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Surgery was a success for the gastric sleeve on Wednesday 12/2. I stayed one night in the hospital to treat the pain and discomfort with IV fed pain meds, which worked miracles. I was discharged yesterday after being able to tolerate water and pass gas (you'll get sick of them all asking if you passed gas, but it's important). So at home and dealing with stomach soreness, sipping water every 30 minutes as instructed and taking pain meds. Sleep was great in my own bed, just in the stage of feeling full of gas and the stomach rumbling almost non-stop, which is all to be expected. The staff took great care of me and I have ZERO regrets and the process was great! If you are getting closer to your date or have any pre-op diet or actually surgery process questions, don't hesitate to ask. Good luck of you are right behind me in your process, ease your mind and let the doctors and nurses take total care of you!

How long have you been on the pureed food? I'm starting my pureed food phase tomorrow for 2 weeks. Let's see how it goes. I'm so fed up of this liquid diet honestly. Looking forward to pureed food. [emoji16] Sent from my SM-N960F using BariatricPal mobile app

Are you insulin dependent diabetic? I think this changes the game. I’m on an insulin pump, and the intermittent fasting doesn’t work well for me because of this. By 9-10am, my BS is in the 60’s and I need to eat. It’s annoying! I would definitely check with your doctor about what would be the right fit diet wise. Especially since you need to lose 20lbs, (which you will!!!) but they can keep you on track for success! As a diabetic, I’ve always found low carb to be my key. Now if I actually ate low carb for my life, I wouldn’t be overweight. A few of my friends who are also on pumps (but not really overweight) struggle with the same issues. you got this!!!!

My surgeon refuses to do both and states it can cause issues with identifying postop complications and increases risks. I guess it makes sense, I was kinda annoyed bc I have had a couple gallbladder attacks.

Hi please bare with me I’ll try to explain my best! so I have Medicare as my primary insurance and state medicaid as my secondary insurance. Typically I don’t get a bill bc the state insurance picks up what Medicare doesn’t pay. Well my surgery is approved by Medicare but the Medicaid is saying they won’t approve it bc they require 1 year free from alcohol/ drugs as I use marijuana for pain management that violates there rules. Typically I follow Medicares rules as they are the primary n the medicaid They would cover the part A Deductible and the leftover copayment 20% etc. I feel like the medicaid denial is based on if they were they primary which they are not. So I basically have no idea of I’ll have a huge bill or not. has anyone been through something similar?

Hopefully I won’t be far behind you guys.... my pkg just went to insurance co. I’ll be trying to lose more weight before surgery; CW 270. I’ve lost 13 since July. I walk one day, in major pain the next from spondylitis. Instead of two steps fwd, two steps back, I want to get to two fed, one-half back!!!! its great connecting with you. Lets stay in touch!!!

The nurse knows it's her error. I don't think I will get to where I want to be with the Sleeve. I did talk to them about my deductible. With Covid and the holidays the hospital here is not doing surgeries now. Only for emergencies. I do have an appt with the Dr on Tues to talk about options. I will probably wait til Jan to do the DS. I will have to start my deductible over again, but that's ok bc then my deductible will be met and I know I will have more Dr appts and blood work. I am just upset and confused about how this happened. Then I think is the Sleeve the plan God has for me or do I have to wait.

My Dr and I talked about 3 types. Roux en Y but he said I didnt have acid reflux so I didnt need that, the sleeve w duodenal switch and just the sleeve. I chose the sleeve w the duodenal switch bc i would lose more weight and get off my prescriptions. But i guess the nurse misunderstood and scheduled me for the Sleeve on Dec 2nd. If I want the sleeve w the switch i would have to wait til Jan and start my deductible all over? What do I do?

I eat Chomps as a snack...they are grass fed beef/turkey/venison sticks. They have 90 calories and 9 grams of protein. About an ounce and a half. I also add collagen powder to my coffee (9 grams of protein, plus good for skin and hair) and 1/4 of a protein shake, usually caramel Premier Protein or Fairlife Vanilla (approximately 7.5 grams of protein). Throw in a Greek yogurt and you are almost there!

I have BC/BS Federal because my hubby and I worked for DoD. I started everything not too far in the new year of 2017 and had surgery in July. I don't remember exact dates. I can look it up for you if you want a somewhat closer timeline than what I provided.

I told my work that I was having gallbladder removal surgery (which I did, it was just while I was also having gastric bypass) but I had to tell our Human Resources office everything for me to qualify for FMLA bc the hospital fills out the paperwork. But legally they are not allowed to tell anyone about you or your medical history.

Hello all. I have been browsing the forum for a while and been building up the courage to write what’s been going on to see if this is normal. Got a vertical sleeve 9/25. Today according to my doctor I would be on soft. The first few weeks of liquid weren’t bad but I was over pushing a few things nothing crazy. Long story short I have been trying different things like corned beef, tuna, refried beans, chicken lemon rice soup and I can’t eat anything. Everyday I feel sick every meal I feel like **** excuse my language I can’t get throughout the day without a nap. I started taking vitamins this bariatric ones but they taste nasty but they help sometimes but not with my mood I’m honestly getting depressed. I barely eat because everything feels like it’s getting stuck in my throat or upsets my stomach. They want me having 80 grams of protein a day I can’t even manage 10... I can’t even eat a whole string cheese without feeling like I’m going to vomit. This is getting harder as it goes on for me and it’s making me regret everything. My weight pre op was 340 I got down to 325 before surgery and an 293 now but it’s because I literally barely eat bc I’m afraid too. I can’t drink water fast so I barely drink water bc I have to take small sips or I choke on it. I almost die every night in the middle of the night when I wake up thirsty and forget to drink slow. Is this normal? I call my doctor and they blame it on me. I started smoking again last week but have felt this way prior. I had some internal bleeding in my abdominal tissue but it cleared up. The last 2 weeks have been the worse. Cereal went down ok but even eggs give me trouble and even when I do eat it’s literally 1-5 bites max and I’m done.

i couldn't stand protein shakes (except the cookies and cream premier one) after surgery and they tasted like garbage.. i gagged on them.. which was weird bc i loved them before surgery. i find my tolerance to spice to be a lot less, which sucks w/the 30-30-30 rule. and sometimes if i have a real sugar-treat, it doesn't taste the same.. not as good as i remember.

I agree with you. Checking in and letting go helps to keep us more sane. I hear ya! I'm on the extended release kind for Metformin and I've been rather miserable on it. Early on I told my PCP (primary care physician) that it was causing havoc on my stomach, but he said all medication will have some form of side effect and for me to choose which one I'm going to live with. Well... I figured I'd just stick to metformin. My appointment went well. I asked the surgeon so many questions that I thought he was going to kick me out! LOL He was very patient and allowed me to shoot away. I asked him things like "What size bougie do you use and why? How does the bougie size relate to GERD? How big will my pouch be? Do you staple and suture? Is it okay to mix Miralax in water? Does sleeve make you susceptible to diverticulitis attacks? How many incisions will you make? Do your patients complain about excessive pain? What do you do to get the gas out as this is very important to me? Do your patients complain about lack of energy? If so how long did it last? What is your complication rate? Do you use an epidural? Approximately how many of your patients experience hair loss? He game me a cuddle bear to bring with me to the surgery. It was a nice touch. I don't have to start my preop till the weekend, but I've decided to start tomorrow. Originally I thought I'd have to start today, so the two extra days were a bonus for me. Since my friend (she's not having surgery) is going to do the preop diet with me, I decided to start tomorrow. I've been having food funerals as it's been referred to in the message boards. In doing so, I'm actually getting fed up of food. My family is quite enjoying all the restaurant foods we've been ordering. We don't do the cheaper fast foods, so our pockets don't feel the same way about this phase!

I had the ESG 10/08 in Atlanta at Georgia Surgi care. I like the doctor and the staff. IDK if this matters but the facility is beautiful and clean which made me feel more comfortable. The total was $7000 ( I caught it on a special) usually its more expensive. I was 320 on 10/08 the day of surgery. Today I am 302 10/19 i have lost 18lbs in 11 days. I go in for my 2 week post op check up on 10/22. If this helps this is not my first weight loss procedure I had gastric sleeve 2 years ago and lost 118lbs and i had 57 pounds of regain which is what made me have ESG. ESG recovery: For me the first night was TERRIBLE when I got home I vomited over 20 times. Which I really don't know if it was the anesthesia or the procedure bc I experienced the exact same thing with VSG two years ago. I started soft foods diet on day 7 and I do have discomfort and general malaise. I feel very tired all the time... I stayed out of work for 1 week. I know this tired feeling is from lack of eating and not drinking enough water.. I force myself to drink protein & water..... I have started eating eggs and I can eat 1/2 of 1 egg. I also ate oatmeal which was maybe 2-3 spoons and that was all i could hold....

I have completed the blood w, Upper gi etc. Now waiting for PEvaluation report then submit to BCBS FED. Hope I get respond soon! 😊

Hey all!! I have my vsg scheduled for Nov 6. I feel like I need to be preparing, but I have no idea what to prepare for. I am flying to San Diego on the 6th and having surgery the same day in Tijuana at Hospital BC. I am so nervous and excited! I could use any advice you have. What to bring, what to prepare at home before I leave, anything! My Dr put me on a 3 day liquid diet. What did you all drink during that time? What did you love to eat afterwards? What should I buy now to stock up for after surgery? Please help!

Hello, I am getting sleeved at Hospital BC in Tijauana and wanted to know how people have handled their post-op care after being discharged and returning to the states. I know I will be able to get my lab work done through my PCP, but was wondering if and how anyone else may have handled this.

Does BCBS FED approve GSleeve?

Excellent point, and agreed. I felt very taken aback by the response bc I didn’t feel like the OP came here for the straight talk and some of the responses were directed at things I had said. In either case, I realize the forum is open to all types of individuals, some of us need or want positive reinforcement while others are looking for the opposite. Regardless, let’s all make today a great day! 😀

Im def not saying the price tag isn’t a factor bc it is. I won’t sink myself financially for this but I’m just saying picking the surgeon for a good fit for me is over the price. But price is too high then I’ll have to just wait in that case and save more.

I've copied mine below. I've been told to stick to 800 calories per day and couldn't do this if including a carb at both lunch and dinner, so dropped the carb in the evening meal. I asked the dietitian why the diet isn't shakes - she said that they find that people get very fed up with the shakes if they have them both pre and post-op and also that this is designed to get you into the habit of 3 small meals and 2 snacks. Hope this helps. "The diet is designed to give you approx 100g of carbohydrate per day. Try to opt for complex carbohydrates as these will help to fill you up more than refined or white bread, rice and pasta etc. The diet is low in fat and moderate in protein and low in calories, providing approx 800-1000 kcal. Breakfast: (15g carbohydrate) : 3 tbsp (20g) of BranflakesTM or Fruit & FibreTM or 4 tbsp (15g) of CornflakesTM or Rice Krispies TM or 1 Shredded wheatTM or 1½ WeetabixTM or 5 tbsp (35g) of All BranTM or 25g of porridge oats or 1 slice medium sliced toast with scraping of spread Lunch: (15-20g carbohydrate): 1 slice medium slice wholegrain bread or toast or 2 ryvitas/ wholegrain crackers or ½ bagel or ½ pitta bread or ½ bread roll or ½ Chapatti with: 2 eggs or 50g (1½ oz) cheese (no more than 3 portions per week) or 8 wafer thin packet slices of ham/chicken/ turkey or 100 g (4 oz) chicken, e.g. a chicken breast without skin or 100g (4 oz) meat or 100g (4 oz) fish or 100g (4 oz) Quorn,/tofu, or pulses or 100g (4 oz) pulses (including chickpeas, beans and lentils) with plenty of vegetables and salad (with fat free dressing if required) *limit root vegetables to 80g maximum per meal e.g.: turnip, carrots, parsnips, beetroot, swede etc. *limit sweetcorn to one tablespoon per meal whilst following this pre-operative diet as this is high in carbohydrate. Evening Meal: (20g carbohydrate): 180g potatoes (boiled/mashed/roast) or 3 egg-sized (180g) new potatoes or 60g / 2 tbsp cooked rice/pasta with: 2 eggs or 50g (1 ½ oz) cheese or 8 wafer thin packet slices of ham/chicken/turkey or small chicken breast without skin or 100g (4 oz) meat or fish or 100g (4 oz) Quorn, tofu, or pulses such as lentils/beans/ quick peas with plenty of vegetables/salad (with fat free dressing if required) Additional allowances throughout the day (40g carbohydrate): two portions of fruit or one portion of 150ml fruit juice, 1/3 pint (200ml) of semi-skimmed milk for drinks and cereal OR (one small pot (125g) low fat/low sugar yoghurt per day (diet or ‘lite’ varieties), aim for at least 2 litres a day of free fluids i.e. Unlimited water, tea, coffee, low-calorie squash, low-calorie fizzy drinks Fruit portions list A serving of fruit is 80g: 2 small fruit e.g. plums, apricots, satsumas 1 medium fruit e.g. apple, orange, banana 1 slice of very large fruit e.g. melon, pineapple ½ a grapefruit/avocado 1 cupful of berries e.g. strawberries, raspberries or grapes 3 heaped tbsp fruit salad (fresh or tinned in fruit juice) or stewed fruit 1 tbsp of dried fruit e.g. raisins, sultanas"

Hey there- I’m a lower BMI patient and do not meet my insurance criteria for coverage. Have decided to self pay at blossom Bariatrics. I have such fear over complications and my normal insurance not covering them bc they would be the result of an uncovered surgery. Does anyone know of any supplemental insurance coverage you can buy for this type of elective procedure?

I know this is an old thread, but I’m so happy to have found it and be able to see I’m not alone. I’ve been spotting every two weeks for the last two months. I had bypass on May 15th and had to stop taking bc. I started back up two months later and was regular, then all of a sudden I started getting the cramps and cravings with little to no spotting. But now it’s like a full blown slaughter going on. Will this regulate?

I had to go in alone w/covid. My friend dropped me off and visited me that day (we were allowed 1 visitor at a time, and they had to wear a mask and stay in the room) and another friend picked me up. I put my brother down as the contact bc I knew he would answer his phone to an unknown number before my parents. I also had my phone in the waiting area.. they let me have it right up until I was wheeled back. It helped me a lot.. I was fine without people.. I did my pre-op journey alone so I felt it was symbolic to do my surgery alone as well. And the nurses and staff didn't say anything.. and I'd ask if you can have your phone so you can be connected to your support system.