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Need some encouragement
vlp1968 replied to XxMariposaxX's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I agree excersise is key! I was at a stall in weight loss and uped the intensity and frequency of excersise. It got that scale moving again. Are you journaling? Are you getting enough fluids in? You may want to take your measurments, sometimes people don't loose weight but loose inches. Try not to beat yourself up and move on from here. Everyday is an opportunity to do the right thing. -
BCBS requires five YEARS of BMI of 40?!
Alexandra replied to Qvrfullmidwife's topic in Insurance & Financing
Believe me, I know how you feel. But from the insurers' and medical establishments' points of view there's a difference between a chronic battle with weight (we ALL feel that way, after all) and a chronic battle with morbid obesity. I'm not saying it's smart for insurance carriers to exclude treatment for weight management--but that will only change when something is done on a national level. Im just explaining why it is the way it is. -
BCBS requires five YEARS of BMI of 40?!
Alexandra replied to Qvrfullmidwife's topic in Insurance & Financing
What the carriers are looking for is evidence of a chronic battle with morbid obesity, and I can't say I blame them. They are trying to avoid people who, for whatever reason, have gained a lot of weight just recently and want the band as a quick fix. This surgery is expensive and there are lots of people who might qualify just based on weight, so there have to be other considerations. When I applied my BMI was well over 40, and I'd had two pregnancies in the previous five years as well. I was worried they'd discount the weights from those periods, so I included whatever evidence and records I had from before the pregnancies that showed my weight. In your case, if you've had co-morbidities that required treatment before your pregnancies, medical notes from that time will support your case. -
It all depends on height and beginning weight too. I had my surgery april 29th and i have lost 20lbs. I am 5'2" and was 251lbs. People who are over 300lbs usually lose a little bit more in the beginning but it will all even out if you are doing the protein intake and exercise like your dr told you to!!!
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@@Teachamy What can it hurt to talk with a plastic surgeon about it? Maybe having the TT, with the pulling-down of the abdominal muscles, will actually strengthen your muscles supporting your spine...it may just help you out a little. And getting rid of extra weight in the front DOES help the back! I would just suggest talking with a couple of surgeons about it, so you get differing (or the same) opinion about your particular situation. And while you're there, ask about others who may have similar situations as yours, for their experiences. You deserve the best, you've had a hard enough time of it. But beware, TT's are not painless procedures. And recovery can be lengthy. As yours is a unique situation (aren't we all unique?!), research the surgeons before you see them, get the best you can. And ask EVERYTHING you can possibly think of....start writing down your questions NOW, so you don't forget about them. And the best of luck to you, sweetie, God Bless.....
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Thank you for the feedback! I appreciate hearing I'm not the only one. So strange to me because I was at the weight before, and was not cold. I have to agree with msujester, maybe it's lack of fuel, or the body burning up what it has to remove the fat? Either way, it happened way sooner than I expected! And yes, I live in North Dakota. It's getting chilly already so I'm gearing up for a lot of layers as winter approaches. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
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Approval After Lap Band Surgery??
stuntmonkey replied to stuntmonkey's topic in Insurance & Financing
Thanks for the replies, everyone. I called CareFirst on Friday and went over each and every requirement with the representative on the phone. They only require one comorbid condition when your BMI is over 35. I checked twice. Severe sleep apnea counts. I am still frustrated because the rep I talked to said that "In her opinion, she saw no reason I should be denied coverage, but they will do a review of my file after the surgery to make the final decision." I just think that's nuts! From everything I've read and from my long and detailed conversation with the insurance representative, it sounds like everything will be fine, but wow, this is nerve-wracking. I would really prefer a pre-surgery approval! Here is a cut and paste of the official policy of my exact plan: Surgical treatment of morbid obesity is considered to be a viable treatment option in patients who meet allof the following criteria: Age: (criteria met -- I'm 33.) 18 years old or older and Psychological examination: (done and submitted to my surgeon) complete a psychological examination to determine readiness and fitness for surgery and necessary postoperative lifestyle changes and Structured diet program: (I did WW for 6 months. I went to at least one meeting a month and have the sign-in records and my payment records.) Maryland and D.C. plan members only: must complete a structured diet program in the 2-year period that immediately precedes the request for the surgery by participation in either: - one structured diet program for 6 consecutive months or - two structured, non-concurrent, diet programs for 3 consecutive months. (can include commonly available diet programs such as Weight Watchers® or Jenny Craig®) and Weight requirement: (BMI is about 40 (depends on the day), plus I have severe sleep apnea) Maryland and D.C. plan members only: must meet eitherof the following criteria: - BMI of 40; or - BMI equal to or greater than 35, in combination with one or more of the following co-morbid conditions: hypertension; a cardiopulmonary condition; sleep apnea; diabetes mellitus; or any life threatening or serious medical condition that is weight induced -
I was banded in December of 2008 and have lost 77 lbs. I am 1/2 lb from a healthy BMI, my original goal (I think I will try and go lower). I did have a fill approximately a month ago and am feeling like it is a sweet spot as I have lost about 5 lbs since. However, for the last week I am having a lot of pain on the left side of my port. My port does pooch out just below my rib cage, but I wasn't going to address that problem unitl I felt I was at my final weight. The pain feels like it is in the muscle almost like a stich in my side. Does anyone know what would be causing pain this far out from surgery? Do I need to get an unfill? Thanks
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Is it normal to just break down and cry at any moment and time. I just dont know why i have so many mixed emotions one minute im good the next im down. I guess you are right its just a whole different ball game. I absolutely hate food right now... I have to make myself eat. I also have in the back of my mind that i am going to fail and never reach my goal. I guess mainly because i am such a picky eater. The only veggies i really eat is corn or potatoes. So knowing that i need to eat healthier foods scares me into thinking i wont succeed. I dont understand ive never eaten healthy my whole life and was always very skinny and yet once i had my son i could get the weight off no matter what i did. Its all so stressful
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4 Years & Going Strongs
Shelley64 replied to Cypanther's topic in Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories
Congratulations on your wonderful success! I love going to the success story forum once in a while to see someones post who has reached their goal and are loving life! I'm almost 6 months out and have really learned alot about myself in the journey so far. I was a slow loser before the band and I'm still a slow loser. I guess I have an efficient metabolism even though it makes me mad! I've lost 30 lbs which isn't a ton but I look and feel so much better. My lab numbers have improved as well. I'm doing Zumba 3 times a week which I never thought I could accomplish. I have learned that the only way I'm going to lose weight successfully and keep it off is going to be based on the effort I am willing to put in. The band helps me eat less but it doesn't keep me from grazing or making poor food choices. Again, congratulations on your success. Keep posting from time to time to keep others motivated! Have an awesome summer! -
Hi everyone, Brand new to this web site. Am considering the surgery, but need to find out more about it. Am 65, 6' and 350. I am concerned about excessive skin after weight loss & what other problems down the road that they left out. Oh, i'm a male. Anything anyone could tell me about pros & cons would be greatly appreciated.
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Have you told people in OA/FAA about your band? feedback?
bbala replied to morningoasis811's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
Morning, I have been pondering the same question. I'm scheduled for surgery next month, and I haven't decided if I will talk about it at a meeting or individually with OA friends. I'm inclined not to. The subject has come up before, and my opinion in the past (before I was considering it for myself) was that it was an outside issue, as you mentioned. I agree that it seems similar to discussing Weight Watchers or other specific diet plans. Other people in my fellowship have come in and shared that they were going to have the surgery, and while i appreciated their honesty, i didn't feel that it had a place in the meeting. i really don't know what i'm going to do, so i, too, appreciate any experience strength and hope anyone could provide. -
Have you told people in OA/FAA about your band? feedback?
barbara9460 replied to morningoasis811's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
About 5 or 6 years ago I tried several OA groups and some of those people can be downright vicious! They were the most vocal I've ever heard from anybody. They said bandsters and bypassers were weak, that they were unwilling to face their addictions, and on and on. I dropped them after a time. My mom will have her 25th AA anniversary in May and she said that the 12 steps can be worked regardless of having wls or not - as long as the person is serious about working the steps. It's very hard to find a group that will accept wls people though - I'm looking for one now - Clearwater, FL. Anybody know of one, let me know please. Congrats on your weight loss and for regaining your health! Barbara -
Tomorrow will be 2 weeks post-op and a follow-up with the bariatric team. Purees are coming! Today I saw my GP about my glucose and BP. She confirmed no more diabetes meds (YAY!!!!!) but then she said something odd. She noted that my numbers are excellent on this full liquid diet, but we'd see how I do when my diet "progresses." Now, she's young and clearly still developing her bedside manner (she's awkward) but she insinuated that my diabetes would probably come back and I'd have to go back on meds once I'm on solid food. I guess I thought most docs (even GPs) would know that bariatric surgery has a high likelihood of "curing" diabetes immediately post-op, especially as our weight goes down. Mine was mild to begin with and almost controlled through diet alone. I kinda feel like she threw a bucket of cold water on me. (Getting rid of diabetes was one of my top reasons for surgery.) ANYWAY, I told her I'm consuming about 400-ish calories per day on the FL diet. And I know (I KNOW, I KNOW) we're supposed to concentrate on water and protein at this point, but I'm curious what everyone else's average per day is. Eventually I think we top out around 600-800 with 1,000-1,200 max, but anyone else willing to share where they are in the beginning stages?
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Calories, diabetes, and a clueless doc
2Bsmaller18 replied to GreenThumb's topic in Post-op Diets and Questions
I think you are correct re the diabetes information. I would guess your numbers may increase some as you have some carbs once you are months out but I would guess not to the point of going back on meds. I was at 300-400 calories the first month and worked up to 500-600 and stayed at that level until month 6. Then I was only 10 pounds form my goal and worried about losing too quickly (I know that sounds insane right!!) so I purposely increased calories about 100/week to hit around 1000. I worked up towards 1200-1400 around the 10 month mark and now at almost 2 years am around 1500/1600 to maintain. Honestly that seems a little high compared to what others on here say but it keeps me at my comfortable weight. According to the BMi chart I could lose another 10 pounds but I feel like it would make me look too thin and bony ( also crazy to think that would ever be a thought re. my body). If I see my weight trending up 2-3 then I set a goal of 1200 (but usually log around 1300-1400) and that will get me down those 2 pounds within 1-2 weeks. I do think that wont be as easy in another 6-12 months as I am out of the honeymoon phase so I keep logging food/calories religiously. If I see I am low on protein its just a matter of fact thinking ok go get a piece of cheese or drink a glass of milk vs old me would get crackers or chips at the end of the day. -
Slow (maybe sore?) Loser
catwoman7 replied to ANewJourneyAwaits's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
most people see the biggest drops during the first month or two after surgery. After that, it does slow down to about 2-3 lbs a week (maybe a bit higher for those with a higher starting BMI). So your rate of loss is pretty normal. I'm not sure where you started, but I was well over 300 lbs. I lost 16 lbs the first month, and then 10-12 lbs a month for the next six months or so. Then it dropped down to about 6-8 lbs a month....and gradually went down from there (by the end, it was like two lbs a month - UGH!). As long as you're trending down, you're good! and to reiterate, yes, your rate of loss is completely normal. Just follow your plan. If you cut back too much from your plan, you risk getting sick or having deficiencies. So I would not worry about "moving the needle faster". Massive weight loss is a marathon, not a sprint, as they say... -
Newbie here and this is my first post. I am 50 years old and had my first consultation visit today. I've contemplated WLS for several years, but always talked myself out of taking the first step. This was partially my mentality "others lose weight on their own, why can't it?", and partially because I just didn't have the family support I knew I needed, and partially because I was a single mother trying to raise to children and working full time. I now know that I have tried numerous times to lose weight on my own and have lost some, but then I gain it back plus. You know, the old yo-yo dieting thing. My family is now being supportive for the most part, there are still some who are not on the band wagon with me, but that is their problem, not mine. And finally, my kids are basically grown, one is still at home, but old enough to realize I'm doing something for ME for a change. As I said I had my first consultation visit today, and I'm very excited. It was all good news!! My insurance should cover the surgery with no problems. My physician requires that I get a psych eval., a nutrition consult, a letter from my primary care doctor that he recommends the surgery, and 3 multi-disciplinary classes. If things go good, I could have a surgery date by the end of June - mid-July!! I work for a school district and this time frame is important as I want to have surgery during the summer. Plus I've been told that TRS is changing insurance companies effective September 1, and the new company requires a 3 month wait time. The down side of everything today, is finding out my financial portion of the surgery. Because of my deductible, and co-pay I'm responsible for paying over $2,000, just to my surgeon. That does not include the psych eval., nutrition consult, getting a PCP to write the recommendation letter, and hospital!! So much more than what I anticipated, and it all has to be paid BEFORE surgery will be done!! Well, that's my story...and I'm sticking to it..lol. Any advise, tips, words of encouragement will be greatly appreciated!! Happy Friday to everyone and I look forward to making any and all acquaintances.
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16 days post op, new pain
LisaPunkinHead replied to KF2007's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I had that pain about 2 weeks post-op too. Combination of sutures and gravity. You are losing weight, and even a millimeter or two off that area will cause your muscles, etc., to move around a bit and stretch that suture. I had to use my pain meds for a few days, took it easy over a weekend, and the following Monday I was back to normal -- apparently the suture had dissolved. Mine started on Tuesday, about 18 days postop, and resolved the following Sunday/Monday. -
Help!! Im Six Weeks Out And Everything Has Been Fabulous..untill Today
suzbuni replied to amanda01331's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Your weight can change depending on a number of factors, water intake, elimination, stress, cycle. Yesturday for an experiment I weighted my self almost hourly. I started day with 197.3- had coffee used bathroom-196.5,litter later up to 198, before lunch it was 194,after it was195.4 Afternoon-3pm it was 190.5( I took a photo of scale for that one!) which was really weird usually less in morning -by bedtime it was 196.5, this morning 194. That was 24 hours and the change range was 8 pounds! Don't stress. Overall today's weight is 5 pounds lower than last Thrusday weight in . So I lost 5. Even though I saw 190 briefly - which would have ment 10 pounds. It didn't stick. Now I crazy cause I saw it and want it back!! Ii put the scale away this morning( in my car) so I won't be tempted to pull out of closet. I sure I will meet by friend 190 again probably in another week. Usually the low numbers that I see and then go get my husband to show him - they are gone on when I next step on scale. - come back within a week to stay. Good luck. FYI I went up and down with in 4 pounds the last month- just got fill last week so we are going down again. Hang in there. Don't stress - -
I just had my surgery on Aug 21, 2017. When I went in to see the doctor the beginning of July, I was 31.8 BMI, 174lbs, 5'1". My doctor only put me on a 3-day pre-op diet, and on surgery day I was 31.1 BMI, 170. It has now been 35 days, and I am down 17lbs. I am so glad I did this surgery. I was afraid the doctor would tell me no when I first went in, but he was completely understanding and agreed it was better for me to get it done now before I was 40 BMI. I should also add, I did not have any co-morbidities. He gave me other options like lap-band and the balloon, but after much research, I decided gastric sleeve was a better option because it is permanent. I didn't want a temporary fix, because I knew once I lost the weight, I would have a really good likelihood of gaining it back once these devices were removed. I had such an easy surgery and recovery. The only issue was the bloating from the CO2 gas they use to blow up your body cavity....and that was just discomfort...not horribly painful. Ask your doctor if he uses Exparel....that was what my doctor used in my surgical site and I really had zero pain.
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My 13 Year Old Son Said I'm Looking Skinnier
chitowngirl posted a topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
So I'm just 2 weeks post op. I have a 13 year old son, he knows that I had surgery, but I was very general and did not tell him that it was WLS. I told him I had abdominal surgery. Well yesterday we were talking and he told me wow mom your really looking skinnier. I've lost 20 pounds and am excited. I feel like a 13 year old boy has even noticed my weight loss. That was the thing that has real. Loving my life... -
I am finally scheduled for surgery on February 8th. Now that this is really happening, I have all sorts of things going through my mind. I am mostly upbeat and excited about this change in my life. I am thrilled with the prospect of the positive changes in my life. There are some negatives in there and I just thought I'd get some of them down in words so maybe I can put them behind me. Fears: I'm afraid I will die. I'm afraid that I won't be find the right diet for me post-op. I'm afraid I'll have band complications. I'm afraid I will still have intense urges to eat sweets in large quantities. I'm afraid that I won't lose weight very fast and that people will judge me. I'm a religious person and I know that all of these things are things that I need to put in God's hands and trust Him. I guess I should put down my hopes as well. I have hope that I will become a normal-sized person again. I have hope that I will have renewed energy and vitality in my life. I have hope that I'll become a more involved mother and wife and that I will be able to use my new energy to serve and bless others' lives. I have hope that I will feel pretty again. I haven't felt pretty in so long. I have hope that once I have succeeded in this journey that I can help others along as well. Thanks for reading. Any reassurances are welcome.
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I guess it comes down to weighing the pros and cons. It can be a scary choice just because it's such a HUGE choice. But you know what's right for you and how to get there. I was a major sweet-eater before the band. I was also afraid I wouldn't be able to kick that habit. But once you are properly restricted and you make sure to eat your regular balanced meals (Protein first, veggies next, then fruit or multi-grains), there really isn't room for much else! And really, because I've made myself stay away from sweet stuff for the most part, I can't handle sweet stuff as well as I used to. It makes me ill if I eat too much. The NP at my Dr's office also mentioned to me that as you lose a bunch of weight, your taste buds can change which can include making sweets taste TOO sweet. It's an adjustment, but you can do this. And you will be AMAZED at what you are capable of doing when you have such a powerful ally on your side!
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Good luck and try to relax. Just keep imagining yourself at your ideal weight.
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Welcome! How exciting for you to be finally having your surgery! It won't be long now and you will be starting to lose that pesky weight. You will feel so much better. Remember though that it takes a while to achieve restriction, so be prepared to still "feel normal" during your post op period, (that is, after the healing and the swelling go down) and that takes patience to get through. They call it "bandster hell" . Just try not to gain and you'll be fine. The South Beach Diet works great during this period. It controls hunger while also being band-friendly. I'm so glad for you and hope that you have every success! Good luck on your journey,
