Machta

G'day, all. I'm almost 6 weeks out, and the weight loss is going very well. I'm down 29# and about 2 sizes. My 18yo daughter is so excited for me, and so is my husband! She points out changes in my body, from "I can fit my arms around you to hug all of you now!" to "Your knees look different!" I am so blessed to have them behind me in this journey. Just a few negatives right now -- I still have to have a BIG nap (2+ hours) almost every day. I hope that improves soon. Also, just today, I'm having some nausea. I decided to go back to pureed food for a day to see if that helps, and it does a little bit. I'd love to hear from anyone else who has had exhaustion and/or nausea at 6 weeks . . . although overall this is SO worth it! Best of luck to everyone. This is not an easy journey, but by the grace of God, we'll all get through it!

I hear you -- I'm almost 6 weeks out, and today is rough. For the first time I have nausea. I also am really tired today. I have a message in to my support team. But I'm trying to keep a positive attitude--my energy level is up and down a lot, but I'm down 29#. I love what this is doing, but it's not easy . . . best of luck and I hope you feel better.

My surgeon said 3 weeks. I'm about 3 1/2 weeks out now, and I've been in the pool a couple of times. I found that stretching out to swim hurt the "big" site just below my left rib, which was the largest opening through which he removed most of my stomach. I'm taking it easy, but it feels GREAT!

I looked in to Blossom before I eventually had my surgery almost a month ago at the University of Colorado Surgical Weight Loss Center. I called and pushed on their insurance lady really hard, and she finally admitted that they are not "in-network" for ANY insurance, but use out-of-network benefits for testing, etc., to bring the cost down. Since my plan does not have out-of-network benefits, that was a nonstarter for me. After that disappointment, I worked with my insurance company and the UC Surgical Weight Loss Center to get expedited approval. It was very quick since I had a couple of decades of weight loss attempts documented with my doctor. My first appointment with them was on April 30, and I had the surgery on July 16, about 3 1/2 weeks ago. I'm down 22.5# so far. I am very pleased with the care and follow-up I've received. Dr. Jonathan Schoen and his team are outstanding.

Hi richiewho, I'm right at 500-550 now. Basically, I start my day with a cup of tea and about 1/3c whole milk (indulgent, but it tastes SOOO good). Usually I put a scoop of genepro powder in it as well. Then later in the morning I have a Pure protein shake made with skim milk. In the afternoon I have a cup of broth, and sometimes another 8oz of skim milk. I guess I'm a fan of milk, hey? Plus lots and lots of water in between. So far it's all working, 11 days after surgery I'm down 18#.

I'm so sorry that you're having trouble with this as well! I'm now 11 days out from my sleeve. I just exchanged messages with my dietician, and she said that the hunger pangs will go away as I move to more solid food. I started "solid" food yesterday, and today the hunger is MUCH better.

Well, autocorrect has a sense of humor. Obviously I meant “ghrelin” not “gherkin.”

I’m 8 days from my sleeve, and I definitely get hungry. I echo your question: when does the smaller stomach and gherkin reduction kick in? I’m holding at about 650 calories per day, but by bedtime it’s hard to go to sleep because of hunger. Anyone have any experience with “early” hunger?

Eight days out and down 13# from the day of surgery. Too much activity and I have to go to bed for the rest of the day. I’m doing exactly what they told me to do. Last night my daughter hugged me good night and looked up in surprise. “Either you’re getting smaller or my arms are getting longer!” So worth it.

Good day to all. I was sleeved at the University of Colorado hospital last week, July 16. Early on in my process I had considered working with Blossom, but eventually my insurance did cover the surgery completely. So I went with a local surgeon. I have a deep respect for Blossom's reputation, and there are sure a lot of people who have been happy with the care they have received. But if I had been in a hotel rather than the hospital for the two days after surgery, it would have been TRULY AWFUL. I had a lot of pain, headaches, and a few complications I'm still working through. This is major surgery, after all. I don't mean to tell you to not go to Blossom, but think about what you need carefully. Five days out, and I'm doing a lot better. Hopefully I can sleep without pain meds tonight! Good luck to all!

I was sleeved on July 16, and my recovery is going pretty well. The biggest issue is fatigue. I take 2-3 naps per day, in addition to sleeping the night through. It's easy for me to keep hydrated, and protein shakes go down easy. If I could just have a little more energy! I'm praying for all of us July sleevers, may God help us through this journey to become more healthy.

I’m praying for you. I was sleeved on 7/16. The first days were rough, but God is good and today is SO MUCH better! Thinking of you ...

@CammyC what is a probiotic prune?

Sleeved last Thursday, July 16th. Worst for me has been when I try to be tough and don’t take the pain meds. My whole body tenses up and I get a horrible headache. But taking the pain meds and walking helps. This afternoon I turned on KLove and walked for 30 minutes up and down my hallway singing along. It was wonderful and helped so much!

Sleeve scheduled on July 16th. I am so ready for this.

Good afternoon, all. I was just scheduled for my sleeve on July 16. I'm excited but scared. I know God is with me in this. I want to use the tools he has given us (doctors, support people, etc.) to become healthier to live for His glory. Thanks for all the supportive comments in this thread!

Update: I had my first appointment with the surgeon's assistant on April 30, at the height of the Covid stuff here in Colorado. I started to assemble records from my PCP and my endocrinologist, and checked back with UMR regularly. As of yesterday June 16, I have preapproval. Now I'm waiting to be scheduled. All in all, about 6 weeks from first appointment to preapproval. It was key to have all my documentation from my PCP (20+ years) and endocrinologist (10+ years). Good luck, all!

Not yet, but I expect to hear this week. I had to really push hard to get the surgeon's office to submit with my existing documentation. They wanted me to go through the 6 monthly visits that seem to be common. Keep on top of them!

Thank you SO MUCH for suggesting that those of us who have UMR to contact the bariatric team there. I have learned so much in the past couple of days . . . the most important thing I have learned is that UMR / United HealthCare Choice Plus have done away with the 6-month requirement. I was told that giving them documentation from my doctor concerning the many different ways I've tried to lose weight over the last 15 years will be sufficient. This is HUGE (no pun intended). Once I choose a surgeon and center, UMR suggested having my PCP send over my entire chart to them for review. Apparently you can never have too much detail. Their policy is to give a decision within 30 days. I feel so validated. I was really getting irritated at having to go through some 6-month kabuki theater exercise to satisfy a bureaucratic requirement when I've had so many failed attempts (Weight Watchers, Medifast/Optavia, Mayo Clinic Online, and tons of exercise). This feels so much more reasonable. Thank you, UMR! And thank you, Chris NH!

Everythinganna, thanks for your message. I'm in Colorado, so Las Vegas is a lot closer than Florida! But I'll keep that in mind.

Hello, all. Does anyone have another follow-up to report on their procedure at Blossom? I'm seriously considering them. I have a couple of questions -- do you have a support person along? My husband would most likely go with me. At the hotel, are there any meals included? I know that I'll be on a special diet before and after, but what's available for him? Thanks in advance -- I sure appreciate it!