Skywalker

Snoho, Oh, the things we take for granted over the years. Congrats on that milestone; I'm sure it not only feels great to have more room on the plane, but also to know you are trending downward and it will only get better from here. Once upon a time, I was able to lay across two airplane seats that were relatively empty and use it as a bed fairly comfortably. I remember also being able to bring my knee up to my chest when I was sitting....no longer. I'm either hunched forward or leaned back because of my upper stomach. I look forward to getting those small blessings back.

Thanks for all your input. Update: My last sleep study and CPAP assignment was in 2008 so my PCP's office called today and is working on getting me a more recent one (with more accurate air calibration). I emailed my bariatric surgeon, who said: Both OSA and low thyroid are ok if stable and treated. We have many pts with untreated OSA—but around the time of surgery “we treat everyone as if they have it” with maximal vigilance. I am comfortable that your risks are not notably increased with these two well-managed issues. So I guess he's on top of it. I'll just make sure I have a CPAP to use at home for when I take those after surgery pain meds and zonk out (keep airway open).

Yep, I've talked with them (Victoria) and they seem on the ball and informative. I think I made a great choice with them. They told me that for both Medicaid and the Veterans Administration, approval was doable (although I'm going to politely disagree about the VA; approval with them on almost anything is impossible)

I have been told the exact guidelines for meeting the sleeve requirements (monthly Dr. visits for 6 months, psych eval, nutritional consult, BMI, etc.), and was wondering if anyone knew if getting approval through Medicaid was either lengthy or hard/denied often?

Just had a question for anyone who knows--sleep apnea is one of my conditions. Recently I've been making a regular effort to use the CPAP that was issued to me back in 2008. I won't pretend it's easy--sometimes I wake up at 0-dark-thirty half asleep and rip it off my face because it's itchy, bothersome, and blowing air out weird places on the mask. I'm hardly aware of what I'm doing (at the time). I had read that sleep apnea can be a concern with surgery, specifically an article said, "After surgery, you will be given pain killing drugs, which affect normal breathing and reflexes. Airway blockage becomes most dangerous at this time." I was looking into getting a sleep apnea dental appliance, but it's costly and not covered by my insurance. Having only the CPAP, what is the best way to keep myself safe before and after this procedure? Do I bring the CPAP to the hospital with me? Do the doctors monitor this somehow when they're giving me IV painkillers in the hospital? Do I make sure to put it on at home before I take any pain killers they give me and fall asleep? Sorry for all the questions; you guys have been great about information.

Thank you all, very good advice. I'm hearing a lot of moderate pain (but with the assistance of drugs), some gas discomfort, and of course I would guess for some with bands that had grown into the stomach the removal might have contributed to the pain.

Sounds like a stupid question, but I was wondering about your experiences and if there would be pain after surgery. It would make sense there is--they are cutting some of your body off--but some people I have talked to said it really wasn't that bad. Then again, others said there was significant pain. All inputs appreciated.

That really sucks. I hope it doesn't derail your surgery in any way and one of his equally competent partners are able to follow through with your plan. I remember many years back when I learned that my psychiatrist had been abusing psychotropic meds (and maybe some other things) and died by reckless driving and running his car into a post. We sometimes think doctors are infallible, but they're people with shortcomings and addictions just like us, I guess.

60 lbs in 6 months is 10 lbs a month so about 2.5 lbs a week. That's not bad at all. I would try not to compare yourself to other people, and just know that (in a very, very short period of time) you will reach goal and look great.

Another thing about a small weight gain like that....are they counting those that became pregnant after the sleeve? Because that's definitely a 22 lb or more gain....

I know the feeling. I'm on about month 3 of a 6 month approval, so I feel the same way. Wish money was never a concern so I could zip through the process and get it done this next month. Good luck and God Bless--looks like we'll both be December sleevers!

Does anyone have any information about thyroid and WLS? I ran across a rather concerning link that mentioned hypothyroid (improper monitoring) being a risk for sudden death after the surgery. Obviously there are hypothyroid patients that get the surgery, but does it put them at a greater risk for death or unsafe surgery?

If anyone said that to me, I probably could not resist the urge to snap at them, saying something like, "Really? Just diet and exercise. Thank you! I've never heard that before. Not ever." At this point, really, I don't have patience for ignorant comments.

Spoke to a MH counselor again about the WL surgery issue and we tossed around a LOT of ideas.....ranging from nutrition to religion/death. I'll come right out and ask you guys: Did the prospect of dying under general anesthesia or surgical complications ever hinder or worry you guys, or was it just kind of rolled into the choice and filed under "acceptable risk"? This is something I grapple with, more some times, and less others.

Really great point, I could not have put it better myself. The reactions I get from people are almost like I am breaking a rule or a law, rather than undergoing a procedure that could really help me overall. About 75% of those I've told (most of whom are healthcare personnel) seem to emote a quiet judgment, like they really disapprove of this. I catch myself thinking that if I had been addicted to cocaine/meth/alcohol, and came to them, they would extend their arms and be a lot more supportive, trying to give me a hand up out of the problem since I'd sought help. And yet, I've done none of those (illegal) things, kept my nose clean and tried to diet hard, and catch tons of crap just for wanting a WL procedure. Like you mentioned, I'm almost treated like a criminal.

Has anyone else dealt with something like this? Who have you shared the info with that you are having or have had surgery with? What have you told people after the surgery when they ask about your weight loss??? I know how you feel, Erin. Other people's reactions can be really frustrating, mostly because they don't give you the benefit of the doubt/think you've really tried anything, and they haven't walked miles in your shoes. The overall impression I get from people I tell is disappointment/sadness, almost like they think I'm a fool or I'm "going under the knife" for lazy, cosmetic reasons. This couldn't be further from the truth--I want my health and energy back. Some remain unconvinced even when I tell them of my current high cholesterol, back pain, diet attempts, difficulty finding clothes that fit and finding jobs, etc. Like beating my head on a brick wall. My husband's approval (at least financially) is all I need at this point--screw everyone else. I've decided the best policy is to tell as few people as possible, it's not their body and just not their business. And afterwards, when they ask how I did it, I'm going to tell them Weight Watchers worked really well. It won't be a lie, exactly--I'm still going to follow my points to some extent and exercise, technically Weight Watchers and all it's taught me about Protein, Fiber, fat, and food choices will be at play in my mind.

That's funny. I'm actually not planning on telling anyone I got this done, so when they ask 100 lbs from now, I'm just going to say Weight Watchers worked really well this time. It might be a little bit like stolen valor/taking credit for something that's not mine, but I figured with all the efforts I've put into diets over the previous years I've "earned" it many times over....... (if that makes any sense)

Always erring on the side of caution with this, I'd say at least pay a walk in clinic a visit and see what they have to say.

I don't know what the time period is but my bariatric surgeon said the signs of a leak where the typical "flu" signs, such as fever, malaise, aches, fatigue, sweats, that sort of thing. Normally this is stuff I'd blow off and wait for to pass, but post WLS I'd run right to the ER at the first sign of that.

Probably the last diet I went on (Weight Watchers) that lasted for about two years, where the weight lost after much struggle was 30 lbs. I still had a good 50 lbs to go. Like I said, I hungered, I exercised, I cried on the weeks where it hovered or even gained a little, and fought for every one of those lbs. Then I had one four month semester where I didn't log everything, and 40 lbs came back on. I was utterly done at that point. I realized that (1) I'm serious about wanting to get the weight off (2) I can't do it by myself/need the sleeve's help. I'm also tired of using pictures of myself from several years back and not just being able to go to Penneys once a year to get a decent family picture taken. I look ginormous and am far too embarrassed to use it for cards.

Congratulations, that must feel wonderful....but is that healthy? 72 lbs in 3 months is about 6 lbs per week.....

I'm in Colorado (Medicaid) and it seems to be a six month thing. Each month you have to weigh in with your doctor and they have to note: current diet, weight, and exercise attempts. Then at the end I guess the Dr. refers you. There's also (in the 6 month meantime) a psychological approval and some nutrition classes I have to take. I have no idea if this is easy or hard to get approved, but I've heard good things.

I haven't had the surgery yet, but I can only liken these stories to when I get the flu--my cravings change. While normally, I would really like pizza, chips, wine, and whatnot, when I get the flu my cravings shift to a desire for bland oatmeal, chicken noodle Soup, and diet sprite. The other foods I would normally crave repel me a bit because they seem to lack nutrition and things (especially the wine) feel uncomfortably "rough" going down. These, of course, are the weeks where I have lost 5 lbs.

I do this and feel so much better...I didn't know it had a name! On the other hand, just doubling your meds is very dangerous! Without a Dr's supervision (and blood test to monitor) it certainly is. Also, I'd forgotten about Water and soda. Some sources will say if you cut out regular soda it might be the answer to all diet things. Well....it is good, but not enough. My husband cut out regular soda several years ago (only drinks diet) and just tipped the scales recently at the highest weight of his life, over 270 lbs. And then there's the "drink more water, it will fill you up". In my experience, it's a good supplement to a meal and will hydrate, but if I just sit around drinking lots of water, my stomach starts growling and it leads inevitably to more hunger....