earthchick97

Yes, I was often having to keep on top of the office staff. I finally got in touch with one person and then just kept asking for her, trying to establish some sort of relationship with her (I'm sorry I do not remember her name). But it is all worth it and they day of surgery was pretty easy. Good luck!

Hi there -

I had my sleeve done at Johns Hopkins Baview (Dr. Schwietzer) - I was sleeved on August 16th, 2011, so this August will be my 2 year anniversary! (My stats on this forum are probably outdated) - I started at 249 and currently weight 149 - I have been fortunate not to have any weight gain.

Good luck on your journey!!I It will all be worth it!!

I waited two weeks. Go gett'um tiger!

Thanks for the input. I'm up in the air too - explaining what the card is and why I have it. I think I'll just assume ordering an appetizer and calling it a day

So glad to hear someone else has gone through this! I itched like crazy and I even had some red bumps and rashy looking areas on my belly. Everynight I applied over-the-counter cortizone cream and after about a week and a half post-op it cleared up.

If it doesn't clear up for you, either talk to your primary or your surgeon. They can give you an Rx for some stronger stuff.

Good Luck!

I've seen a few posts regarding a "Weight Loss Surgery Card" for eating out. I have never heard of this (neither my nut or surgeon said anything about it). Does anyone have one of these, and if so, how do you get one? What are they for? Do resturaunts know what they are or do you have to go through a long ordeal to explain it to them?

My curiosity is peaked...any insight is appreciated.

I only have nausea every now and again, usually if I find myself eating too quickly. I too get will get hot sweats too if I eat to fast. I usually close my eyes and take really deep breaths. I've noticed however that it is easing up a bit each week. I'm sorry you are having a rough go at it. I hope it gets better!

I would ask how many nights you anticipate being in the hopsital. I was originally under the impression that I could be released after the first night, but then after surgery I stayed two nights. See what your surgeon says and if it is two nights, make sure your insurance coverage will cover a two-night hopsital stay. Some won't.

You can also ask if he/she will speak with anyone in the waiting room after surgery. I think this is very important for peace of mind for loved ones anxiously waiting.

Good luck and way to go on the approval!

When I bought mine, they sold out very quickly. I purchased the only color they had left - Red. I was hesitant at first, but actually LOVE it now. A little bit of color is nice

Thanks so much for everyone's advice! I will be sure to bring it up at my next NUT appointment. I appreciate the insight!

I took advantage of the sale awhile back on QVC and bought the Vitamix. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. It will blend just about anything. If you are worried about its usefulness after the first few weeks of surgery, don't. You can make Soups, scrambled eggs, homemade Peanut Butter, anything. I use it daily as I prefer homemade Protein shakes with milk, fruit and Protein supplement over the ready-to-drink varities.

Go for it. You won't regret it.

I am in week 3 post-op and have been keeping my food journal updated daily. My carb intake varies from 25-75 carbs a day, while getting close to my goal of 60-80 grams of Protein per day.

My dietician recommends well above that amount once I'm on a full diet again, but what is a good rule of thumb for the earlier stages of eating? I do not see anything in my doctor's nutrition guidelines regarding carbs this early out, only the typical Protein intake requirements. I have maintained the last few days and I want to make sure I'm not beginning to stall because of carb intake.

Does anyone know what a good amount of carbs (full carbs, regardless of net, Fiber, etc.) is a "healthy" amount to intake and maintain healthy weight loss in the early stages after surgery (weeks 2-8)?

Does your surgeon participate in "realize my sucess"? I don't know if you can create an account if your surgeon is not already affiliated with the program, but worth looking into. It is AWESOME. It keeps track of everything - diet, exercise, goals, pics, inches, etc. It also has recipes and words of encouragement. I log on and input my data via the computer but it is also available thru mobile devices.

The website is:

www.realize.com

Good Luck with whatever you choose!

Keep with it! Headaches will pass. Think of it as a detox to get ready for surgery. Also - shy away from NSAIDs even this early pre-op. I know that my doc said tylenol only one week prior to surgery and two weeks after (for sleeve). It will all be worth it in the end!

I had the same exact situation. Obsese but otherwise healthy (I was right on the border for BMI as well). As someone else has suggested, go and get a sleep study. I had "mild sleep apnea" but since they recommended a CPAP machine I was in the clear and my appeal was approved. It's harmless and worth a try. Please try this route before gaining 10-15 pounds. You'll be happy you tried this first!

Soooo, I got denied for my insurance because basically, Im fat, but not fat enough and Im "too" healthy. I have a BMI of 38 and at the time of my weigh in weighed 248lbs and my height was at 5'7 1/2 (i slouched a little lol) and I am NOW (about a month later) weighing in at 253lbs but it hasnt been documented. My insurance is (empire BCBS) telling me that I either need to have a BMI of 41 or higher or I need to have a co-morbidity with my current BMI and I dont. Im very healthy, Im just fat. But apparently not fat enough.

So i guess my question is, would it be ethical to gain 12-15 more pounds just to get this insurance approval? Because when push comes to shove, without it, Im not getting this surgery. I just cant.

So any advice on how to gain a quick 12 to 15lbs? or advice on what to do at all?

Thanks

<3

Caitlyn

Hello there!

I have also been lurking around for awhile. I'm scheduled for sugery on August 16th (Johns Hopkins). Also looking for a buddy/support!

- Jen

Hi Toyia -

I'm from Maryland. Which hospital are you going with? I'm scheduled for August 16th at Hopkins.

j-

Hi All,

My name is Toyia and I hope to have surgery in July. I am having some issues with my referral and the doctor's long wait list. I would love to have a mentor or buddy to help me through this emotional journey.

If anyone is interested please let me know. We can help support each other.

Thanks for reading,

T