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KateBruin

Gastric Sleeve Patients
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Everything posted by KateBruin

  1. I use vega plant based protein. Whey tends to upset my stomach but I can handle core power and premier as RTD shakes when I'm lazy.
  2. KateBruin

    Vitamin and B12 patches

    I just give myself a b12 injection once a week. I'm still pre-surgery but my b12 was ridiculously low and super symptomatic. My body wouldn't absorb sublingual so I switched to shots. Super easy.
  3. KateBruin

    Waiting for insurance

    It's basically your doctor appealing the denial. Because Aetna had officially denied your request for approval the doctor probably has to formally appeal the decision. It's ridiculous but assuming nothing else is missing you should get approval. Stay on your doctors office to make sure they do the peer to peer
  4. Some people are so self-absorbed hey probably don't notice. Other people, like myself, would never comment on someone's weight ever. I have several friends who are recovering anorexics and my sister was. Even praising comments about weight loss can have negative consequences and I refuse to be part of someone becoming anorexic/bulimic.
  5. KateBruin

    Premier Protein

    This is my favorite too. I drink premier when I'm too lazy to blend up a shake but paleo protein is so good and way easier on my stomach.
  6. KateBruin

    Abdominal fat?

    I wish insurance would cover the muscle tightening portion of a tummy tuck instead of just skin removal if someone qualifies for the skin removal portion because of infection. It can't be THAT much work. Stupid insurance companies.
  7. KateBruin

    Opioid Malabsorption

    I'm so sorry for your daughter's struggles. I have spondyloarthritis/ankylosing spondylitis with dysautonomia that comes and goes. I have a friend with Ehlers-danlos and it's awful. Sending positive thoughts to her. I love salonpas. It's like witchcraft for me.
  8. KateBruin

    Opioid Malabsorption

    I'm so sorry for your daughter's struggles. I have spondyloarthritis/ankylosing spondylitis with dysautonomia that comes and goes. I have a friend with Ehlers-danlos and it's awful. Sending positive thoughts to her. I love salonpas. It's like witchcraft for me.
  9. KateBruin

    Surgery regret

    Definitely. I think the surgery is relatively minor as well, and incisions similar to the sleeve. Better than having to stay on medications. In my opinion at least. Can they fix it soon? I used to have GERD and it was the worst.
  10. I'm excited to have my surgery (on the 23rd) so I can get back to my HIIT classes once I have to stop. Doc said 6 weeks nothing more than 10 lbs. I enjoy lifting as heavy as possible and can't wait to be on the other side because the weeks I can't will be torture. Not to mention my 25 lb dog who will be very mad at me.
  11. KateBruin

    Abdominal fat?

    If you can, I would start something like Olympic weight lifting or crossfit. Start lifting heavy weight. Cardio is great, but building muscle will increase your metabolism. I guess it also depends on the type of physique you want. Lifting heavy + eating a ton of protein has changed my body the most.
  12. KateBruin

    What are your favorite workouts???

    I do a HIIT workout called Training Mate. It's similar to OTF. Basically 27 minutes of working my ass off + 9 minutes of abs. I can't even go super crazy because I probably have this disease called bronchiolitis obliterans where I hardly tolerate cardio, so I modify. I lost 35 lbs in 3 months and that was before changing my diet. Plus, I see muscle and feel good. Still fat but good [emoji23]
  13. KateBruin

    Surgery regret

    I'm sorry your surgeon didn't discover the hiatal hernia during surgery or during a pre-op endoscopy (unless they didn't require it). I don't have one but from what I gather they're pretty common and just get fixed during the sleeve/bypass. Lame on your surgeons part.
  14. KateBruin

    Awaiting Approval (BCBS FEP)

    Mine was submitted in July and last minute they wanted more stuff so it was neither approval nor denial. Surgery canceled. Resubmitted with 44 additional pages on the 31 and I got approval today and surgery is on the 23rd. I was told they had 15 days to make their decision.
  15. I've only told my family and a couple of friends, one of whom is a recovering anorexic and has a feeding tube so she would never judge me weight journey. I think it's no ones business unless I want them to know. I'm a little insecure that people will think I took the easy way out even though I bust my ass in the gym and will have to continue a good diet. I'm am however pissed my mom is telling every one she knows because she 100% disapproves of the surgery.
  16. KateBruin

    BCBS Federal Employee Program Basic

    My surgery was originally scheduled for July 31 and two business days before, my doctor called because insurance just let them know that they also wanted their dietician to submit stuff they didn't bother detailing to me and that my psychiatrist needed to submit a letter saying he has been and will continue to treat/Medicate me, he supports my surgery, and have had no history of substance abuse for the year prior. This was all on top of the $280ish cash I paid for my psych evaluation. It was all crap considering they've been paying for my psych and meds monthly since I was 18. I was worried they would somehow expect me to prove the 1 year of attempted and failed weight loss but I didn't have to provide anything for that.
  17. KateBruin

    BCBS Federal Employee Program Basic

    Thought I would say that I just got my approval today. Never got a denial but had a couple extra hoops and it took 4 days once they got the additional paperwork
  18. KateBruin

    Opioid Malabsorption

    That sucks! My friend is in Brighton and is always huffy about how it isn't legal there. They make illegal hash cakes but obviously can't do it that frequently.
  19. KateBruin

    BCBS California, how much do they cover?

    Look at your benefits. Depends on ***, PPO, how much of your deductible you have and your max out of pocket. I have federal BCBS so mine is a little different
  20. KateBruin

    BCBS Federal Employee Program Basic

    I'm in the process of being screwed over by BCBS FEP. My original July 31 surgery day was canceled and my next one on August 23 looks like it won't happen either. Looking forward to yelling at some people at BCBS and my surgeons office tomorrow.
  21. KateBruin

    Opioid Malabsorption

    I agree 100% and seriously meant NOTHING judgmental or harsh by my statements. I honestly thought I would be on opioids for the rest of my life as I could barely function but for now, I'm off them. As my autoimmune disease progresses I might have to go back on opioids. Hopefully, by then I'll be able to use medicinal marijuana. For now, my career goals don't allow it. I'm glad they offer you some relief.
  22. I honestly didn't even think they were doing lap band anymore because of gnarly side effects ranging from bad acid reflux to erosion into the stomach wall. There's also the new Balloon procedure that I looked into to make my mother happy but the test group weight loss average was only 19 lbs long term. I take 3200 mg of gabapentin daily and have for probably 10 years. I didn't gain weight except on seroquel. No matter what, don't get anything until you know you want it. Band can have bad side effects that force a sleeve/bypass and of course a sleeve is permanent.
  23. KateBruin

    Opioid Malabsorption

    My post either deleted or posted before I was finished. Depending on where you live, I'd try marijuana before continuing on opioids. As I mentioned (or tried to) studies don't support long-term use for chronic pain and you gain tolerance. With marijuana you can get pain treating CBD without the mind altering THC.
  24. KateBruin

    Opioid Malabsorption

    There have been a lot of studies that show opioids suck for chronic pain management. I was on pain meds for 9 years after a double fusion + ankylosing spondylitis and quit them all in December. My sister got put on patches, went to heroin and died within a year. Personally, exercise has greatly helped me pain, so has just learning to cope with always being in a little pain. I'm definitely NOT saying exercise is a cure for everyone. I'm still in pain every day.
  25. KateBruin

    Horrible bathroom problems

    Congratulations! Lol. After I had back surgery I didn't go for almost a month. I don't wish that pain on anyone! If you're off narcotics, things should continue to move since you had a BM. [emoji322][emoji323]

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