Tai29

I wouldn't be nervous or afraid...you're most likely okay but skipping your diet progression constantly and eating as you did before the surgery. Everyone stumbles a bit but you just have to do better the next day. I am 4 months out or so and I decided to eat a spoonful of ice cream a few weeks ago... BIG MISTAKE. But I learned from it and move forward doing better the next day.

I drank soo many protein shakes, even found a bar with 20 gm of protein per single serving! Hair loss is inevitable and one of the main reasons i put off this surgery. You absolutely cannot get a sleeve or any WLS and not expect hair loss. Your body can't absorb protein the way it used to do we are always going to be lacking which is why we have to take all the supplements, etc. The great thing about hair is it does grow back. I reached the point where I was much more concerned about my health than my hair!

I wouldn't put any frozen yogurt in my shakes due to the sugar content. I got the surgery to help reduce calories and decrease my sugar so that I'm not diabetic anymore. However, I want to keep my weight moving off me.

Be careful you don't get food stuck in your staple line. Doc's have you on a special diet to help prevent leaks by eating the wrong foods at the wrong time.

Paint my toenails without leaning to the side! LOL

I can't wait to shop anywhere but Lane Bryant. They are so expensive, and you only buy like two things and spend $100. I can't wait to be able to shop in regular sized clothes!!

Where was your surgery performed?
The AMA standards are quite different than those abroad and sometimes things like this happen because of it. To be discharged without pain medication is completely inappropriate. If you live in the US I would recommend seeing your primary for pain Meds or going to the ER. You definitely need them. I know I was in so much pain I took them regularly for an entire week and I won't even take an aspirin.
Best of luck.

Where was your surgery performed?
The AMA standards are quite different than those abroad and sometimes things like this happen because of it. To be discharged without pain medication is completely inappropriate. If you live in the US I would recommend seeing your primary for pain Meds or going to the ER. You definitely need them. I know I was in so much pain I took them regularly for an entire week and I won't even take an aspirin.
Best of luck.

Leederz ... Omg I do NOT want to drink another Protein shake. I used to love, love sugary sweet things and no matter how little grams of sugar, I cannot find a Protein Shake that doesn't make my stomach turn or make me gag. I am trying to get my protein in with food these days. I'm so over those d*&@! shakes! Lol
Thank you guys for all your suggestions. Quest & ISS wafers are on my list to look into!

Like someone else here, I too tried some yogurt and I ate a few spoonfuls very slowly. When I picked up the third spoonful PAIN gripped my entire stomach. I had debilitating, horrible stomach cramps and I broke out into a cold sweat. That pain was so horrible and just rocked me. I haven't eaten anything since that had more than 2gm of sugar naturally. I am very, very picky with what I eat. I don't even look at anything sweet or anything thats a treat. Especially this early in the game - this is just my opinion... when you start snacking on ice cream, and trying to find "small" indulgences you can stall quicker or may not reach your weight loss goals as quickly. Again, this is just my point of view. I was eating yogurt while out with friends and trying to be polite. But now I bring my food with me and I don't try to get creative. If I crave a snack I will eat fruit "in their own juices" ... And as a result I have lost 34 lbs and my surgery was on Jan 23.

SoS,
You look absolutely amazing... isn't it just mind blowing the transformation that occurs. I was just sleeved 1/23 and can't wait until my 6 month mark to see my progress. I predicted that by then I should have lost a substantial amount of weight and planned a vacation at the 6 month & 2 week mark.
Congratulations. You look so happy and I am so excited for you on your success and hard work.

And to answer your question Syntha 6 is a good one as well.

Dooter
Try GNC Wheybolic Extreme. I dipped my finger in to taste test the powder only and it was pretty good. I'm using this in the vanilla and the BSN Lean Dessert in Whipper Vanilla and chocolate. They're super good and help me to tolerate the Protein. Seriously the Lean Dessert is like drinking a shake. And they are both Whey.

:welcome: Tai29
Hi, i think every one of your feelings i can say we've all been there done that, even the ranting. Its exciting after all the waiting for your WLS - and you get an official date - you start to get very nervous. You are probably very excited on the inside, nervous on the outside. This is totally common. I think we all go through this. But as time goes on, you'll get that extremely happy nervous feeling too.
You only have a week or so before the surgery, so you don't have that much time to be nervous. You will make it through surgery, and be around to talk about it. After all you have to be around so we can read your posts about the surgery. :smile1:
Many of us have absolutely no problems with the surgery, back to work quickly. Many others have minor things like gas and other stuff, being very tired for a while. Some sort of pain usually is involved, i'm afraid i can't say other problems off hand cuz i was lucky not to have any problems.
As far as what you should bring to the hospital, i wore the gown they supplied, Your gown might get messy, why mess up one of your pretty gowns. Some people bring slippers, deodorant personal stuff like that. The truth is i used what they supplied. Most important though - bring Chapstick. your lips will be very dry - since you won't be allowed to have Water for a while.
Many dr.'s give drains, but not all dr.s. i didn't have a drain. i've heard many people have some prob with drain, while many don't.. You can't worry about everything. But I know i did worry too. Its only normal. Get any information though, that will help and maybe put you more at ease.
Just be prepared, try and ask your dr. or the nurse to help you with any of your questions your asking here. Don't be afraid to ask any and all questions - no question is silly. You have a right to know, and they have an obligation to tell you.
Do you have a nutritionalist? (msp) She can answer all your questions about food issues, like Protein shakes, getting in your protein, drinking 64 oz daily. All that good stuff.
Whatever you don't get an answer too, just ask here, or ask someone else. Don't worry TOO much - things will take care of themselves - really
good luck and happiness towards your new journey :grouphug:
best wishes
kathy

I hear you! I have been not to vocal with my family on my fears that have just now arised. Probably because for the longest time the conversation was only the worry about being approved. After the approval the conversation became all about oh just imagine what your going to be able to wear.. etc (all the good things). I feel though that our worries are normal but we have all the resources we need from others right on this site. I am worried about all the aftercare.. drinking enough Water taking my Vitamins etc** but it's all going to be worth it.
When is your surgery?

oh nevermind that question, just saw your surgery date, you'll do great!

I can totally relate to your feelings. My journey even included 3 months of appeals fighting with my insurance compnay before being approved. When I finally got the confirmation that I was approved for the sleeve, I was like "Ok" now what. I thought I would be more excited too but instead felt unsure and had second thoughts, like you. You know that saying "Be careful what you wish for..." I think deep down you know this is what you want, as I did. My rational brain just had to go through all the "What ifs" I left the hospital after surgery with a drain. I thought I would be grossed out or not be able to do the bandage care for it but it wasnt a big deal at all. I did take a little longer to get dressed in the morning. After a week with it I referred to it as my little sidekick lol and it didnt really hurt being removed. Take some of the pain meds or tylenol before its time to have it removed and you'll be fine.

Tai29,
I too am scheduled for Jan 23rd and I can relate to your feelings 100%! The closer it gets the more things run through my head! It was excited anticipation for soooo long and now that it is a reality and coming very quickly I am finding myself really really nervous! I have just been telling myself that I have worked hard to get to this point and it will all be worth it! This is but a small space in time compared to the rest of our lives! So hang in there and keep posting so we can keep up! Best wishes to you sleeve sister!!

Once my insurance approved my surgery the coordinator called. She asked me what time frame did I have in mind. She immediately started with the date that was the earlier available which was only 2 weeks out from now and then asked did I prefer something later. I had a lot of flexibility because my surgeon performs surgery 4 days a week and there is another surgeon within the practice who performs them 4 days a week as well, so obviously they are able to get in you in a lot quicker than most practices. It's always best to let them know you're trying to coordinate family members arrival with your surgery date so that they can help you find the date that best works for you.
Best of Luck!

I have gained much info about UHC, Thanks

"UHC covers plastics" is sort of misleading. I have UHC Choice Plus, as well as I work for a large hospital that is also a Center for Bariatric Excellence.
Major medical health insurance, by it's very definition will only cover medical procedures and/or treatment that is medically necessary, and when you use CPT codes and ask if it is covered the representative that you are speaking with is only referencing the code and your plan type to see if that is a covered benefit. The caveat is that being told something is "covered" is not a guarantee of payment. Payment of a claim can only be determined at the time said claim is received. At that point they are looking at surgeon's notes, diagnosis, etc.
I cannot tell you how many patients have had procedures at our facility and later received a large bill because their insurance told them something was "covered".
With that being said, UHC does not cover "plastic surgery" because plastic surgery is not medically necessary and is done for cosmetic purposes only BUT certain plastics can become medically necessary and after WLS the typical surgeries that patients want their insurance to cover are panniculectomy which really is not the same as the cosmetic tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). A panniculectomy will only remove excessive skin below the belly button, which is basically the "pouch" that hangs on your pubic area and is a purely functional surgery. The abdominoplasty removes the skin AND tightens the abdominal muscles and often involves "contouring" of the abdomen to give that area a more aesthetic appeal. Again, purely cosmetic and has no medical implications at all. No insurance will cover abdominoplasty.
Also the guidelines under which an insurance company will cover panniculectomy, breast lifts, thigh lifts, etc ... are pretty much the same. The patient has to have experienced recurrent tissue/skin infections as a result to massive weight loss and excess skin. The type of insurance you have, and your employer benefits will determine if this is covered, and if covered how long you have been affected with skin infections, but almost all want to see chronic infections that have been treated with multiple courses of oral medications (most common tetracycline) - they want to see continued use w/ no improvement.
Lastly, do not make the common mistake of thinking because it's UHC that all insurance plans are the same! They are not. There are SO many different plan types, exclusions, etc. Since UHC does not offer individual policies and group only it is impossible to compare plans to a friend, etc. Your employer will determine ultimately what your plan benefits are. They purchase policies from insurance companies that are packaged and what your friend's UHC policy covered may not necessarily be covered by your own policy.
Hope this helps.

"UHC covers plastics" is sort of misleading. I have UHC Choice Plus, as well as I work for a large hospital that is also a Center for Bariatric Excellence.
Major medical health insurance, by it's very definition will only cover medical procedures and/or treatment that is medically necessary, and when you use CPT codes and ask if it is covered the representative that you are speaking with is only referencing the code and your plan type to see if that is a covered benefit. The caveat is that being told something is "covered" is not a guarantee of payment. Payment of a claim can only be determined at the time said claim is received. At that point they are looking at surgeon's notes, diagnosis, etc.
I cannot tell you how many patients have had procedures at our facility and later received a large bill because their insurance told them something was "covered".
With that being said, UHC does not cover "plastic surgery" because plastic surgery is not medically necessary and is done for cosmetic purposes only BUT certain plastics can become medically necessary and after WLS the typical surgeries that patients want their insurance to cover are panniculectomy which really is not the same as the cosmetic tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). A panniculectomy will only remove excessive skin below the belly button, which is basically the "pouch" that hangs on your pubic area and is a purely functional surgery. The abdominoplasty removes the skin AND tightens the abdominal muscles and often involves "contouring" of the abdomen to give that area a more aesthetic appeal. Again, purely cosmetic and has no medical implications at all. No insurance will cover abdominoplasty.
Also the guidelines under which an insurance company will cover panniculectomy, breast lifts, thigh lifts, etc ... are pretty much the same. The patient has to have experienced recurrent tissue/skin infections as a result to massive weight loss and excess skin. The type of insurance you have, and your employer benefits will determine if this is covered, and if covered how long you have been affected with skin infections, but almost all want to see chronic infections that have been treated with multiple courses of oral medications (most common tetracycline) - they want to see continued use w/ no improvement.
Lastly, do not make the common mistake of thinking because it's UHC that all insurance plans are the same! They are not. There are SO many different plan types, exclusions, etc. Since UHC does not offer individual policies and group only it is impossible to compare plans to a friend, etc. Your employer will determine ultimately what your plan benefits are. They purchase policies from insurance companies that are packaged and what your friend's UHC policy covered may not necessarily be covered by your own policy.
Hope this helps.

It's ALWAYS ALWAYS best to check with the insurance company first. The type of plan you have may differ from others depending on if this is employer/group or individual coverage. Also depending on which type of Cigna plan type/product (***, PPO, POS) you have. With that being said, what I have run into the most with Cigna is they want your BMI to be at least 40 OR a BMI 35-39.9 with a comorbidity such as sleep apnea, diabetes, or hypertension just to name a few. Your surgeon's office should submit a treatment plan, or pre-determination letter to Cigna including CPT and diagnosis codes to further guage if Cigna will consider you eligible for this procedure. I hope this helps. :-)

"UHC covers plastics" is sort of misleading. I have UHC Choice Plus, as well as I work for a large hospital that is also a Center for Bariatric Excellence.
Major medical health insurance, by it's very definition will only cover medical procedures and/or treatment that is medically necessary, and when you use CPT codes and ask if it is covered the representative that you are speaking with is only referencing the code and your plan type to see if that is a covered benefit. The caveat is that being told something is "covered" is not a guarantee of payment. Payment of a claim can only be determined at the time said claim is received. At that point they are looking at surgeon's notes, diagnosis, etc.
I cannot tell you how many patients have had procedures at our facility and later received a large bill because their insurance told them something was "covered".
With that being said, UHC does not cover "plastic surgery" because plastic surgery is not medically necessary and is done for cosmetic purposes only BUT certain plastics can become medically necessary and after WLS the typical surgeries that patients want their insurance to cover are panniculectomy which really is not the same as the cosmetic tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). A panniculectomy will only remove excessive skin below the belly button, which is basically the "pouch" that hangs on your pubic area and is a purely functional surgery. The abdominoplasty removes the skin AND tightens the abdominal muscles and often involves "contouring" of the abdomen to give that area a more aesthetic appeal. Again, purely cosmetic and has no medical implications at all. No insurance will cover abdominoplasty.
Also the guidelines under which an insurance company will cover panniculectomy, breast lifts, thigh lifts, etc ... are pretty much the same. The patient has to have experienced recurrent tissue/skin infections as a result to massive weight loss and excess skin. The type of insurance you have, and your employer benefits will determine if this is covered, and if covered how long you have been affected with skin infections, but almost all want to see chronic infections that have been treated with multiple courses of oral medications (most common tetracycline) - they want to see continued use w/ no improvement.
Lastly, do not make the common mistake of thinking because it's UHC that all insurance plans are the same! They are not. There are SO many different plan types, exclusions, etc. Since UHC does not offer individual policies and group only it is impossible to compare plans to a friend, etc. Your employer will determine ultimately what your plan benefits are. They purchase policies from insurance companies that are packaged and what your friend's UHC policy covered may not necessarily be covered by your own policy.
Hope this helps.

Your co-worker's mother is probably a lot older than you are...and probably has a whole lot more co-morbidities than you have. As the other ladies have said, there is a horror story for every surgery. I had a friend's dad die from gall bladder surgery, 25 years ago. Methods and knowledge change over the years and the medical professionals get better all the time.
If you are comfortable with your surgeon and his/her practice, talk over your fears with them. I didn't like the first surgeon/practice I visited and went looking for another doc immediately. My surgeon is awesome and I met his staff on the first visit...wonderful people! Once you are comfy with the surgeon and practice, it's a lot easier to move forward with surgery if you trust the doc and practice.
Have you had the psyche and nutrition appointments yet? Those will help you make your final decision with all the information in place. There is DEFINITELY a head aspect to this surgery and you need to make sure you're mentally and emotionally ready before you do this.
Good luck on your journey!!