theshrinkingchef

Why not try a lap band? I don't know if she would be a candidate. I know some one with MS that got one and hasn't had a problem and another one that was told because of the MS the sleeve was best. The nice thing about the lap band is that some of the issues people experience with the sleeve or bypass are not experienced with the lap band. It's adjustable/reversible. It's a slower weight loss, tho. It's worth the investigation. I know a lot of people that love theirs.

I've heard of people weighing in with weights strapped to their ankles. I know someone who did that, including packing on her heaviest clothes/shoes and weights. She also drank a bunch of water. I definitely don't agree with what she did but she ended up getting approved. I definitely don't advise you to gain the weight and can't imagine any doctor giving you a thumbs up to do so.

Find another surgeon. You shouldn't have to hire an attorney. Call the insurance company to verify their requirements. My insurance required 3 month monitored weight loss, 1 co-morbidity, and a minimum 35 bmi. If you had 40 bmi, you didn't need a co-morbid. The website said I needed 2 co-morbid, but I got approved anyway. My doctor's office did all of the work on my behalf. If you're going to spend that kind of money, you might as well self pay.

I'm on Feb 11 also! Gonna start my pre op diet early( Feb 1)! Congrats ladies!

I have bc/bs and it never mentions the sleeve in any of their literature(2012). I know that it a fairly new procedure... 8-9 years old... And it wasn't until recently that they started to acknowledge vsg as an alternative. I got approved, worried that they wouldn't cover it. I'd ask the insurance company whether it's covered. My insurance liason at the clinic was very knowledgeable and could verify that info for me. Also, I didn't require a referral. I just walked in off the street and began the process. My pcp doesnt even know I'm doing this. I asked all of my questions before I shelled out one nickel. I'm with you, I'm not going to waste my time if I dont have to. Good luck!

Congrats!

Keep hydrated and avoid mucous formers: dairy, chicken, eggs, strawberries, bread and the like. That will help with congestion. Do you have a juicer? Try juicing veggies to get more nutrients. And of course Vitamin C. Anytime I feel a scratch in my throat I drink orange juice and water exclusively!(high in sugar and acid tho) and I also try emergenC.

Awesome! Mine is on 2/11 as well! I hope everything goes well!

Definitely do the monitored weight loss. It's usually the company that either ops in or not. Did you call aetna to see if that is the case? It may be your husbands company not the insurance itself. My Sisnlaw told me her company encourages weight loss through diet and exercise and will not cover wls. A lot of people try self pay to Mexico. There's a lot of info about it on here. Be careful and do your research! Good luck! You're lucky his open season is in June and not November! Hopefully it will all work out for you! Fingers crossed!

Your six months are going to go by faster than you know. I was glad I had to do a 3month weight loss. It really slowed me down and got me ready for this surgery. It gave me the opportunity to really absorb this decision and in fact I had switched from a lap bad to the sleeve. It's a big decision and I was glad to have the time. Now that I'm approved, I'm really excited and prepared! Good luck!

Because of my allergies, I don't eat much of anything I prepare. It's my understanding you don't have the same cravings after surgery. It certainly doesn't mean you won't enjoy what you eat. You just won't be tempted. have you received your date, yet?

Yay! Congrats!

Yes, that's the gist. Puréed cauliflower, potatoes, squash, apple sauce, etc! Be careful about all liquids( calories add up). You can do soups, as well, tomato, squash, etc. Just add some veg protein( no flavor) and boost up your protein.

I agree! I'm a chef and I have crazy food allergies! I'm seriously allergic to the earth! It took a lot of creativity, but I have found ways to create meals to suit my needs. As a chef, we have the gift of being able to create things others may not even consider. The beautiful thing about the sleeve is that we can eat anything... Just smaller!

I was, at first, worried about being approved as well, but I still walked through life believing that this was going to happen. And I found out I was approved Friday. Stay positive! It will happen.

Low carb/low sugar. I'm not familiar with the needs of diabetics, but I know I had a friend of mine that was diagnosed with diabetes and he regulated it through his diet. No pills/no shots, just changing his eating habits. He cut out simple sugars and high carbs. Good luck!

I had to do a 3 month supervised diet. I followed their instructions. Low carb/high Protein. I lost a little weight, my 3 months went through thanksgiving and Christmas. Yikes! I also broke my leg on January 2( 5lb cast) and had to weigh in January 9th. I was freaking out because of the holiday noshing and the cast. I actually lost 5lbs in addition to the cast! I was totally relieved. I had to show a loss. As long as I was showing a loss, they were happy. Whether it was 2 pounds or 10 pounds. It shows the surgeon and the insurance company you are committed to making the necessary lifestyle changes to make this surgery successful. That's why the make you do it. I was warned not to go below the 35 bmi until I was approved, but I didn't think that was going to be likely anyway, lol! Now, that I am approved. I have decided to do a kidney and liver detox and start eating smaller portions, to get my "brain" ready for less food. If you're not used to eating Soups and purées as well as drinking Protein shakes, I'd suggest you try and incorporate some of those things during this time. It'll make it easier for you to transition into your pre-op and not be such a struggle. Understand, that it will be a while before you'll be able to eat "regular" food after surgery, so don't be in a rush to go kamikaze! Slowly transition. You'll still lose weight and I promise it'll be easier to transition by the time of your pre-op! Good luck!

I told my boss that I was having a procedure done and didn't go into detail. I also shared that I wouldn't be able to do heavy lifting. I'm sure he assumed female issues and didn't pry. He just said okay. As far as friends and family are concerned, my family knows and are supportive. In the past, if there is something I don't want to do, I say that. I know people are often curious, but, if I don't want to share, I don't and I say so. "I don't feel well" or "I'm dieting" and the like work well. I usually just say "no thanks".

I'm in Ohio, I was approved in less than a week. Just waiting on my surgery date. Good luck,

Do what's best for your lifestyle! Period! I have a bunch of allergies and although taking allergy shots once a week for a year and then once a month for the following year is one of the best ways to cure them, it's not realistic! I have a full time job and I go to school full time... When do I have time, once a week? I went with the drops every day for 3 months and it worked! It was the best thing for what I needed. Talk to your doctor about what's best and explain what you need. That's it!

Start taking collagen now. I take jarrosil. They have liquid collagen you can take before and after. If you get the hair skin and nails kind it will help with hair loss(sometimes happens because of vitamin deficiencies). Wear compression garments, especially working out. It will help with gravity tugging on skin. Go to vedette or similar sites that offer post plastic surgery garments. They'll have them for bariatrics. There's a great moisturizer...shikai with borage. It is a great moisturizer. Try dry brushing and sulfate free cleaners, such as shikai. It should help. Good luck!

Hmm.. I probably would have said, it's a different experience for everyone and that it has nothing to do with you. Sorry that she's experiencing those problems, but that you are not. I would have congratulated her on her weight loss and since she's a trainer, ask her how she did it! We still have to put the work in! If she has a problem and wants to judge you, move on. You don't owe anyone an explanation for your choices or decisions.

Alka selzer makes this "tea" like therapy. It's like theraflu. It is awesome. Usually when I start feeling a scratch, I start taking vitamin c, drinking orange and grapefruit juice or those c-monsters by odwalla! But, you definitely don't want to have surgery when your body is in that weakened/vulnerable state.

They basically want to know that you know what you're getting yourself into and that you are committed to making the necessary changes in your life to do so. They want to know that you're doing it got the right reasons and that you are emotionally stable to handle what's about to happen.

Sorry to hear that. What type of protein are you using? Try water. It won't taste as rich and creamy... But it's better than nothing. Good luck!