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Starting Local Support Groups?
notmyname replied to mousecat88's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I've gone to two. One was my hospital's support group. Totally not my scene. a TON of people and basically everyone just talks over each other. One person will ask a question, 10 people will start answering at once loudly. Then in another part of the room other people will ask questions and several people will answer them. Total f'ing chaos. It makes me so stressed out the last time I went I was sick to my stomach from the stress. I also go to a weight loss clinic run by an endocrinologist with therapists, nutritionists, and exercise people on staff. They have a lot of different weight loss support groups run by the therapists (ranging from just practical how-to to very deep psychological things). They've recently started a bariatric support group. So far, I'm liking that one. It is much smaller (maybe 10 people), run by two therapists who specialize in weight loss/bariatric issues. I also find that this group has more folks who are longer term patients and talk about the real pitfalls of surgery (I suspect it is a self-selecting group - since you have to pay and they're part of the overall weight loss practice, I suspect it is more likely than a general WLS support group to have people who have had problems). The therapists come ready to talk about an issue, but if the group needs to discuss something else, we do that. I wonder if you could try to start a meet-up group just to talk to other patients in your area. I'm sorry you're having such a rough time, and I know it is hard with noone to talk to. -
I just had my surgery on the 21st, and I went through Cigna. My doctor handled all of the preliminaries, I'll admit, but I was going through the bariatric surgeon to begin with, and he knew what they needed. I will say this, Cigna only required a 3-month medically assisted weight loss (I went through my endocrinologist) in which I could show that I was losing weight, if only a pound, between visits. It was tough. My doctor also had me go though a lot more, which I don't know if they were requirements for the insurance or his MO. I had to undergo a sleep study, a psych evaluation, an endoscopy, a visit with a nutritionist, a whole round of bloodwork and pap smear, mammogram, and clearance from a cardiologist. Not sure if this helps or not, but I'm sure that if you call some bariatric surgeons in your area, they'll be able to check for you. I know mine has a couple of women dedicated just to insurance verification/communication. My advice is to let someone who knows what the insurance companies typically ask for and who has experience in dealing with them do the legwork if you can. If there is no one nearby, maybe go to someone in a bigger city nearby. (I was fortunate enough to already live in a big city, so I didn't have to do much digging.) I hope all of this helps. Let me know if you need anything else from me. I wish you the best! ❤️
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Fueling for a half marathon post bariatric surgery
Healthy_life2 replied to skyguy's topic in Fitness & Exercise
Your loss is fantastic. 347 to 173. Wish you the best on your first half marathon in two weeks. What an amazing feeling, Right? We need a bariatric distance runner’s thread. I would love to see peoples finish line photos and find out about other races in other areas. I have bucket list runs I want to do before I’m too old to keep doing this..lol - I’m running Mt. Charleston in Las Vegas in April. This is my first out of state run. -
I had my surgical consultation today for revision, but on the off chance that it is not deemed medically necessary for revision, I do qualify for bariatric surgery in general, repeating all of the requirements as if it were a new procedure. My question is regarding Cigna coverage. Most plans require a monitored 3, 6 or 12 month diet/nutrition/weight loss management through PCP or somewhere similar. Cigna's policy says NOTHING about this, only that "a statement from a physician other than the surgeon, that the individual has failed previous attempts to achieve and maintain weight loss by medical management" - it gives no other requirements or indicators. I called Cigna today to inquire and they couldn't tell me anything more about this. So, for those of you that have been approved in the past few months (Cigna's policy requirements look to be effective 10/9/18 through 7/15/19), what did you provide for this? I have to have a letter from my primary anyway that recommends bariatric surgery. Would this be the same letter or separate? And what did you submit/have your PCP write to say that you had failed previous attempts? Thanks in advance for your help!
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I have an appointment with my primary care tomorrow at 2PM. I am more of an advocate than anyone else I know. I literally harass the crap out of my bariatric surgeon's office. I talk to them 3-4 times a week. I also talk to my psychiatrist. I ALSO talk to my primary care. All of my labs and every test they run come back normal so right now they're just like "drink more". I drink A LOT. The whole thing is bullshit, tbh. I am requesting to be put on ephendrine or midodrine tomorrow. I also called a cardiologist, but they can't see me until June, so the bariatric office is putting in a special referral for another place if my primary care refuses to prescribe me anything. I honestly just want this reversed. I do not give a crap if I gain 60lbs back. I can lose it on my own on Atkins. This was not worth this. I'm sure once the BP is resolved something else horrific will happen. The bariatric surgeon just told me "it'll get better in a year". Great. I'll just continue to pass out for the next 8-12 months.
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Favourite childhood memory... gosh, I don't think I have one. I might have to come back to that one later when one stands out to me. I had a hard but also somehow magical childhood. Favourite perfume - weirdly, my sense of smell seemed to change after my first bariatric surgery. Smells I previously liked just didn't gel with me any more, especially the more musky deep scents. I'd say one of my favourite all time perfumes though is the now discontinued Donna Karan's Chaos.
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How do I know I'm not being impulsive?
Pippa1703 replied to Pippa1703's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
This sounds exactly how I came to looking into bariatric surgery, I had never really thought of it as an option before -
After my surgery I was feeling dizzy and light headed to the point I thought I was going to pass out. I conferred with my surgeons office and I didn't get much info. I made an appointment with my GP and he said that I was still taking the same level of BP meds that I took before my surgery. He took me off the meds and that did the trick. In a group session someone brought this same topic up and it turned out that she was suffering from a vitamin deficiency. It wasn't her surgeons office that helped her it was her nutritionist. Try going to different health care providers besides your surgeon. I'm sure there is someone who can pin point your problem and help you to resolve it. Sometimes the bariatric surgeon just doesn't cut it when we have problems after surgery.
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JUST GOT OFF THE PHONE TO A LOCAL SURGEONS OFFICE; THE RECEPTIONIST TELLS ME THE SURGEON PREFERS ONLY TO DO VSG AS FIRST CHOICE FOR VIRGIN BARIATRIC PATIENTS MY BMI IS NOT HIGH ENOUGH NEED TO PUT ON WEIGHT... WTF never been told before I'm not heavy enough.... My BMI is 43 but oh we've seen 50-60 bmi like seriously she was so rude said the surgeons first choice is VSG.... And that's basically it.. Really turned me off with her tone and attitude, I was looking there because they are better prices but forget it I'll pay extra for better SURGEONS and so I rang my 2nd choice and the reception was much nicer said the surgeon will listen to your decision and will talk about pros and cons but it will be your decision mostly as long as nothing serious comes up of course. I rather pay a little extra for a surgeon and hospital that is much more known and has more reviews I just thought I'd give the smaller place a chance but no thanks... QUALITY OVER QUANTITY! Still months out but getting closer everyday.. I don't want to get the bloody VSG and then have complications and have to be revised to RNY later on like most people, I only want one operation thank you!
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I am going to ask if I can buy my own shakes but on the papers it says that everyone goes on Bariatric Advantage for 2 weeks before:( I do hope that I can buy my own but I am not holding breath on it.. I will have to adjust and figure it out for 2 weeks one way or another. I just think this will be the hardest part for me..
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How do I know I'm not being impulsive?
J'sJourney replied to Pippa1703's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I made my consultation appointment just a day or two after deciding I wanted bariatric surgery. I still had 3 weeks before the appointment to do more research, which just solidified my decision. I'm about halfway through the process right now, hoping to have surgery this summer. -
SEPTEMBER 2018 SURGERIES AND SUCCESS
Frustr8 replied to Frustr8's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
well my PICC line is gone, I am back trying to eat enough to justify its removal, my surgeonthinks i can do it, his CNP Valerie thinks I can do it, even my ombadswoman Kelly at Option Care,my former TPN. company, even Tomkitten my son tho,is I can do it, seems like only 1 person. thinks I can't- ME! Oh well I will keep on with my vitamins, minerals and whatever. Try to eat my mini- meals, and pray I am going to be okay for my endoscopy which isn't until April 12th. Nobody seems to really care or give me any emotional support until then, so I will do what i can, if I can, for myself,by myself and cry myself if and when it all goes wrong. You see, I feel I'm beating my head against a brick wall, and everybody else who should be paying attention is dancing around, patting each other on the back, and telling each other what a great job they are doing for Frustr8 and not a one ever looks my way while they're doing their little Victory Dance. I don't even have a clue what I weigh now, counted on that monthly weight check-in,I am hoping 260, 265 tops. I am Apathetic toward food, nothing tastes good, nothing sounds appealing,might as well eat 2 oz of metamucil every 3 hours, I sip 2 oz of fluid every 15 minutes in between and wonder how I got locked into this life of futility. Not what the shiny fancy Bariatric Folders said this would be . And my food mood is not very happy today. 6 months on Tuesday and I think I still resemble the barrel more than the barrel racer. I know we have each our own path but today it's mud and pea gravel. This Cowgirl has the Blah Blues and I don't see a Happy day of Joy in my immediate future. -
Me and the husband advice please
Healthy_life2 replied to newmebithebypass's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Some things to think about..Not intended to sound preachy LOL Food choices are yours to make. You already know these old behaviors are not serving you both well. What will it take to change them? If you continue the path of enabling will you gain the weight back? Can you work your plan if he's not changing? Home cooked meals are not hard to make or time consuming (Make sure anything I mention is on your plan) My examples are real food stage. Find ready to eat proteins and quick cook veggies: Chicken fajitas, precooked john soles chicken and frozen peppers and onions - Microwave and done Canned chicken, bagged salad mix, strawberries and skinny girl raspberry vinaigrette john soles frozen precooked beef strips, market side French green beans and bacon Eggs and jimmy dean turkey sausage (frozen) How hard is it to cook protein choices? Chicken, beef, pork or seafood add seasoning put it in the oven. Try not to make a habit of fast food -order healthy menu items - Do a salad or lettuce wrapped burger- Grilled chicken at chick filet - My dietician’s recipe site for food ideas https://insidekarenskitchen.com/recipes/bariatric-friendly-recipes/ -
Insurance not covering bariatric surgeries
The 56 Bypass replied to Sonyawon's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
I ended up not being eligible for the sleeve, due to a large hiatal hernia. So I ended up getting the gastric bypass on Dec 26, 2018. Our insurance plan doesn't cover bariatrics, so I had to pay $25,000 upfront. I don't have that kidnd of money laying around, so I cashed in my IRAs and had just enough. I was doing so poorly before the surgery that I knew I wasn't going to be around to enjoy that IRA money. I sure am enjoying it now! 🙂 Uncle Sam will be wanting his cut, tho. 😞 -
Bought myself a tailbone pillow off the "As seen on TV section" at Wal-Mart. Tomkitten grimaced at the,price but I do feel it helped. And I do drag it from chair to chair like a toddler with his " blankie". I would send a picture but I still haven't figured how to text it in to Bariatric Pal from an Android phone. Fluffy Chix tried once to teach me, might as well have wrote,it in binary, I must be electronically dense or something. Oh we all have our strengths, that must be MY FLAW!
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Fueling for a half marathon post bariatric surgery
Healthy_life2 replied to skyguy's topic in Fitness & Exercise
Congrats on your surgery. I had other bariatric runners help me out along the way. Keep us posted on your weight loss and running. -
Okay, so, this is from my experience - In the beginning, I was SO ANGRY with my boyfriend for not taking his health as seriously as I was taking mine. He was not pursuing surgery, but I still wanted him to get healthier with me - I wanted a partner for the journey. Angrier than I'd ever imagine myself being btw, because for once in my life I was taking my weight seriously and giving it MY 👏🏻 ABSOLUTE 👏🏻 ALL 👏🏻 and he was not. 5 months after starting the bariatric process and 3 months after surgery, I am no longer angry. In fact, while I care about his health, I now consider it his burden, not mine. I hardly care at all. You can't force someone to want to change, or force them to have the willpower, conviction, and discipline to change. You can only accept whether you want them in your life or not. As for me and the bf, it will likely be a factor in us breaking up; I find the lack of attention to his weight unattractive now, whereas before I started this process I didn't mind it. I want to surround myself with people who care about health and fitness because it is now a major part of my life. Of course, you are married so the decision will be harder for you. I just wanted to share my experience in case it helps - you're not the only one who feels this way.
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Hey everyone! I do a half marathon every April, walking most of it. I've just had a RNYGB and although my surgeon has given me the green light to do the half marathon (six weeks post surgery) I'm concerned about fueling options as I suspect sugary fuels are likely to cause dumping... Does anyone have any experience with endurance events post-surgery or good portable food suggestions given the constraints of our procedures?
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You hit the nail on the head with how you described when you said "One if the things I looked forward to most was the magical feeling of not feeling hungry and getting full after just a few bites of food." That is what I want, but I'm learning from you and others that is not a realistic thing to wish for. You said that bariatric surgery makes weight loss possible. How has it helped you compared to before you had surgery? What is it doing for you that you didn't have before? Is it that you feel satisfied sooner so you stop eating? If I ate what you eat now, I could lose weight, but I wouldn't stay with it so I would lose, then eat and gain. Thank you for talking with me and sharing your experience. You're very kind
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I just looked dr office uses bariatric advantage HMPR just it just seems like slime or if you put it in a blender it is very airy and foamy and eww:)
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So I am trying all the liquid shakes and I just can't seem to drink them... omg! My doctor has you drink bariatric advantage and to me it is just like slime. I don't know what to do or try to make this any better, does anyone have suggestions with this? Need help this 2 weeks will be horrid!
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Oh Elizatek - First of all, I’m thrilled with my results with the sleeve. Down 65 pounds from August surgery. One if the things I looked forward to most was the magical feeling of not feeling hungry and getting full after just a few bites of food. But I have neither. My typical eating day: Breakfast; slice of bread spread with wedge of laughing cow cheese, slice of prosciutto and 2 sunny side up eggs. I eat 3/4 and my dog eats 1/4 Lunch: a big veggie salad with yogurt salad dressing (I work on this for 2 hours) and a chicken sausage. Snack: cup of berries Dinner: 4-6 oz protein and a cup of spiralized veggies. Snack: 2 cups popcorn cooked in minimal oil I eat 1200-1400 calories daily. I think I may give up bariatric vitamins and switch to gummies. I actually eat much healthier now. I love my mocha calcium chews - they are my candy! I’m also focusing on a healthy long term relationship with food. I eat cake happily - but maybe 1x per month. I love going out to eat. But I always order things I will like as leftovers since I get 2-3 meals out of 1 order. Bariatric surgery will not transport you to Nirvana. You will have to work to be successful. Can’t remember who said it, but bariatric surgery does not make weightloss easy - it makes it possible.
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Talking to Patients About Expectations
summerset posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
http://bariatrictimes.com/talking-to-patients-about-expectations-for-outcome-after-bariatric-surgery/ Interesting read. -
Acute left shoulder pain post sleeve surgery
elcee replied to Sami Al Masri's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I know that it is usually gas but I have also heard that left shoulder pain can also be a sign of a leak. https://www.princetonhcs.org/care-services/institute-for-surgical-care/the-center-for-bariatric-surgery-and-metabolic-medicine/resources/articles-tips/stomach-pain-after-bariatric-surgery -
My breath or weird smell?
James Marusek replied to gabybab's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Bad breath is one of the most under-expected concerns that frequently develops after weight loss surgery. While it is not something that impacts every weight loss patient in the same way, it is something that should be recognized following your bariatric procedure. There are several primary causes that can cause bad breath to develop following your bariatric procedure. These include: * Dehydration * The inability of food to exit the stomach pouch * Ketosis caused by rapid weight loss While bad breath may not be as severe a health issue following surgery as other potential concerns, it is something that can interfere with your quality of life and general comfort level, and therefore is worth addressing. Luckily, bad breath is usually preventable or treatable by understanding the precise cause of the issue, and taking several basic preventative steps. Source: https://www.flowersbariatriccenter.com/patient-resources/health-issues-after-weight-loss-surgery/bad-breath-after-weight-loss-surgery/ Ketosis can cause dry mouth. One of the solutions is to rinse you mouth with Biotene Mouthwash. Here is an article about the subject. https://ketoconcern.com/dry-mouth-keto-diet/
