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I was able to get through the 1st stage. I've spoken to the clinic in Portland. OWL. They told me they are just now processing the paperwork and we will get the ball rolling soon on making appointments for the second stage. I completed the online seminar and filled out the application PDF. My Dietician MD sent out the referral and she, the weight loss clinic, and Molina have all said that the first stage is complete. I was given CPT codes by the clinic for bypass and the sleeve. Molina confirmed that they will cover both if I meet the requirements. I was told that I may be able to do a sleep study at home and mail it back in. So that is definitely one less worry. Here is a current list of requirements for pre-surgery/surgery. I haven't been able to find may people that have information about going through this insurance recently. All I could find was two dead posts asking if anyone knew anything about Molina in Washington. Both did not have a reply. My worries are that I'll have to drive to Portland 12 times minimum for only some of the visits over the next 6 months. Along with all of the other requirements like seeing a sleep specialist, psychological evaluation, etc. This is only a problem because I live an hour and a half away. I'm worried that may not let me see someone locally for some or all of these things. Does it really have to be 6 months, can it be less? I know you can get an extension. I'm also sure it would be hard to cram in several visits in a short time. I still wonder if there is any sort of legal loophole any other clinics may use? Anything like less time or fewer visits. I live in a rural area and between my husband's health, work, time and financial constraints, I'm starting to wonder If I need to wait. Healthwise my HBP is getting worse and isn't responding well to diet or medication. We have small children and he has extreme exhaustion from having SCA 5 years ago. I'm not sure I'll be able to make it to visits that are 1 1/2 hours away. Is there truly no way to fast track something like this if the Insurance has such detailed and extensive protocols? Would none of the information I have from dietitians over the last few years count? Does it all have to be new information? Health Information: 315lb, 5'5, HBP, PCOS, Social Anxiety, Joint Pain, Lower Back Pain without Sciatica, Postpartum Hernia. I'm not sure if all of these details were only needed for the first stage of authorization. Has anyone been able to speed up the process? (Probably Wishful thinking.) Thank you to anyone that took the time to read this and anyone that may have answers or advice for me. -Fhionafaye

Thanks for the add . As of today 1-19-20 ,I have never been so sick malnutrition and loosing quality of life . I was banned 10-09 and for 9 yrs I lost 80-90 lbs ( also the most stressful yrs as an adult I might add ) ... fast forward 2 yrs ago I was gaining weight back rapidly yet it wasn’t from food fluid retained in soft tissue 🤷🏻‍♀️ my doctor moved along to the modern sleeve no longer dealt with the band , passed me on to a p a with not any hands on band issues ... by the next two months I was sick and balloons up to 200 pounds At 4”11 ... and I COULD NOT FIND A DOC IN SOUTH JERSEY TO REMOVE 2 bands the band and realize NOT MANY with much knowledge of the realize .. I go to a well known east coast heart hospital finally a nice understanding Dr. who agreed to remove the band and sleeve so the date comes 5-17-18 (paperwork similar ) no psych no vit shots ... the nutritionist and ins wait .. I go in all is ok from what I remember the next day I am complaining of itching hands head n eyes “nurse perhaps pain meds “ me I have other issues and have n do take meds this is different .. over looked n discharged 2 days later the rash (still have 2-4x weekly) from inside out now hubby can see n watch spread .. a black bubble on lower abdomen appears go to doc he calls in augmenting infection (pill was a weeks of food to me ) by 2 more days another bubble yet bigger appears in the pain as of kidney stones to the hospital I go m r I and they can’t touch me immediate transfer to I c u at the Bariatric doc request .. 5 clots nicked liver spleen and rash Entire body inside out ... 7 wks and was told I had the HIT .. heparin induced blood clots me in aww they run in family NOT U HEPRIN DID IT 42 days of it and a rash yet antibiotic n dilution 4 mlg 2 hrs ...i Finally asked a nurse to see labs day 3 playlets drop no wbc hi at all confused hemotolgy the head of liver center are now on board ... the rash source still in k own yet in may of 19 lost 25 lbs since surgery I become soo tired and acting out of character my neuro sends me to hosp labs show NO THIAMIE AND TOO MUCH B 12 sugar 32 if not for stimulant adderall i might not be here 2- days I slept Endo by hospital g I doc confirms NO BAND OR SLEEVE ??? second opinion last week Endo n colonoscopy done sees prior Bariatric surgery TWISTED STOMACH NOW WHAT THE DOCTOR LEFT STATE I AM 104 lbs and pain as I try to eat solids before even finished .. limited liquids more bad then good days , was accused of drug use as I would stand n sleep ... act out of the norm , so off , yet no one believed me until July I called and said admit me n find out why I am loosing 5 lbs a week vomit diahrea all day .. almost dead I am mal nourished , stomach only absurbs liquid vit and DOCTOR LEAVES I HAVE ISSUES DAILY MIGRANES STOMACH PAINS ALONG WITH NEUROPATHY ON RIGHT SIDE LIFE IS A STRUGGLE DAILY ... so as if today 1-19-20 Surgeon left the state still suffering who goes in too fix me lawsuit holding all back I need my life I’m 48 and no quality of me left suggestions anyone else endure hear of ?

Hello, I’m getting sleeve surgery in 17 days and have only told my husband and parents. I love in a very small town where neighbors and friends will get nosey when they see my fast weight drop but I’m not planning on telling anyone as it’s my own decision. My parents and husband think everyone will assume it anyway because of the large weight drop in short amount of time but I’m really hoping that doesn’t happen. Has anyone gotten away without telling? I’ve mentioned to a few friends I’m working at losing weight...so at least they know I’m trying but not saying anything else. Would love to hear anyone else’s experience ...and if this can really be done w out the nosey noses calling bluff.

I feel like I’m also a slow loser. I’ve averaged 8-10 pounds a month. Once I started cardio it went up to 12-14 pounds a month. Also try intermittent fasting. If you average 10 pounds a month that’ll be over 100 pounds in a year. Your doing great!! Also the average weight loss is 10-15 pounds a month after the first month.

It is hard to understand the expectations of instant surgery to goal weights. How fast did you put the weight on? Does your surgeons office say it will be instant? Follow the plan you were given and enjoy the results. SMH

They come in sublingual, meaning you dissolve them under your tongue. And if you know you have surgery coming, never too soon to start ! EZ Melts Biotin for Hair, Skin, Nails, 5,000 mcg, Sublingual Vitamins, Vegan, Zero Sugar, Natural Strawberry Flavor, 90 Fast Dissolve Tablets https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NV5UTYI/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_3HNiEbW287PRT Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

Like the both of you my surgery is Tuesday! I'm the first one of the day, so I gotta wake up at 4:30 for my last pre-surgery ensure, then I'm at the hospital at 6am. I can't believe that it's only 4 days away. Seems very surreal to me actually. I think the hardest part for me will be not being able to drink/eat at the same time as I ALWAYS drink a lot when I'm eating. I'm also a super fast eater so that will be something to get used to. Taking 20 mins to eat 2 oz of food? Weird. But I'm looking forward to it. I love love love food, but I've been fat all my life and I think being able to finally do things that I've never been able to do .... well I will love that even more. Best of luck to you both on Tuesday as well!

I wish! Sadly with a lifetime of working on my feet and intermittent issue with plantar fasciitis, I’m stuck with “sensible” shoes unless I want to be in agony

I've only heard of strictures treated, sorry. You weren't very heavy to begin with, a BMI of 35. On top of this you've lost weight quite fast. What does your nutritionist say? The gastroenterologist? How do the labs run, including vitamin panels? How bad is the liver function already? During my last hospital stay for adhesiolysis I've seen patients admitted to receive TPN because they were malnourished and dehydrated since they couldn't eat enough (still very overweight but anyway).

Hello everyone, 2 days post op and finally feeling like posting. I woke up to pain in the recovery room which was quickly treated. The first day was a bit rough I felt uncomfortable and overwhelmed. Day 2 was much better the walking definitely helped with passing the gas and helped with the pressure in my abdomen area. Drinking from the medicine cups helps since they are 1 ounce I am sticking to tiny sips and ice chips. Tomorrow I will introduce the shakes into my diet, I have to admit I am nervous because so far I have only felt uncomfortable after drinking too much too fast (slow down) but hopefully I can keep down the protein. I have had a headache all day, probably lack of sleep the hospital staff comes in every few hours to check on me. I had an out of the area surgery so I was discharged to my hotel today. I am looking forward to sleeping all night and hopefully feeling better tomorrow. Physically I am not hungry however looking at food makes me really sad, I didn't expect to feel this way. When we arrived to the hotel my husband went to have dinner and I went with him to walk a bit, I was surprised at the huge wave of emotion and tears that followed when smelling the food and watching other people eat. I stayed because I didn't want to ruin his dinner after all he stayed at the hospital with me since day 1 sleeping on a cot that looked rather uncomfortable. Looking forward to a better day tomorrow best piece of advice for everyone is slow sips of water and walk, walk, walk. Thanks for being such a supportive group.

Listen, vertical gastric sleeve is now a very safe procedure with a very low complication rate. If you select a good doctor, your risks for complications are fairly low. There ARE risks, but EVERY procedure has risks. Do your research, find a good doctor, and it is what you and your doctor decide is best for you... then don't let anyone talk you out of it! Your best friend... well, as an ER Nurse, she is seeing patients that have complications. She is not seeing the many many more who do NOT have complications. Her view will be slightly skewed as a result. And she is your friend... she is likely overprotective. My hubby and I are both nurses. He was against me having surgery out of fear of losing me. Nothing rational about it. I chose to have the surgery despite his feelings because I wanted to regain my health and my life. It has only been 4 1/2 months and I am fortunate to say I have surpassed my surgeons expectations with weight loss. The only "complications" I have had are very minor "side effects". First was dizziness due to dehydration. So I worked to improve my hydration. Now I have a different dizziness because I take a medication for my fast heart beat that happens to also be a blood pressure medication. So now my BP is low. The fix? I hold my medication and won't take it unless my BP is higher or my doctor tells me otherwise (waiting to see him). Even still... I am SO grateful I was able to get the surgery and I feel and look great! I also work with others who have had the surgery and they are all doing great as well. None of us regrets doing it. And BTW... a few weeks ago my husband admitted that he is glad I got the surgery afterall and he is so proud of how far I have come with regaining my health. Feel free to use this group to get feedback from others as you need to... but again, your life, your health, your decision.

I am post op day one from sleeve and it’s been okay but still struggling with intermittent gas pains. Been walking around as much as possible.

I'm so excited to find this thread! Started IF 1st January 2019... Doing 18/6 and 1200 calorie restriction preferably high protein low ish carb for endomorph macros. Feeling great. Pouch resetting Weight starting to come off! Just got to stay away from the 🌲🌲🌲 during or near my fasting times or it all goes to 'pot' 😆 Tho has anyone else experienced stomach pains doing this?

So crazy to look back on that message I wrote 6 months ago.. in that time I haven't yet managed to get the 5lb off and back to my lowest weight. I started thinking maybe this was the new normal point...but then I put on another 3 lbs and realised that NO it is my bad habits, not helped by my husband. So since Jan 1st I have taken more drastic measures and started Intermittent Fasting. First 16/8 and now 18/6. It has majorly helped with pouch resetting and I can even feel the restriction of my sleeve more strongly again since I have been been fasting 18 hours a day and only eating in the short window. Its actually been working and ive lost 3.5 out of the 8 lbs I want to lose to get back to my lowest weight. This restricted way of eating is also helping me deal with my night snacking because it's outside my eating window. I'm going to stick with it and just consider it a new sleeve lifestyle. 5 lbs to go but I'm feeling empowered and optimistic. Keep your fingers fingers crossed for me Sent from my CLT-L29 using BariatricPal mobile app

I realise this is an old thread but I had my sleeve done 3 years ago and am now happily maintaining a low weight of 115lbs...I was using IF strategies to deal with an 8lb regain which is more than I am ok with, and since then I have been experiencing pains in my left side, my stomach pouch area I think. Doing IF had definitely had a pouch reset effect. I noticed my restriction had somewhat dwindled lately but after doing IF it's back with a vengeance and a few times I have broken a fast with "eyes bigger than belly", literally, and been sent running to worship at the porcelain alter. Now I am careful to break fast gently eg with a boiled egg, but still I have mild stomach pains on and off all day, been going on for a few weeks. Pains are only mild so I haven't been to a doctor. But just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience! Sent from my CLT-L29 using BariatricPal mobile app

it's not easy. Well, the first few months aren't bad, but once your hunger comes back, things get tougher. And now that I'm in maintenance, it's a daily struggle. If I'm not on it all the time, my weight starts heading north pretty fast.

Wednesday jan15 fast attempt #2 5'2" / 29 months PO/ CW 172.4 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 8:00 coffee with 1 oz almond milk 2:00 coffee with 1 oz almond milk + cayenne + cinnamon 6:00 2 egg omelet with cheese 7:30 veggies 8:30 coffee with milk + whipped cream 11:30 strawberry Greek yogurt oatmeal smoothie --------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals- 678 cals / 43g protien / 47g net carbs / 32g fat Sent from my SM-G950U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

you do need to commit to taking vitamins, or else you'll end up with deficiencies. You get used to it pretty fast. I'm pretty much on autopilot with my vitamins at this point...

They each affect us differently. For me, I found that pure whey isolate causes more of an insulin swing than does the Premier Protein. That's because the isolate is a "fast protein" and the whey concentrate is a slower protein. You just have to experiment with it.

Yes when I got home and more relaxed I can hold baby. I’m so relieved. So admittance went by so fast and I actually waited from 1:30-6pm. They took me back to pre op private room. They asked my family to stay out until they got everything started IV,pee test, started IV fluids, signed some paperwork, put the decompression leg things that blow up and release. Then my family came in. And waited with me. We watched tv laughed etc. closer to surgery time my surgeon Dr Snyder came in and made sure I was feeling ok. I was so nervous and he reassured me multiple times. Then his assistant came in Calvillo. They work great together. He said Snyder told him I was nervous and they would take great care of me. There anesthesiologist are in and asked me sign multiple forms and made sure I didn’t want the surgery all natural( his way of joking it made me laugh) he explained each and every thing. He said he would give me my cocktail in the way to the OR and then once in the OR I wouldn’t remember anything after that. I remember getting the cocktail and saying it didn’t work. Then the next thing I remember is him putting oxygen on me. Then I woke up in my private room with family. I don’t recall recovery at all.

I hear you. I think the best advice - knowing everyones body is very different of course - I have seen /used to break a stall is Intermittent Fasting, Upping my water and protein, lowering carbs below 30 (sometimes even KETO so more healthy fats) and if say you have been really low on calories I just upped mine and the scale moved again. Which really messes with your head. Or at least it did mine. I have PCOS, I am insulin resistant, I have endometriosis AND I am hypothyroid all four which just make me a slower loser. Its hard to wrap your head around the fact that sometimes you need more CARBS or Calories to get the scale to move... I just keep ploughing forward and then if I stall- which is ALOT- i try to mix it up. And I am here for encouragement and i hope others are too vs casting blame or suspicions on others. Life is too short for the BS and negativity. Some people get dealt a crappier hand and its okay to get bummed out by that because you are human and have good days and bad days and thats OK. I tend to be very glass half full but every once in a blue moon I get frustrated and its okay to feel that way because thats how you move through the emotion to a better place. At the end of the day i am still going to wake up and try. I ran into my old trainer the other day at the gym (she left to go to law school) and she was blown away with how much I have lost and how I look and she texted me after and said I am so proud of you for never giving up because i know all of your health issues and how hard you work but you never ever give up and you should be proud of yourself. I say this because its a good reminder that waking up every day and trying sometimes is the biggest win of all. And there is no crime in encouraging people... That said i know for a fact I have stalled more than a week and it had nothing to do with calories. My surgeon and my Drs all attribute that to the above mentioned medical issues I have. But I can only speak to my body as you can only speak to yours. And to other we should speak with the kindness we wish to get in return. Life is too short for anything else.

Intermittent fasting has helped me for sure. you can still eat your same amount of calories but in a smaller window. Its definitely worth trying. And upping your water to 80-120 Oz if possible if you don't happen to drink a lot of water. The water part can be hard though... Hang in there bec three months stall is tough mentally. IF is excellent and Fluffy chic had a great thread on that....

Still wondering if last fast (20 hours) was the cause for my vomiting/diarrhea episode or if I had some sort of a bug. I guess will never know for sure Sent from my SM-G950U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

Thanks, for today I already broke my fast on an egg omlet so far doing great. It was an 18 hr fast Sent from my SM-G950U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

I want to lay out my intro and also not say what I know some of you have already read 100 times. I first understood my weight was more than it should be at 8 yrs old. I spent my teens dieting and mostly starving to keep off the lbs. I got married at 22 and had my first c section at 24 in 2010. Eating for 2 was a dream come true. I ate for the sake of eating and loved every second. I thought I would shed the weight easily after the birth. Nope. I've had three more kinds since then (2012, 2014, and 2016). I have continued to inch up the scale landing me at my current all time highest weight of 320 lbs. After years of trying every diet on the planet with little success, I got serious about not just watching people have surgery on My 600 lb Life, but looking into surgery for myself last summer. I made an appointment with who my co-worker used and went to that initial consultation in October. They threw me a bit off because it was very fast paced if I had the cash. I could have had my surgery in 3 months from the day of my initial appointment. Just needed to pay out of pocket. I can afford bills, but not $300/week with 4 kids and Christmas looming so I tearfully decided to seek out another clinic since they just weren't flexible about how to get me surgery and it not cost me an arm and leg up front. I do have good insurance as a state employee, but apparently it couldn't cover some of their requirements so those are all out of pocket costs. I have now set up an appointment with UMMC (Jackson, MS). My first consultation appointment isn't until March 20 with the potential to be called for canceled appointments to fill in sooner. They faxed me a to do list for my PCP and I went in for most of those tests on Monday. Still waiting to hear results. Anyways, hi! I will be here soaking up information from all of you while I anxiously await my consultation. I know most any of what I know about WLS due to 600 lb life. I've tracked that show since it began. ❤️