Jerzygurl

Oh and to add, I even tell all the techinicians at the different locations where I've had my many tests.

The EKG lady was supportive of it..when I told her back in August.

Yesterday, the MRI tech asked why I was getting the test and I said Pre-op for the gastric sleeve and she said cool. I had it done Jan 2012 and lost 117lbs.

Today, the Echocardiogram tech was a whooping size 0, also asked about the reasoning behind my test and I told her, pre-op for the sleeve and she said..well good for you!

Truth is..I haven't encountered any negativity yet..but I'm sure it will rear its head eventually.

Not keeping it a secret. Initially, I started off that way, but after the battle for my life that I've been through and realizing how short it truly is...I choose to speak it out loud. My family knows, my friends know and now, even my boss, colleagues and employees know that I'm preparing for surgery.

With regards to my past health history, I really don't want people to assume or get the wrong impression about any future weight loss either. I'd rather they know, I've had WLS as opossed to thinking, my cancer has returned and I'm dying. Plus there are plenty people around me that may opt to take their "weight issues" in hand, once they see how it turns out for me.

But such is life...to each his own.

In a nutshell.

Back hurts. Knees hurt. Arches of feet hurt. Short of breath. Sluggish. Self-conscious. HBP. Miserable. Self-Isolation from family and friends. Depression. History of female cancer(s). History of diabetes and death in my immediate family. Plain old disgusted with my image.

Awesome and you look stunning!!

That's pretty cheap too. Those bottles generally run about $25..my sister uses it.

So what happens if the psych determines you are a raving lunatic ?

lol..then you get to come back again..I guess..

Still amazes me that some people have to take test during their psych evals and some don't. Mine was only a discussion session for about 45 minutes, with a few meditation and relaxation techniques to help cope with stress, as not to fall to food during those times.

Glad you did well...

It's a shame because I really wanted a SUPPORT forum, I'm headed to the hospital in a few hours for my surgery. Anyone know of any less dramatical forums out there?

Good Luck! I personally love this forum. Just navigate and gravitate towards what you need...

Saw the doctor in August and will be sleeved in October... one last test tomorrow and I'm all done... Nutritionist told me, expect a surgery date in mid-October..if there are no hiccups in my final 3 tests, of course (don't anticipate any). I have Horizon BCBS-NJ insurance. They used to require 6 months supervised diet but no longer do..now it's just 3 consecutive doctor's visits, in 3 separate months. I was glad to find that out...I don't have 6 months to wait..

It may go quicker than you think...be prepared.

Hello everyone, have a question about the gallbladder. (Someone who never had any health problems besides being overweight)

I'm afraid of getting sleeved, because I've read that most weightloss surgeries later down the line your gallbladder will have to be removed has anyone been thru this and is it best to have ot removed at the same time the sleeve is done, I just don't want to go thru this later on.I have no health problems. Please advise? I'm just waiting on approval from the Insurance company.

I asked my doc and he said, not everyone will need gallbladder surgery, but a percentage of those sleeved will...it all depends.

Just visualize yourself FAT again...I know you don't want that...

I look up to many of you because you've done so wonderfully.

Do whatever is necessary to get yourself on track..I know you can do it, you know you can do it.

Best wishes...and much love.

AB-SO-LUTE-LY AWESOME!!! Inspiration, you are!!

Good luck!!!!

For those who had to lose weight before surgery..is it because your surgeon had a weight limit before he would operate? If so, did either mention what the threshold was before they would do surgery? Just curious. I thought for sure at my weight my surgeon would require me to lose a bit of weight before surgery, but he said I'm fine.. no need other than my 1 week pre-op diet.

Congrats!!!

It's amazing that there is no standard for the psych evals. There was no test for mine, but we did talk for about 45 minutes..mostly about my eating habits and my support system... in addition to meditation and relaxtion techniques when I feel stressed or want to eat..out of boredom, anxiety or fear.

I actually asked him questions about himself..and like your Hippie Uncle above, he grew up in the 60s too..,,he said he could pretty much tell if someone was putting on a front to pass the test, or were genuinely on solid ground. I haven't seen my write up yet, but the NP said it was two thumbs up. I would hate to get my hopes up and expect surgery soon, only for it to be put off by a psych or doc that could have their own issues with the surgery, etc. Believe they are out there, I've seen it..they don't approve of WLS, so they throw up all these road block for the patient.

I wish you the best of luck....and I would talk to the surgeon to see if maybe you can get the surgery but agree to stay in therapy, thereafter for the 6 month period.

Can you cold turkey it to cleanse out your system?

When I did Atkins, I always went cold turkey for 3 days to kill the carb monster and it always worked. To do it, I had to Protein load with some fat...but it worked.

How about some PB on celery stalk for a Protein snack or some SF Jello or pudding to kill the sweet tooth at night...or maybe even a cup of Decaf tea with Torani flavoring?

You did a wonderful job...you're such an inspiration... I know you can do it.. it is folks like you that give me hope, much to look forward to...and work for...

Best wishes on your new journey! I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel..and know it's not a loaded food train looking to run me over..lol!

Left my 1st NUT appt and scheduled the last one for October 2nd..and from there he said it will be 1-1.5 weeks before I'm scheduled for surgery!!

Hip Hip Hooray! So I will definitely be an October Sleever!

Good morning anyone have Cigna? Our plan admin said its not covered. He said he asked for an exception but Cigna wouldn't. Has anyone been thru that & still yet got approved?

Cigna has paid for WLS, the gentleman that joined with me, has it and he's been approved. But if your employer has a "bariatric exclusion" clause in its policy.not much you can do, but go self-pay or finance.

I called today and they said 6 mos proof of doctor supervised weight loss program. I'm going to start weight watchers this week and start counting down, psych eval is Monday so my 6 mos proof will be all I need.

You need to check with them to make sure Weight Watchers is acceptable. Some insurance companies really want you to seed a doctor like your PCP or a NUT for it to be considered 6 months...in addition, make sure it's 6 consecutive months too...if you break...you have to start all over. I did read a few post from people that were heart broken because their insurance companies would not accept WW as a valid "supervised" plan to approve surgery. Make sure you don't get caught off guard...check, double check and triple check if necessary.

Good luck.

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Good luck! The sooner the better... to start your journey!

I'm interested in knowing this too. I haven't been sleeved yet, but I know just cutting back in anticipation of my surgery, I've saved quite a bit already. I ate out every single day..for lunch and dinner..breakfast was Dunkin' Donuts coffee (every day)...and in the last 3 weeks, I've been able to save $300 just by cooking dinner at home and taking lunch to work.

I've started a little fund for any cosmetic surgery I might need... after the weight loss.

How did things work out for your sister...

It's benign!!! Calling the coordinator tomorrow to reschedule my surgery!!

YAY!!!!! So glad to hear that...good for you! Best of luck...hope you can reschedule soon!