Misstxdiva

I have UHC. Was approved the first time. I was determined to have surgery so I told a select few once I started the process. I didn't even have a surgery date until 3 weeks prior to surgery! Started process in Oct and had surgery in Apr. don't be scared. If you have additional questions feel free to message me. Good luck in your journey

Your surgeon usually designates what kind of pre-op diet they want you on. Mine had me on liquid. You should call your surgeon's office and ask.

In 9 days I will be embarking on trip to Europe. Germany, Switzerland, Italy, London and Amsterdam. I even got tickets to an Olympic event!!! Although I am beyond estatic for this trip I can't help but feel down. I had surgery 4/10/12, since then I've lost 63 pounds to include pre-op weight lost. I know I should be happy but I feel like I could of lost more for this trip. I guess I worry I'll still be big on the plane and I'll still have trouble moving around on walking tours. Maybe it's all mental? Ive been feeling great, people noticing the weight loss and my mom says I walk now with more confidence but as the trip gets closer I feel depressed about not losing more weight. I went from 403 pounds down to 340 pounds. I gained about 3 pounds this past week and I think that's what has gotten me bothered. Any suggestions to help me get out of this funk and in a better mood?

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My surgeon was Dr. John Gonzales in San Antonio,TX. Sleeved on April 10, 2012. Starting weight was 403 BMI 65, pre op weight 384 BMI 62. Now down to 340 BMI 54.9

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I cheated on my pre op then I got back on track. It's hard but you have to overcome it. The doc will know if you did what you were suppose to. I had surgery in April and my surgeon told me my liver looked good. It was normal size. Pre-Op diet helps it shrink down.

Thank you everyone for the kind words

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Wow that is GREAT! I'm happy for you. I can't wait to experience the same.

OK' date=' so inquiring minds have to know: where are you going in Europe??? Sorry for being nosy, I have wanderlust... [/quote']

Thanks! I'm going to Germany, Switerland, Italy, London for the Olympics (still can't believe I'm going and have tickets to an event ahhh!!) and Amsterdam. I LOVE to travel

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Has anyone decided to keep their surgery private? I personally am only going to tell a select few people until after I've had the surgery. I just don't want other peoples opinions or negative energy making me doubt my decision.

Also' date=' once you've gotten the surgery and people ask you what you're doing to lose the weight (assuming they don't already know), what are you going to say? I knew a girl who was a little over 300 lbs, and all of a sudden weight just starting falling off of her. When I asked her what she was doing to lose the weight, she told me "diet and exercise". To make a long story short, I later found out that she had the lap band done and I thought to myself, "why didn't she just say that?". Do some of you guys know what you're going to say when this comes up? ( because I know it will).[/quote']

I only told a handful of people. Close friends, my parents and sister. Also my co-workers on my team at work. They have been very supportive of me and even a few of then have consulted my surgeon for surgery themselves. The choice is up to you on who you want to know about your surgery. It's a very personal matter and last thing you need is everyone's two cents and reasons why you shouldn't do it. Tell people who will support you.When people ask how I'm losing weight I tell them diet and exercise cause really that's what I'm doing just surgery is assisting me with it lol. When people ask why I can't eat a lot I tell them I had surgery to repair an ulcer which involve altering my stomach (I had a history of bad ulcers) and people usually leave it at that. Sometimes I find myself telling the sales ladies at clothing stores about my journey yet I can't tell some friends I had surgery. Guess I'm afraid of judgement but I eventually I find that I won't eventually care cause I chose my life over food and for that, I'm grateful.

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You look so Beautiful !!! You have done a wonderful job...

Thank you so much, I can't wait to see how I look at my goal size!

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thats great...Congrat's ......how many months are u out?

Thank you, I had surgery April 10th, 2012 and this Tuesday I'll be 3 months out.

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So I finally decided to bare trying on clothes after losing so far 57 pounds. I went to Torrid yesterday since they were having a buy one get one half off sale. I tried on this dress http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Clothing/Dresses/Casual//Black+And+Electric+Blue+Color+Block+Maxi-536490.jsp and another maxi dress. I used to wear a size 4 (26/28 )in this store and now I'm down to a size 2 (18/20) when it comes to dresses. I was so excited I started crying thinking about how when I was bigger it was harder to find something and how far I've come. It felt really good fitting into those dresses. So now I have two cute dresses for my trip to Europe next month. Here's a pic of the other dress I bought. Can't wait to see more results and enjoying my new life.

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So after all the hard work I had to do to get an approval, my lovely husband gets fired from Fedex yesterday. Therefore, we also lost our health insurance as of today. :( :( He was told he could get COBRA and pay the full premium....which is fine, the problem is....I will have to resubmit my claim and get an approval. I don't think im that lucky. Soo sad...I jus want to cry and never get out my bed.

I'm sorry to hear your husband got fired, as the others mentioned COBRA continues with the same insurance company. Hope things get better for you and your family. Good luck on your journey to surgery

hi misstxdiva' date='

thank u for your advice but have u talk to ur doctor about been a slow loser??? i called my to mention the same thing but he stated that he wont see me until august. i have to waite 3 months in order to see him. any advice to you from ur doctor??[/quote']

Unfortunately I haven't been able to see my doc, our schedules clash and he's out the whole month of July. So I won't be able to see him till August as well . I'll definitely keep you posted. I am happy to report I'm finally losing pounds again!! So far 5 down since this week and hoping to lose another 15 before my big trip next month to meet my mini goal.

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hi every one... i am in the same page. i had surgery on may 15' date='2012.. i also feel constantly hungry. " i dont know why" i am in my 7th week and all i have lost is 15 lbs.. to me that's nothing. i eat a lot of meat, especialy chicken and salad all day long but just feel that the hunger does not go away... " this is driving me crazy" i was expecting for from this surgery.. so dont feel you are along cause you are not..plus i am going to the gym every day and the scale does not move.... i dont think this was the right choice!!!! very disapointed!!![/quote']

Chiki hang in there. I was a slow loser at first and the scale wouldn't move but I found I was losing inches more than pounds. I had surgery April 10,2012 and so far 35 pounds down 55 pounds total with pre-op. Everyone's journey is different. Hope things get better for you.

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I've been having shakes or oatmeal for Breakfast. Eating salads for lunch or lean cusine.I think because I don't eat a lot as it is and the foods aren't dense that's what's making me hungry. Think I need to add more Protein and denser foods like you said.

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I'm about 3 months out and I find that I am ALWAYS hungry. It's driving me crazy. After I eat about an hour or two later I'm hungry and it's starting to get annoying LOL. Is this normal? I feel like I have to have Snacks on me all the time so I won't starve. I eat my meal and feel full then couple hours later my tummy is saying FEED ME!! Is it that my metabolism is kicking in and burning the food I ate faster now or what?

You're welcome, I was the same way. You get to the end where they can finally submit and 1000 scenarios are running through your head and why they can deny you. Then you start to freak and stress. It's normal, calling and clarify will help you sleep at night and relax. Good luck and congrats!

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How much notice should I give to my employer that I will have to go on medical leave for surgery? I am scheduled for 6/1/12 and not sure if I should tell them this Friday (which would be two weeks notice) or wait until the last minute and tell them "hey' date=' a spot opened up for me and I have to go in for surgery on June 1st".

Also, did any of you work up until your surgery date, or take off a day or two before your surgery to prep and stuff.[/quote']

I'd tell them ASAP the sooner the better plus it's more courteous. That way they can plan to have people cover while you are out. I flat out told my boss I was having surgery as soon as I started my journey. I told him it would help me get better and not miss as much work anymore. He told me what I needed to do to get things in order. I only been there for 8 months so no FMLA but did qualify for disability. Worked up to day before surgery and returned 2 weeks later.

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I was sleeved 4/10/12 and have UHC Choice Plus. Weight has to be documented by a physican like your PCP or supervised visits.BUT I would call the bariatric service number and ask a case manager. Thankfully I didn't require 5 years of history or maybe I did and just didn't know they pulled my records LOL. Been fat all my life so ya know. You can use the FSA to pay the expenses. Best way to prepare is call 1 -888-936-7246 (UHC Bariatric Services) they will set you up with a case manager that will go over your benefits (what your plan does blah blah), answer any questions and give you piece of mind. They will also send you a packet too. Definitely takes the stress out of guessing what you have to pay and etc. good luck and congrats!

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I would check with your surgeons office, mine flat out told me my plan didn't required weight loss during the six months. I actually gained 25 pounds (def not proud of that). Mine approved me and I was sleeved on 4/10/12 I was a lot heavier though. Started my journey at 375 went up to 403 then at pre op was 384. Rather than worry, talk to the insurance coordinator at the office to get clarification so you won't stress out!

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Thank you everyone for the kind words really inspires me to keep working towards my goals.

Can't wait to see what the summer brings

Thanks so much for your advice' date=' I have great support from my family and just can't wait to get it over with. Was it painful after??[/quote']

First night was uncomfortable thankfully they gave me meds so I was ok. Just my body was still adjusting. I was never in "OMG I feel like I'm going to die" pain so I'm thankful for that. When I felt my pain meds wearing off I'd just ask for more. I woke up in the recovery room yelling help LOL because I was out of it and felt different. But I think that's a natural reaction. First night is always the hardest but once you get past that you'll be ok.

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Disregard this post please

The scale didn't move for a good 2-3 weeks for me and I FINALLY lost 3 pounds but myself and others around me have noticed I have lost inches. Doctor said he rather me weigh for example 290 and look like I weight 180 verses the other way around. So I try not to weigh myself unless it is at appointments or I'm at the gym.

Congrats on your surgery date! I felt the same when I had mine last month. What helped me is the support of my family and encouragement. First week is the toughest, your body is getting adjusted and your energy is low. But as you progress you will get back to normal. My advice is follow doctor's orders, get some rest, be openminded, drink your liquids and take your vitamins!