alisha29

Question...I have bcbs Alabama insurance. I have completed all of the steps for submitting my request for surgery. I did not have 3 years of medical records but used dates photographs and the past 18 months of medical history. My insurance denied my claim within a day of my request. My surgeons office says this is normal when they submit a claim with photographs but that they resubmit and get the approval. I am freaking out here with all the time and money I have already invested! Has anyone else ever had this experience or can share what your experience was with my same insurance? Any info would be helpful. Now I am wondering if I need a plan b and try for self pay in Mexico. Roughly how much is this option? Any advice and support will be helpful! It took several months to come to terms with having the surgery and the 7 more to meet insurance requirements. I have too much invested emotionally and financially for my journey to end here. Blessings to all!

I went to the doctor for a 4 month check up to hear I look like I am failing because I have only lost 34 pounds since surgery. I have kicked it into gear, keeping my calories between 800-1000 a day. I work out on my incline trainer for an hour burning 600-650 of those calories. The first week, I lost 4 pounds, so I felt very encouraged. This week, I gained back 2 of the pounds I lost, but I have did nothing differently from the first week. I am hitting my protein goals, consuming plenty of water...I just don't get it. I do eat some carbs, but minimal considering my calorie burn work out. I really need help. Suggestions? I am now feeling like I am destined to be fat and no matter what I do, it won't help. This surgery nearly killed me when I developed a pulmonary embolism...it has to be worth it in the end. I seriously am getting super discouraged. I am drained of energy, which I am sure the blood thinners don't help, but a few hundred calories and working out hard to gain weight!?!?!?

I have been on a serious stall for a few weeks. I eat about 1000 calories a day, but burn off 600 of those calories about 5 says a week. I am beyond frustrated! Oh, and I have only lost 40 pounds since surgery on October 22nd, which I guess sucks because my doctor told me that I look like I am failing. I realize I am a slower loser, but I thought it was okay. Now, a stall....I don't know what to make of it! I am still 100 pounds away from goal weight so I know it isn't that I am getting close to goal and slowing down, which is to be expected. I really would like to compare with others to see if I am failing or if I need to tell my doctor to go f#&$k off. I started at 294 day of surgery and am at 254 now. Anybody wanna compare notes, criticize me, offer tips, tell me what you are doing that is working for you, etc.... I would appreciate it. Thanks!

Pre-OP: 314 DOS: Oct. 22nd, 295 Today; 256 Had a follow up with my surgeon this past week to which he told me I look like I am failing because I have only lost 39 pounds since surgery. Obviously, I am a slow loser, but I am losing weight. I still have all of my thick hair, my skin is tightening up, and I have lost 4 pants sizes. Geeze...I didn't think I was failing, just slower than most. Regardless, those words hit home and made me evaluate my diet and exercise routine. Exercise had been hard since I did develop a clot after surgery, but I feel great now so no more excuses.

Okay, surgery date was 10/22. Day of surgery I weighed somewhere around 292. Today, I weigh 262. Doing the math, that is 30 pounds in almost 3 months. I had hoped for a much bigger number to be reflected at this point on the scale. Despite my disappointing loss in pounds, I can claim victory in other aspects of my life. I have dropped from a 24 to a 16 pants size! When I walk by a mirror, I don't wince in pain from the reflection I see staring back at me. Yes, I have a long way to go, but I am getting there, slowly but surely. Not sure why the scale is not reflecting the changes I am seeing. Anyone else experiencing or experienced this? I will say, I am not working out, but really do feel as though I have the energy to do it, just needing to make the time in my crazy schedule. Feeling great at my slow loser pace. Happy to be wearing my skinnier jeans!

I was in Disney 6 weeks after my surgery. Suggestions: Ohana's at the Polynesian resort. Best food I have ever put in my mouth and it is all grilled. Garden Grill in Land pavilion at Epcot. They have great grilled fish, grilled veggies, and other grilled options (you get all of the options brought to your table for one price). The food there is sit down, family style, and characters come to your table. Magic Kingdom...eat at the Liberty Tavern. Much like the garden grill. Delicious and mostly healthy. Animal Kingdom eat at the Tusker House. It is a buffet, but very healthy options and a lot of variety. Also, has characters that come to your table as well. Fast food choices usually offer something somewhat healthy. Have a great trip and enjoy the food! If you can only do one nice sit down place, please do Ohana's. Book your table for the when the firework display is at the magic kingdom and request a window seat. The music is playing the coincides with the firework display and you get a better view there than you do inside the park. It is a Disney Must-do!

Funny how everyone has a different journey. It is like you don't really know what to expect going into it because everyone is different. Wishing I could be one of those that has lost tons of pounds, but happy I am losing pants sizes

My surgery was 10/22. I started out at 295 day of surgery. Today, 11 weeks later, I am 264. 31 pounds...that is a little less that 3 pounds a week. I know that is a good pace, thus far, and I am well pleased (although I wish it were more), but here is where the problem is.... I can eat anything! Nothing seems to cause me problems! I don't eat nearly as much as I used to, but I do find myself grazing way too much throughout the day. I can't eat big meals, but I fear I am falling into some really bad habits with snacking, that will catch up with me and could be slowing my progress. I don't want to be a failure! When I am home, I have no issue at all. The problem is at work. I teach kindergarten, and think I am eating from stress. The problem is, I eat before I even realize I have eaten! When I am aware of it, I stop myself, but I get in a daze at work, busy, and stressed, and eat without even realizing I have. Please, any suggestions or help??? I am joining group exercise this week, and plan to be more faithful to tracking in my fitness pal...but at work I get busy, forget to track, and then overdo it. Please, be kind in your response, and offer helpful suggestions, share your story and what is working for you. Seriously...I can eat anything! Sleeve of Steele! Wishing I had some repulsive foods, or felt restriction when snacking....but nothing! Blessings to all

Sad day...after a nearly flawless recovery, I am now 5 weeks (almost 6 weeks) out of surgery and have now developed a pulmonary embolism. Anybody else had one of these? So painful at times and hard to breaths. Seriously regret having this surgery and risking my life. You always think it won't happen to you, until it does. Now, I get shots in the tummy twice a day and blood thinner pill that can make you bleed to death if you get hurt. Please, someone tell me it gets better and when it will get better

I only go about every 4 days unless I take miralax

I take it in the morning :-)

Other than the pulmonary embolism I have developed, I have felt great. I can eat practically anything, just very small portions. I drink plenty of fluids, but must admit I do struggle to get in all my protein. I will do better :-) Pre-op weight 314 Day of surgery 295 Current 269 6 weeks out today, so that is 27 pounds down, and 45 total. Never lost that much before so quickly! Not sure if I can say I would do it again since I have blood clot issues now related to the surgery, but I am thrilled with my results. I'm sure once the clots resolve and I lose even more weight, I will say, "you betcha!" When asked if I would do it again.

Hey there, First, just breathe. Second, you are normal to be scared...this is a serious surgery and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. After 3 weeks, you have a low risk of a leak. 5-6 weeks, your risk of clots goes down as well. I am 5, almost 6 weeks post op and just found out yesterday I have pulmonary embolism. While it was scary at first, I have realized that as serious as it is, I am getting treatment and will be okay. Worrying about complications does not help a thing. Just listen to your body. I had pain in my chest on the left side, that hurt worse when I would breathe. I tried to ignore it an pass it off as a pulled muscle, but decided to go to the hospital to check it out, just in case. Glad I did, as it likely saved my life. Point is, you are almost out of the window of serious risks, and if one occurs, just listen to your body and get help right away. One of my favorite Scriptures reads, "Don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself."

First, thanks for supportive comments. To answer the question, I was given the heparin shots while in the hospital, but did not go home on thinners. Kinda wish I did now :-(

Yep! Sleeved on Oct 22nd. Lost 17 pounds during first 2 weeks and only 3 pounds in the 3 weeks since. With that being said, I have dropped a couple of pants size and joints that used to ache every night don't hurt anymore. A coworker noticed my weight loss yesterday and said I am looking fabulous, so that was nice too. I know the weight will come off, but in the meantime it is frustrating. I have been trying to make sure I get in enough protein and fluids, which feels like a full time job. I honestly feel like I eat more now than I did before surgery. I know I am not consuming near as many calories as I seem to hover around 750 a day now (who knows how many thousands it was before). I suppose I am just more aware of everything I eat now so it feels like more. Anyways, you are not alone! This stall sucks to say the least and I very much look forward to dropping weight again.

Indian, I have wondered the same thing too! I can eat practically anything, just not too much. I definitely feel like I can eat more than a half a cup, so long as I am eating slowly and good that is not too dense. I hope this is normal and we have what some refer to as the sleeve of steel

I had surgery the same day (Oct.22nd). I have hit a stall as well. I have lost around 19 pounds since surgery, plus dropped 20 the 2 weeks prior to surgery. I am sad that I have hit a stall, but try to stay focused that it has to come off eventually. I have not lost anything is almost 2 weeks. Hoping this next week things start happening! I have been working out, increased my calories, upped my protein, ensured I drank enough...and still nothing! And I have more than 100 pounds to lose to I know it is not because I started out smaller or with less to lose. Just a stall I guess, so I totally feel your pain!

I am exactly one month post op today. I have had a migraine for 3 days now. I keep drinking fluids, as I originally thought it could be dehydration. Don't think that is it now. Anyone else have issues with this? I have never had migraines before...perhaps this is a detox effect from ridding my body of fat toxins? I know it is a stretch, but I am at a loss. Need to know this will stop!

I know there are a ton of threads about stalls, but I still cont understand how I am only eating 500-650 calories a day and not losing weight. I will be a month out from surgery Monday and have only lost 18 pounds since surgery. I actually lost more 2 weeks before surgery than I am since the surgery. I just don't understand! I was released this week to work out, so I will try that but I have not lost anything in a week. So discouraging to feel like I am even failing with the surgery. I was so excited the first 2 weeks when the weight was falling off a pound a day, but now, nothing. Please, someone who has been through this, tell me how to make it start falling off again. What did you eat, how much, and how often? Also, protein shakes are making me seriously ill. I tried an Atkins bar yesterday and it was much more tolerable to me. Are these suitable protein replacements? I have tried so many different protein shakes that I hate, that I have just about given up. I have ordered some muscle milk light to see if that one will work for me, but wondering about the bars. I ordered some from quest that I am praying are suitable. Does anyone know if it is okay to eat protein bars instead of drinking protein shakes? Thank you for any offers of encouragement and support!

Hey guys! I was sleeved Oct. 22nd. I am down about 17 pounds since surgery plus 20 more pre-op. My pants are finally starting to feel baggy. I have been on mushy foods for a week. Refried beans seem to be my favorite thus far. I have yet to find a protein drink that does not make me gag, so I try hard to eat high protein foods and put unflavored powder in everything I can. Even that is a struggle because I know it is there and it makes my food look funny. I need better flavors! Any thoughts on the the muscle milk light cupcake batter flavor? Sounds yummy, but how healthy is it? Most things I have tried to eat go down well, but I am still trying to learn when enough is enough. One more bite always seems to get me in trouble and I get sick and hurt a bit. I don't know when I am full until it hurts sometimes. Still learning my new body and way of life, but never happier with my success in regards to weight loss. Secret fears are that I will lose my hair and that once I am skinny i won't want to be with my husband anymore. Basically worried I will sew some wild oats and decide there is more to life out there. Always have wondered if I have settled because I did not feel confident I could do better. I know this makes me sound horrible, but it is my secret fear. Anyone else struggle with this thought? Congrats to all!

I personally bought jr. Strength chewable Tylenol. I took 3 to be an adult strength. I found grape to be the tastiest.

The first week sucked! But, some things to make it suck less 1. Pick up your scripts before surgery so they are readily available when you get home 2. Buy a stock of gas x strips! 3. Walk, walk, walk 4. Sip, sip, sip 5. Sleep in a recliner if you have one. This makes it much easier to get up and down and prevents pulling of the muscles as they heal. 6. Remember on your worst day that it will get better!

I went back to work 1 week post op. It actually made me feel better faster. The first 2 days were rough, but I brought Tylenol to last the day. Good luck to you and think positive!

I am 2 weeks post op now. I am down 13 pounds since surgery. Pretty excited about that! I finally got to put some pureed food in my mouth and it was like an explosion of happy taste bids. I can only eat 4 bites before full, but I loved having food. How is everyone else doing? Any yummy pureed recipes anyone can share?

I am 10 says post-op. I am SICK of liquids. I am so burned out on soup, pudding, shakes that I feel like puking every time I have to drink one down. My daughter is eating a sloppy Joe in front of me, and I swear I could tackle her down and steal it. I can start mushy foods in 4 days. I never thought I would be so excited for tuna fish or egg salad. I crave it now, and cant wait!Please tell me I am not alone! After pre-op diet and now this liquid diet, I really want food, that I can chew 40 times, not slurp. I know I need to wait, but honestly, it is just 4 more days? What could be the harm...I don't think I will make it the weekend. Head hunger, acid, whatever it is, I really am hungry and want food!