Maisey

You can try, but I think it's doubtful. Doctors mean well but don't always understand the differences in insurance. I had an endo who years ago, suggested WLS. When I told her my insurance didn't cover it, she said it did. The *** that I was covered under and seeing her under, did in fact cover WLS for some people depending upon the contract between the insurance company and the employer. However, the contract with my employer specifically excluded it until last year. You have to do your own research and make sure you know your benefits.

One of the doctors in my program had a mantra that said: Start living now like you are post surgery.

I'm going to politely disagree with the responses you've received here so far. Since even the initial consultation is a bariatric service, they want to verify that your insurance will cover it prior to scheduling. The initial consultation is a billable service. You either have coverage or you don't. The facility wants to know if insurance will pay or if you will be paying on your own. It is possible after the initial consult, that you choose not to proceed. However, they still want to know that you have coverage for that visit. Example: my insurance policy through my employer specifically excluded any coverage for weight management and/or bariatric services until 2020. In 2019, I was aware that coverage would be added in 2020. I tried to schedule initial consultations and dietician visits to get started but was unable to unless I wanted to pay for them out of pocket. Since I did not want to self-pay. I had to wait until benefits began in 2020. Even having a conversation with my primary care doctor regarding any potential weight management had to be done as a discussion during an appointment coded as something else. Otherwise, I would have had to pay for it. I hope this makes sense.

I've been lurking here and reading for several months. I had RNY 12/14/20. I had saved leave time to cover my recovery so I was able to take a full 4 weeks off. That was a good decision as it allowed me to fully focus on liquids, protein and recovery. I returned to work this week. It has gone well but does require me to plan what I am going to take to work for food and drink. While I was home, I was able to simply choose from whatever appropriate choice was in the frig. My thoughts and observations so far: I have not had one single problem. I've had no pain, no nausea and have not needed any of the medication I was provided for those. I have no problem meeting liquid or protein goals. I am going with my program 100%. At this time, I do not feel any hunger (I know that will return). I also don't feel fullness. I realize that is because I am sticking to the suggested amounts. That is a learning experience for me. I was used to eating way beyond full all the time and feeling overstuffed and uncomfortable after a meal. I don't generally sit and watch extended TV. But being off work and while recovering, we binge-watched a lot of shows. That was another learning experience. My desire was to much on something salty and savory as that has been my past behavior. My husband was very considerate and did not munch. I fully recognized that I wasn't actually hungry but was simply trying to revert to old behaviors. My saving grace was popsicles. They provided crunch and froze my mouth as well. As expected, surgery removed the hunger but not the desire and comfort of previous behaviors. Returning to work has given me more structure in some areas but also means I have to be more proactive in planning. I know people are more likely to post when they have problems but I wanted to be the voice of someone who has so far, experienced no problems. Now the hard mental work begins..................

I drink gallons of Crystal Light, or store brand, iced tea.

I had RNY 12/14 and wondered the same thing. I didn't feel hungry but I never felt full either. I just kept to my plan. Since I have started adding pureed and soft foods, I am noticing it more. In fact, I've had one bad episode and 2 smaller episodes where I had excruciating pain and ended up vomiting. But they were definitely "learning experiences." I can't say that I felt exactly full prior. It was evident in the vomit was that I was not chewing thoroughly enough even though I thought I was. I also have realized that I am eating supper way too quickly. I attribute that to my thought patterns of needing to hurry as there is so much to get done between getting home and going to bed. When I really focus on slowing down, I realize that it's probably wise not to finish what is on my plate (even though it is within my guidelines) and it hasn't happened again.

I had my first "learning experience" yesterday. I frequently make a big pan of roasted vegetables (mini potatoes, sweet peppers, onion, mushrooms) for a side dish. I had successfully eaten small amounts prior. However, yesterday's veggies were not as well-cooked. I thought I was taking small bites and chewing well. The joke was on me! I should have stopped at the first twinge of discomfort but I thought it would pass and continued to have more. All of the sudden, I felt excruciating pain between my shoulder blades and it felt like I couldn't get a full breath. Nothing I did made me feel better and I was really getting concerned. After a few minutes, I vomited. That relieved most of the pain. Within an hour, the pain was completely gone. Vomiting showed me (literally) that I had not chewed my food as well as I thought and definitely had eaten too fast. Lesson learned and I realize I had gotten too big for my britches 🤪

No, you are not dreaming. I was very much the same.

My date is also 12/14.

I think you should consult with your regular mental health professional. None of us here is qualified to advise you. This is an intensely personal decision that deserves proper counsel.