My Cash Pay Journey

[nikkiblueyes 25]

Hi! My name is Nicole. I am 27 and live in Jersey. My journey started a little over a year ago. Ever since I little I was always one of the bigger kids and went through ups and downs with my weight. When I hit puberty I really started to notice how the weight slowly go up and up. In 2012 I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was rushed to the ER with severe pain in my lower abdomen. The doctors discovered a large cyst on my left Fallopian tube and surgery was needed ASAP. I changed my diet and was able to loose 15 lbs but in late 2013 another cyst was found and another surgery was needed. Right after that surgery I promised myself that I was going to change. All of the yo-yo dieting and crazy expensive programs I started my research on WLS. I saw my first surgeon in early 2014 and was very optimistic. I went through all of the required testing and submitted my request to insurance to then be declined due to my employer having WLS as an exclusion. I was disappointed but that didn't stop me. I appealed their decision and even wrote letters to my company. They said there was nothing that could be done because it's just to expensive to add. Well that's when I started my research for Cash Pay and I found NJ Bariatrics. My family and I took a short drive up to Princeton, NJ to meet with my surgeon. I have been blessed with an awesome supportive family who is going to fund my surgery. I am hoping to get my date on Tuesday. If anyone can give me some advise on what to expect right after surgery and my 1st few days at home.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Congratulations and best of luck on your surgery.

With lots of preparation and research, I can honestly say the worst part of my surgery was the anticipation. Learn as much as you can by reading and asking questions.

The only pain I experienced was some gas pain in my shoulder after surgery. They will have you up and walking right away which should help with any gas pain you experience. A heating pad helped, too.

My surgery was Monday morning and I came home Tuesday afternoon.

See if you can get your prescriptions filled and pick up your meds before surgery. Also, make sure you have some Tylenol (liquid) available since you won't be able to take NSAIDs like Advil.

sugar free popsicles, clear Protein (like Isopure or ProtiDiet liquid concentrate), and clear broth should get you through the first few days of your clear liquid diet at home.

Do your best to get your fluids and Protein in as both are critical to your healing. Dehydration is a very real danger if you don't keep sipping fluids.

Also, I was given a spirometer and other breathing device to use before and after surgery. Be sure and use those as instructed.

The one thing that really helped me: I made a commitment to myself to do everything that was asked of me. There was no room for "I can't" which usually means "I won't" or "I'm afraid to", neither of which are helpful to your recovery. 90% of this journey is mental.

[nikkiblueyes 25]

Thanks for your response! How are you feeling? I have a few close friends who have had the sleeve and 1 who has bypass; they have nothing but amazing things to say.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Thanks for your response! How are you feeling? I have a few close friends who have had the sleeve and 1 who has bypass; they have nothing but amazing things to say.

I feel great.

[kempermorris 144]

I had the bypass. I ditto everything Miss Mac said. I'm 5 months post op &-have lost 102 lbs. Best thing I ever did

[nikkiblueyes 25]

Can I have some suggestions on post op Protein Shakes? I know I have to start out with Clear Liquids so my question is can I drink the Unjury shakes or should I stick with the Isopure ones?

[kempermorris 144]

I drank Premier Protein shakes

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Post-op, even on clear liquids I was allowed Premier. I also used ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrate. I was given the concentrate in the hospital and put it over a bit of crushed ice and ate it with a spoon. I used that a lot the first week. Now, I can drink them more diluted.

[Diane Auer 0]

I too am a cash pay patient because of a clause in my insurance. I am very thankful to see the info received on things yocan do different than my Dr. suggested because this is a big decision financially. My surgery will cost more than my car did. Thanks for the help.

[nikkiblueyes 25]

Diane- I was medically cleared by my doctors but my employer has a exclusion on my policy which sucks! If you don't mind me asking, how much is your surgery? Mine I'll be $15,000.

Edited May 25, 2015 by nikkiblueyes