skinny_minnie_wannabe

I'm going to start out by telling you about my journey. Sorry for the babble. I started my journey in April of last year. I went through all of my testing, dietitian, psych eval, plus some. I was originally scheduled for my op in November. It got pushed to December. A month before my operation, the insurance coordinator came in and told me that the doctor was leaving. I couldn't believe it. Luckily, I was able to transfer to another doctor and saw him at the beginning of December. I had planned to have my surgery over Christmas break. I attend school online and it is virtually impossible to miss class. Also, my husband was scheduled to have a break as well. Things got pushed back..again. The insurance coordinator at the new place was totally confused. She submitted my paperwork to the wrong insurance company, she got my name mixed up with someone else, and she didn't submit the correct documentation. BCBS IL determined that they wouldn't cover me. I was under 40 BMI and I didn't have the required comorbidities, although I do have asthma, gerd, and high cholesterol. I was crushed but I had come too far. I had looked as far as going to Mexico which I thought I would never do. I called the office and scheduled a weigh in. I put 5 lb weight around my ankles, wore heavy clothes, put stuff in my pockets. It was pretty nerve wracking and amusing....but I weighed in over 40 BMI so I was happy. Meanwhile, the insurance coordinator told me to appeal. I wrote a letter, my husband wrote a letter, the whole nine yards. Turned out all they needed was a submission of my weight. It was a predetermination letter not a denial! I took the initiative and submitted the paperwork myself. I about had it by then! I figure I will get news soon. A week later I get a call and the doctor needs to see me. There was no way that I would weigh in if they put me in a gown. I was determined so I ate a bunch of crap. Two weeks later, I went in with weights...in my bra this time (just 2 lbs) and I weighed in. They didn't even put me in a gown. I saw the doctor and he went all through my history AGAIN. It was so frustrating because they introduced a new system the day of my first appointment. Soooo....the doctor speaks to me and tells me that the information has to be resubmitted. Here we go again! I leave the office and they call me and tell me that my psych exam is not there. I knew for a fact they had it. I had the pile of files with me, psych exam and all on the day of my first visit. I told them and this time I was firm. Anyways, I waited for a few days then called the insurance company myself and my submission passed me for a "yes" for predetermination. I was so happy, I called the office and left a message...no call back then straight to voicemail. The following day I had the bright idea of using my husbands phone and I got to the coordinator. Turns out the original coordinator left and the job was handed to the scheduler and she admitted to me that she had absolutely no clue of what she was doing. I guided her through everything and my surgery was scheduled for Feb 10! Thank God! I have had periods of severe anxiety, depression, and mania. They have determined that I have bipolar but it has been up in the air for about 10 years. This whole situation left me on pins and needles. I felt fantastic for the past year (2013) but in December I came close to a mental breakdown. Everything was happening so haphazard and I honestly thought that God wanted me to lose the weight the natural way. I started to have anxiety so bad that it was hard to leave the house. It was really bad. I went to the doctor a few weeks ago and she increased my Effexor. Most of you may be aware of the mania that can occur with an increase in dosage.So here I am. My anxiety is soooo bad and my mania is driving me insane. Unlike many people, I do not enjoy mania. It makes me feel out of control and I HATE it. I'm trying to do my school work and I cannot put my thoughts into clear sentences. I'm anxious about the surgery, school, finances, everything. It is a vicious cycle. I'm concerned with recovery and my mental health. I know that the transition will be difficult but I suppose I need some insight on how any of you have dealt with your situation. I suppose I'm looking for a friend that I can share my journey with that understands how bipolar and mental illness can change with surgery. If anyone uses prayer, that would also be helpful. God is the only thing that keeps me going.

I am currently below 40 BMI, however, I have been gaining weight like crazy. My insurance denied me because I was below without two comorbidites despite the fact that I have GERD, high cholesterol, depression, and anxiety. I'm considering gaining weight then having another weigh in to submit to the insurance company. Has any one done this? If so, did it work? I know that this is probably a bad idea but I'm so close.

I'm 2 weeks post op and I have had some difficulty with food obsession. Some days are easier than others. I know that I am not hungry but I yearn for the comfort. When I was bored I could just grab something and eat away. I can't do that anymore and while they say it will clear up, I have a deeper understanding. I was a food addict as well. The surgery will def help but we have to get to the root of the emotional reasons. It is important to deal with these things because of transfer addictions. I think that therapy and group support is important. I think that this journey makes us face things directly which is a blessing in disguise. Good luck!

Congrats girl! Glad to hear that you are doing well. I'm 2 weeks out tomorrow and have had ups and downs but it does seem like everyday gets a little easier.

I'm almost 2 weeks post op and on the full liquid until next week. I'm really struggling with head hunger. It is bordering on obsession. I see food everywhere and I crave the comfort of the taste. My husband is eating regular food and it kills me. I thought that I might come to this obstacle but I figured pre-op ickiness would help deal with it. Wrong! I'm super emotional and I have realized how much I relied on food to provide me with comfort. This may sound silly but I'm scared. I don't want this to defeat me. I need this and don't want to turn back to food addiction. This is terrible. What are some of your experiences and tips?

Hi Kris, I also struggled with an eating disorder. I know that can only complicate things more. I have been sitting around without anything to do and this makes things worse. I think that once I am up and moving, things will get better. I will be able to occupy myself more. I know that a therapist will have to be a part of my journey. I have a great support system, including all of you.

I actually am eating cottage cheese and yogurt which is satisfying. I've learned some new Protein shake recipes and I do eat popsicles as well. I think I just have a ton of downtime. I'm going to look for a therapist to get to the root of everything. I have some unresolved issues that need to be taken care of and wls is an emotional rollercoaster.

I can say that I highly doubt that this will happen. I understand being denied for smoking or drinking but weight gain, come on? We are encouraged to lose weight before surgery. We are motivated by these certain "beliefs." But I would say that it is extremely rare for that to occur. If it did, I'm sure it would be for a HUGE amount of weight. I actually gained a ton before my final surgery consult. The surgeon said nothing. If you follow your fast (if you have one) as close as possible, you will be fine. The fast is for your benefit and it will allow the surgeon to maneuver easily around your liver. Also, if you are a female you may gain weight because of your cycle. It is not totally out of the realm. This happens to many people. It is mostly anxiety. I was worried about literally EVERYTHING and none of it happened. You will be just fine. Worry is normal. This is a big deal! You can do this. Stay as focused as possible. Good luck!

I meant to say post-op not pre-op ickiness

I'm a little over a week out. Every day gets a little better. I'm surprised of how far I have come. Congrats girl!

I had my surgery on the 10th so I'm about a week out. I feel absolutely terrible. I'm so sick to my stomach and I have bad diarrhea. It is also very hard to consume all of the liquid, Protein shakes taste TERRIBLE, and everything smells. Is this normal? How long does this last? It feels like it will never end but I know it will. I just have never been so sick in my whole life. Frustrated. Depressed. Sick!

Thank you everyone for your input. I know everyone deals with this differently. I started my menstrual cycle so I'm sure that has made things worse. I was sent home with a fooley and that has been a nightmare. Thank God they are coming by today to pull it out. I know that will help me feel better.

Biotin, Noxin shampoo, and I have even heard of people using Rogane. Of course Protein consumption is always important. Here is a link http://www.amazon.com/Nioxin-Starter-Treated-Noticeably-Thinning/dp/B001392582/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

I think it might be "mind hunger." I think that we all experience it. It's common. I'm preop and on my liquid diet. God, help me. You will get through this!!

Day 3 for me. Everything is pissing me off. Reminding myself that surgery is Monday. I've heard of ppl having a month long liquid diet (insanity). It could always be worse. Keep it up chick!

Hrmmm. That is something new. I know my dietitian said no gummies but maybe those are different? Plus every surgeon is different. I take Bariatric Fusion Multi. They are chewable tablets and I take chewable calcium plus d. Contact your doctor just in case.

I'm preop and I'm praying that I don't lose my butt. I don't want to look disproportionate (which I think you are referring to) but I would like to have the coke bottle shape. If my belly goes it will be awesome but then again its look like a bag of laundry or be thinner and healthier.

Oh no. I start mine on Tuesday. I have to do it for 6 days. I have been eating like a pig. I get cranky when I'm hungry and I'm afraid that I will yell at my husband haha. Remember, you are thisclose to surgery. You can do this!!

Hello! I was in a similar situation. I have BCBS IL. I was under 40 BMI and didn't have the 35 BMI plus 2 "required" comorbidities such as hypertension, apnea, ect. I do have high cholesterol (which counted). My insurance company requires documentation that every form of treatment has been exhausted and hasn't worked. For example, you have hypertension and no treatment has been able to control it. You ONLY have to provide this if you are under 40 BMI. Needless to say, my insurance company would not allow a yes for predetermination because of this. I simply gained the weight. At first I wore weights and weighed in. A few weeks later I had gained the weight that was necessary and my BMI is 40.1. I received an automatic go-ahead. I'm not telling you that you will be denied. All insurance companies are different but this is a commonality for people that are under 40 BMI. Don't lose hope. There are "ways" to work with the system if need be. Good luck.

I'm sorry. I totally misread your post. I thought you were referring to the pre-op. I feel stupid lol.

My doctor is requiring me to drink 4 Protein shakes a day (Bariatric Fusion). Other than that all I can have is tons of Water and Crystal like or something like it. I'm allowed one cup of coffee a day with no sugar. Not enthused but it's only for 6 days.

They seriously put you through an MMPI? That is nuts. It is a good method of detecting deception but it can reveal some pretty ridiculous results. The psych must have wanted to be thorough. Anyways, I wouldn't worry too much. I saw a psych that asked me about my support systems and expectations. He did have access to my psych records though. I have depression and anxiety and a pretty lengthy history. Normally the requirements are a good understanding of the procedure, reasonable expectations, and no mental defect that would hinder your recovery. If you do have psych issues, as long as you are stable and proactive it is rare for a psych to deny you. Good luck!!

Hahaha @ the fork reference. I do have a psych nurse. I will be going to see a therapist after surgery. I will need it. I did see the nutritionist and have that all down. I never thought I would be desperate enough to put weight on me. What a ridiculous situation lol. I'm almost there! I will remain strong. I am so thankful for every one on this site. Everyone has been so kind. We are all proof that we are not "numbers". We are people with feelings and this journey is very hard!