Old Salt

This is the what one Hospital provided me for Gastric Bypass Medicare costs and requirements. One thing I noticed is "Consecutive diet counseling within 1 year of surgery" but did not specify a duration time for the diet. Anyway, thought some might derive some useful info from this. TRADITIONAL MEDICARE Insurance Requirements Primary Bariatric Surgery - covered benefit? Yes Revision/Conversion Surgery - covered benefit? Yes - BASED UPON MEDICAL NECESSITY Special Facility Requirements? N/A Specialty Referral or Authorization required from PCP? ● No referral required for clinic ● Policy Copay Fees Registered Dietician (RD) ● One on One Counseling Session ● Diet Class $0 DX: DIABETES $30 Psychology $0 Specialist ● (Surgeon, APP/NP/PA, Cardiology, Pulmonology, Obesity Medicine Specialist) $0 ● BMI requirements ● ‌ BMI >= 40 - OR - ● ‌ BMI >= 35 with 1 of the following: ● OSA on CPAP ● TIIDM ● HTN ● Nutrition Education ● ‌ Consecutive diet counseling within 1 year of surgery ● Documentation includes weight, diet education, supervised by an MD ● Must meet weight goal set by Dietician to return to see your surgeon and schedule surgery ● Psychology Evaluation ● ‌ Clearance within 1 year(s) of surgery (Special considerations may apply, to be discussed if needed) Medical Evaluation ● ‌ Letter of Medical Necessity by ANY medical provider Yes ● On his/her letterhead ● Signed and Dated by the MD/DO/RN/ARNP/APP ● Documents previous failed attempts at weight loss ● Lists co-morbid conditions related to obesity ● Additional Medical Clearances no

Mine was 45 days exactly. I had to complete lab, xrays, sleep apnea test, pysch eval, 3 visits with dietician, EGD, & restricted pre-op diet. Time went quick and currently very, very, very glad I did it. 😁

Not sure what effect the Heller Myotomy procedure would have, but I'm almost 5 months post gastric bypass and smoke a couple nice cigars a week. My surgeon told me it would not be a problem. At my age, the very slight long-term effect is inconsequential compared to the enjoyment of my simple pleasures. It's like anything else, weigh the options and decide.

Humor

Has worked well for me also, but keep in mind that tea often is a caffinated drink. I stick to the many "decaffinated" blends, especially in the evening.

But won't zero/low alcohol beer still be carbonated? Seems that might be a problem. I have had some wine after 3 months with no problem except feeling guilty about the empty calories. For beer in my future, I am looking forward to realxing by the pool sipping on a cold non-carbonated type in the near future. Look into "nitro" and "cask-conditioned". There are some really good Nitro craft beers that I've had in the past. Yep, I'm pushin 70 and as they say "Old enough to know better but too old to care". 🍻

In my opinion, people tend to post difficulties/problems more so than positive issues mainly because they are seeking advice or comfort. Not many people post just to say their Bariatric surgery is going great. Now to answer was it worth it? For me, YES. I did not find it that difficult of a surgery or diet to follow. Was it all fun? no. But the results are fun! Keep a positive attitude and enjoy the ride.

Good question. I was lucky that in my area there are many Bariatrci surgeons but I first focused on "Bariatric Centers" that are part of a major hospital. So I researched the surgeons in each program, what each center included, then reviews including messaging people on this forum that had experience with that particular center. In "surgeons", I researched each one's credentials, experience, fellowships, memberships in professional organizations/aasociations, and any writing they might have authored. It was important to me to find an all-incusive "center". One where they have in-house dieticians and professionals to take care of all of the pre-reqs. I selected the top two from my list and attended their free seminars. I then chose the one that I felt more comfortable with. My center actually assigned a "Navigator" to schedule all of my pre-req appointents (Pysch eval, Sleep exam, blood work, etc). This not only made it easy for me, but from my first doctor visit to surgery was less than 2 months. Third, reviews and advice. Not from google which tend to rely on complaints, but I reached out on this forum and several outstanding people discussed their experiences with one of those 2 centers, their surgeon, and process. I greatly appreciate the honesty those folks passed on. Good luck on your search and you are right in researching this very important surgery. You are on the right track!

I had my Primary change my referral to a different surgeon when I first started the process. However, if all of your pre-op paperwork is with that one surgeon's office, that probaly will be a problem. But worth a try. Curious. Why hasn't Surgeon B been credentialed with Tricare when his cohort in same office is? Is Surgeon B new?

You stated "My primary care put in a referral and Tricare approved it for Dr. A" and "my weight loss trial and all the pre-reqs are done". So I am assuming you completed these thru your Primary Care Doctor and they have all the documentation. I also assume you have Tricare Prime not Tricare for Life (what I used), either way you have recieved insurance approval. You must be in the panandle or down in the muck near Clewiston but there has to be more Bariatric surgeons than just that one office within an hour. But I woud NOT go with a surgeon that is still seeking insurance credential. Tricare is adminstered by Humana which is not a small organization. There are many Bariatric Surgeons throughout Florida. Just curious, is this specific surgeon in the same medical network as your primary doctor? I would request a new surgeon or center thru your Primary Doctor. Submit all the "completed" documentation to a new surgeon and explain your employment situation. They might still be able to sched for March/April

Was cleared at 6 weeks for light weights/higher reps. At 9 weeks starting adding more weight/lower reps but no where near my pre-surgery lifts yet. I can tell I lost some muscle mass/strenght probaly due to the couple of months of inactivity. Still concentrating on cardio and low wgt/higher reps for awhile. Just trying to maintain for now and hopefully in a couple of months start working on increasing strength again. Surgeon gave clearance for everything including ab work. I think the greatest benefit from getting back in the gym is the postive impact on my mental state (Love those Endorphins!). But with the always caveat, check with your surgeon for advice tailored for you. Luckily, my Doc was very supportative of my gym return.

Congrads on your success so far. I think I was down only about 18 pounds on day 30. For some reason I have not had a stall yet (knock on wood). I am now coming up on my 11th week and my tastebuds are constantly changing. For example, when I first went on solid foods, I was loving my cheesy-scrambled eggs. Also some chicken in sauce, but now don't care for either. To be honest, I am not a "kitchen guy", don't care to prep, cook, or cleanup. So for now, right or wrong, I sticking to yogurt, cottage cheese, protein drinks, ready made low cal soups, and microwavable low cal dinners from "Atkins" & "Realgood". Still can't eat any read meat but tolerate pork. Feels like more of a mental thing than an actual stomach issue. Hopefully later in the year I will try different food plus looking at getting back on the grill this summer. Saltwater fishing is a hobby and I am not one of those "catch & release" anglers, more like "catch & grill". 😁 But my first dinner on solid food also happen to be a birthday dinner for a relative at Outback restaurant where I ordered Wood-fire grilled chicken breast topped with sautéed mushrooms, crisp bacon, melted Monterey Jack and Cheddar and honey mustard sauce. I ate half and was very, very happy.

I would check with your Bariatric team, but, I've been eating Kimichi since my 6 week's mark. I like mine with rice but passed on that and went to some really good kimichi soup with veggies. Suggest trying a little at first to see if your new stomach agrees with your taste bud's desire.

Would be Ok with me, I would of just told them I switched to Lite beer. 😁

First off, Congratulations for getting back out there in your new life. And also preparing for a marathon! That is fantastic! Now from a Man's point of view. You found a guy that is into health & fitness which is a good thing for you. He is "super encouraging" and supportative in a positive manner. You actully DID go on a "restrictive calorie" diet to achieve your superb weight loss. You just used another tool in the box called gastirc bypass to assist you. You should be very proud of yourself for doing that. Now to answer the question. Yes IF reaching that point of seriousness in your relationship. The disclosure most likely won't matter to him but will give you peace of mind to continue your relationship. Don't make it a confessional type of discussion where you sound ashamed, but rather matter-of-factly in discussing your nutritional needs. Consdering his background, he probaly will be eager to assist you in your journey. If he is serious about you, your relationship willl continue to grow. It is no big deal for a guy (even a fitness buff). Would he care if you previously had facelifts or breast implants? Would you even mention that? If he is serious, he likes you for who you are NOW. Good luck and stay postive!

It really is different for each individual. I can only tell what I experienced from my Gastric Bypass surgery on Nov 8th. I felt the gas the first few days but no real discomfort to me. Sometimes just changing position would help. No pain per say but I walked a lot around the house and honestly was too tired those first few days to take the dog for a walk. No problem sleeping (I sleep on my side anyway). They gave me pain meds to take home but I never needed any. Speaking of tired, remember you will be recovering from surgery so you will be worn out. Rest, rest, and recuperate. My first 2 weeks was a "full liquid diet" where I lived on protein shakes and yogurt. My focus was on healing, getting protein, and fluids. Again, I experienced no pain, no GERD, and very little constipation. By the 2nd week I had more energy, so started taking the dog for a morning walk again ( she is so Happy!). Still not hungry! 3rd & 4th week was my "pureee phase" and again no pain or complications. My energy was still increasing however I made sure I was active in the morning because the afternoons still saw my batteries running low. During my 4th week I added my Airdyne stationary bike to my routine after the morning walk. Then had a 2 week "soft textured" phase which I am entering the final week. Still no pain or complications. Still learning the "full indicator" (when to stop eating) and trying to find foods that I want to eat (especially in this phase). Still not hungry but I have become aware of when my actual stomach and not my head says "feed me". Looking forward to the "Bariatric regular" phase starting soon. I honestly feel that these previous phases (including pre-surgery) have prepared me for the long run. So in summary, I personally did not experience any difficulties or pain with this surgery but am enjoying not only the weight loss but the healthy lifestyle. Also, my blood sugar & BP are normal without any medications for the first time in decades. Listen to your bariatric team, stick with the plan and you will be fine. You are going to have great 2023!

I had no idea going in about puree either, but realized it's no big deal. I was never was a cook. I am a microwave type of guy. But I pureed a big can of white chicken meat with my little Ninja blender. Added a some light mayo, greeek yogurt, pickle relish, no flavor protein powder, and some spices and put them in little 4oz containers for the fridge. I was pleasently surprised that it tasted like a quality dip with that type of texture. I woud eat 1-2 pureee per day, the rest was yogurt, cottage cheese and of course shakes. Puree isn't forever, just a short time to let your gut heal. I acually still like my chicken pureee delight for a snack now that I'm in my 2nd week of "soft food" phase.

Just a thought, but your leg cramping may be from dehydration especially if in the calves. As for as cravings, a sugar free popsicle or pudding might satisfy your sweet tooth. Also I used to snack before bedtime, now I substituted that habit with a nice hot decaf green tea. It has worked for me. Remember, craving are really only in your head.

Interesting. As someone that until my surgery last month, enjoyed a nice cigar and a good bourbon once or twice a month, my Surgeon has already given me the green light to resume an occassional cigar. But I do intend to pair that with a small glass of Bourbon after a year. What kind of whiskey are you drinking? I am sure you know the varients are distilled using differnet mashes. For example, Scoth is primary barley, Bourbon & Tennesse uses cornmash, most Irish use blended grains, and of course Rye Whiskey is made from Rye mash. Not mention all of the different distilling techiniques and use of copper or oak barrells. In other words...a lot variance. So I'm wondering if you tried different types and still ended up with the same issue? Are you drinking neat or with water/mixer? With a chaser?

First 4-5 days were rest & recuperation time for me. But by the 2nd week I felt a lot better and even cut my yard (although my Sugeon didn't want to hear that). My 3rd week I am still a little tired but able to carry out my daily activities with no problem including washing my cars. Not quite ready to run a marathon but as my metabolism adjusts, my energy seems to be increasing.

Sounds good. Everyone will be different as there are a lot of contributing factors such as age, male or female, starting weight, etc. I just hit my 3 week post-op date and have lost only 14 lbs since my surgery, but am happy with the progress. I only weigh myself once a week and realistically am looking at not reaching my goal weight until November of next year. Slow & steady is OK with me as long as it's permanent this time. Remember, your weight loss will not be linear, but a step down with some steps longer & others bigger. You are doing good, keep it up!

Agree with Sleeve_me_alone, you just had major surgery on your stomach, this is the tiime to recuberate. However, dizziness may indicate dehydration. I know you state you are hitting your "beverage" intake, but maybe switch up to some Gatorade Zero or something similiar to gain electrolytes. Sip some salted broth. And touch base with your Nutritionalist (if you have one) and/or Bariatric team for advice. Hope you feel better soon!

Gastric Bypass on the 8th. Glad to hear you have to stay on liquids only one week! Mine is 2 weeks 😩 The swelling and bloating caught me by surprise. I didn't realize how big my belly would get! Then after 2 days it stayed swelled but sunk big time with gravity. Felt like I was carring a pouch of melting jello. Now completed day 6 and the swelling is down about 80%. I can actually reach in and feel my ab muscles again. I too was lethargic but kind of expecting that after surgery. I did my little walks but other than that I did exactly what I planned to do for the first 3-4 days: Nothing. Geting energy back now a little each day. Keeping up with the fluids and protein but am totally sick of protein shakes. Unfortunetly, I am stuck with this liquid diet for 9 more days. I was getting too obsessive with an intake schedule and worrying about counting ounces. Now I just eyeball it and go with the flow. Not hungry BUT would love to have taste of asiago cheese right now. Speaking of that, someone should make Sugar Free Jello with a cheesburger flavor 😁

What does your Surgeon say?

My prayers are with you. Stay positive . 🌞