UTGal99

What is Hplyori positive? My surgeon never checked for that? What is it?

Oh, I didn't know you could take Unisom or any other sleep aid. I thought they wanted a non-medicated sleep state for accurate monitoring? Hmm...interesting...

I personally have not had the surgery. I am a pre-opper too awaiting insurance approval. Here are my thoughts on how people are successful: 1) You physically will no longer be able to take in the amount of volume you used to 2) You go through all the pre-op testing, dietician classes, removing 85% of your stomach, etc - you want and will pretty much do anything to be successful 3) I hear your tastebuds change. What once was your kryptonite you probably won't like as much. 4) Having the consistent wins on the scale will stoke your mental weight loss fire 5) Mentally you kind of know...this is it...if you don't succeed with 85% of your stomach removed their are no other options I am with you on the fear of failure, but honestly I think as morbidly obese individuals we are desensitized to believing ourselves. We haven't been successful long-term. Why would this be any different? I just know in my heart this is my time and after reading all the positive, optimistic success stories on this forum I am looking forward to being the next one. Just my 2 cents...

How long did each of you have to wait for approval and who is your insurance company?

I am sure everybody lives this life when seeking WLS approval through insurance: Spend 3-12 months of your life meeting monthly with your PCP Dietician appointments Initial consultation with surgeon Labs, EKG, Chest x-ray (and any other applicable testing) Psych Evaluation Etc Etc Etc Submit to insurance AND, now we wait for insurance to approve. And what is really frustrating is waiting around for something that might not happen. I mean really, I just spent 9 months of my life jumping through hoops and paying ridiculous copays, deductibles, etc for no good guarantee that insurance will cover the surgery. So, I wait and hope for good news! Sincerely, Hopeful and Anxious

I know it is bizarre feeling, but I actually slept really good there. Just try to relax and not think about all the crazy wires attached all over you.

How far out from surgery are you?

Just saw your response about the pain - please disregard - sorry! Glad you are feeling better now - onward and upward!

What was the unbearable stomach pain???

I would encourage you to skip the first get together since you will be just newly sleeved, but after that I would recommend you have soup and bring some type of pudding dessert dish to share. The next month you would be on to purees, blended food and you could just say you're not very hungry (feeling under the weather). This would get you to about 8 weeks out now and you are pretty much on solids at that point. Then you could just tell your family you are really watching your portions and exercising. The truth is...this will be very hard to keep a secret from your family. I would say you are probably going to need to find a way to tell them in your own time on your own terms. Just my 2 cents....

I didn't even think that was possible. It was my understanding once they follicle is no longer producing pigment it doesn't come back. That most certainly is a medical mystery... Glad to hear but a mystery. You should ask your surgeon...

Cigna did change their policy effective 5/15/12 to be only 3 months of physician supervised doctor visits; however, your particular plan with your employer or private plan supercedes the Cigna record. So, if your particular plan requires 6 months that would supercede the 3 month process. You will want to call Cigna, provide them with your ID & group # and inquire about your personal plan. Just to avoid any confusion. Good Luck!

Quote: "that means that I am converting fat to muscle with exercise and that I've managed to protect my heart muscle from significant damage from rapid weight loss." I know I should be more knowledgeable in this area; however, talk to me about the potential damage to your heart muscle from rapid weight loss??? Just want to understand better. Thanks!

I would not consider borrowing against your 401k to pay for the surgery...you will end up paying heavy penalties for that. Just my 2 cents...

Oh boy! I have been there, done that, got the t-shirt - more than enough times. Obviously not post-op (as I haven't had surgery yet) but the punishment is enough to make you wish you hadn't and never will again.

I have a hiatal hernia and I am getting a VSG. My surgeon states he repairs them ALL the time. It is a routine repair while in performing the sleeve gastrectomy. I would only go with the procedure you are most comfortable with. Have you asked your surgeon why he won't perform the VSG in conjunction with a hiatal hernia repair? There are lots of people on this site that have had a very successful VSG and hiatal hernia repair done at the same time. I would either find another surgeon or challenge that. Just my 2 cents...

Wow! Did Cigna call you directly or the surgeon's office notified you? Good Luck with your surgery! Happy for you. Hoping approval goes quickly for me too.

Orange Fluff is my FAVORITE dessert! Love it, Meg!

Well, there is no turning back now. I have completed all the pre-op requirements and paperwork has been submitted to insurance. Now, we wait..... Hopefully I will get a response back from my insurance company (Cigna) sooner rather than later. Anyone have Cigna? What is the normal turnaround time for approval? Also, anyone get declined for surgery and what for? And did your reapply, etc?

Awesome NSV, Tracey! I look forward to that day.

This quote from that article really stood out for me - wow - safer than gallbladder and hip replacement surgery. "These mortality and complication rates are lower than those typically associated with gallbladder or hip replacement surgery."

Wow, interesting! Thanks for sharing. Sure am glad I am choosing the sleeve over other WLS options.

That is normal. I don't believe it is a latex allergy? Are you allergic to latex? Mine were sensitive like that too after the sleep study.

You look wonderful! Hoping I have such great success as well. Thanks for sharing!

Food for thought: Maybe you should ask your family..."if I had cancer and they told me I would need to undergo surgery that would have a 1% complication rate or else I would die, would you guys tell me to go ahead and die b/c the surgery is too risky?"