Jerzygurl

My PCP has already started documenting my rashes and issues underneath my breast and on the top part of my stomach so that I can get a breast lift and reduction and have the insurance company pay for it. I haven't had surgery yet, but he said to start now because more than likely my breast will sag even more after the surgery and are sure to cause more rashes and issues, especially with my hot flashes. I was told it's the best way to get them to pay for it by my HR coordinator. Our insurance is pretty liberal, I just need documentation from a doctor. But I've taken pictures too. Every time I get a flare up, I've taken some pics myself. Just in case. So, I'd say start now. keep receipts of any over the counter products you have to buy that would apply to skin issues. If your doc subscribes any meds keep track of that too. Good luck and great job on the Weight Loss!

I have Horizon too. I had 3 visits, 2 with the Nut and one with the surgeon. First initial visit was Aug and would have been sleeved in Oct. but ran into snag with my cardiac clearance. It was very fast turn around. I had everything all sewn up in record time and then wham..lol

Packet sent in last Thursday, and still no word. Was hopeful after hearing people say it only took 24 hours for them to get a response. Called HBCBS NJ and they said they won't give me an answer over the phone, to wait for a call from my surgeon's office. I'm a stay-at-home mom right now so my days are wide open and I honestly don't know what to do with myself until I hear back! Glad you got approved!

Some times you have to be a stalker!

You'll have to go through the steps. Don't anticipate surgery in January. You'll be disappointed. Is there a website you can check to fing out what the pre-requistes are for Medicare/Medicaid?

Yes, it does depend on insurance. some want 6 months of an approved supervised diet, others want you to see a Nutritionists several times, others pyschariatrist several times, and then there are the surgeon's pre-requisites. For the most part mine went fast. Only needed 3 doctor's visits in 3 consecutive months. I had my first appointment with the surgeon on Aug 15th and was pretty much wrapped up with everything in September until I hit a snag with my EKG and Echo test. Would have been sleeved in the middle of Oct had it not been for the hiccup. But at least I found out nothing was wrong with my heart. But by the time, I got the clearance, November was booked up! But I feel like I am amongst lovely and beautiful company in December!!

Dr. Onopchenko. ACMC. Who's doing yours?

Me! I'm down 13lbs but I have another 183 to go!! I'm Dec 2nd too!

Surgery Date: 12/2/13 Question about vitamins? what is everyone taking after surgery? I have like a million of types to choose from, yet I don't know what will be the best? Any Ideas? I'll be taking what I'm taking now. My oncologist already had me on good vitamin regimen, I take GNC daily chewable, 1200 mg of Calcium+D, Iron tab, Mag tab. I get a B-12 shot from PCP once a week and the NUT suggested that I add GNC Hair/Skin/Nail chewables (very tasty btw). But NUT said one a day Centrium multi-vit chewable was fine too as your daily supplement. I just enjoy the taste of the GNC chewable..so berry-licious..lol

I can understand wanting to move out of the morbidly obese category..! When my cardiologist wrote that on my report I was like Oy..it really is ugly when you see it written down. As for pre-op diets and BMI.. I don't think it matters, I think it's the doctor's plan. My BMI is 49.50 and I'm doing a two week pre-op.

Join the club. I have to do a 14 day pre-op too and it starts next Monday... and it runs right into Thanksgiving. Oy! 3 oz protein for Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 8 oz of veggies for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Or a Protein shake for Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Free foods: SF Jello and Pudding. Our Free liquids List is pretty much the same. For Meals, I'm gonna do mostly shakes. Just easier. I've stocked up on my Premier shakes from Sam's. Bought three cases this weekend.

And another for December 2nd..lol Yay!! I feel you on the glitch. I was originally supposed to be an October sleever but ran into a problem with my EKG had to have my heart studied from every angle. When it was all done, doc was booked up for November...so Dec. 2nd it is!! Better later than never!

Another December 2nd sleever!! Yay..congrats. We share the same New Birthday!

I'm natural, so I'll go with some twists for surgery,

I went to see my pharmacist and she informed me that I could open up the capsules and put them in water. The one that is a pill I can just crush it and do the same.

I don't see why Cigna won't let you transfer to another of their approved facilities. It's not like you had any control over Banner no longer being approved by Cigna.

Go to Onestopplus and look up Glamiose sports bra. Best ever.

Actually that's a smart move. It's only a week or so later.

What's so strange is that Thanksgiving is very late this year, it's not until Nov. 28th. My pre-op meeting with the surgeon, my last weigh-in, lab work and boot camp are all set up for Nov 27th, the day before Thanksgiving...so technically, I could endulge on Thanksgiving, but I'm not going to... do all that work and then gain weight in the last 2 to 3 days before surgery and take a chance of my liver not been as small as it can be. I'm going to stick to the program.

No BIG Thanksgiving Meal for me this year.. My surgery is Dec 2nd...Nov 18th I start my 14 day pre-op which is 3 ounces of lean protein, 8 ounces of veggies for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I've already started practing no drinking with my meals or 30 min before or after I eat..and chewing, chewing, chewing.. the not drinking with the meal seems to be the most difficult at this point. I gave up soda back in July...so I don't miss it anymore.

Do some walking too. Doc said best thing for GAS is walking...

Psychiatrist told me, if you're addicted to food, as most of us overweight people tend to be. You must find some other activity to occupy your mind, body and soul, especially, if food has been your comfort zone for a long time. He said, the surgery alone can't cure what ails you, it is only a tool. I was told if I can't make the mental switch or have severe problems mentally adjusting (because as he states it isn't physical anymore) then I should continue to see him and the NUT, until I can. If that is not feasible for you, can you join a local support group, the boards are great, but can you physically go to a support group? My surgery isn't scheduled until December but i've been going to the support group meetings consistently since I decided to get the surgery. Here they are held twice a month and they've been great, lots of new sleevers and older ones with a vast amount of information and help to offer. It also helps me get out of the house and takes food off my mind. Joining the gym also has helped. Good Luck!!

Hey Hey Now...that's My Home Town!!!

I'm taking two weeks... if I need more, I'll add some days. But I don't see it as necessary if all goes well because I have a desk job.

Thank you Atlanta Red! So very excited to have it almost here. Had to just some cardiology hoops, but I finally got cleared and I'm ready to go!