Ready4success

I called Cigna, to check up on the doctor's office numerous times. That's how I found out they lied about submitting my paperwork.

Sometimes it can be reflux. Have you ever had it? Did you have an EGD, and if so, did they find anything?

My good friend from 1st grade had RNY back in 2001, and she's probably gained all but 50 pounds back. Although I was overweight too, I knew that WLS wasn't for me back then. Now, I'm getting sleeved, and if I text or mention the surgery, she completely ignores me. It was hurtful in the beginning, but now I don't care. I even asked her for a ride home from the hospital, since she works nearby. I have to do this for me.

Just a little disclaimer, no OTC diuretics (water pills) without consulting your doctor. If your doctor has you on a diuretic, then that's different. Everyone means well here, well mostly everyone, but they may not give the best MEDICAL advice.

Why do you think that? Do you have any accesses to your blood stream (ports, catheters, fistulas, central lines, etc.)?

I really only feel bad when I see people from high school. I was really athletic, a former cheerleader, on the drill team, etc. anything that involved a cute smile and a short skirt, I did it. Now, I avoid going out in public when I go back to my home town. If I see someone, I try to hide, or I'm constantly looking over my shoulder. Pathetic, I know. Three years ago, we had a class reunion and I lost 111 pounds just to go to it. I still wasn't the size that I was in high school, but neither was anyone else. Needless to say, I gained that 111 + 10 more, before going to see a bariatric surgeon. I just can't do it on my own.

Same here, Shrinky. I had a good friend who had an open bypass back in 2001, and I supported her whole-heartedly. We were in our early 20's and I knew that I wasn't ready for WLS. I've gone on to lose and regain the same 40 pounds about 6 or 7 times. I lost 110 back in '09 and gained it all back plus 10 by 2012. This is when I knew I was ready for WLS, and only the sleeve.

Sure!! I'm starting my pre-op diet today, and my surgery date is 8/28. Do you have to do a pre-op diet?

I really notice it on the front shot. Be glad you'll lose in your tummy first, it's always the very last place to go for me. Also, love baby in the background posing like mommy.

I start my 2 weeks tomorrow. If y'all don't mind my asking, what products are y'all using for meal replacements?

I have Cigna and I'm having my surgery at Park Plaza. I actually wanted to go to Hermann, since I used to work there, but my surgeon said no.

Great! I'm going to be looking for you guys online. I know we're not supposed to compare our weight loss to others, but I just like knowing who is in the same boat as me, in case I fall out and need a life saver, lol.

Hey everybody, I start my pre-op liquid diet this Tuesday 8/14 to be sleeved Tuesday 8/28. I'm looking for a buddy with similiar stats, and who has been or will be sleeved this month (August). I'm 5'7", and I weigh 282. My surgeon's goal weight for me is 160, so I have 122 pounds to lose. Anybody out there similiar? Thanks

So, you've been 6 weeks, maybe more, without a cigarette? What an amazing accomplishment! Although you're going through a rough time, you've got to be excited about that! I'm not a smoker, never have been, but I'm glad you've made so many great changes in your life. Do your best! I know you can do it! Good Luck!

Lol, too funny. I'm the original poster and I'm an OR nurse too. My question is actually about recovery, since I will be starting my very first NP/RNFA job 19 days after I get sleeved. I would love to believe that I'll be one of those people that will bounce back within a week, but that's not the reality for everyone. Thanks for all the suggestions and optimism.

Hey, I don't know if you cancelled your surgery yet, but I had something come up in undergrad, and had to miss the first clinical day. It meant that I couldn't miss any more days after, so it was stressful, but it worked out. If you missed the first clinical day, that would give you an additional 7 days to get better. Just a suggestion, only you know what's best. Good Luck with nursing school and the sleeve.

Whenever I think about my surgery and recovery, I always imagine a stellar scenario, like I'm up and walking the same day, minimal discomfort, and back to work within my allotted PTO time, but then at the back of my mind are doubts that this would actually happen for me. I have very poor coping mechanisms when I can't control something, which is most of life, but I make good work of the things I can control. I never worried about recovery with my last two surgeries, but this is blowing my mind. I think it has a lot to do with me as a person and the fact that I just have to worry about something. The anticipation of how my surgery and recovery will go is going to put me into an early grave, before I even have the surgery.

Don't fret. The Cigna requirements changed to 3 months, so you have more than enough to cover for the lapse. If you need the psych eval again, the provider can just do an update stating there were no changes, and that you are cleared. The same can be done with the other appts. There is no need to do full evaluations again. Call Cigna directly and find out exactly what is needed since your 6 months (which is now 3 months) weren't consecutive. They will be able to tell you how to handle it. It happens more often than you think.

Wow....you look like you're a younger sister. Good job!

Lol, too funny. OTR, you're crazy.

You look great!!! That is your color too. Keep smiling because you're doing a great job!

Surgeons prefer not to operate on people who have taken anything that could thin the blood especially in elective surgery, but it also depends on how many days you took it, and what dosage you took. Just be honest, and don't take any more. Good Luck!