Ready4success

That is phenomenal! Truly inspiring to us just beginning this journey. Thanks for sharing your story.

I'm 36 years old, an OR nurse and I just became an acute care nurse practitioner. I'm a single mom with a soon to be 16 year old special needs daughter. She is the reason I'm the person that I am, and I credit God for giving her to me. I live in Cypress, Tx (a suburb of Houston) and I own my home. The man of the house is a Schnauzer and he takes his job seriously, lol. I love to read and watch ID. Life is good, and it'll be even better after surgery.

Thanks everybody for replying. I'm going to try that protein first plan. I'll admit the protein shakes have made it really easy to snack on bad stuff between meals, but maybe a few slices of deli turkey will work better. I'll know soon enough if it doesn't, lol. Thanks!

I'm an OR nurse and acrylic nails are fine. I would recommend a lighter polish because there is a device that is put on the end of your finger that shines a light through your finger nail. It's used to measure how well your tissue is being oxygenated. If the polish is too dark, it's harder for the light to shine through the tissue. Make sense? Also, after surgery, wash your hands well before touching your incision sites. False nails are a breeding ground for bacteria, which causes infection. This is the reason nurses are forbidden to wear false nails. GOOD LUCK!!!!

It's called the NOTES technique. It's been around for a few years and the technique is used for other surgeries besides the sleeve gastrectomy. There isn't much research out there, so it hasn't been proven to be a less invasive technique. It takes many studies, many patients, and a long time to prove something. Also, there are disadvantages because of complications. Most surgeons are learning to do single incision laparoscopic surgery or SILS instead. All trocars and removal of the stomach are done through a single incision.

Hey Angela! I was wondering how you were doing post-op. I hope you feel better soon. Maybe when you feel up to it, we could meet up to go walking at one of the high school tracks. Feel better!

bmooney, Dr. Yu is my doctor too. I'm not sure where I'm scheduled for surgery, I have one last dietician before they submit for insurance approval. Good Luck on July 10th!

Welcome, Emily! I have Cigna also, so I'm trying to get all my little duckies in a row for approval. I'm looking at a early to mid August date, timed perfectly to be off for the start of school (Those times are hard to get off at my job). Anyway, welcome to the forum, and GOOD LUCK!

Thanks for the help, and GOOD LUCK!

I was thinking the same thing. I felt like the $25 bucks was a waste, but at least it was ONLY $25 bucks.

I'm an OR nurse, so I'll tell you that contact lenses will have be removed before surgery because they can cause a corneal laceration while you're asleep, because you wouldn't be awake to tell the team it's hurting. Also, leave your glasses with a loved one before going into surgery. The staff doesn't want to worry about taking care of your glasses, while they're trying to take care of you.

Sorry to hear about your denials, but hopefully the new letter will clear everything up for you. I am glad you posted what was required in the letter. I have Cigna (OAP) also, and I've been worried that my PCP wouldn't know what to write. I understand the letter needs to include: 1. Height, weight, BMI 2. Co-morbidities 3. Statement saying the surgery is medically necessary 4. Medical clearance that it's safe for me to have the surgery Did I miss anything? Thanks, your help is appreciated.

Adele, I'm also struggling to decide if I'm going to go through with the surgery too. Back in 2008, I decided to get the lap-band and chickened out, but the nutritionist's suggestions led me to achieve a 111 pound weightloss ON MY OWN. Sadly, I had gained it all back by 2011, so I'm knocking on the WLS door again. Just like last time, I'll complete all the requirements and pray that I'll have a revelation again, or I'll actually have surgery this time. I'm also a nurse, and I'm amazed at how it's so difficult for us to make a decision that will ultimately save our lives. I pray that you find peace in whatever you decide. God Bless you.

Congrats! I have one more appointment and then they'll submit for approval. Hopefully, I'll get it done before the summer is over.

I'm looking at early to mid August. I have Cigna and was originally looking at November, but since they cut the requirements from a 6 month supervised diet to a 3 month one, they moved me up. I have one more appoint with the dietician, then they'll submit for approval. I hope I don't have any problems getting approved.

I was doing so well. I had lost 9 pounds since starting on my own, before I even had a surgery date. I got my date at my last NUT appointment today, and I went crazy after. I ate 2 chocolate eclairs on the way home, then ordered a pizza. WTH?

Congratulations! Your journey has begun and I wish you luck!

How did it go yesterday? Did they give you any recommendations for pain relief?

Thought about you today. Hope you're feeling okay after surgery. Let us know how you're doing when you feel up to it.

My NUT told me that they don't want you to gain a significant amount, but it's okay if you gain a few. Weight fluctuates day to day, anyway.

Welcome to the site. I have my last NUT meeting at the end of the month, and I'll be ready to submit for insurance approval. Hoping to get an early August date.

That's amazing drive and dedication. Keep up the good work!