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Hi. I'm a Newbie. My gastric sleeve surgery is scheduled for January 2nd. I started the process in May @ 307 lbs (5'7"), and so far have lost 30 lbs with eating modification & exercise. Currently, my exercise consists of weight training and some walking. Having torn meniscus in both knees doesn't permit a lot of walking. For years I used to be an avid gym freak years ago, but shoulder and foot injuries/surgeries, along with personal circumstances had put a damper on that for some time. While I'm looking forward to the surgery and a new beginning, my biggest cause for anxiety is the resulting loose skin. I carry a lot of muscle mass right now, and I'm concerned that the fat loss, and the muscle loss of not working out, will exasperate the situation. I'm aware that loose skin comes with the territory, but does anyone have any advise on how to minimize it? Thanks for your support, Johnny B.

Anyone else getting their sleeve done January of 2019? I’d love to hear from some people who are around the same time as me. I’m getting it done January 9th. I’m nervously excited.

I thought I had made it through unscathed. Since my surgery on the 12th I have not had any issues with my stomach. No nausea, no cramps, no hunger pains. I was actually taking in liquids pretty easily...two 33 oz bottles a day with no problem. Suddenly yesterday my stomach started having issues with any liquid I took in. I've tried cold, room temp, warm and hot. It's a twisting discomfort when the liquid hits my stomach...like a mini charlie horse. I've been plowing through and forcing myself to suffer through the pain, but it would suck if this is my future. Anybody else have a similar thing happen?

Wow from April until now but I'm finally there! 12/19/18 I get my sleeve and my 2nd chance at a healthy life!

At the hospital Monday morning at 5:30 am. Wheeled to surgery at 7:30 am. Surgery was suppose to be about 3 hrs. Hubby not called back until 3:30pm. They had problem waking me up. My asthma kicked in and I had acute kidney failure. Didn't get up walking until Wed morning. Came home Thursday and soooo glad to be in my bed! The surgery pain is very minimal. Biggest issue is my back pain from sleeping on those damn hospital beds! So if it weren't for my complications things would have gone a whole lot easier! Can't wait to start reaching some of my goals like tying shoes, fitting in a booth seat without having to test it to see if I fit before the hostess walks away, and of course buying smaller clothes sizes!

This may have been discussed before but for anyone covered by CIGNA or one of its affiliated companies, they have abandoned their prior formal requirement of a specific duration (e.g. 3 months) in favor of this language: • A statement from a physician/physician’s assistant/nurse practitioner/registered dietician (i.e., other than the requesting surgeon) that the individual has failed previous attempts to achieve and maintain weight loss by medical management. This is the old language: • Medical management including evidence of active participation within the last 12 months in a weight-management program that is supervised either by a physician/physician’s assistant/nurse practitioner or a registered dietician for a minimum of three consecutive months ((i.e., ≥ 89 days). The weight-management program must include monthly documentation of ALL of the following components:  weight  current dietary program  physical activity (e.g., exercise program) Programs such as Weight Watchers®, Jenny Craig® and Optifast® are acceptable alternatives if done in conjunction with the supervision of a physician/physician’s assistant/nurse practitioner or registered dietician and detailed documentation of participation is available for review. However, physician-supervised programs consisting exclusively of pharmacological management are not sufficient to meet this requirement. Anyone covered by CIGNA now and going through a mandatory weight loss program under the old medical policy should request their surgeon/bariatric program to submit their request for approval NOW and not wait to finish the supervised diet. You might get some push-back from crusty bariatric practices or surgeons, but hopefully they will help you. The new policy is more favorable to patients, and because it is the medical policy in effect for anyone having surgery after October 9th, we take the position this is the operative medical policy - NOT the policy at a patient's "starting point". Call us at 1-877-992-7732 if you have questions about this or are in need of any information about what you need to do if you have been denied by your insurer - whether it is CIGNA or any other payer. Good luck to all! CIGNA medical policy effective October 9 2018.pdf

Today was my first set of appointments to start the process; nurse practitioner, dietician/nutritionist, and physical therapist. In addition, I got my bloodwork and EKG done. I already have a mammogram and colonoscopy on record. I went in with a positive attitude and I think that helped, I was more excited than nervous. I mentioned that I had been reading the forums on this site to learn what I could and I think it helped me comprehend the massive amount of information I was given because I sort of studied ahead, plus, they gave me a notebook The dietician noted that I take a lot of supplements, and she stressed that I will be restricted to taking only a few after surgery, at 200% the regular dose; multi-vitamin that includes iron and other minerals and B12 sublingual at night, calcium citrate 500mg liquid or chew three times a day, plus vitamin d, liquid or small gelcaps. I forgot to ask about my Wellbutrin and allergy medicine. Oh well, there's time! A lot of people in these forums say NOT to try the drinks, food, or supplements pre surgery, but my dietician encouraged me to try different things to find what I like (even though my preferences may change post surgery). I have already purchased some Protein20 drinks, Premier Protein shakes, sugar free Gatorade, Propel electrolyte water, bone broth, and some Millie's sipping broth samples. My choice is the gastric sleeve but they will probably try to convince me that the bypass is the best option (and "gold standard" as I keep reading everywhere). I was scoped in July and they found a hiatal hernia, some non-bloody ulcers, and Schatzki's ring. I was instructed to continue with the Omeprazole in order to continue to calm my esophagus and stomach. I hope they let me stick with the sleeve, I don't want to deal with malabsorption issues and I prefer being able to take NSAIDS. I have enough dumping from having my gallbladder removed and being sensitive to grease/oil. Today while at the hospital, I had a long break so I had brunch consisting of an egg-salad sandwich (which they said was freshly made that morning) and half a bag of chips. Let's just say I had to visit the restroom 4-5 times during the rest of my time there, ugh! The insurance company has told my hospital (OHSU Portland Oregon) that the procedure is covered, but have not yet responded regarding what they require from me. The hospital requires two nutrition classes and a few more tests. My EKG came back "borderline" so I am being referred to a cardiologist to make sure everything is ok. I made my two nutrition class reservations and psychological evaluation appointment, as well as my sleep study consult. I'm 58 and have had a hysterectomy (1 ovary left) so I'm not required to get a pap smear, review birth control, and they're not requiring that I be screened for drugs & alcohol (I quit smoking 31 years ago). I'm hoping to have it all done by February, but won't know what else I need to do until my insurance company forks over some information! This facility only requires 24 hours of clear liquids before surgery (yay). While I was given my diet information, I think I'm going to slowly incorporate better habits and definitely pay attention to my protein and fluid intake for now. Since my BMI is slightly over 41, I was cautioned not to lose more than 10 pounds because it would put me below the required 40 BMI. That is unless I end up being diagnosed with sleep apnea (I have high cholesterol); neither joint pain or depression qualify as co-morbidities. My lab results have already been provided and they found my ferritin to be low, so I need to begin taking carbonyl iron with vitamin C right away. I've read a lot of different posts of people sharing their program information, so here is my post-surgical diet information from my booklet: STAGE ONE - first day following surgery - CLEAR LIQUIDS STAGE TWO - starting day two post surgery, for 14-21 days - FULL LIQUIDS STAGE THREE - starting 2-3 weeks post surgery, for approximately 6 weeks (depending on how the patient is doing) - SOFT FOOD STAGE FOUR - approximately two months post surgery - SOLID FOOD (low sugar & low fat) Over the weekend I cleaned out my cupboards of a bunch of food and food-like substances; what wasn't expired I took to work. Fed the crows some expired cereal and crackers. Haven't tackled the freezer yet. Since my surgery isn't scheduled yet I have plenty of time! I just wanted to thank everyone who posts their experiences and questions and advice, I think people are very supportive here for the most part!

So frustrated and depressed. It’s been 11 weeks - first two weeks I lost 9 pound. Went back a month later for check up and lost 1.8 pound. Last two weeks nothing. Dietician told me that I am not eating enough so I tried to eat more and put on two pounds. I see videos on YouTube of other people at 11-12 weeks being 40-60 pounds down and talking about only being able to eat five small bites. I don’t seem to have that restriction at all and could eat a full meal if unwanted but just nothing tastes good anymore. Can’t eat yoghurt or milk as it makes me sick now. Just nothing tastes like anything anymore. I cooked a huge pot of cabbage and chicken broth and basically live in that. But still not losing. Just feel so depressed and that this was such a waste of money and time. And now my hair is falling out in handfuls. Ughhhh

Hey guys, So first a quick update - Just celebrated my 10 month surgiversary on Saturday and made my 1st weight goal, which was 140. Currently at 139.7 and probably aiming for 135 before settling down into maintenance mode - yes I could aim lower at my height, but don't love the sagging skin that is starting & won't likely be able to have any cosmetic surgery. Plus, given my health issues, I feel - and my docs agree - that this is a realistic goal to maintain. Can't believe this time last year I was scheduling my surgery and taking out a loan and researching, researching, researching! Seems so long ago and also that it has flown by at the same time ; ) Have a few other victories to celebrate such as total inches lost so far over 42" when added together from biceps, bust, waist, hips, thighs & calves - so that is exciting! I tend to think of myself as "Droopy-Drawers" now, but I guess that's ok. Also out of plus sizes finally, which makes me so happy. Much more active now, both in and out of the gym - doing things around the house & yard I haven't done in a long, long time. Still dealing with all my back & chronic pain, but at least I'm able to DO more! Bloodwork is good except still a little low on the iron - continuing to work on that one. Hair could be better but I knew that was a strong risk and am praying it will start growing back soon. All in all it has been a great journey & totally worth it - that part w/o a doubt! Anyway, the reason for my post - have just started having this pinching sensation lately when bending over or leaning forward. It is in the area of the incision on my left side but the one closer to my belly button than my side - the one up about midway (not the little one under diaphragm area). It's not excruciating but is like a sharp pinch, and has been pretty much daily for the past week I guess. If I were earlier out post-op I would say it felt like being poked by a stitch or maybe popping one - but I would certainly hope that wouldn't be the case at 10 months. Has anyone else had a similar sensation this far out, and if so, did it go away on its own or did you ever find out what it was? Just wondering if I should be concerned...

Saw my surgeon today and got my date. 17th Jan. Lapband removal, possible hiatus hernia repair and revision to RNY

Hello All! I am new to the group. I received the green light for my sleeve surgery scheduled for 1/28/19. I could have had it sooner but due to work commitments and child care issues, it will be in January! I am happy and excited to start this adventure! Please comment with words of wisdom and advice! Surgery buddies are welcome. Hey

After about 5 minutes at Dr. Gagne's office the other day, I decided I am really glad I chose him as my surgeon. For starters, having the surgery at Butler instead of going down to Pittsburgh is a big plus. Especially since I have no idea how I am getting to and from the hospital, so if I have to get the male child or my uncle to do it, I am way better off doing through Butler. Talking with Dr. Gagne...he is very matter of fact, straight forward, yet seems to be very understanding. I had printed off my diary pages from MFP, put them in a binder for him and he said to just continue to eat as I have been doing because it was very good along with the exercise I have been doing.....proof positive that i need the surgery when he sees the work I am putting in and yet not so much as 1 ounce has been lost since my appointment the beginning of the month at Dr. Reyer. With regard to the holidays coming up....he said not to deprive myself, but by the same token please realize I am not going to the electric chair so please do not go overboard. LMAO Kelli told us that since Highmark has a change in medical policy, there is no more 6 month wait. So I asked for an approximate of when I could possibly have my surgery if that is the case...they will be submitting it the day after New Years when it takes effect. LOL This is going to fly!!!!

Hi guys, I've followed this app for quite some time before having my surgery.. I must admit some of you had me scared out my mind but this has been the best decision I could've made. It's no where near easy but it's worth it and I've decided to post a picture to share with you all...the pic in the middle is from today..please excuse my mirror lol.. I can let you know my starting weight was 266 I'm now around 230 and I'm 5ft 4in.

Today I finished my pre op testing and appointment- its real, 5 days left before surgery, I cannot belive it has come so fast. What did people need at the hospital? What did you take? What were some concerns that would help to ask beforehand to avoid before being sent home? Things to ask doctors or nurses about? I am just extremely nervous feeling like I am missing things I will need, or mess something up pre - op. I have the jitters..... So preparing ideas, or anything encouraging right now would be aweosme. Thanks guys. ANyone else my surgery buddy on 10/29

October 23, 2018, I started my journey towards weight loss surgery (sleeve). I am so excited to get this weight off and keeping it off. Please feel free to post if you are with me and just starting. The surgeon said it will be about 3 months until I get my date to have surgery. I will wait patiently and do everything that is required reach my goal. My starting weight is 266lbs and my short term goal is 199.75 (to get under 200) and my long term goal is 160lb. in the next could of years.

Hi All, Any encouragement and advise would be welcomed. I am scheduled to have the sleeve on Monday 10/29 and my case is still being approved by the insurance company. I believe I have met all the requirements but I've heard that the insurance may still fight it. I think the hardest mental part is that I have been on the liquid only diet for 3 days now and it is soooo hard. What is the point of being on the ultra-strict diet if I am not approved. It just makes me feel like spending the day at a buffet. Ok, maybe thats a bit extreme, I'm a bit testy from the diet. So, the diet is hard enough, and thinking I am doing it for nothing, just for now, is even more of a mental F**k. I am a pre-transplant patient (heart damaged from chemo therapy {Adriamycin} 1999) and that is why I have to have the surgery. I am going through Loma Linda University Hospital. They submitted 83 pages of details to the insurance and the insurance company told me that it takes a while to review and I should have an answer by 10/25. OMG! That's right before the surgery date!! Ok, enough ranting..... Has anyone had the insurance approved upon the first review? Any advise about getting through this crazy diet when you may not even have the surgery right now? Encouragement is always appreciated. The other reason why I'm stressing is financial. If they don't do the surgery soon I will have to pay all my deductibles again (up to $8000). Right now I am maxed out I would have no more out of pocket for the surgery. So, between the money and this diet my brain just keeps telling me that it's not worth it and to go get a pizza. Thank you for listening.