LovinLife

I'm so excited my surgery is in morning! Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I feel very calm and relaxed right now. I think participating in this forum has helped me so much and I appreciate all of the experiences everyone has shared. :thumbup1: I know this forum will be an excellent resource post op!

Mine was similar to an interview that lasted 1 1/2 hours. She wanted to understand why I thought I had a weight problem, what got me there, my outlook on surgery, etc... She told me afterwards that the goal was to be sure that I understood the surgery is only a tool and also to confirm I have a solid support group. You will do fine! I'm in Houston. Who is your surgeon?:frown1:

Congrats to you on the surgery! Glad you are feeling well!

BlackberryJuice, I hope your surgery went well today. Please keep us posted on your progress!

Congrats on your approval and surgery date! It will be here soon!

You will do fine! I started my pre-op diet this past Tuesday and the first couple of days were the hardest. I've lost 10 pounds in 6 days so I'm excited to see how much I will lose before surgery. This weekend I went a Mexican restaurant and had Water while my family ate fajitas, chips & queso, etc... I felt very strong for being able to remain focused on my goal. Great results are right around the corner for both of us! Good luck to you fellow Texan!

Dansha, Good luck to you as well! I like that we have the same date! I've lost 10 pounds so far on the pre-op diet and I can't wait to lose more! Keep in touch!

Tiffany, You are truly an inspiration! Thank you so much for sharing not only the information on this post but what you contribute every day. I'm just over a week out from my surgery and your experience really helps me confirm that I am doing something really good for myself. I must say that the beef fajita picture looked really yummy since I'm on my pre-op shakes!:thumbup:

I'm packing a new nightgown and robe that I bought online at WomanWithin. (Hopefully they won't fit for very long but it's nice to have something new to walk the halls) Basic toiletries, lip balm, cell phone and something to read. So I had my pre-op appointments today at the hospital and my surgeon's office. I also started my pre-op diet today! Talk about being excited and a little scared at the same time!! Reality is setting in and it feels pretty good! I also made a list of things that I can do to occupy my time over the next couple of weeks during the liquid diet when I feel hungry or just anxious. They include exercising, listening to music, reading and a variety of projects around the house. Oh, and my full time job!:sad0:

Tomorrow I start my pre-op diet and will be sleeved in Houston, Texas by Dr. Garth Davis on August 17th. I'm looking for support from those already on the losers bench or someone to chat with who is at the same stage of this wonderful journey. I have great support from my family but think a sleeve buddy would be fun! Thanks everyone!:confused1:

Happy August to all of the August Sleevers! Best wishes to everyone!

Hi Maddie, Have you tried this yet? My surgeon has Gelatein at his office and I think they are pretty good! I start my pre-op diet this Tuesday and I plan on having some of these on hand at work! I've been testing different products ahead of time to see what tastes the best.

For shakes you can get high protein from Bariatric Advantage or Myolean shakes. Pro Joe drinks have 20 Grams and are similar to a bottled Starbucks drink. Gelatein cups have 20 grams and they are like a cup of Jell-O. You can drink them as a liquid or refrigerate for a Jell-O consistency. My surgeon has these products available at his office with the exception of Myolean, which he approves but does not sell. Good luck to you!

Good for you! That is so exciting and a great motivator for me in the months to come. Size 8 will be wonderful. Congrats again!

Yes, requirements vary for each insurance company but my UHC Choice Plus did require 5 years of documented weight history over 40 BMI. Your surgeon's office should be able to help you!

I have UHC and was approved in June. I only had 2 years of documentation of 40+ BMI and I provided photographs for the other years. I was also diagnosed with sleep apnea in May and I'm sure having any co-morbidity will be in your favor for approval. Having sleep apnea with a BMI over 35 and high blood pressure should help you. Go for it!

Good luck to you and give us an update when you can!

I will be sleeved one month from today! I'm very excited and have had such a positive attitude...until this past week. I've felt really blue and I'm trying to understand why. Is it because I know my lifestyle will change soon? Is it because I'm feeling like I'm losing a comforting best friend (food)? This surgery represents very positive changes for my health and quality of life so why the blues? Has anyone else experienced this before surgery?

I am scheduled for August 17th in Houston, TX. August will be here before we know it! Best wishes everyone!

We have the same surgeon! I hope everything went well yesterday and congrats on your pre-op weight loss. I received insurance approval on Monday and my surgery date is pending. Can't wait for the call!

Employers have a choice so it varies from company to company for UHC Choice Plus. Call them and ask an agent to confirm what is included in your policy. Good luck!

I was just approved in 2 days! I did not have to do a supervised diet. I needed 1 nutrition class, 1 psych evaluation and 5 years of physician documented weight history. I had only been to a doctor twice in the last 5 years (I know that's terrible) so I submitted photographs for the last 10 years just to prove I hadn't accidently been really skinny recently! :thumbup: Have you been waiting long for your approval? I hope not! Good luck!

Change4theBetter2010, My BMI is 45. I am 5'4 and 264 pounds. I also have severe sleep apnea. Be sure that your employer has bariatric surgery included as a benefit through United Healthcare. I also called UHC myself to see if I had been approved since I've learned that approvals are many times completed a few days before communicated by your surgeon. Good luck to you!

I'm thrilled that it only took 2 days to get insurance approval from United Healthcare! Now I am waiting on a surgery date. My doctor schedules surgery in the order of insurance approvals. I feel very fortunate and I'm excited to join many of you as a Big Loser on the other side!

Hi MsTy, I'm in Houston and wondering who is doing your surgery? I have my first consultation with Dr. Garth Davis tomorrow. Good luck with your pre-op diet and your surgery! I hope to be counting down the days soon...