in by then, she will go over the pre-op and post-op diet with me then and if I have lost the 5lbs I gained then she will approve me. The scale said I've lost 4lbs but I never trust the numbers with such small increments. After that, I should just be waiting on insurance and a date. Fingers crossed! On another note, I'd like to take a moment to celebrate my small victories and I would love to hear a list of yours as well. 1) I cut out diet soda, which was a huge vice of mine. Eeek! Ive replaced it with half a packet of Crystal Light per bottle of water. A full packet is too sweet for me. 2) I eat a salad atleast once a day, even on my cheat day. Arugula is my new, flavorful BFF. I hate iceberg lettuce and romaine goes bad so quickly so salad hasn't been easy until now. I crave salad now. 3) I've been ordering healthy options when we go out. Also a huge deal because the temptation is so real! 4) We eat chicken, salmon, or shrimp at least 6 days a week. I've also done some black bean and soy burgers. ZERO pasta, rice, potatoes. I'm limiting breads and pastries too but that love affair needs to de-escalate a bit, I can't go cold turkey. 5) I don't do meal prep, but I have started to snack prep. It has helped SO much! I went to Dollar Tree and bought three 10packs of the tiniest little "tupperware" containers. I divide out perfect portions of cheese cubes for the fridge and a dried berry/nut mix for the pantry. I eat one of each, as per NUT's recommendation. It's a nice little snack that keeps me full and doesn't let me overeat. Also loads cheaper than the premade ones at the market. Now where I've failed: 1) I stare longingly at cookies. I haven't found a healthy replacement yet. The good thing is I don't buy them and my husband likes oatmeal raisin, which is a blasphemous cookie imposter IMHO, so I rarely feel tempted...but when I do...[emoji7] it's a work in progress. 2) it's so bloody humid outside (90% humidity) so I haven't been out to exercise. I have an infant to tend to so my old water aerobics routine is out. I'm sucking at exercise lately. I try to do 30 minutes of dance time using my 20lb kid as a dumbbell...I mean dance partner. 3) I still forget to drink and end up chugging water. I've always done it. I get at least 70 oz easily but in large portions. Working on it. If any of you have tips and tricks to share for pre-op prep, I'd love to hear them! Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Im checking in again... I'm currently in Illinois but I've been all over the place from Michigan to Texas. I just had my upper GI. Turns out I have a hiatal hernia. That's one test down anyway, I'm on my way to the lab for bloodwork then I have an appt. With the NUT this afternoon. Have you had any tests done yet? Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi everyone! I'm in the early stages too. I had my initial consult earlier this month. I have my upper GI/small bowel test tomorrow along with some labs and my first nutritionist visit. My psych is scheduled for July 10. After that, who knows! He said we can schedule a date after all of my results come in and my insurance approves. It takes a month for results and up to 2 weeks insurance approval. My insurance doesn't have a supervised WL requirement, so that helps. I can't gain, that's my only restriction from the surgeon. My husband is supportive, but he has made a few jokes about me leaving when I lose weight. I think it's a very minor concern but he's more excited than anything for us to be healthy. We just had our first baby last year, our lives together are just beginning. I've been very open about the surgery with him and even asked if he agreed to it, not because I need permission or anything, but because it will be a huge change for his life as well and his input is important. He felt valued to be included in the process, thankfully. I'm excited to keep in touch with all of you since we are so close on our timelines. Best wishes to all of you! Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

I love this thread! Thank you for sharing so candidly. It's a great idea to document the process, I know I stalked a million forums before my consult to get a clear picture of what's to come. I can relate to so much of your post. Im anxious to get it done and begin my new life already. I have my nutritionist/upper gi test/labs scheduled for the end of the month then my psych on July 10. After all of the results come in, it's just waiting on insurance approval, which is 2 weeks or less in my state I believe. I'm guessing I'll know my date before the end of August. I am hoping to be sleeved ASAP but I'm shooting for a date before November at least. I'd love to be sleevie buddies to stay motivated. [emoji3] I'll definitely be following your updates here. Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Congrats on your decision to take back your life! [emoji322] I'm 32 and I just had my consultation this week. I was nervous but I left knowing this is a good path for me. We are far too young to let our weight rob us of health and happiness. I know that if I were to die tomorrow (God forbid) that I wouldn't regret not eating another slice of pizza, I would regret not taking control of my life and being active. My weight doesn't let me do that. It's time! Also, I took a lot of paperwork from old diets, relevant medical documents, etc. to my appt. My surgeon was impressed and said that my preparedness demonstrates my commitment. They do take that into consideration when the hospital board evaluates who should and should not have the surgery. It made me more confident to know I made a good impression. Good luck, I'm happy for you! Keep in touch since we are both beginning around the same time. Let's compare notes along the way and help each other. [emoji4] I think you'll do just fine. Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

I have my first consult coming up on June 5. I am also meeting with the doctor who referred me before then. Is there anything I should ask for or do to prepare for the consult to make things go as smoothly and quickly as possible? My insurance doesn't require medically supervised weight loss but I'm not sure what this surgeon will require. Is there some sort of documentation from my doctor that can help my case with my surgeon? Thanks in advance!

Thank you! I spoke to my insurance before I called to ask for a consult. I'm covered and I meet the requirements. The bariatric center here is part of a hospital that is a sister company to the insurance company. They're in network and preferred for care so that should be a smooth part, I hope. I just can't understand how it would take 2 weeks for a secretary to call me so I can get a first appt when I've already completed the seminar. I may call to make sure they got my referral paperwork. Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello, I'm new and 32 years old. I just got my referral this week and completed the seminar but the local bariatric center said it would take their scheduler two weeks to call me to schedule a consultation, then another month before they can fit me in. This feels like a very slow process. I have sleep apnea and am over 40 BMI. I met with a nutritionist last year and my doctor prescribed weight loss medication last month (made me sick, so I can't take it) so I feel that I do have a documented history with her if needed. I just hope I wont be denied by the surgeon since I had a baby 6 months ago. I think I'll be approved by my insurance but I'm worried that this bariatric center will drag it out. There's no other option in my insurance network, that I know of. In the meantime, I'm changing my earing habits slowly. What is everyone's timeline like from the first call to where you are now? Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app