Ariellestarr

I've heard coconut oil is good. At this point, I'll slather anything on. I'd like to at least try to prepare. I saw this cream on Amazon called AmiLean. It's meant to be put on problem spots for exercise. It's supposed to heat up or something and shrinks the skin.

I'm a hairstylist and I just got my CNA. I'm going to school for NP. I hope when I graduate the nurses aren't so snobby. There isn't even this much caddiness at the salon! I don't think anyone is causing harm to another by giving a professional opinion. It's just that- an opinion, not a diagnosis. You can take it or leave it.

Congrats! I'm hoping I can have my surgery that soon. Maybe June, so I'll be a month behind you. I was just reading the food and nutrition section on this site. There were a few forums on protein shakes and pre op that might be helpful for you.

Does he use the same office assistant as Dr. Neff? I have a hard time reaching her as well

@@Bandarella LOL luckily mine are staying put, for now at least!

I haven't started the pre op diet yet, but I have tried Garden Of Life raw protein and meal replacement shakes. They have chocolate, vanilla, unflavored, and a spiced vanilla chai flavor. Also some other good products like detoxing superfood mixes and whatnot. They're much healthier than most shake/drink mixes on the market.

Not gonna lie- I once put mine on a kitchen scale. I was that curious! I'm a 44DDD. They are about 6 pounds each.

So nice to see you in better spirits. I've read all of your recent posts and from what I can see, it does get better! Best of luck on your big day!!!!

Have you seen Dr. Fried yet? He sounded a little kooky on the phone and didn't really know what to do. I have my appointment on Monday with him. I'll have to double check on the three visits just to be safe! I have heard something similar to what mrsbailey said. I've managed to make all my appointments before my second visit with the surgeon, so I'm hoping he will give me a surgery date then! I'm hoping for June. How many visits did you have with the surgeon before you got your date?

Hey Nicole! Welcome. I am new here also. Everyone is so helpful and wonderful on here. You can find most answers to your questions just withing these forums. I am seeing Dr. Neff and I absolutely adore him. His bariatric specialist, Lori, informed me that I only need one visit with each specialist, unless noted or necessary. I also have Horizon NJ Health. Did you get a packet of requirements for your insurance? I'm lucky enough to have found a nutritionist that takes my insurance. He's in Ocean Township. Not far from me, but probably a little bit of a hike for you. Just a passing thought while writing this: it's really nice being able to assist someone else after all the help I've received from the community!

Lol sounds cool! My only issue is I haven't been going to my pcp for five years. Hopefully I don't have to do that! I found a nutritionist that takes my insurance. I just don't know what I will need from him for clearance. I'm having a hard time getting in touch with Lori. On a side note, I love this little community of WLS people! Everyone is so helpful and informative. Just here to help each other and guide each other on this long, exciting journey.

Thanks for the info. The surgeon's office had told me I only need one visit for each, so I better double check on that. It seems like the insurance company changed a lot of their regulations, making it easier to get through everything and get a surgery date. Does anyone know if the upper GI was mandatory?

Thank you so much! Did you have any trouble with them approving the surgery? Which surgeon did you go to? I don't have any co-morbidities that I know of (aside from chronic asthma). I hope they don't give me too much trouble. It's so hard to find info about Horizon NJ Health online. I appreciate any other info you have/think I should know. I just had my consult last week with Dr. Neff. I feel like there's so much I need to know and forget to ask!

Hey all! I am also 23, pre surgery, and looking for any solution I can find to prevent loose skin. I asked my surgeon if I should start taking collagen supplements, which he didn't seem too enthused about. In the past, I have used Palmer's firming lotion. I saw a small but noticeable difference. I have not been able to find this product in stores as of late, but Amazon does sell it. For the price, I will start bathing in it! There is also a product called Skin Tight that is said to work according to 3fatchicks.com. I think the best solution is exercise and weight lifting. I'm just afraid to do any of that due to weight requirements for insurance purposes. Some people say if you lose even one pound insurance will not cover surgery!

just met Dr. Neff yesterday. Love him! The whole staff is great and so pleasant. the nutritionist is great as well. Unfortunately, insurance won't cover for a registered dietician. i did find a nutritionist who is a MD, so he is covered under insurance. I have Horizon NJ Health. Dr Neff told me within 3 months I will have a surgery date! Beyond excited and couldn't have picked a better doctor.

Hi! I also have Horizon Nj Health. I am going for my consult on the 28th with Dr. Neff (yay!). Just curious about what the insurance company requirements for the surgery are. Do the require 3, 6, or 12 months? And any other medical requirements? Thanks!

I have a consult with Dr. Neff next Friday. How did you like him? What were some of his requirements?