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I have BCBS-Federal. I was missing a note from my doctor stating that I had not been treated for alcohol or substance abuse in the past year. Once submitted, it only took one day for my approval to go through. HOWEVER, I would have not known until 5 days after the fact. I was approved on a Wed, it just so happened that Friday I had to call BCBS regarding something else, so while on the phone I asked about the status of my request, and thats when I found out I had been approved 2 days prior. I emailed the bariatric coordinator at my surgeons office to inform her. She emailed me that following Tuesday, to inform me that she received the approval from BCBS. So that being said, I would take the previous advice and keep calling to follow up.

I have BCBS-Federal and the same thing happened to me. I did not know that I needed to submit proof that I had not been treated in the past year for alcohol or substance abuse. However, after I submitted the note from my primary physician, I was approved the following day. The catch was however, I didnt find out til three days after that, and that is only because I was calling the insurance company regarding something else, and asked if they could check on it for me while I was on the phone. I was the one that let the bariatric coordinator at my surgeons office know that I was approved lol. She did not receive notice from the insurance company until one or two days after that smh.

I started out in a swim fitness class at the Y. We have some people in the class 300-400 lbs .. Who cares ? We're proud of them for showing up and trying ! One lady has lost 100 lbs or so, she is on the Paleo diet. Google it, it looks really good !!! One thing that helped me alot was a year or so before WLS we started cutting back slowly on fast food and anything white or high carb. ( Husband was diagosed diabetic) We switched to whole grain, whole wheat, more chicken , fish and lean meats, plus more veggies and salads. ( I dont like soda, alcohol or fried foods) I was still eating too large amounts but lap band took that away, and at least I did'nt feel like I was giving up anything by the time I was banded. Good luck to you !

everyone is different. i couldnt eat anything like that for at least 3 months. and i wasnt supposed to have alcohol for at least 6 months. (i dont drink) but everyone tolerates food differently. you wont know until you are there.

I haven't had a drink in 20 years and I'm no buzzkill! I just don't drink. My husband does and so do most of my friends. They're happy to have a built-in designated driver! Just tell people alcohol is not allowed on your new eating plan and let it go. I'm confused as to why you would need to wait five minutes between bites of food. I've never heard of that. I just eat my puréed food in front of my friends. I don't care who knows about my surgery, it makes life very easy.

I'm 7 months out and tracked fluids and Protein for the first two months only. Since then I just keep a tally of what I drink in my head to make sure I'm getting 64oz or more. And since I get at least 30-40g protein from my daily smoothie and I always eat protein first, I don't bother tracking that anymore. I've never tracked calories or carbs or fat or measured my portions. I just use common sense, read labels and make good choices. If I wanted to track everything, I could do weight watchers or any number of other fad diets. I had surgery to make things easier. I drink Water, take my Vitamins and follow the basic meal plan...a balanced diet of protein first, veggies, fruit and whole grains. I limit Pasta, rice, bread, junk food, alcohol and sweets. I eat "bad" foods sometimes but in moderation and I never feel guilty about it. I eat when I 'm hungry and only until I'm satisfied, not full. That's usually only a difference of a couple bites, but I think it's important to not always shoot for being full. It's the full feeling that got me fat in the first place. My 6 month bloodwork results were great, I feel fabulous, I'm 12 pounds under surgeon's goal and 2 pounds under my personal goal, so this method works for me.

I have learned a very hard lesson this weekend.... I am almost 1.5 years out and have never touched a carbonated drinks. I am on vacation and have not had alcohol since surgery so I decided to have a beer. Stomach hurt all day and I was bloated but I thought it was the heat. Day 2 had two Mike hard lemonade and my stomach bloated to double in size and rock hard. I googled if beer and Mike's hard lemonade were carbonated and well it turned out that yes they are. I can't believe how uncomfortable I am. No more drinks for me!!!! I will stick with my crystal light

Sorry for your struggle. Food is an addition to me too and I don't know how to get over it either. I told my husband (a drinker) I was like the kind of alcoholic who drinks the vanilla and the medicine just for the alcohol. He thought if he had food that I didn't like, that I wouldn't eat it. But I can't help myself.

I'll call malarkey on this. Living proof right here. Thank God LipstickLady! I read that post and said Noooooooooo! I hate to give up my wine! It is my source of fun. HELL TO THE WHAT?!!! Only kidding. I'm an alcoholic (kidding-ish). For as low a BMI as I was to start, with PCOS, I've still shifted more than was expected of me... ................. Despite the grotesque alcohol consumption Just be happy! I am!

Going good since the doctor's visit. I've decided to go the liquid protein route for at least a week before incorporating some soft foods. So I have vats of this protein powder that I had been using at the beginning of last year that was really good. Low carb, low fat, high protein and when I was using it for that diet I lost quite a bit. (BioTrust is the brand name). So I have one in the morning for breakfast, drink my liquids throughout the day and then have one for dinner. It hasn't been too bad. I just have to mentally fight my natural propensity to sample things throughout the day. I've also been doing great canceling the rationalization to eat certain things... or tell myself that I could somehow chew something fine enough to swallow it and not have it make a difference. I got my Fitbit on Friday and have been wearing it diligently ever since. I like it a lot especially because i can wear it in the shower / rain whatever. Makes it more convenient to just always have it on and i do love the constant counting versus my phone which only counts if I'm holding it. Seeing the numbers at the end of the day really make me feel like I'm accomplishing a lot more than I think I am. Saturday was another pre-planned thing I knew I was going to have to attend. My husband's fraternity chapter cookout. *sigh* It's at the beach so I committed myself to spending more time at the surf than by the mushrooms where everyone was gathered and eating. Which worked for a little while. But the day was overcast and the water wasn't really warm so I couldn't stay there very long. Back to the mushrooms I went and sipped my water as the smells from the grill wafted over and plate after plate was made and paraded in front of me. I'm proud that I didn't try to sample anything. I did try to talk myself into mashing some mac and cheese really good so it would be LIKE a porridge. But I got past that. The funny thing was, I was hanging with a few of my long time friends during that time and one of them was GOING. IN. on the food. I mean... she never wasn't eating. She never wasn't drinking something alcoholic. She was just non stop. To the point where I was nervous for her... she'd never been like THAT.... or had she been? And I was just... right there with her - maybe worse - eating and drinking up a storm? Is that what I looked like? I thought to myself. It definitely made me stick to my plan even more. So my TOM is here. Which SUCKS. Aside from bad cramps on night one, it wasn't worse than pre-band. I waited for the whole "your organs swell" thingy to affect me, but this time around it didn't. I'm looking forward to the scale registering that I lost more weight once it's gone (bye bye water...). My glue is starting to fall off and expose the wounds / stitches. So I'm taking special pains to make sure I take care of them so they don't scar too bad. I keloided pretty bad on my lateral c-section scar, i just want to limit how much scarring they would show. On to week 2!

Explaining not drinking is easy. Did you know that one drink stops your weight loss for 3 days? In other words, you will stop ridding your body of fat for per week. A study done by the weight loss group suggests this. The reason in that alcohol stops the production of an enzime required to break down the fat cells. So, you can tell your friends about the parrelles of drinking and weight loss and that you are taking weight loss very seriously and will you do not want to slow your prograss donw by half for having a drink. You can flollow with, you will re-address sodial drinking after you have reached your goal weight.

ok, I haven't had my surgery yet (hopefully in about 3 months) but I have to throw in my two cents. First, I applaud your planning and thinking ahead about how this will change your life. I've heard of some that don't think this far in advance and it ends up having many negative impacts on their life. I will be telling only close friends and family (nobody at work). Many people in my family are overweight and if they see the results, maybe they'll consider lifestyle changes for themselves. If I could inspire my family to be healthier, this surgery will be successful not just for me, but for them as well. That being said, my active circle is not healthy and fit as you described yours so I understand your situation is different. My family functions tend to revolve around food because that's how we were raised. If somebody is visiting, we eat. If somebody gets married, we eat. Dies, travels, celebrates, etc., we eat. So not only do I want them to be healthier, I'll have a lot more explaining to do so I won't be able to hide it if I wanted to. Here are some suggestions that you may find useful though: 1) You said your social circle is fit and healthy and right now you're the odd ball for that. Perhaps you are over thinking how much importance they place on food during your gatherings. Isn't that the point of the surgery and lifestyle change? To take the importance away from food in your life? If they are fit and healthy, then I doubt they place as much significance on the meal. They are probably thinking more about the company and the activity with friends. Maybe that's what you should focus on. When you get together with friends, instead of planning a meal, why not suggest something new. A hike (maybe take along a picnic with healthy tidbits)? 2) Some people mentioned medication as an excuse. Since you are overweight (as we all are), you could tell your friends your doctor is concerned about diabetes and has put you on metformin as a preventative measure (completely legit, my doctor did it to me and I'm not diabetic). Not only can you not drink alcohol with metformin, but it also helps burn belly fat so that could explain weight loss (not a drastic amount, but some). This way you have a medication as an excuse without telling them you have some new disease or sickness you'll have to explain later. 3) As a last resort consider this.... Yes it's scary for all of us to consider the way our lives will change. What do we do with ourselves when we're not eating? But the point of this surgery is to be healthier. Are you willing to risk your health because of what your friends might think if you don't drink a glass of wine? Tell them your just trying to be healthier and that includes a bit of detox. Once they start seeing the results of your decision, they won't question or criticize (once you brush them off a time or two). They'll be happy and encouraging even if they don't know what they're encouraging. At least, if they're real friends they will. If they don't, then they're definitely not worth stressing over.

You sound like me. Months ago I started cutting down on the amount of food I eat, coffee, NSAIDs, carbonated drinks, alcohol, sugar, etc. And I started chewing much more slowly, not drinking liquids with my meals, walking more, drinking 8 glasses of Water daily, journaling my food and exercise, using My Fitness Pal and a Fitbit, and seeing a shrink. My surgery will be scheduled in August. My only challenge now is to keep my BMI above the level where my surgeon will still perform VSG surgery. So why not just lose the weight by myself? Because I feel strongly that I need the additional tool of a sleeved stomach. I have a lifelong history of enthusiastic weight loss followed by steady weight regain. I'm now in my late sixties and looking for way to enjoy an active retirement -- and I don't think yo-yo dieting is going to be the way to achieve it. Best wishes to us all.

I'm about 8 days from surgery and one approach I recommend as a DO: DO take small steps to changing your lifestyle weeks or months before surgery. I began my journey in Jan 2014 and every few weeks I changed something in my lifestyle to improve my health: Began walking Stopped drinking diet sodas Minimized eating carbs Changed from high fat to lower fat Proteins Quit smoking Began going to the gym Cut my net calories to 1700 per day Later cut my net calories to 1300 per day Stopped caffeine Quit alcohol I introduced these changes slowly over a 6 month period. It's important (and my bariatric psychologist agreed) to not attempt all these changes at once. It's too much change too fast. But introduce them slowly. I gave myself treats along the way. For example, I calculated how much I saved from quitting smoking and bought some home decor and other goodies. Now that I've started the pre-op shakes 'n liquids diet, it's not nearly as difficult as it would have been had I not made these changes. I'm not saying it's easy-peasy, but it's not the end of the world. I'm going into surgery almost 65 lbs lighter than when I started my journey in January and can't wait to be sleeved so I can lose another 75+.

I'm fully 'in the closet'. I don't care, either. Aint no ones business but mine. That being said, I had my Mum over, 8 or so weeks out from surgery. I still ate a roast chicken dinner which I'd prepared in front of her. Just fannied around with the food on my plate and feigned being overly full. I think she was thrown more off the scent by my being able to consume a pint of Guinness. She'dve surely known (being an inquisitive ex nurse) something was wrong if whilst in the boozer, I'd not consumed my usual vessel of black gold! I think you'll be fine. Just order a smaller portion, fanny about with it on your plate. Say you're on antibiotics and if anyone presses any further? Say you've had concerning levels of gastric reflux and your doctors are saying you have to be really careful how much you eat and the regularity with which you eat. That, in itself, would put most people off from suggesting restaurants where the food is exceptionally rich or creamy. It would also then be acceptable for you to order a starter and be good with it. I use this all the time. I have already had my gallbladder out - but for those who don't know? That's the reason I give - but rarely have I had to deploy that excuse. I just order a main, eat the bits I want (the protein and a bit of salad/veg) and discard the rest. I rarely drink wine any more (gives me awful reflux), so if I drink alcohol now, it's generally well before I eat or well after. Don't put life on hold. Go out and enjoy it!

@@vogue Love this idea (my husband probably will too!) and I've already told some of my big drinker friends that I am getting healthy and don't like feeling the effects of alcohol (which they already know) and so am going to limit myself to one drink for at least the near future. So that goes hand in hand - if and when they try and push, my husband can save me! @@jenn1 thanks for all your thoughts - I know I'll feel a little strange at first (it will be a big change from the way I usually eat) and it's good to hear that it does feel strange but is still do-able. Shortly after solid foods is great - I'll probably put a 2 week buffer in and book something and hope for the best. thank you all!

Thanks to all -- @@AvaFern and @@VSGAnn2014 I will use the antibiotics idea for the pre-op concert! As for the future, you are right, my friends WILL notice and WILL ask - they will be very curious! It is a lively group and alcohol is always a part of everything and if I don't order my "usual" or try a "fun drink" that someone made at a get-together it will be very much the topic of conversation. I don't want to lose my social life and since it does revolve around food and drink (and all the other woman just run 10 miles every morning to take care of it!!) I need to tread carefully. I like the put my lips to a drink idea for some occasions, when I can get away with it - and will use that too! Mostly I plan to have ONE drink when I go out and tell people that's all I can do now that I'm being healthy and eating less. One question I have - just so I can commit to a couple of these social plans is WHEN can I go out to dinner with others? I have no idea if it's a month or 6 months from surgery . . . if anyone can respond to that part, I'd appreciate it!

I, too, was going to suggest the antibiotics + alcohol = no can do. If you do some online research, you will surely find some other drugs that prohibit alcohol use temporarily. It sounds to me like your social calendar needs to get "filled up" (air quotes) REAL fast -- perhaps out-of-town trips to see family on weekends, etc. I totally respect your desire / need NOT to tell your social circle about your decision to have WLS. You can figure out how to do this. Just don't feel like you OWE it to people you know (even those you know well) to share this with them. I'm not telling anybody! (Except my husband.) Good luck to you.

I agree with the above statements you do not owe anyone an explanation I think your overthinking this just be you, you do. It have to drink alcohol everytime you eat to have a good time, and just because you take your time eating just means your enjoying your food and making healthy and wise choices good luck.

I drink white wine every so often and have been banded since May 15th. It helps relax me in the evenings and I enjoy the taste with food. I was told we can have alcohol but of course we have to understand the calorie intake and the fact that it has no nutritional value. I agree that we have to be careful not to grow dependent on it because we don't want to replace our addiction to food with alcohol.

I also forgot to add in that you can subtract the sugar alcohols from the carb total. So a chocolate chip cookie dough Quest bars go from having 21 carbs to 3 net carbs. Much more doable for me too! I have also seen people say that eating 2 of them a day keeps them regular when they get backed up.

I forgot the sugar alcohols...for myself personally, I dont subtract those from carbs...im sensative to too much of them. So I do count those...but that's just me. Also, some of you may hit the phase where you wont have any appetite. The thought of any and all food makes your mouth Water but not in a good way. I am on my 2nd round of it. Its lasted weeks for me. Some people have it last up to 3 months per my RD. She says the body is cycling abd changing every 3 months up to 2 years out. Anyways, for a couple days here and there all I can force down are quest bars. Because they are sliders. But they don't trigger me at this point and never really have. My only advice is simple. Never say never folks. Your body may reject food, and things like this may be a necessary form of nutrition for a day or two. Be open to trying different Protein powders n bars once you feel your body changing internally.

Liver failure was the number one reason for abstaining from alcohol when I was doing the Optifast diet at Miriam Hospital five years ago, too. They said the same thing about rapid weight loss releasing toxins that overwork your liver and alcohol being very dangerous during that time. It seems to be a medically accepted belief. It's best to follow your own doctor's instructions as closely as possible for the best possible outcome...

My team said no alcohol for the first year. There were three reasons for this: 1) Liver failure. Your body burns fat very quickly during the first year releasing toxins stored in the fat into your system. Your liver is working very hard during this time to filter these out. Adding alcohol during this time period can overwork your liver, causing liver failure (resulting in at least one recent death for my program). 2) Cross addiction or transfer addiction. Many of us are addicted to various foods and need to practice and learn new coping skills while we are losing weight so we can keep the weight off for life. The statistics are pretty high for alcoholism, drug addiction, and other less common addictions (gambling, shopping, sex) for weight loss surgery patients. These statistics are equally as high for people who never indulged in these things pre op as they are for those who did. We need to learn and practice coping skills to avoid falling into the trap of new addictions. 3) Quick and easy intoxication. We get tipsy faster on less. There are plenty of reasons why this could be bad. Driving would be dangerous. You could end up in dangerous situations when quickly intoxicated. Or you could have poor judgment about what you put in your mouth while intoxicated. I tend to want to eat when tipsy. If I did that in the early stages I'd probably have had a lot more of those painful stuck food or vomiting episodes from eating too much, too fast, wrong foods, and not chewing. I have wine now at 14 months out. 4oz hits me hard and can make me slur my words and be unsteady on my feet. I only drink alcohol at home now, never in public (I like my Saturday night glass of wine - my indulgence after a long week). Mainly because I'd be embarrassed to seem so drunk in public and driving home would be very unwise. These three reasons were stressed and drilled into me over and over and over pre op and post op during support group meetings. I second all of these reasons 100% especially the addiction and quick to get tipsy, you can add it in but you just need to make sure you are monitoring it very closely to avoid these common problems.

I was cleared for alcohol 6 weeks after surgery. I only have had a couple glasses of skinny vine moscato (very low sugar and low carb and low calorie). I don't like how it makes my hot flashes from meno worse but do enjoy being able to sip some every now and then.