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My insurance changed! I started my journey November 2018, with a consult with my (then) surgeon at Riverside Medical Clinic. With my (then) insurance, Anthem Blue Cross ***, I only needed 3 month (12 continuous classes) supervised nutrition/weight classes. As of now, I finished 10 out of my 12 classes. Last week I found out my insurance changed to Anthem BC PPO and they now require me to go to a Dignity Health Facility to be covered 100%. Well okay... I call my nearest Dignity Health bariatric surgery center to find out more. I was told at Western Bariatric (St. Bernadine -- San Bernardino, CA) that I needed 6 months of classes and basically restart my journey. I started to bawl my eyes out! I'm 25 (November birthday) and I'm getting real close to end of my insurance coverage under my parents. When I had started my journey, I was hoping to have my surgery by March or April. So, I'm worried about having my surgery before my cut off. Anyway, I sucked it up and started making calls. I attended their Seminar, where we filled out new patient packets and made copies of our insurances. The next step is to wait for a call to schedule my consult with their surgeon. I was told that the consult would count as 1 of the 6 months of weight classes. Does anyone believe they will accept my 3 months of classes Ive already taken? (and maybe only need 3 more months to meet the 6mo requirement?) Will they consider the original surgeon consult from November 2018 too (as part of the 6 months wight management?) I'm honestly hoping that Western Bariatric will consider my start (Nov.) to my current (Feb.) for a total of 4 out of the 6 required months. I didnt want to be set further back, but ill take whatever they'll take and Im hoping for the best! Can anyone can give me some insight? Similar situations? Anyone go to Western Bariatric? I'm really anxious.

Hey Sotex, that's great. I don't have a scale, so I won't find out how much I've lost during my 2-week pre-op diet until I go in for surgery on Wednesday, but it definitely feels like at least 10 lbs. Not much when you weigh in the mid-300s but it does feel good, and I'm getting pretty excited for the 19th - lot of us going in on that day! Let's do this thing!

That is great, please share I am new to this week 2 for me. Thanks

So I realized something and wanted to add it in hopes it may prompt someone with information to respond... I always get this type of intense hunger right before my period. On 8/17 I started my period, last week I had this similar hunger and then soon started my period again (only lasted a few days). Now I have the hunger again and my normal back cramps have started. Which leads me to believe this is a 3rd period in one month. Is this normal? If this is usual it still disturbs me that I was starving even after eating and I was eating so much. Any tips?

I agree, there are a lot of success stories on these forums. Just look around at the different posts. In the 2 weeks that I have been sleeved, I have lost 16 pounds. I'm thrilled with my progress so far.

Relax! Stop weighing yourself so you don't drive yourself crazy. It will come off, your bodies are just readjusting. I'm only a few weeks past you two (sleeved 6/30/15), but I've learned the body does weird things. I'm settling into a 2 lb per week average, but when I looked at the daily amounts it was stressful. A month or so down the road you'll just giggle at how you drove yourself nuts. Just follow your rules from your surgeon/nut and you'll do fine!

In my experience, it takes three or four days for all of the anesthia to "wear off". You're body is finally coming fully aware---and it hurts. After all, you just abused it and it is now telling you just that. It's "cranky". From here on out everyday should get a wee bit better. If not-----do NOT hesitate to call your bariatric team. They know you better than anyone on here. Feel better and be kind to your body----cranky or not.

Hi Snowkitten ( I love your name by the way)! I too am 3 weeks out from surgery and am currently on pureeds easing into soft. What I ended up doing instead of waiting for restriction to stop eating is just went out and bought these 4-6 oz little glass bowls. I put 4oz of food in those and STOP when it's gone (whether I'm feeling restriction or not). I did that because I found myself wanting to eat until I was almost uncomfortable, and I didn't want to get into my "old" habits of eating until I was stuffed! That's how I got fat in the first place . Anyway, try that and see how it goes? It takes some getting used to, and I find that amount of food usually gets me satisfied and not miserable. As I'm able to eat a few more "tasty" foods in the soft phase, it is a little harder to stop at a quarter cup, but I make myself. That way you will feel in more control. Good Luck!

After surgery, the most important requirements are Protein, fluids and Vitamins. food is only secondary because your body is converting stored fats into the energy that drives your body. Thus you lose weight. It sounds like you are having problems in at least two of the three required areas. Are you getting in the required protein supplements (protein shakes) each day? How is that going? Your blood work shows low levels, generally this could be caused by Vitamin deficiencies. You indicated you have problems with Fluid intake. I recommend you experiment. For fluid intake try other things until you find something that works for you. My tastes after surgery changed so much that I found it hard to drink even Water. It was a struggle. I used Crystal Light and that worked for me. But later I found fine English teas that also worked. The liquid content of Soups also count towards your fluid requirement. Since you are talking about the fact that you are so nauseous and constantly dry heaving and vomiting up saliva. This combined with the fact that you are unable to eat minimal amounts of food, almost makes me think you may have a stricture (too much scar tissue at the site of the operation seriously restricting food intake). This is fairly easy to correct. http://www.realself.com/question/stricture

So I know it's VERY important to get 64 Oz of fluids in every day. I'm slowly trying to work my way up to this. As of now...I get about 50-55 oz in every day. Some days are better than others. My question is, how long before we can stop worrying about being re-hospitalized for dehydration? I know it's very common within the first week...but I have this fear it MAY happen if for some reason I only get 40 oz or even 30 oz in on one day? I'm 3 weeks & 4 days post op. I have no intention to stop drinking water...but it's just a worry. Another worry is a stricture? Do those only happen within the first weeks? Or can they happen even months down the line? Just some questions and again, I have every intention to follow my nutritionists rules...but these are questions that I'd like some input on. Thanks!

Hey there guys. I'm a little bit discouraged at the moment and could really use some advice. I am 2 weeks post op, just over actually, and I GAINED 2 pounds. I do not have a fill yet. I had my surgery on September 25th, and lost 10 lb in the first week. I then lost 3 lb the second week ( weigh on thursdays ). This morning when I weighed myself, I had Gained 2 pounds. How the heck does that happen??? I am not cleared for exercise until Monday, so i'm sure that will help.. I am still on mushies but can eat some scrambled eggs, soft Proteins and crackers. I am hardly taking anything in as I can't eat more than 1/4 cup at a time. How on EARTH do you gain 2 pounds on mushies?!? I'm SO frustrated. Anyone with similar experiences?? Could really use some support today. Thanks guys! Nicole

:DCongrats to you for such wonderful progress, John!! I am 4 weeks postop, and looking forward to reaching my goal and maintaining it. Yes, my taste has changed alot. Foods taste sweeter that I don't really like anymore. Ronda

Well, we just found out the morons at his office made all of our other appts except the two week post op. I haven't been happy and should have trusted my gut at orientation but hubby felt comfortable with him. I will call tomorrow and get an appt for late next week or early the week after. I'm starting to ask myself why the hell I did this to myself.

Your further out then me, but I broke my stall by doing the "boot camp". If you search this site you can find the thread, but it's basically protein...protein...protein! You can also have green leafy veggies, AFTER you eat the protein. & you must hydrate, shoot for min 64 oz of water/day! Good luck!

Losing top to bottom...Pear shaped too. So I'm gonna have a tiny head yippie. It's never too late to start taking your measurements... so you won't have the starting point (I don't either...had lost 30# b 4 I started) But it is still nice to see the progress.. especially during a stall.

I am 6 weeks postop from gastric sleeve. I am on a regular diet. I can't seem to get in enough liquids throughout the day. I am having to force myself to drink when I'm not thirsty and when I still feel full from eating (maybe an hour after eating). I hate doing that because I know it's going to flush the food out too quickly. Does it get easier to drink? I know they say that your protein shakes/milk count towards liquid, but honestly my body needs straight up water to feel hydrated. And when I don't drink enough I sleep like crap. Most days I struggle to get in 48 oz.

Waa me too! I went to the surgeon for the second time today. First time was 2 yrs ago. Have put on 15kg. hate. Anyway, was very informative. They told me it would take me 4-6 weeks till surgery date from when I sign up, depending on availablity. They are so good with intensive counselling and advice before and after and suggested I go every month for a free checkup and fill if I need it. He said that he has done 1400 operations and has only had 4 complications. One guy had weird brain cancer that was undiagnosed, and the other three were smokers that said they were non smokers. So that is reassuring! He even said he'd take me to meet the anesthetist, I could look around the operating theatre, meet the nurses and everything! So lovely! I even found a clause in my health insurance which said that they would pay for half it on special conditions!!! So excited.... So... I think I might do it!!!??!??!?!?!??

Well I only completed 3 days of liquids but have really been good. Chewing my food very slowly so I get full faster. I managed to lose 7 lbs this week. I have to keep at it...I can do this...

I was allowed to start having watermelon and cantaloupe 3 weeks post-op.

Actually, the fact you're not losing and eating mostly soft foods are just more signs you're too tight. Contrary to the myths out there, being too tight can lead to stalled weight loss and even weight gain. The reason being, you're resorting to slider type foods and "soft calorie syndrome" because you can't eat the healthy things you should be. Have a look at this article, it is about being too tight and is really good info: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/page/index.html/_/support/post-op-support/tighter-isnt-always-better-r118 I think you can safely ride it out until Monday, but do get in to see your doctor. Best wishes

Hi! I am in the pre-op phase and my surgery is in a week! How did/do you cope with nerves? I'm doing good with sticking with the diet plan thus far, however, I'm still craving my favorites. Help!!

Hey everybody. i got sleeved 2/1/2011. It certaintly wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, being scared to death of surgery. The sleeve was my first ever surgical procedure, stay in a hosptial, etc. It's been 6 days and I have already lost nearly 17 lbs. that is a huge PRO. My blood sugar is 109 so I em elated! My surgeon took me off of my medications, diabetes and high blood pressure, and told me I will probably not need them any more. Blood sugar is consistently normal so my diabetes seems to be gone. My blood pressure has been high normal so that is a little concerning but I have an appointment with my regular Dr. later thsi week. That should go down as I lose weight, I would imagine. I didn't have high blood pressure until I gained all this weight so obviously the two are connected. I started on pureed food yesterday. Ate an egg. Tolerated great, as long as it's only a very little bit. Couldn't eat the whole egg, but no problems with it. I feel more energetic since yesterday, I am assuming because I am consuming some Protein now. Now for some CONS: My acid reflux is really bad. I have to take Omneprazole daily. if I get even the slightest bit worked up, like I did while speaking to my employees over the weekend, acid really burns. I am hoping as my stomach heals this calms down a bit or I might have to change careers. Because of the acid, it is very difficult to tell when I am hungry. My sleeve doesn't growl like my stomach did, so it's difficult to tell what is acid and what is hunger pain. That is the only con so far. My taste buds seem to be very bland as well, but that is a good thing because I am breaking a 43 year old habit of overeating. It is phyisically impossible for me to do that any more. My divorce from food is hard, but I'm getting through it. The pounds melting away is helping a lot with that because I am getting instantaneous results. I think about food all the time, but there is nothing I can do about it, so I am being force to break the cycle. Difficult but necessary and thanks to my sleeve, I will not be drowning any sorrows in food ever again. Thanks for listening!

I'm 13 days post op and have been stalled for about 6 days, it's really getting to me and I am now feeling depressed about it. Even had an anxiety attack last night..

Hi, I had my Realize Band put in June 5, at surgery time I was around 184. 2 weeks later I was 172. Then the unthinkable happened, I woke in the night with my leg throbbing, went to the hospital had a DVT. I am now on Coumadin for life, I have done nothing but gain weight. November my stomach was hurting so bad, I could not swallow even my own saliva. I had my 4cc removed-was in the hospital again for 3 days. Now I weigh 188. I just don't understand. I got the band because it was supposed to make me have a "full feeling", I have never had that. This was a total waste of money, and my body. I think I was just meant to be overweight-everything I do sure does not help. The only reason I lost weight in the first days of my band was because I was so gung ho with the idea, I really lost it on my own, the band has done nothing but jeopardize my health. Moral of the story: Never ever have surgery if it not a life and death emergency. I would like to hear from any of you with similar "gone wrong" stories.:thumbup:

So I visited my regular doc today and she was so much cooler than I thought she was gonna be. Everyone has been really supported (everyone that I have told that is, which isn;t many). I know it is such a good thing, but then it also makes me think, "wow, okay, so how long has everyone been thinking I am an obese mess?" But then I know, probably not nearly as long as I have been thinking this about myself. Anyway, the medical records are sent to the surgeons office, should take about a week to get all there and in my packet and stuff. Then another 3 days the office staff said it would take them to highlight and prepare the insurance stuff. Then anywhere from 2-12 weeks until I hear a yes or a no. Please please please, if anyone is reading this hope, pray, cross your fingers, etc. for my approval. I am ready to get on with this. I am working on it on my own now with working out and trying to stay in control with eating, but I could really use this tool so I don't drive myself crazy. I don't have a whole lot to do this summer and I am sure others can relate-sitting around in an empty house is not the best medicine for weight loss. I would go for a walk with the doggies, but oh wait it is only 110 degrees out there, hah. I have been singing and dancing around the house. I am just waiting waiting waiting. I make lists almost everyday as to why I want this and what my life would be like losing weight. I recently rubbed a hole in the inner thigh area of my work pants and my next shift was only 3 days laway. Of course there are no big lady stores in my area that are currently carrying khaki pants appropriate for my unifrom. I had to pay old navy $20 extra to get pants in time. Then they were still too long. What a bummer! This was a really nervous situation for me and I hate to say it, but I had an exrteme breakdown in front of my beautiful boyfriend who is training to be a fire fighter and is just about as healthy as they come. He was so great and he even offered to pay for the $20 shipping so I wouldn't be so sad. It is the most frustrating kind of sad because I know I am the one who continues to make myself awfully distressed. Luckily it worked out...this time. How much easier would it have been though to just go to the mall and grab some new work pants and a cute summer dress just for kicks haha. I never want to spend another summer in Tucson at this high of a weight. It is just too damn hot here. I really want to work at my boyfriend's aunt's summer camp up in Wisconsin next summer. Swimming, camping, skiiing, boating...all sounds a lot better under the plus sizes, right? Have I pled my case enough, haha...are you crossing your fingers for me yet? Well I guess thats it. I know I am just at the base of this mountain I will climb for the rest of my life and it is only going to get harder before it gets easier. But i gotta start somewhere. I can use as much support as possible though! I have hit so many lows, now it is time for some more highs!