TinaF1971

I just googled the divorce rate for wls and found many anecdotal articles that the rate is 75%, and 85% for those who were obese prior to marriage. However, although I found these articles I couldn't find the original studies to support them. Remember, the general divorce rate is 50%.

My husband of nearly 30 years has actually expressed this once or twice, but only early on. He went to the seminar with me, where they gave the statistics of increased divorce rates after WLS. He was also a huge feeder. If I wanted some absurd food item at any time of night or day, he would actually run and get it for me, lol. I am spoiled. I was 145 when I met him, and while I think this behavior contributed to my weight gain, I blame no one but myself. But, since surgery, he understood my goals, and has been very supportive. He stopped offering food, and doesn't bring much of it in the house. He can eat anything and everything, and will try not to do it in front of me. Anyway, I do think it's a rational fear, given the statistics. If you have a solid marriage, he will quickly learn it's not a risk in your circumstance.

So I made an appointment with my surgeon to discuss WHY was it taking so long for Medicare to approve or give the GREEN light for the Gastric Sleeve. His response was " Here can you read this", It was an email from the head of the insurance dept at the hospital from about a month ago. It stated that MEDICARE was still NOT approving the sleeve in PA. So I returned it and continued to inform him that how is it that they were the only hospital in PHILADELPHIA that was not processing patients because that I had an appointment tomorrow with another surgeon and he has reasurred me that he can submit to medicare. Funny how being your own advocate can move mountains, I had not even gotten home 10 min when the insurance secretary from the surgeons office was calling me to inform me that my papers where going to be submitted.. Then 2 mins later the surgron himself called to reassure me that he would personally submit them if he had to.. NOW I know you guys know I'm jumping in my skin with exitement BUT then again I'm here thinking WHY?? Did it have to go to those extremes for an individual to do the JOB she was hired to do which is HELP patients with this already stressful choice. I am EXTREMELY happy that I wasn't pushed to go to another surgeon and start the process all over again not to mention having to pay for the test that were not covered by medicare. So I close with this, BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR HEALTH... Smooches and hope to be on the losers bench very soon...

Hi. I have 300# to lose. I don't have a date, yet. I started at 436 with a BMI at approximately 85. I met with the surgeon and he said he would operate once I got to 400#. The NUT told me that they won't do WLS on anyone with a BMI over 80. I began my weight loss program October 24th. So far I'm down to 420. I've been losing faster since I saw the NUT on December 4th and we went over a menu for me. Because of my immobility, I am on 1200 calories a day. I know of one lady who has lost 300# so far and she started out at 500#! It can be done with the sleeve, no matter what others may say! Don't give up hope! I just have to have a few more tests, be on a bipap machine for at least 30 days, and lose 20 more pounds! I'd like to lose a bit more than that because scales can differ. Good luck!

Thank you TinaF1971!! I am so excited to ge this process started. You are doing GREAT with your weight loss so far. Keep it up!!

Hello everyone,
Not only am I new to this forum but new to this process. I have my very 1st appointment on Jan 24. I am so glad that I found this forum. It has really eased my mind about the decision that I have made to change my life. I look forward to reading all of your success stories. Good luck to all that are awaiting and congrats to all that are succeeding!!

Hi. I have 300# to lose. I don't have a date, yet. I started at 436 with a BMI at approximately 85. I met with the surgeon and he said he would operate once I got to 400#. The NUT told me that they won't do WLS on anyone with a BMI over 80. I began my weight loss program October 24th. So far I'm down to 420. I've been losing faster since I saw the NUT on December 4th and we went over a menu for me. Because of my immobility, I am on 1200 calories a day. I know of one lady who has lost 300# so far and she started out at 500#! It can be done with the sleeve, no matter what others may say! Don't give up hope! I just have to have a few more tests, be on a bipap machine for at least 30 days, and lose 20 more pounds! I'd like to lose a bit more than that because scales can differ. Good luck!

Ladies -
I'm seeing that a huge percentage of our pregnant ladies are ones that were using the IUD as their primary form of birth control. But what I haven't seen is someone taking the time to say, "Hey, this is a possible issue and be aware of it BEFORE surgery."
The IUD can shift and/or fall out with a drastic change in weight. I wish more surgeons were discussing this possibility with their patients, because I'm getting the feeling that they aren't always doing so and that many women are unaware that this can happen.
Please be sure to address your choice of the IUD with your doctor so that you can decide if it's the right choice for you while you're in the initial loss phase.
I've seen a large number of surprise pregnancies lately and almost every one of them was an IUD user. We all love babies, but it's nice to be more in control of the process and not be surprised with a pregnancy while eating a drastically reduced diet and learning your sleeve. And the early months are emotional enough without complicating matters.
So, just my official suggestion that even if your surgeon or PCP does not bring this up (and particularly if you're self-pay and won't be seeing a regular team of doctors) that you bring it up yourself if you're currently using this type of birth control and not trying to get pregnant.
~Cheri

These were taken 4 months Post Op, I started my journey in May @ 670, lost 20 pounds before surgery, and on July 2nd, I was 650. Today, I'm 535. Which means I've lost 135 pounds since Memorial day -- not too shabby!

I don't know her username on this site, but yall should check out 300poundsdown.com
She is such a motivation and I love to be able to read about her emotions and thoughts throughout her journey of losing weight.

I'm 5'0" and 428 lbs. My BMI was 85 when I saw the surgeon and he doesn't feel comfortable doing the RNY on me. He feels that the VSG would be safer. I still have to get under 400 lbs. before he'll do the surgery, though. Good luck!

I dont know if this has been discussed here yet, but I wanted to inform you all a Medicare medical review is nearly complete pertaining to official coverage of the VSG. If all goes well, we should have a peliminary decision at the end of this month (3/30/2012)! A final binding decision will be made no later than 6/28/2012.
Offical documentation can be found here....
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/nca-tracking-sheet.aspx?NCAId=258&fromdb=true
I spoke with my Bariatric Surgeons P.A. today and discussed the Medicare coverage review of the VSG. He told me based on his attendance at the annual Bariatric Surgeons convention he was told coverage for the VSG is very likley to be approved for Medicare. He did not want to cite names, but did say his information came from very reliable sources close to the review process. He went so far as to say (without prompting) "He would be shocked if the review panel rejected covering it this year".
Im starting my 6 month required supervised diet (ie Nutritionist) consultations now to be ready for submittal come October when Medicare updates it's coverage. Those of you on Medicare and Medicade who have been holding out for VSG surgery coverage I strongly suggest contacting your Hospitial's Bariatric cordinator and starting the nessicary legwork now. Starting now, I will have everything needed for insurance approval ready to go the moment coverage goes live.
~Greg

Hi! My timeline in a nutshell: DOS 10/11/12. returned to secy. job on Mon. 10/22/12. Fine in am-by 4:00 on way home in tears! Burning pain you briefly get after a big sneeze came, and wouldn't leave! I thought I tore something! Saw my surgeon Tues.he said I was fine, my stomach muscles still need time to heal from laproscopic equipment and I had hiatal hernia repaired, sutures need to dissolve. He told me to stay home this week and go back on Monday 10/29/12. (That should be fun! "Holly, you're back...again?!?!) oh well. Health first! Reputation later! (just kidding-really don't care!)

aliasmith NEWBIE
sorry you haven't gotten replies to some of your posts
next time you have a question, raise your hand up high, stand on one leg, rub your tummy, chew gum, and smile - someone will notice you :lol:
that should get attention from sleevers world wide
i have heard some people on the board say they had in and out surgery and were fine. - don't be shy, if you are covered by insurance, stay the night
everyone does feel differently post WLS - some people do go back to work very quickly, few days. others home one week, and others...... you get the picture
hopefully you will feel better within the week to go back to work. just take it easy, slowly - if you need to take more time off from work...............
talk to your boss - remind her you had MAJOR surgery, you couldn't predict how much time you needed to recup, hopefully he/she will understand.
don't be pessimistic - you might be fine soon one day at a time, right
take care
best of luck with WLS
speedy recovery

My third visit with the surgeon was yesterday. I have completed all of my pre-surgery requirements; however, he stated that I have a severe case of obstructive sleep apnea and the only missing piece to the puzzle is the CPAP study. I wasn't scheduled for this until November 17th but I called the Sleep Center yesterday & they were able to change my appointment to next Wednesday!! Have any of you had to have this follow up study done & what does it consist of? I am hoping to get a sleeve date in late Nov. early Dec. Since this WLS journey began in July I have lost over 40 pounds and many inches as I have went from a size 28 to a 20!!!

Hi!
I am fairly new to this forum and live in Janesville, WI. I am getting sleeed on Oct. 30th by Dr. Garcia in Tijuana, MX. I'm super excited and nervous at the same time!
I would love to keep in contact with you all and share stories and tips. This is such a big decision and change in our lives that having people who understand what we are going through is such a blessing as I know I will definitely need advice and support.
Good luck to everyone out there and I can't wait to start this journey to a NEW ME!! It's been way too long hiding behind my insecurities. I am ready to work hard and play hard and achieve my new goals.
Good luck everyone!