JennJ.RN

Although I've had the approval via my doctor's office for weeks now, I received the "official" letter from Blue Cross yesterday in the mail and I noted that they indicated it was deemed "medically necessary". It hit me ... they are willing to pay $20K-ish for me to have a surgery that they feel is required for me. That's a heck of a lot of money but it's there because I really truly do need to have this surgery.
I have only a few days until it's sleeve day for me, but realizing that they are willing to pay that much money so I can have a better quality of life is just one big reminder that I am really doing the right thing and on the right track - finally.

I too am a full time nurse.. I went back to work at my hospital ICU job at 3 weeks post op and my prn clinic job 10d post op. I was a little tired at first but got back to normal routine rather quickly. I started taking my Vitamins after my 1st post op appt and made sure I got plenty of fluids and Protein and did fine.. Good luck!!
Jenn

I did this so I can live longer and be here for my kids longer than I could if I stayed morbidly obese. Yes, this lady's story is a horror story and is rare, but it can happen. However, you say she died of complications. I don't know the whole story, but she should have tried to seek medical care if she felt there was something wrong. It seems like she didn't if she died at home. Ultimately, we all have to make our own decision and live with what we choose. I'm 11 days out from surgery and I would do it again in a second because I already feel so different and I felt horrible mentally and physically before. I've said before though, if I could have lost weight and kept it off without surgery, I would have done so. However, I truly feel surgery was the right choice for me - but it is not the right choice for everyone.

Finally submitted to insurance.Called and insurance approval is pending. I have a tentative surgery date of July 16!!
Thanks for letting me vent and your replies.

Started with 53.2 BMI....I would consider myself a "working" success story.

I just got the mail & I seen a letter from the external appeals place & was instantly sick to my stomach. I was convinced this was my final denial for the sleeve. So I went ahead & opened it & it has been APPROVED!!!!!! OMG! I am beyond excited right now!! If anyone is going through this or wondering if it is even worth it, the answer is Yes! Fight for it! I'm so glad I did!! I was denied by Highmark because my bmi is not 50. But with much perserverance, research, proof, & appeal writing I GOT APPROVED!! WooHoo! Can you tell I'm excited?!?

Update. Doctor says is nothing to worrie about it... He also said look more like a varicose vein than a blood clot. Just told me keep an eye on it and if your leg start swollen call me back.... What a relief!!!

Before picture taken day before surgery on 1/29/12. Now picture taken on 3 month anniversary date 4/30/12. What a difference 50 lbs. make!

I can no longer hold the car steering wheel In place with my belly! There's about 2" in between now :)

Not sure about the leak question.
I had to take a month's time off from work. I was very fatigued during the first 3 weks. I needed mid-day naps to energize myself. But I know a couple of my doc's patients who recovered very fast. They got back to work in like 15 days.
Hope you have a safe surgery, speedy recovery and awesome weight loss!

Ok, first thing, do not beat yourself up about this. You are DOWN 32 lbs, obviously you are doing something right. We are going to have slip-ups so just look forward, not back. What is done is done. When you fall off the horse get up, dust yourself off and get back on! Best of luck to you

At 3 days post op I posted a thread similar to yours. I was feeling so much regret and "what was I thinking?" It does get better!!!! Those first 3 days are the absolute worst (or were for me). Things start to get better. Are you taking something for acid (omeprazole or similar)? Using ice packs on my belly helped me. Sip sip sip. Do you have anything for nausea to help with the dry heaves? You could always call you on call doc for suggestions too!
Keep coming here to this board-the support from the other members is amazing. They have helped me through that 3 day regret and mourning period!!!
Feel better, Jenn

I'm glad you are ok!!! Valuable lesson on the fluids too.. It is sometimes hard to remember to get it all in!

Your beautiful smile tells all Congrats on your successes!!!!
Jenn

Thanks guys!! I love the support here! I was so frustrated and then I looked at some old pics. It helped put things into perspective. I didn't put it on overnight. Plus, the stress is making me crazy! LOL!!

Hey everyone - I was sleeved on April 10!! I spent 1 night in the hospital. I am home resting now. Not too many complaints, but my belly feels very sore. Nausea has been a little bit of an issue, but I have some good meds. Slide over on that losers bench and make room for me!!!

Sorry for the short post. I'm so exhausted and want to cough like no tomorrow but it hurts my tummy. Finally made it to the losers bench. Yay! Now back to sleep I go.
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Try the nectar brand of Protein Powder. It tastes like juice to me with no nasty after taste. I drink the artic breeze.

I got on the scale this morning and it said: 183.4.
On April 1 it was my one year surgiversary. I knew I wouldn't be at my ultimate goal then, and I want to tell you the truth: I actually never believed I ever would be at goal. I really didn't think my body would go there. I thought I would always be a little fat -- in fact here's the weird thing -- the thinner I get, the more I don't remember being this fat at this weight. I remember feeling really thin at this weight. I thought around 180 would be satisfactory but it's not.
That's the first thing.
The second thing is I only have 28 pounds to go before I weigh what I weighed in high school.
About two months ago I remember getting on the scale and seeing 196. Below 200 for the first time since 2007. Got off the scale, shrugged and figured it I was around done losing.
Now it's 183.
Which means that I am less than 30 pounds away from something I really never believed I would have again. And -- if I have lost 13 pounds in less than two months -- actually I've lost 26 pounds since January -- that means it's getting more and more likely to happen.
I think that's so amazing I just don't even know what to make of it.

I was told by my insurance I would have a max out of pocket cost of 1000$ once I meet that insurance covers the rest but co-pays don't count toward that. so far I have paid 100$ in dr visit co-pays (with more to come) and another 130$ in program fees for my nutrition classes and life skills training. I have been told to anticipate another 250-300$ for the Optifast diet prior to surgery so all in all I figure I will have paid 1,500-1,750 out of pocket by the time all is said and done.
best money I will EVER spend if you ask me

I like that you realize that you need to filter your words, especially with your children. Words are perceived by others so differently than our intent and with our children, they are so hurtful and stick with your little ones for life. After I had my surgery, the doc told me to expect 1-2 lbs of weight loss per week, and I thought, WTF, I could just stayed on a 1200 cal diet and accomplished that. Reality is, if I could have been dilagent enough to do that, I would of a long time ago. I couldn't so now is time I have to learn healthier eating habits and keep them. After all, the sleeve is only a tool.

Thank you all for your replies. I didn't mean to sound like I could do this on my own, I was just voicing my thoughts and probably should have filtered them beforehand. I know I need this. If not for me, then to be a more active parent for my children. In fact, that's almost more of a reason for me, because I have no more will power to do this on my own. I've dieted in the past and lost 30, 40 and 60 pounds and gained it all back each time. I'm at a point where I just don't have the willpower to do it anymore, so this is what I need. Hopefully the lack of grelin (sp?) will really work and it'll be easier to do this diet post-op.

Thank you all for your thoughts and input. The doctor gave me a suppository for nausea and it worked like a charm. Last night I felt like I hit a milestone with my sleeping. I was able to prop myself up on the sides so that I could rotate a little bit while sleeping. I am not use to sleeping on my back for the entire night so my back has been killing me. I was finally able to get some rest. The only big issue now is make sure I drink, I have no desire to drink anything, but know if I don't I will have to go to ER for IV Therapy. Any suggestions for Protein Shakes that taste good. Should I be drinking Protein shakes 4 days out.

Cottage cheese has 11-12 gms of Protein per 1/2 cup. I will eat this if I am low on protein. (but I have always liked it..) Maybe worth a shot? Greek yogurt with a packet of sweetener and some cinnamon is good too!!

Jenny is right... I work for gastroenterology and our physicians do high risk patients at hospitals simply out of precaution! Even those with low bmi who have serious health risk such as OSA/ sleep apnea, diabetes, heart conditions etc... It's in your best interest!