carolk36

Thanks y'all! It just surprised me so much considering that the surgery obviously worked for her. I just hope once I'm her size will be energetic and happy to be healthier. @@SugarFreeMe, that would be SO great!!

I have no experience in this yet, but I can tell you, my sister had bypass in 2006, and she eats pizza, matter of fact, just this weekend we were together and she ate a slice of thin crust pepperoni.

Hi Lucky2014, just wondering if you heard anything yet?! Best of luck!

Thank you both. I am sure of this. I just needed to hear it again. After hearing so much about how great everyone looks afterwards (and she did!), I had never heard anyone say that felt bad after having it...3 years later no less.

I go Friday to get my date from the surgeon for gastric bypass - I've completed all requirements as of this afternoon. At my OB appointment this morning, the doctor and I were talking, and the nurse in the room with me tells me she had bypass 3 years ago, and although she looked healthy and slim, she says to me, "It's not what it's cracked up to be, I've not had a day since I had the surgery that I actually felt good." Wow. It floored me that she said that. Please, those of you who have had the surgery for a while, please reassure me. I'm doing this surgery because most days I don't feel good now. I want to feel good and healthy and energetic. Do you? Thanks so much for your thoughts. Carol

It's odd how different it is for each of us with the same insurance company, in the same state. I had two NUT visits that cost $100 each, not covered by insurance and I had two psych visits that had a $20 copay for each visit but I had to pay a $150 fee for them to write the report to the surgeon that's not covered by insurance. I think that's all I have to do except for see the surgeon and wait for the final insurance approval. Everything else he needs will be provide by my PCP. I'm grateful! I've read where others have had to do a lot more to get approved. Best, Carol

Big difference in your side view photo. Good for you! Carol

My group administrator announced a couple of weeks ago that they had lifted that requirement. So excited to hear that its official! I've finished my NUT and psych visits and see the surgeon on the 25th so hopefully I'l have a date soon! Best of luck to you all! Carol

We got a packet of info for preop (postop is next visit) and went over that in good detail. Mainly she talked and gave us the opportunity to ask questions. We were given a little homework assignment to complete which is practicing things like no Water 30 minutes before, during and after the meal and documenting what it feels like doing that; looking at labels to make sure servings are below 10 for fat and sugar to prevent dumping, documenting how much Protein we eat each day, things like that. It was very informative and not intimidating at all. It was also in a small group setting. Best of luck! Carol

Hi DaronB, My psych eval was pretty much them wanting to know if I had plenty of support before they would approve the surgery. There was a 100 question survey where they looked for areas in my life that might be triggers (too high, too low) that would prevent me from succeding, such as alcoholism or very poor self esteem. My counselor was very easy to talk to and everything on their end was approved. Good luck to you!

Hi eveyone, Do you have an opinion about the BariMelts Vitamins? I see on their website they have a great offer: one of each BariMelts® formulation – Multivitamin, Calcium (Citrate), B-12 Plus, Iron + Vitamin C all for $39.99. That's about what I paid from another bariatric site just for the mulitvitamins. Thanks, Carol

So exciting! Best of luck to you! Carol

I understand the why of not eating 30 minutes before or after eating, but I am curious as to how difficult this was/is for you who have had RNY to maintain. I don't have my surgery date yet, but I've been told to try and practice this as much as possible...it's hard! Do you have any tips or tricks that have helped you with this? I guess once I am eating solid foods again that spicy foods and the use of black pepper is out. This is the only thing we have to do that I think I might have trouble with, if nothing else, just out of habit. I would love to hear how you are able to do it. Thanks bunches! Carol

Congrats!! It sounds like you are doing great! I can't wait to get my date!

I'm sorry! Sending you a (((HUG)))!

I have BCBS of NC and we are required to attend just two, one hour psych evals; being required to go for a year excessive. I don't understand why insurance companies make this surgery so difficult to get when it is medically necessary. In the long run, it saves them money, not to mention it saves our lives! Good luck with your appeal! Keep us posted. Carol

Congratulations on your awesome weight loss! Don't let one person's comment decide your fate; you are the heroine in this story. Remember all the reasons that made you start this journey and focus on them. Go back to the basics. You can do it! Good luck! Carol

I am barely breathing. Nothing was happening in the process, then all of a sudden all these appointments were made. Thanks so much for the encouragement!

Well, both of my psych evals, both of my NUT classes, and the surgeon's appointment are scheduled and will be completed by July 25th! My emotions are all over the place. I'm excited and terrified at the same time. The psych eval is Thursday (6/19) and I'm really nervous about it. I don't even know why unless it's just fear of the unknown. Deep breath and let the journey begin!

Hi everyone! I'm in Wilmington. I just got the referral from my PCP and I'm waiting to hear from the surgeon to schedule my first appointment with him. I love these forums! Wishing you all the best! Carol

29 pounds in a month! That's great! Can't wait til I'm where you are. Wishing you continued success! Carol

Thanks for the responses! Three weeks is what I was thinking (and hoping) for. I thought it might be easier once I was eating more normally.

Hi everyone! This is my first post - so glad I found this forum! My PCP just sent my referral to the surgeon and I am waiting for my first appointment. I've done tons of research but I am curious how much time you took off from work after surgery. I was thinking I'd like to be off during the clear and full liquid phases so I wouldn't have to deal with that at work. Can you tell me your experience, please? Thanks! Carol