longhorn

hey big kahuna, I think you are right to be thinking about this issue and how you would handle it. Not being able to pig out ever again. Never really enjoying (in terms of quantity) the food you love is a post surgery fact. So thinking it through and being mentally prepared is a reasonable thing to do. I had this concern pre surgery as well. For the most part I was prepared but it's still a different thing when you actually go through it. I admit to being dejected after several meals during my first 6 weeks simply because they were over almost before they started. We all love food to a point where it has become a problem...hence the need for surgery. Any dejection I've experienced about small amounts of food has so far been easily overcome by the many positives of the weight loss. In the end it's not a contest between the two. Give me the weight loss and someone else can keep the pig out sessions. Already I see a big difference between what I could eat 4 weeks ago and what I can eat now. It's still small but is a few more bites. I can eat a half of tilapia filet. Two fishsticks. I even ate a piece of thin crust pizza last night (Valentines dinner for the wife :crying:) One piece of pizza...who woulda ever thunk it? I've had no problem with any type of food. I've eaten BBQ, pizza, fried chicken, Pasta, bread, burger meat, etc. Can't eat much of any of it. But some things seem to fill me up a few bites faster like hamburger meat, bread, and pasta. In summary, I think you are right to mentally evaluate this for yourself. It is quite a change. For me it was a change I needed. I have no regrets. In the 6 weeks since surgery I'm off my blood pressure medication and no longer snore and have put up my CPAP machine. Old clothes now fit and are actually loose. I've lost almost 50 pounds and health reasons were my driving motivation for this. Good luck in your decision process. If you do it...do it eyes wide open.

ibc32oz, I don't think this is as much a UHC issue. It does come down to the specifics of your policy and the language used to describe what is covered. You can always try an appeal. But I found that process with UHC to be slow, frustrating, and unproductive. Besides, your policy does not seem to cover you as described. Regardless of if someone else has successfully appealed or not, it comes down to what your policy covers for you. It does not sound promising. Sorry about that and hope I am wrong. You can always try speaking with someone in your benefits group at work to see if they might be aware of any exceptions. It always does seem odd that these policies can sometimes actually encourage you to gain weight in order to get the coverage for the surgery you need. I'm not recommending that at all. But it does cross the mind I imagine. Your policy seems to require 5 years at > 40 BMI. So that is no bargain for sure. Good luck to you on figuring out your options. longhorn

I have been able to go on occasion without the aid of MoM. But must admit that there have been several occasions where the assistance of MoM was required. I'm hoping as well this is only temporary and I'm sure that is the case. MoM is not very yummy although the alternative is not too great either. Probably once we are on more solid foods and maybe less Protein shakes it will be better.

Can't hold it back any longer. Tiffykins, that latest picture of you in the ballcap and lipstick is something. You look cute, fun, full of life, and dare I say it.....full on hot! I better shut up now. Don't want to get beat up by your husband. And I'm certain he could. Glad this is anonymous. :scared0: Seriously, you have accomplished amazing things. I looked at some of your starting out pictures just for comparison. Doing what you've done is not easy no matter what tools are in your bag. You should be very proud of yourself!!! Okay, got that off my chest. Feel better now.

Just my opinion. But this is a great example of why I think it's best to do your own research and keep your plans to yourself and only those very closest to you. Uninformed opinions by others only confuse the situation.

Dr Nick Nicholson seems to eb the most popular. Others ones metioned are Dr. Barker and Dr. Davidson. I used Dr. Hamn. But have not seen others mention him. Did a good job for me at least. I probably would recommend Dr. Nicholson based on others responses here. Seems like he has a lot of experience and good follow up support.

Thanks ladies. I'm sure I'll be fine after I adjust. In spite of all my pre-op reading and preparations it's just such a shock at how little I can eat. I'll give it more time. What choice do I have :thumbup1:. For a fact, I do enjoy the weight loss. I feel so much better already. I'll focus on that for now. Thanks again for your encouraging replies!

Ladies, Thanks for the repllies. Now that I'm two weeks post op it's hard for me to imagine ever being able to eat man food again. I'm clinging to your experience further out. It offers hope that I will be able to eat real stuff again. More than anything I realize just how little I can eat. I read about tiny bites and small portions. But holy cow. Small portions indeed. dinner is done before it ever started. 3, maybe 4 tiny bites, and I can go no futher. There is alot of worry on here about the sleeve stretching. I'm actually hoping mine does stretch a little bit. I want to keep portions small but come on. Right now thinking I could ever eat a 1/2 sandwich seems impossible. Much less actually eating a little BBQ, hamburger, or fried chicken. Everything is different now. I know that is good. The actual operation and recovery has gone well and been very easy for me. But the loss of any meal time is something I'm struggling with. It's not that I'm hungry. But I just would like to eat a little more than what I'm capable of. Maybe it will never be that way again.

funny you bring this up. Yes, I'm only 2 weeks out but have definitly noticed I'm sleeping better. Less waking up than before. I used to not even set my alarm for work in the morning because I'd always wake up enough that I did not need it. Now the alarm is waking me up (that may be a mixed blessing) :thumbup: Not sure the reasons for this. I've lost almost 30 lbs so maybe that is it. But I'm grateful for the more restful sleep. less tossing and turning.

thinoneday, I was sleeved same day as you. Sounds like we have had similar experiences. This has almost gone all to easy (knock on wood). My wounds healed up quickly and I've slept in my bed from day 1 of being home. I've had no nausea or any problems really. I'm drinking pretty good. I only seem to tolerate getting in about two Protein shakes a day which is not quite enough protein. But my stomach seems fine drinking Water, crystal light, etc. Walking 3 miles a day on treadmill makes me feel real good. In fact, it's gone so good I've been wondering a little of the same thing. Is my sleeve small enough. My doctor used a 38F with glue buttress. I feel like I'm ready for mushies even thouhg he has me doing full liquids for another 4 weeks. Not sure I can handle that. I'm ready now. Just trying to hold out longer before breaking his recommended plan. Not that hungry but just want to chew something for a change and have some real flavor. The weight is coming off...28 pounds so far....so that is great.

Hey barbannn. Love the Shawshank Redemption quote. One of my top 5 fav movies. "Get busy living or get busy dying, that's damn right!" I guess this thread is a good example of why I'm in favor of keeping the decision a very private one. Outside of ones immediate family I just don't see the need. Of course I understand women often do feel the need to share.

My doc has me on full liquids for 6 weeks. Today is only 1 week out. Although I have not been hungry, the smells and looks of good food from our kitchen or TV is getting to me. I feel fine but am struggling to drink 70g of Protein a day. It's been more like 50g. The Protein shakes are okay but not that great. I tried some pureed minestrone Soup. But by the time it was all liquified it looked so disgusting I really could not eat it. I feel like I will very soon be ready for very soft mushies and able to gently progress as long as I'm careful. But that is not the strict orders of my doctor. Of course, I want to follow his orders as he believes 6 weeks of liquids is needed to protect the integrity of the sleeve. I will be asking about this today when my drain is removed. I'm sure he will stand by his demand for 6 weeks liquids. Just not sure I can go another 5 weeks like this. Even just mildy chunky soup (chicken noodle) or anything would be nice. On the bright side, the weight seems to be dropping fast. And with the drain coming out today I feel great! Interesting to read what others are eating a few weeks out. Thanks.

I would be a bit concerned about that. If the book means to urinate before leaving that is understandable. But a bowel movement could vary greatly depending on the person. I've gone since my 12.29 surgery. But we are all eating so little I can see how others may not have had the urge yet. Would not want to stay in the hospital for that long.

shylady, Yes, Tuesday was my day. It has gone well although the first night was rough. But all is well and I'm starting to recover and learning to eat (drink) again. Thanks for asking.

first one was yesterday morning. it was a bit of a surprise.

Sounds like our drains are put in different spots. Mine is out my left side in its own incision separate from the laprascopic incisions. I think it is a pain but not the end of the world. It will be a milestone on Tuesday when I get rid of it. It has drained a surprising amount of blood. The blood is kinda wierd looking. Looks more like pink juice than traditional blood. But it is blood. My doc mentioned another reason he uses the drain. He uses it as an additional leak check the first week. If anything you are drinking shows up in the drain then obviously that is not cool. I guess this makes sense. Still, will be glad when its gone.

shylady, I have a high opinion of Dr. Hamn based upon his surgery competency. However, I have not found him to be the most talkative or his network to provide the most support. What I have read from others about Dr. Nick seems to provide superior capabilities in this regard. So, I would recomend Dr. Hamn for sure based on what he has done for me. However, it sounds like all things considered in your case you have made the right choice. Best of luck to you.

Great news barbannn. I'm sure your'e glad to be back in Austin. It sounds like big improvements come quickly over these next few days. Hang in there. You are doing great!

Way to go Barbann!!! Really good to have you check in. Sorry for your nausea. But sounds like you are heading the right direction. I'm back home today as well. My first night was rough as I had a tube stuck down my nose into my stomach. Once they took that out it was much better. Biggest problem I'm having now is the difficulty in drinking much. 2 Oz seems like a huge amount. But I'm just working on it most of the day and probably have drank about 8-9 Oz. I actually love walking. It makes me feel better and does not hurt to do it. Walked two half miles today. Look forward to the soreness of one of the incision sites going away. And getting rid of the drain bag next Tuesday. But so far all is well. No leaks in my post op test. So as long as I do my part of the bargain it looks like my surgeon did his. So glad to have it behind me and can't wait for the next week or so to go by to experience the rapid improvements. Happy New Year to you all!!!!

Thanks Linda, it is appreciated. I've read many of your posts and it sounds like the sleeve has been so great for you. I only hope my results are similar to yours. You seem to have adjusted so smoothly and can eat most things now. You have been an encouragement and confidence boost for me even though you don't know it.

shylady, I had no pre-qualifications required other than that I was diagnosed as morbidly obese (>40 BMI). But I think this is more benefit plan specific than doctor specific. You should review the details of your benefit plan coverage through UHC. I have seen where some UHC customer plans required 6 month proof of supervised weight loss programs. Although I'm using Dr. Hamn I agree with Tiffykins response about Dr. Nick. He sure seems to have more people on this forum that have used him. That's about all I know about Dallas doctors. Tomorrow is my day. I certainly hope and believe Dr. Hamn will do a good job for me. But will have many more opinions in a few days I'm sure. Good luck to you!

It took 2 weeks. Probably only should have taken 1 week but UHC screwed up and denied coverage with the first request. The doctor office resubmitted the request and it was correctly approved on the 2nd try.

I'm using Dr. Hamn in Plano. My insurance was UHC as well. Several others on here have used Dr Nicholson including twobluecats and barbannn. I think he may be more popular but I'm not certain. I basically am using Dr. Hamn becuase he was recommended by a co-worker who had lapband through him. My surgery with Dr. Hamn is this Tuesday. So far he and his office has been fine. They helped get the insurance pre-approval which was a relief. I'll obviously have much more input on Dr. Hamn post surgery.

Just have to say..... I read the title of this thread and thought this VSG forum had taken a whole new turn in a very shady direction. Was relieved to see the tool in question was not what I first thought.

Twoblue, Overall, sounds like you are doing quite well. The weight you have already lost is impressive. I'm sorry for the pain you are experiencing but it does seem from many other posters comments that this goes away in a few days. I'm sure getting rid of your drain will be a huge comfort. Anyways, I appreciate your updates. My sleeve date is one week from today and naturally I'm very nervous and anxious. I'm looking at your journey as where I may be a couple of weeks from now. But I'm jealouos that you have already gone through these 2 weeks and I still have to experience that. Continued best wishes to your recovery....