esskay77

Hi All, I had my RNY at St. Elizabeth's and just found this section of the web site. I had started the program at BID but they also tried to put me on a 6 month program with a therapist for some odd reason so I switched to St E's and didn't have to do that. I discovered that if you say certain words or phrases, they consider you not ready psychologically. At St. E's when I met with the Psychologist, I changed how I phrases things (but was still honest with them) and that made all the difference!! Anyway, I'm almost a year out and feel great though still have more to lose. But thrilled that I did this. I'm also south of Boston in Hyde Park.

Wow! I completely forgot about my insurance issues--yes, call your insurance company but get it in writing!! They don't all know what they are talking about. I was a consultant so bought my own insurance--BCBS. I was following everything that I needed to do for them. Insert my previous story here--started with one hospital program that was affiliated with my PCP, did all the tests, but then got pushed back because the social worker didn't think I was ready yet, etc. I was pissed off because she only met with me for like 2 minutes so I wasn't sure why she thought that. Anyway, I was so pissed off that I got more info and discovered they weren't the only game in town. So, I changed PCPs (to my old one anyway so we had a history) and she was very sympathetic to my story and got me into the surgeon that is affiliated with her practice. That surgeon was wonderful and was able to use the results from a lot of the tests from the previous place which kind of fast tracked me, though I still had to wait because she is the only surgeon at this hospital that does this surgery so she was booked. During this time, I had decided to go back to work full time. Because that could also mean different insurance I was a bit freaked out about how/when this could happen and tried to have the surgery BEFORE I started my new job. But, of course, that didn't happen. So, I started my new job and during my first few weeks there when I needed to figure out which insurance plan I would use, (we had a choice of 2), I called both companies to find out if they covered WLS and what the scoop was. They both told me that the plan my company had chosen did not cover WLS so I was out of luck. I had tried to call our HR people to ask but they didn't know (they are outsourced) and just told me to look at the web site which didn't mention it as being covered or not being covered. So, I believed the insurance companies so opted to keep my BCBS and pay for it myself (which costs me about $600/month!!). And, of course, I had the surgery within the next month which made me feel horrible for asking my boss for the time off to do this but he was fine with it. Afterwards, I met several people in my new company that had the surgery as well and guess what? Yes, our insurance DOES cover it!! So for the next year, I still had to pay out $600/month on my own to keep BCBS since you can only opt in to the company plan once a year during their enrollment period. The only good thing is that this company insurance would have made me start the whole process over again and they had a 6 month or more plan that you had to go through so maybe it worked out fine. But it did freak me out and make me very upset for a bit. Ugh.

I totally get it! I freaked out when I found out how long it would take. Especially because they didn't tell me up front!! It wasn't until I had gone through so many of the tests already so it really took the wind out of me. Definiltely try to get a checklist of what you need to do and when to see if that helps now that you know this. Frankly, it just sucks. No other way to say it.

My way is probably not the best way but it worked really well for me. I put in some sugar free jello!! It was the only way I could eat it without putting fruit in it.

I was also going to suggest the 5 day pouch test. I highly recommend it to kick start everything again! I'm getting ready to do it myself. Go back to the basics: keep a food journal--this is key. drink all your water!!! don't drink anything with your meals\ no carbonated beverages at all chew your food to a pulp eat slowly but don't take more than 30 minutes to eat Count your grams of Protein and make sure you get all your protein in Protein first!! And I would highly recommend a support group and/or therapist that specializes in food addiction or cognitive behavioral therapy or some such Best of luck. You did this before and you can do it again!

I totally agree with you and have been there myself! Once I made the decision to have the surgery, I wanted it right then! I think part of it is insurance mandates and each insurance plan has different requirements. Some make you weight a couple of years, some there is no waiting period and of course all the stuff in between. Now that I have been through it, and am attending support groups, I kind of understand but I really think it could be handled completely differently. I had even switched PCPs so I could have the surgery somewhere else where the wait wasn't as long. Hang in there! You could either find a new place/new doctor for this or just follow the existing plan. It does go by faster than you would expect. Put an action plan together for yourself--set some goals for each month that you can focus on that help you start to lose the weight prior to surgery (THis is the one thing that I did not do and I totally regret!!!!!). This will also help you pass the time faster but also move you towards your weight loss goal faster, too. You should probably begin their diet plan which I can only assume (but don't know for sure) that it is high Protein, low carb diet. I only assume that because that is how you will eventually eat. STart to get used to Protein shakes, too. They can be an acquired taste and there is nothing worse after surgery than trying these out and not finding ones that you have bought already that taste good. You'll get there!

Without seeing exactly what you are eating, it's really hard to say. Are you drinking all your Water? Are you stopping drinking your water 30 minutes before your meal and then not drinking at all with your meal and start drinking it again 30 minutes after your meal? This is key. Are you keeping a food journal? This is magical and the sheer act of tracking your food seems to help you lose weight! Are you getting in enough Protein? Keep track of the grams of protein, stop counting calories. Are you sneaking food tht you shouldn't? I know I do and that's when I don't do well, even though it's not much. Are you eating slowly and chewing your food like crazy? These are some of the things that help. Sometimes upping how many grams of protein actually helps you lose weight a bit. How many grams did your NUT say to have? Best of luck.

Really just by guessing. lol. They listened to what I said, how I described the pain. Partially, also, while I was in the ER, they ran bloodwork and my liver numbers were extremely elevated. So much so, that they admitted me into the hospital because that could mean an infection or worse. They were even checking for hepatitis though that came back negative, thankfully. By day 2 in the hospital, the numbers finally came down. They could never really figure out what it was, though they assumed it was possibly the reaction to the stones. The ultrasound did show that I have a large stone still in my gall bladder, though large ones are never a problem because they can't sneak out. So basically, just an educated guess. And the fact that people who lose weight quickly generally have gall bladder issues. Trust me, the last couple of times it happened, I didn't need to go to the ER but did mention it to my doctor but at that point, there is nothing for them to do so they really don't react, which is kind of what you are getting right now. THe stone has already left the "building" lol so there is nothing more for them to do. But, to not have this issue, stay away from fried/fatty foods!! That is what really causes this problem.

Glad I read this. I have been on quite the lengthy stall. I have gotten into the habit of having some multigrain crackers with peanut butter on them with my meals. I didn't think it would be a big deal but I think that has been part of my problem!! THanks @Ready28 for that bit of info! I have really started to slip into some bad habits. As of yesterday, I believe I am back on track!! Had my one year check up and met with the new NUT. the new NUT was awesome! The last 2 were very nice but all they really said was that I was doing great, keep up the good work. Not very helpful. THis guy is no-nonsense and actually provided good information! Love that.

Yeah, the hard part with the gall bladder is that when the pain stops, everything is back to normal so they can't really see anything. Basically, it is usually gall stones. If/when you eat fatty or fried foods, the gall bladder compresses itself to try to squeeze out more bile to deal with these foods. WHen it compresses, any small gall stones can sneak out. The gall stones getting out are the problem and cause the pain. Once they are out, though, the pain is gone and there is nothing to see. It makes it very difficult to diagnose. People used to tell me it was gas, too. I was recently in the ER because of gall stones and had to go through all kinds of tests, too. And all I had was tartar sauce with my fish that kicked it off. Apparently tartar sauce, or mayonnaise, is considered fatty enough to do this.

I think I had that! And, yes, it was the food moving past the area that was cut/sutured and still healing. When the food passes through, it can hurt. There will be another time, and I think it's at 6 months, where you will feel like there is broken glass inside somewhere but apparently that is just the final staples dissolving! lol.

All of those! lol. Plus I am not afraid to fly because I don't need an extension club! I can cross my legs club, I can get up off the floor club and so much more!!

I was torn but my surgeon highly recommended gastric bypass over the sleeve based on my weight. I was 274. It isn't just about your weight but about your bmi which has to do with your height and weight. My guess is that you are a good candidate based on your weight but only because others have been around that weight and had the surgery. I obviously can't see you and I'm not a doctor. But it sounds possible. You can lose more weight with the gastric bypass than you can with the sleeve but with the sleeve, you don't have to worry about malabsorption if I remember correctly. What does your doctor recommend? What are you hoping for?

What do you mean by "new supplies"? what are the supplies? Is it the saline drip? Is it because you want to eat and go home? I think that's what you are talking about. Does the surgeon have a backup? There must be another surgeon that they work with that could see you? I haven't dealt with this exactly though I do understand. They move so slowly and everything is tied up with red tape that nothing gets done in a timely manner. I think you should request to talk to another surgeon that could give you the ok to leave. Now that you have refused the new supplies, are they letting you eat? You have to do one or the other for sure. I guess I don't know what I would do but 2 weeks sounds like way too long.

You probably won't get in as much as you need to right away, but you just have to try Protein drinks help a lot. Putting Protein powder in things helps too. I think unjury makes some good ones that might be "chicken flavored" that you can put in broth. Eventually, when you are on pureed foods, yogurt and cottage cheese are great resources, as are scrambled eggs. But don't freak out if you can't get in all your protein right away, just keep trying.

If it gets too bad then definitely call your doctor. But also remember you JUST had surgery! If I recall correctly not even a week ago. You had things cut, moved, stapled, etc. It's going to involve some pain. Take your pain meds if you need them. Take it easy except to go for short walks. HOpe you feel better soon.

Quitting smoking is tough. I agree with the other person that you can't wean yourself off cigs, you have to just stop. I'm not sure how I did it 5 years ago but I did!! It wasn't planned but I had gotten sick with the flu and pneumonia and just couldn't smoke for about a week. WHen I finally went to the doctor (I had guests in town and kept pushing myself to do things and didn't get any rest so I wasn't getting better) I just sort of blurted out "I guess I'm a non smoker now!" I'm not sure why I said it or even thought it. My dr said that I am lucky because I was so sick I didn't even notice the withdrawal symptoms so it would be the ideal time to quit. It's hard but you have to do it. My biggest thing now is that when I did quit, I literally gained 100 pounds in a little over a year and I wouldn't ever want to go through that again. So, having the surgery now while you quit smoking is actually perfect so you don't gain all that weight!! Seriously! It will be tough. If you replace it with anything, replace it with exercise!!! I wish I had. But also go to a support group for addiction (which you will need to do anyway for food addiction)--this could help a bit. Best of luck!!! It's hard but you can do it. Enjoy the horrible journey! each and every miserable step of it because it will soon be replaced with confidence and happiness!!!

That pain is the worst!! It had me laying on the bathroom floor in so much pain. Some people say they vomit but I haven't done that. Best of luck and thank you for sending me luck!!

Depends on the types of movies you like. I like the old movies and some bizarre movies. Here are my choices: Princess Bride Being John Malkovich Bell, Book, and Candle (old movie but one of my faves) Barefoot in the Park (well, pretty much any movie set in the 50s/60s in New York City for some odd reason) Rear Window Spaceballs (I love Mel Brooks! and Silly movies)

Yeah, I was up and walking around but then I would get in bed and couldn't stay awake. I felt bad for my visitors because I just could not stay awake. But once I was out of the hospital, I improved quite quickly. I did discover that the pain meds were making me nauseous so I stopped taking them right away and found I really didn't need them. Yes, I was a bit uncomfortable but that wasn't too bad. Better than being nauseous.

I have had gall bladder problems and am meeting with my surgeon next week to schedule to have it removed. It is a pain so horrible and I can not quite tell where it is coming from but it is in my upper abdomen and my back. The first time it happened to me someone suggested it was gas but after it happened a few times, I discovered it is gall stones. Each time it happens, it gets worse. The last time I ended up in the hospital for a few days. From what they told me, if you have fatty or fried foods, the gall bladder compresses (like squeezing a sponge) to try to squeeze out more bile to take care of the fatty foods. When it compresses, if you have stones, they can sneak out and that is the pain that you are feeling. Once they pass through, the pain stops. You have to avoid fatty and fried foods so this doesn't happen. All I had was some mayo that I made into tartar sauce to go with fish. I can't guarantee this is what you have but this is what happened to me. Stay far away from fried and fatty foods!!!!!

Awesome list!!! Thanks.

I am almost one year out and I do get hungry but it's not like before. And it doesn't take much to get rid of the hunger. But, I try to make sure I have a bunch of small meals all day now so I don't get hungry.

Everyone goes through those feelings of "remorse" at first. It does go away and eventually turns into "why didn't I do this sooner?"!! Take this step by step and make the most of it. And enjoy the journey! Even the bad days. You'll be great--best of luck.

I agree! I learned more from this site and the people on it than I did from my surgeon and NUT!! I love the fact that everyone is very supportive. Thank you all and especially thanks to Alex.