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oh hey, you're singing to the choir I had my surgery on Dec 11 ws 321 on that day. Two weeks late post op I was 307 and I've tinkered from 303-307 since then with current weight @ 305-406. So that means I've lost 1-2 pounds in two weeks, IF That This better be a stall bc if it's not, I will cry, and long and hard Lol We're in this together My name is Joanna. Nice to meet you

Ok I will be 3 weeks out on Wednesday. I went through something similar and I believe that's what caused my stall at a week and a half out. I wasn't eating crackers but I was making really cheesy dips that included chicken,velveeta cheese,etc. And I was eating snacks with my husband like a couple bites of cheesecake off his plate,a couple pieces of chex mix muddy buddy,etc. I had no room for the healthy stuff! At my one week post op appt my dr told me I was free to eat whatever(healthy) as long as I chewed it thoroughly and went slow. I started eating a bit of ice cream,a lil while later a couple bites of pudding,a while after that some of the velveeta dip stuff and so on...While I don't believe there is enough calories and or fat in the little bitty amounts I was sticking in my sleeve to make you gain a bunch of weight,I do believe all of this and the scale showed it with a 1 lb gain and then stall at a week and a half out: 1-Not eating planned out meals and just grazing throughout the day was getting in the way of my fluid intake. I had it in my mind that I could not tolerate protein shakes so that was being sabotoged as well,and none of these things are healthy. I was not coming to terms with the fact that my sleeve is still too small and new for me to be eating these things and still getting in the nutrition that I need. If I'm not getting in enough liquids or protein,my body is in starvation mode and will hang onto any little bit of fat it can to store for energy,I will feel weak and fatigued like I was,my hair will start falling out(one of my biggest fears). I gave my scale to my mom and made SURE to put lean protein foods first,and that's about all I can fit in my sleeve. My rule of thumb now is NO food goes into my mouth when I wake up until I have had at least 20 ozs of liquids,I follow that with a muscle milk light which has 20 grams of protein and my sleeve loves it compared to a protein shake. Then I have to have 10 more ounces of liquids b4 lunch. I can only stomach 1.5 ounces of chicken with hot sauce and a dab of blue cheese on it then I'm full. Wait about an hour and make myself finish off 10 more ounces of fluids before dinner. I then eat tuna,salmon,cheese,or chicken,something with protein for dinner. By then I have had more than 40 grams of protein and 40 ounces of liquids. I am free for the rest of the evening to drink liquids,eat a couple bites of SF pudding (I usually sprinkle some unflavored protein in it) or even eat a SF fruit bar-only 25 calories and soooo good! The reason I am saying all this is bc this: Since I put my foot down and started doing what I know I should be,my stall ended quickly and I have lost 3 more lbs in 3 days! I had to realize that I will eventually get to enjoy these things in moderation,but the whole reason I got the sleeve is so I can fill it with healthy,protein rich foods,vitamins and liquids consistently until my excess weight is gone. I will from now on save the junk food till I am farther out. That 1 lb gain and stall was enough to snap me out of it and remember what I was blessed with. Now,that being said it's just my opinion and I do believe everyone's body is different and everyone can handle things differently. I just kinda wanted to let u in on my experience thus far out and hope I can help in someway. ((HUGS)) and stay strong,we will get through this!

Even though I told my doctor’s office it seemed like I couldn’t have a net gain they assured me it would be fine. Low and behold I was denied for a 5 lb net gain. I am 250 currently at 5’6 and they have suggested I do the six months again and this time just stay at 250 to ensure I am at 40 BMI since I only have mild sleep apnea and no other issues. My question is—at the end of the new six months will Aetna deny me bc I still didn’t lose the original 5 lbs or should I get back down to 245 even though that puts my BMI at 39.5? We considered doing a peer to peer and having the doctor say water weight etc., but felt it would be better to do six more months which is really only five based on counting April’s weigh in. Timing actually works out on my favor with surgery now I’m Sept, so I’m not worried about that, but I don’t want to get to September and be denied again.

DONT TAKE BC PILLS. Please. My surgery team warned me about this for a long time. Your body will not absorb the hormones after the DS. I have an IUD instead.

I'm in Oregon and my PCP is against it and gave me the same spiel. She keeps telling me she is treating several botched surgeries. However, I call bs because she doesn't seem to know very much about it and only has negative things to say. I'm planning on going with my tax refund in the spring. In my early research I called OHSU, the bariatric coordinator there was very helpful. She said they will always treat people in an emergency and they rarely have any emergencies out of Mexico. She did name one surgeon to avoid and said to be diligent in my research. I joined as many support groups as I could find until I narrowed it down to my surgeon.

Yes, I do believe it is very common. Some people look at it like a BS hurdle to overcome (AKA me), some people look at it like an opportunity to lose weight in advance of surgery, see @blizair09. Now, I don't regret not using that time to actually, ya know, lose weight, but I would highly recommend using that time to get off as much weight as you can BEFORE surgery. If I could go back in time I would probably kick myself in the ballz for not doing that. Best of luck!!

The third month of my 6 month supervised diet and exercise program I gained 9 lbs! I had slacked off and was not feeling motivated and didn't weigh myself so I actually didn't know I had gained that much. I have gotten back on track and have lost 5 lbs. Will my insurance company deny me because I gained weight that month?? I have Anthem BC/BS. I've got 6 weeks left until my 6 months are up and I get submitted for approval. Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

Thanks I never even thought of that...I can't wait to stock up bc I love the dragon berry!

Ten years of weight creeping up and here I am-- with a BMI of 36 (go me!!) with 2 co-morbidities. Tired of losing and gaining the same 10 lbs five times a year, I decided to take a step.,,or rather a leap. And here we are 8/29-- WLS seminar 9/11 -- first visit. Have Anthem BC of CA so hope I get approved And now I'm working though my list Primary care letter of clearance -- check Blood work-- check Three years of 35 + BMI -- check again (another go me moment!) Doing sleep apnea study tonight To do: Cardiac clearance (required if you're over 50.. And I'm 50 and 2 weeks.) NUT appt Psych eval ( wonder how that will go) So I'm hopeful that I get this all one quickly and get approved ( holding my breath ) Anyone else out there with Anthem BC of CA? Any tips. Oh and I'm an Alabama gal

@Diva302The reason I asked is bc I've never known a full DSER to have success with the patches. Keep a very watchful eye on your bloods as time goes on.

You don't need to weigh everyday, you will be discouraged, I weigh every two weeks. Also just bc you had this surgery doesn't mean your going to lose 10 pounds in a week every week. You didn't gain all your weight over night, your not going to lose it over night. Sw 256 Cw 185 Surgery 3/17/17

I don't know about anyone else but I finally had to make it public knowledge on Facebook that I had surgery bc I was getting tons of messages after I posted a pic in a cute dress after losing 70 pounds! People were full of comments but wanted me to share what had worked for me! I originally didn't want everyone to know I had surgery but I did not want to be dishonest either! Has anyone else had to do this or how did you finally tell everyone?

Honey our innards and outside skin are ALL the same...go ahead and drink protein drinks...first youre risking stretching your pouch...and you should be more focused on your healing innards as to what goodies you get to eat...after all you didnt come this far to sabbotage all this effort did you..there are caring honest doctors and there are some who will let you decide what you want to do....go do your own research instead of believing either of us. The fact is solid foods...heavy foods can cause pressure on your stitches and stretch your pouch. These foods can lead to discomfort and vomiting. Everyone needs to drink light clear fluids for the first week to ensure healthy and proper tissue (innards and outer) healing...its up to everyone to RESEARCH info ...the forum can help but may be confusing bc every dr and nut has there own ideologies...research and listen to your body....also sodium is not a great plan..if those protein drinks have plenty of sodium remember your body already pumped up with salt water...it will take you longer to get rid of the swelling and gases. Good luck

It sounds like typical dramatic parent in law BS. When I was married my MIL was always nice to me, but the father in law not so much, always trying to be backhanded about things and treated me like I wasn't good enough for his son. And the mother of the man I lived with for 2 years ALWAYS treated me like how you described in your story. It didn't matter what it was about, the house wasn't clean enough even if it was spotless, I shouldn't be taking naps, my bra let my boobs bounce too much...sometimes it was ridiculous. Nothing I did was good enough. Not all inlaws are like that, but I just learned with the two negative ones I've experience to just write it off as they have a grudge in their own mind towards me for no reason and there's nothing I can do about it, and just learned to ignore their crap, granted I'd get plenty p.o.'d from time to time but I'd never let them see it bothered me. haha

Has anyone been approved that has Blue Cross PPO of Tennessee? I'm set for my doctor on Feb.5 for my approval, I'm not worried about them approving me. It's the insurance company. I want this so bad!!! I have been overweight since I was 10.I'm tired of starving myself to lose weight.If anyone has could you tell me what all I need to do?

I had my gastric bypass surgery in September 2012 and weighed 285-got as low as 145 at one point until I had my gallbladder out in 2014. I was 165 when I got pregnant. Went into labor 7 weeks early for reasons still unknown and weighed around 180. Before he was discharged from the nicu 11days, I was back to my pre pregnancy weight from stress and hiking up and down a parking garage 8 x a day. 3 months post baby, I was creeping back up to the mid 170s I just thought it was hormones bc I nursed for 6 months. I also struggled with ptsd for the struggles I had w the guilt of him coming early, struggles w nursing, balancing work, etc. He just turned 13 months and I feel like my metabolism has just shut down still at 178. I am also getting depressed and discouraged. I live in a rural area, and do not even have a gym that's reasonable within 45 min. My job is literally drivingfor 8-9 hrs a day so exercise is difficult to give time to when I don't see my little man. I feel like eating enough to nurse mayhave reprogrammed my pouch. I dk what to do

I hated all the protien shakes I've tried. They all smell and taste like baby vomit and chemicals to me. I purchased unflavored Bulksupplements Pure Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate Powder. I mix it with almond or skim milk, frozen fruit and stevia to taste, also use the sugar free surups like Torani. The powder doesn't really have any taste or smell. Finally I found one I can drink.

I started using jogtunes indie podcast. I like the consistent upbeat tempo. The host breaks in at the beginning of every song with a BMP announcement which helps when I'm jogging but I ignore it if I'm just doing basic cardio or walking. The pace changes which is nice bc you get ur heartrate pumping then are able to slow it a little. It's really motivating. Check it out on iTunes. You can download the podcasts for free.

I have been talking to the insurance co everyday to just get things clear for myself and I think, but don't quote me on this that is just has to be 6 mo. The lady at BC told me I could go to my own dr once a mo and have them document the nutrition, exercise etc and that would suffice. HTH, Beth

Sometimes if a woman feels insecure she distances herself emotionally bc if u were to leave her it won't hurt as much. This is one way people (men and women) self-sabotage relationships. "well he's gonna leave me anyway so it may as well be on my terms" What she needs is to be reassured Ur in this together. Regardless of weight loss or gain. You need to make up your mind whether you truly want to be together or whether this honeymoon phase with your weight loss is going to turn Ur head at other girls that pay you more attention.

Hi, I'm Brenda and I have Premera BC/BS in AK. I was denied by Blue Cross 5 or so years ago to have this surgery done. I gave up. I researched and spoke with a great group up here about surgeries in other countries. But, never followed up. I see people who are 1/4 or 1/2 their original size when I met them 5 years ago!! Now fast forward to August 2006, I'm ready to have this surgery done with the blessing from my Orthopedic Surgeon whose the best in our state. I'm pending a fusion and scared to death to have it done. I'm 40 years old, and have a lifetime of back problems if they don't want to pay for it, instead they may have to pay for my back -- that is how I see it. Say positive prayers for me on my new weightloss journey.

I have BC/BS and was approved in one week. Like others have said here, I think it depends on your individual plans. As for the psych letter, (my psychiatrist is the one who referred me to my doctor, he just had his done, BTW) Here is the text of mine. To whom it may concern, The patient was seen for evaluation prior to scheduling her gastric banding surgery. Upon mental status examination, the patient's mood was euthymic (had to look that one up, lol) with logical thought processes. She has suffered from obesity since early childhood. She reports trying multiple diets and weight loss supplements each time with no positive results. She understand she is at risk for developing medical co-morbidities due to obesity. She was able to discuss the procedure and was able to state the risks versus the benefits of having gastric banding surgery. She understands that she will need to make major adjustments to her lifestyle and eating habits both prior to and after the procedure. At this time, there are no contraindications in terms of mental status for she to consent to gastric banding surgery. There is no history of addiction or substance abuse and she had adequate family support. Any questions contact blah, blah, blah. I also had letters from a nutritionist I saw saying that we disucussed my necessary dietary changes and how I will counter my emotional eating habits. And a letter from my regular doctor briefly describing how he monitored some weight loss programs with me. For example, I was on Meridia as well as Xenical and Phentermine. So BC/BS was bombarded with recommendations. My surgeons office knew exactly what each insurance company would need for approval and gave me a list of what I would need. I followed that. Good luck to those appealing...

That is a good letter. I have to go to another psych doc...what an idiot...I'm so mad..I feel like calling him back and telling him. I'm on Xenical also....hasn't worked yet. I have BC/BS in New Hampshire...I hope that I get approved...my surgery date is set for sept. 20th.

Mert, At the time of my surgery (July 04), I had First Health/MHBP insurance. They were awesome to deal with (easy approval and paid something like 90% of everything) - but they didnt have dental insurance! ~~with 3 kids, dental insurance is MORE important then Moms LapBand~~ So, in Jan 05 we switched to BC/BS La.:biggrin1: :biggrin1:

I have BC/BS Fep too. I’m really nervous for submission because of being on the low BMI side. Only 35.5/36. I have 2 co morbidities (Hypertension and Severe Osteoarthritis in my knee). My surgeon said he feels pretty confident I will have no issue with my insurance and those issues for approval but I’m doubtful. He said BC/BS is one of the better ones for approvals too. I’m sorry you got denied GTGirl. But fight the insurance on it. You’ll get it.