KansasDelta

Hi Everyone, Do you have a specific app that works really well for tracking your food intake & exercises? I'm in week 1 of my 8 week pre-op class and they've already got us working on revising our diet and increasing exercising. So two that came up during class were MyFitnessPal and Baritastic. Does anyone have any feedback on either of those, or any others? Thanks!

Welcome! I think it may vary by insurance. I know mine (SmartHealth) actually wouldn't approve you as is since your BMI is "too low". They require a BMI of 35 with co-morbidities, or 40 or higher for no-cormobidities. I would recommend calling your insurance company directly to see what all they require. I wasn't required to have any medically-supervised weight loss, but there were several people in my class who had to do 3-6 months. Good luck!

Congratulations! Honestly, if I was in your place and losing at that rate I wouldn't have the surgery either. It's definitely a "last resort" for me. Keep me the good work!

My surgeon & I reviewed both & ultimately decided on the sleeve. He was upfront that he just felt the sleeve "just made more sense to him" for me. His reasoning was because I don't have any co-morbidities and the "estimated" difference in weight loss was only like 7 lbs more or something if I went RNY. So he didn't feel that the extra long-term risk with RNY was worth it. He did mention if I had diabetes or GERD, he would have recommended RNY. Good luck with your decision!

Congrats! I just received my pre-approval from insurance today too but don't meet with the surgeon to set a date until 9/29. You're lucky on your pre-op diet - ours is liquids only (HMR Diet protein shakes) for 2 weeks. It's gonna be a long two weeks!

Sorry to hear that, Kate. Are you on any anti-depressants or anxiety medication? I have pretty bad anxiety and occasional bouts with depression, so even though I'd like to stop taking my daily anxiety medication (Paroxetine), it's really not an option as it really does help me cope with the anxiety of upcoming surgery & lifestyle changes.

Hi Jenny, I think it's common to be nervous - especially so close to your surgery date! I'm still about four months out and had anxiety all day today just thinking about mine. Did your insurance require any visits with a psychologist that you were able to discuss any of this? (My insurance requires 3 visits at a minimum.) I'm like you in that I'm an under-eater, not an over-eater. My food choices themselves just weren't the best. I know getting a grip on the "head stuff" is key so I'm trying to focus more on that than thinking too much about the surgery itself. I haven't heard of any severe complications from the surgery and most people seem to have no regrets once they're through the healing process. Best of luck to you!

I can tell in the face and waist. Good job!