Jerseygirl4523

I’ve heard a lot of people using hernias or gallbladder as a cover up

Look at it this way, it’s february. You’re going to hit your deductible this year and probably out of pocket max during pre op. Stick with it as if you plan on getting the surgery. And then if at the end of the six months you decide you don’t need it and you’re happy doing what you’re doing, no harm no foul. The tools during pre op can only help you and will probably keep you on track when you know you have an appointment to get weighed next month.

I have Anthem. The 6 months can be with your primary dr. You do need to have an appointment every month and if you miss a month you have to start over. Make sure they are documenting that you discuss weight loss and diet and exercise.

Just a heads up, My surgeon’s office is very strict on this. On all my pre op paperwork there’s a warning. You cannot gain during pre op. Check with your surgeon’s office. I asked my patient liason about losing too much weight at the beginning of the six months. She told me that the weight you are at your surgical consult is the one that they submit to insurance! I felt so much better. If you’re required to see a dietician, I’d would start there. They will have tips and goals for you. Focus on drinking enough water. At least 64 oz a day. High protein. Aim for 80-100g a day. Keep carbs lower than protein. Eliminate soda and caffeine. You can’t have either for a few months after surgery (most say never again for soda). Cut down on meals eaten out. Learn to cook new things or your favorites in a healthy way. They will also tell you to start chewing each bite 30 times, and to start getting yourself used to having to stop drinking liquids 30 min before and 30 min after each meal.

Hey everyone, Every day this week I’ve been feeling this nausous, sort of hungry feeling in my stomach. I can’t quite put my finger in it and need some input. The last time I had this feeling was probably when I was exercising and dieting a few years ago and lost 30 lbs. I've changed my diet considerably during pre op. No more fast food, junk food, soda, etc. I’ve also been very constipated, even with taking a stool softener every day. I have a few ideas on what this feeling is but I’m not sure. Low blood sugar, acid reflux, heart burn?

Is anyone using Short Term Disability or Vacation time? Or are your employers just letting you take off

Honestly, my surgeon didn’t even look at my packet during my consult. We just talked. We went over my history with weight, the different procedures. I have PCOS and I told him I’ve heard the sleeve was a good solution. When he told me it was the only permanent solution, I was sold. He told me I’d be a great candidate and then handed me off to a patient liason who filled me in on the requirements for my insurance and surgeon.

I felt the same way when I discovered my insurance required a 6 month medically supervised diet. Someone close to me pointed out I was using the 6 months as a reason to not do it and that wasn’t good enough. They were right. I’m almost 4 months in and to be honest, I needed this time to get all the requirements for my surgeon completed. Nutritionist consult, exercise consult, psych evaluation, sleep study, support group, pathway class, primary dr sign off, ekg, endoscopy. It takes up more time than you think! And working in a corporate office, people are starting to notice how many appointments I have. So far I’ve been able to keep it under wraps.

I recently met a nutritionist as part of my surgical pathway. I’ve made a lot of good changes in the last few months and have managed to lose 14lbs...the hardest part for me losing more than that and keeping it off. What changes did you make after meeting with the nutritionist? What are your go to meals before surgery? Scrambled eggs and geese or apples and peanut butter are my go to breakfast. Chicken Caesar salad for lunch and usually something like chicken with rice and broccoli for dinner. im slowly getting tired of chicken.

I brought up PCOS with my surgeon and he was satisfied the sleeve would be a great tool for me. He expects me to get down to a normal weight, I’m only 90lbs overweight so I know for others who have more to lose bypass is more effective. I’ve heard that woman with PCOS might be slower losers ands that’s my only concern.

I’m 23 and I am my sleeve surgery should be scheduled for April/May after my 6 month insurance requirement is complete. My gyno referred me to the bariatric clinic in October. I was my highest weight, 230, and had just spent 2 months off the pill and gained 15 lbs. I chose surgery because it’s the only permanent solution to PCOS. I might have missed something, but why is everyone changing their birth control?

If you’re paying by insurance, be careful. Most health insurance policies cover only 1 Bariatric surgery per lifetime.

I just bought another $20 of chicken at Costco 😂 I know I need to start deciding on protein drinks and powders soon. May is going to come quicker than I think. I’m a plain eater so it’s just a system of trial and error. I tried black bean pasta from Trader Joe’s today. I’m going to need quite a bit of lite Prego sauce if I plan on eating that lol!!

I am 23 and my vsg surgery will be scheduled for May! I’m 5’2” and My highest was 230 at a gyno visit in October. I have PCOS and had just spend the last 2 months off birth control. That was big enough to scare me into finding a solution once and for all.

I recently started seeing someone and he doesn't know I am in the process of getting the sleeve. How did you tell the people you're dating? How much detail did you give them? Did you continue to update them on where you were in the process? Thanks!

If you truly want to protect yourself, consult an attorney first. I am not sure about Texas law, but if your income is significantly higher than his, you could end up paying alimony--especially if there is no kids. I completely support calling his bluff!! No one--not even a husband--should stand in the way of you doing what is best for you. And it truly sounds like you KNOW this is best for you.

Thanks and good luck! I chose the sleeve because of my age and low side effects. I don’t have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes. My surgeon explained both to me and asked which I preferred. Then he told me his opinion. Luckily we both agreed!

For specifics, you really need to contact your insurance company. Some insurance companies require a 6 month medically supervised diet. Some require specific tests. Usually the rule of thumb is BMI of 35 or higher with 2 comorbidities or a BMI over 40. Once you pick your surgeon, they will also have requirements for what needs to be completed prior to surgery. My gyno referred me to a clinic and I met the surgeon there, I really liked him so I decided to continue the process there. Most surgical clinics have seminars to attend where you can meet some of the staff and learn about their process. My insurance requirements: 6 month medically supervised diet Surgeon requirements: exercise clearance, psych clearance, nutrition clearance, 1 mandatory support group meeting, 1 mandatory class, EKG, Endoscopy, blood work, clearance from primary dr. He’s also requiring a sleep study because both my parents have sleep apnea and he wants it controlled before surgery. In all honesty, it will take about the full six months to get all of these requirements completed. I had my consult in November and so far it looks like surgery could be in May. I have PCOS. And my research has pointed to wls. I asked my surgeon and said surgery was the only permanent solution to my problem. I was sold. So far the therapist, trainer and nutritionist I’ve met have been very familiar with pcos, more than most gyno I’ve been to!! I feel very taken care and understood at the clinic I chose.

I was 20 when my mom got her surgery. It was very much “I have these issues (high blood pressure in her case) and I need to do something quickly to get this under control. My doctor and I have decided on Xyz...” and that was that. My moms blood pressure actually because so uncontrollable they told her it was wls or open heart surgery. They then pushed her straight thru the process so she had her surgery relatively quickly. I would like to point out that if your kids are older and heavier, they’re more likely to hold some resentment. I was angry with my mom. Her health had gotten so out of control. And now she was being rewarded with wls. She was going to lose weight—she was doing something for herself that she could never and would never do for me. It hurt. That was 3 years ago and I’ve learned and let go. But everyone comes around in their own time. My dad called me many times before her surgery, I was away at college. He would complain about this and that and what are we going to do together, blah blah blah. I warned him he would need to find things to do or places to go out that didn’t revolve around food. In the months after her these types of calls continued. It was not until recently that I realized how inappropriate they were.

My endoscopy is scheduled for 2/9 and I plan on taking off that day. I recently moved to a new state where I do not have family. My mom is flying out to take care of me after surgery. However, I don’t have anyone to escort me to the endoscopy. I was hoping that I could just Uber back and forth but the nurse that called with the preop instructions said someone has to stay with me. Anyone else face this situation? I’m considering hiring a nanny lol

My surgeon requires exercise and nutritionist clearance. However, my insurance—Anthem BCBS— does not cover these appointments. So far the exercise counselor is making me come back for a follow up. I see the nutritionist for the first time next week. How many time did you have to go back until you got clearance for exercise or nutrition?

I agree. The hospital will not let me drive myself home. But they want someone to drive me, stay for the entire procedure, and then drive me home. It’s the middle part that is the obstacle. Like you, I’m not concerned about when I’m home. Bed, remote. I’m good to go. My procedure is at 7am. So I’ve got a nice long day off to recouperate.

What are you doing in the months leading up to surgery to prepare?

Has anyone else had jealous or unsupportive friends when you’ve told them about your plans for weight loss surgery? My very best friend was actually mad at me because we are going on a cruise in August (surgery is May or June). She’s trying to lose weight and doesn’t qualify for surgery so I think that’s the underlying issue. I have stopped talking to her about my surgery because I don’t want to hear her negativity.

Feb 12 will be my 4th appointment! Hoping for an April approval as well