Daily Encounter

I have Anthem BCBS and also had the 6 months of medically supervised weight loss. Anthem BCBS did not require me to lose a certain amount of weight nor did they advise that I could not gain weight. In fact, during the 6 months I'd lost about 6lbs and then gained 4 of it back. However, of the 4 I gained, I lost 3 of that when my paperwork was submitted. I was approved the exact same day. I had Gastric Bypass on December 18th.

Oh okay... I wish you well! We've got this!

I can certainly see how that would be frustrating. Do they use that on all patients or are there specific outliers that would require you to use the Robard method versus purchasing the protein yourself? It is also important to follow your surgeon/doctor's instructions but I am curious because this is the first time someone informed of a medical option for the pre-op diet instead of the patient purchasing their own product in the grocery store, etc.

High protein shake diet to include 2 - 3 protein shakes daily totaling 60 gram of liquid protein per day. I can also eat high protein foods such as baked/grilled chicken, turkey, lean meat or fish as well as steam veggies and fresh fruit. Avoid all dairy except what is in my protein shakes. Avoid all carbohydrates that are found in breads, pasta, potatoes, rice, fried food, etc. I can use seasonings such as herbs and spices, lemon juice and vinegar but have to avoid all condiments, dressings, fats and oils. On Saturday and Sunday before surgery (16th and 17th), I have to stop all meats and change over to broth type soups instead of the meat/fish. I can continue the steam veggies and fruit, tho. And of course, continue with the protein shakes. What about yours? Is it similar?

We share the same date! My pre-op begins tomorrow and my surgery date is December 18th, as well. I am also a bit nervous/anxious, however, I know that this is the best decision for me in order to "re"-create health. I've completed my six months requirements and feel that I am prepared to move forward. You've got this! We both do. It is time for us to take control back!

I also have Anthem BCBS and had to go through 6 months of doctor visits, 1 psych evaluation, a nutritionist visit, etc. I began my journey in May and met the surgeon yesterday as the final step and sign off. The Bariatric Coordinator submitted my paperwork for approval today and it came back approved today!! So it was an immediate turn around. As for the weight gain, I lost about 8lbs and regained a few. I was still approved.

It feels real now! My surgery date is December 18th at 10:00 AM. The AMAZING thing is that my information was submitted for insurance approval today and the approval came back today!!!! Even the bariatric coordinator was a bit shocked with the immediate turn around. Feeling a bit anxious!

Friday was my last appointment for my 6 months medically supervised weight loss as required by my insurance (Anthem BCBS); this week I am to receive a call from the Bariatric Coordinator to schedule my appointment with the surgeon. There are some questions I know I want to ask but what did you all ask the surgeon during your appointments?

Wishing you all well! You wouldn't go this route if you didn't believe you could do it! Keep us posted.

I agree with travelergirl, set an alarm for water. I also drink more than 64 oz of water currently. It is also difficult for me to not drink during my meals. The advice from my NUT is to sip (instead of gulp) throughout the day. I still have challenges with not drinking a half hour before through an half hour after meals, but I honestly practice this daily. I am getting there but I am not quite there yet. My surgery is still a month or so away (didn't schedule the date yet but we are aiming for August) so I still have time to practice!

I am planning to purchase a few hair care/style magazines so I can pick out a new short hairstyle should I need to. I don't want hair loss to be a negative or a detriment to me having the surgery. Therefore, I will include this as part of my lifestyle change - along with a new wardrobe!!! HAPPY THOUGHTS!!!

Thanks for this information, blondie66! When I spoke with my NUT a few weeks ago really stressed how important it is to make sure I get the amount of protein I am supposed to have post-op. I've researched this a bit and read that about 1/3 of all patients. I will keep this in mind.

Thanks for the info. I will be sure to loop my hairdresser in. The better prepared I am, the better!

Thanks for your reply. Did your doctor provide you with any information on this? How are you handling it?

Been there! I am also in my 6 month supervised period. Honestly, I decided NOT to share with all (including some family members) because of the inconsiderate comments. Although, I don't care what people think of me, I just know that during this time I have to remove all toxic, unhealthy, negative conversations out of my life as it will only interfere with what I am trying to do. See, most people are not doing this for cosmetic reasons, yet, that is what many people believe. I told someone and the first thing she said was "I don't think you should do this; you're not "fat" enough and you'll look funny." Ummm, okay. But, what about the diabetes, GERD, PCOS, high blood pressure and high cholesterol all of which is taking it's toll on my health?? I've limited my sharing to those who are truly my support group - my prayer partners, those that will take me to surgery and care for me while I am recovering. That's it! So, a total of 5 people. Why does anyone else need to know? If I don't share other health concerns with others, why would I need to share this? I encourage you on this journey and wish you much success!