~*~ Melissa ~*~

Some insurance companies require patients to complete a 6 month diet program with a specified company/hospital, others don't require that at all. Some insurance companies even require patients to attend a certain number of sessions with a psychologist to determine if you are doing the surgery for the right reasons and/or are ready for the surgery since it is a big change. You have to change your eating habits, incorporate exercise, etc. I will say that I never went through insurance because I am on my parent's insurance. They do not approve of the surgery and do not support it after watching my sister lose over 150 pounds on her own. They expect me to do the same but I have more issues being a smaller frame-- for example, my knees, under-active thyroid, etc. I have opted to do my surgery in Mexico because insurance is not required and it is something I can afford. One of my friends was approved for the procedure and still has to pay roughly $10,000 in the US. Do your research-- not every case is the same.

Everyone's provider is different. You have to present your individual case to insurance and they will determine if you are approved and for how much.

Cassy- I am in the same boat with you-- starting at the same weight, at the same age, and with similar health problems. Yes, excess skin is never fun but losing the weight will help get rid of your back problems, breathing problems, and may even help your diabetes. Excess skin may not be appealing to look at but the weight that is on your frame will only continue to keep you from living life AND even take years off your life. Weigh out the options-- the surgery is a tool that will help you if you are mentally prepared for the new journey. Don't do the surgery if you think it's going to do all the work. My surgery is in 17 days. Message me if you want to talk

Thanks for all the advice, everyone! I greatly appreciate the help

It's official- July is finally here!!! Has anyone started their pre-op diet yet? I'll be thinking of you all as time passes on. Please keep the group informed on your pre-op diet, procedure, as well as the post-op after care if you have time. If you have any questions, please feel free to start a discussion. We all will be going through with the same procedure over the next 30 days so it would be nice to hear new info or even refresh our memory of the old If I don't hear from any of you in the next couple days, have a wonderful holiday!

I completely understand where you are coming from. I am 18 days away from my procedure and have good moments and some not so good moments. At one point, I was getting ready to call and cancel or move my date; however, I need this tool to help me achieve my goal of becoming a happier and healthier person. If I pass this opportunity up, who knows how many more years of my life will be taken away. Knowing the surgery is coming up, I have cut back on portions in prepartion for the liquid diet and am down over 20 pounds. The surgery has changed my outlook on life-- what I can eat and can't eat, what is good for me and what is even better, etc. Yes, there is always the chance of complications and death for ANY procedure done on the human body; however, if I don't get this done, my life will continue to be shortened. If you ever need to talk, send me a message. I'm in the same boat

Hey everyone! I bought a couple protein drink packages at Target this evening to trial before going into my strict liquid diet. They aren't clear so I won't be able to have them for a couple weeks post-op, but I just thought I would trial some now that I have time and am feeling 100%. I still plan on giving Isopure a try as well-- the pre-mixed drinks to be exact. Below are the drink brands and nutrition info. Do you think they are okay?? Atkins Day Break (Morning Snack/Light Breakfast)- Strawberry Banana Shake (11 fl oz) Calories: 140 Total Fat: 9g Saturated Fat 2.5g Trans Fat: 0g Sodium: 58 mg Total Carbohydrate: 10g Protein: 10g EAS Advantedge Carb Control (Ready-To-Drink): Chocolate Fudge (11 fl oz) Calories: 110 Total Fat: 3g Saturated Fat: 0.5g Trans Fat: 0g Sodium: 340 mg Total Carbohydrate: 4g Protein: 17g Obviously the second product looks better. Not sure how they taste just yet- will update either tomorrow or Sunday. Are both products fine to drink post-op for protein purposes once out of the clear liquid stage? Are there too many carbs in the Strawberry Banana shake?? Also, I'm still confused on how much fat, carbs and sugar I should stick to per day. I plan to keep sugar and fat as low as possible, eating and drinking low fat/fat free and low sugar items. I know my doctor will probably discuss this with me when the date comes closer; however, I would like to know now, allowing me to stock up on items. Also, for those of you who are post-op, how much protein do/did you take in per day with shakes? Thanks for your time and consideration!

Thanks for taking the time to respond to my blog and offer your opinions and expertise. You are all correct- it's about smart thinking now. Drinking as many slurpees as I have in the past is part of the problem and why I am where I am today. Therefore, I decided NOT to have a slurpee and treated myself to a Minute Maid Light Lemondae instead. Who knew 5 calories could taste SO good Thanks for the compliments regarding the weight loss. My thoughts towards both my eating and drinking habits have changed drastically and I couldn't be any happier. And the weight loss before the pre-op diet was unplanned but very rewarding. I decided to cut back, fearing that I would go on a "food funeral" and then struggle for 14 days without food. I feel cutting back as early as I did has and will continue to help with the transition. Now it's time to add a bit more protein via shakes. Here's to hoping that I find one I like! P.S. I love the term "food funeral". Reading all of your replies tonight is the first I have ever heard of it.

StrangelyNormal- what's skin brushing???

As I said before, the big day is July 19th and my emotions have been crazy-- one day I'm extremely excited and others are a bit more stressful. Finding verticalsleevetalk.com has been like striking gold because it allows me to ask questions and even seek support from others going through this new journey. I can't thank you all enough for your time and knowledge over the past couple weeks. As someone going through with the procedure alone, you are making the approach easy and comfortable. Again, big thanks to all To help ease myself into the 14-day liquid diet (due to my higher BMI), I have been watching what I eat and snack on, consuming much less versus the norm of eating until feeling full. I have lost 15 pounds thus far and will begin the pre-op diet in exactly one week. Yay!! I have been debating one thing and would love your opinion. I love, Love, LOVE coca-cola slurpees! I haven't had pop for a couple weeks now and am very proud of myself but have been craving a slurpee. Should I allow myself to have one before the pre-op diet, especially since it isn't an approved liquid and because I am unable to have carbonation for 6 weeks post-op? Part of me thinks I deserve it but the other part of me sees how good I've been doing and that purchasing will only set me back. Ugh! How can something so minute be so difficult to decide!? Thoughts??? Side note: I took roughly 5-7 full body pictures last night to look back on when I feel down about slow/stalled weight loss and fought back so many tears. I truly can’t believe I did this to myself and my body. Here’s to a new, happier and healthier life full of better food choices, exercise, and most importantly, confidence.

Welcome, Johnathan!! Congrats on setting the date! I LOVE your goals and feel the same way on many levels-- from loving to shop and wanting to buy a wardrobe to not letting myself date or even enjoy life (due to personal insecurities). I rarely go out and every picture taken of me in the last 4 years or so was deleted when my friends of families' backs were turned. I absolutely would love to keep in touch from this day forward. It's always nice to share support and watch the progress of others. My procedure is on the 19th, so just a couple days shy of you.

Danielle- I'll be here to support you from now until eternity! I am in the same position- my family does not support the surgery and also see it is the easy way out. My oldest sister was roughly 330 pounds at her heaviest and lost all the weight herself through diet and exercise. I tried myself and had successful attempts, but nothing long term. I have a very under-active thyroid which makes losing weight extremely difficult. In fact, my family has no idea that I'm traveling to Mexico to have the procedure done. One of my close friends had the procedure done at this specifc clinic and was very successful. He is now 1.5 years out and down over 100 pounds. He is my emergency contact and with much bravery, stated that he would contact my sister if something serious were to happen. BLESS HIS HEART! I COMPLETELY understand what you are going through and will be here for you if you ever need anything. Much love! ~*~ Melissa ~*~

Bummer. Missed it by 20 minutes.

Hey everyone! Seeing the success of my last blog, I thought I would post another to help get answers I'm failing to find online. The company I'm having my procedure with had a liasion leave and it's been hard to get emails answered and phone calls returned, which is a bit scary since I'm doing this alone. I would appreciate your help and expertise on the following questions. Thanks in advance!! 1. Since my BMI is over 50, I plan to complete a 14-day liquid diet before my procedure on the 19th of July. I have a basic understanding of what I'm allowed to have based on the packet received; however, there is one thing I am confused about-- where do protein drinks come in??? Am I supposed to drink these pre-op, post-op, or both?? Suggestions on brands and flavors would be greatly appreciated as well 2. I know I have to follow a post-op diet starting with clear liquids, then moving to puree and eventually regular food... but I have yet to hear of any "new" limits, specifically carbs. I am particularly interested now since I have free time and want to get all the facts before going in. I think my biggest fear is not knowing a limit with carbs and stretching out my sleeve. Is there a limit on how many carbs sleeved patients are allowed per day post-op?? 3. Last but not least, do you recommend any books or online websites in addition to verticalsleevetalk.com that will help answer questions someone like myself may have both before and after the procedure? Has anyone read "The Success Habits of Weight Loss Surgery Patients" by Colleen Cook?? A forum and group mentioned the book and it seemed legit. Will probably order tonight. Have a wonderful week! ~*~ Melissa ~*~

Thanks for joining and commenting, Laura! Congrats on your decision and I'll definitely be thinking about you come July 10th. You'll have to keep me posted on the surgery, as well as the new journey I am definitely worried about loose skin but am already searching for specific exercises to target the areas of concern when I'm allowed to resume working out post-surgery. Weight lifting will be an important focus. Every person is different-- I have seen (on this site, particularly) some individuals who are my size or larger and only needed a breast augmentation while others had a Tummy Tuck, breast augmentation, and had excess skin removed on their arms and legs. I'm going to give it my best for two years post-surgery and see where I end up. I'm sure I'll be just as insecure with the loose skin as I am being overweight so it's another hurdle I'll have to address when the time is right.

So sorry to hear! I completely understand your stress at work as all previous management at my placement was just replaced with new folks. Things are going terrible-- they refuse to talk to those of us who have been around and know key things on how to keep things running smoothly and are never around, whether it's taking vacation time or stepping out of the office to run errands. Previous management NEVER did that. Take your stress and anger caused by your boss out on the treadmill. I have been doing so lately and have been seeing wonderful results before even beginning my liquid diet

Oh my goodness! Thank you SO much for all of the wonderful advice. I can't thank you all enough for taking time to answer my blog. I spent the evening writing and organizing everything in a notebook so I can review and have with me during the recovery process. Thanks again. I owe you all the world and more <3

I know it's in our profile but I thought it would be easier to put our dates together My procedure is taking place on July 19, 2012. I am anxious and nervous all at the same time. I feel and imagine myself to be much smaller than what is projected back in the mirror. One of the things I'm most excited to do post-op is complete an entire Zumba class without simplfying the moves because of my knees or even difficulty breathing. What is the one thing you are looking forward to most after the surgery??

Congratulations!!!

Thanks for the helpful information, ladies! @MinaT: SOOOO many helpful tips and suggestions... WOW! I was never big into coffee but pop/soda is a habit that needs to be broken. I usually drink up to 20 ounces per day - eek! After reading your post this morning, I decided to take my remaining cans and donate them by placing in the breakroom at work. Instead, I grabbed a crystal light lemonade packet and sipped on that throughout the afternoon. Who knew how good 5 calories and 0 grams of sugar could taste!? @Kathy: Thanks for the advice and support! Congrats on all your hard work over the last 6 months. You're almost there!!

Hey everyone! Thanks for taking time to read my mini blog this evening. I am 27 days away from my procedure and absolutely can't wait to begin this new journey! One of the things I am looking forward to most is completing a Zumba class-- doing all the lunges, jumping jacks, etc. that I was unable to do before because of two factors: 1. My knees; 2. Embarrassment of watching my fat jiggle and jump up and down around stick thin people. For those who have gone through the surgery, do you have any advice on things you wish you knew/did/didn't do before your procedure? I keep hearing stories of people who ate everything and anything they could think of prior to the liquid diet, setting them roughly 20 pounds back. Ouch! Also, has anyone had any issues with hair falling out? What are you doing to prevent this?? Many Thanks! -Melissa

I COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND! My procedure is scheduled for July 19th and I'm becoming more and more impatient. By next summer, you'll be strutting your stuff across Washington

True inspiration right there. You look amazing!