alwaysvegas

Yes, all tests were done prior to submitted to insurance. It was all part of the approval process. Insurance requirements vary a bit (supervised nutrition length, weight history, etc.) but most all require a similar set of tests that are submitted as a nice tidy bundle for approval. My insurance (Aetna) required 3-month supervised nutrition. I had the other tests done during that time period, though the endoscopy and EKG had to be done within a month before surgery. Everything ran like clockwork, but you may have to stay on top of the tests and some tests may be done outside your surgeon's office. For example, my endoscopy was performed by another doctor recommended by the doctor's office and my bloodwork and EKG were performed by my PCP. It's really making sure that all the results get BACK to your surgeon's office.

I didn't think any of the pre-op tests were bad, just took quite a bit of time in the long run. The endoscopy required the most logistics, but it was easy-peasy. Just knocked me out and woke me up 20-30 minutes later with a great buzz.

Mine was inserted while out and was left in for 2.5 days. It wasn't horrible, but I really didn't see the point as I could've urinated just fine. Of course, I'm not the doctor. It's not pleasant, but not the worst thing in the world. Don't forget you'll have that wonderful self-administering morphine drip. I loved that button!

Not to alarm you, but you may be denied for not having an official record of your weight history. So you can't just make up weights...they have to be taken by an organization. The history can be taken by schools, weight clinics, etc. in addition to a doctor, although what is acceptable can vary by insurance. My insurance only required a two-year history and I was totally freaked out because I was sure there was one year I did not see a doctor at all. Turns out I did have two weight checks that one year, but I also had three co-morbidities due to weight, so maybe that got me through. Every insurance operates a bit differently in what they deem important for approval/denial. If you are denied, you and your doctor can fight the insurance denial to try to get it overturned. Check the insurance forums (or your insurance website) if that happens or even before to read up on the process.

I've been where you are and I felt the same way to an extent. Once you get through the hoops, you're going to feel even better that you had such a thorough physical and psych evaluation. Although it's partly for insurance purposes, you are getting as complete evaluation as possible to minimize complications during post-surgery. This is a major surgery and not a quick out-patient tune-up, so don't lose sight of that. Once you're on the other side, all the hoop-jumping will quickly fade into memory and you'll be on the loser's bench with us! Hang in there and take advantage of the great nutrition and psych advice! They're great tools in addition to your soon-to-be tummy tool! Best of luck!

I stalled for almost a month starting the third week after surgery. I also was going to the gym 4-5 days a week, eating less than 1000 cals, low carb, lower fat, high protein, blah, blah, blah. Mr. Scale hated me. It felt a bit discouraging, but keep a couple things in mind: Weigh yourself weekly, not daily. Your weight will fluctuate throughout a day, but you'll likely see better overall weight loss after a full week. Don't forget to look at what you've accomplished so far! Even 5 lbs a month is on track for 60 lbs loss in a year! If your weight trajectory over months is downward then you're on the right track. There are stalls and even weeks it goes up a pound or two. We didn't put on a ton of flab overnight and it ain't comin' off overnight, but it will come off. Buy some new (but cheap) new clothes on the way down. As those new clothes become looser your confidence is going to skyrocket.

Broth was allowed on both my pre-op and post-op, but the nutritionist emphasized low sodium or preferably sodium free. As getting adequate liquids can be tough for a couple weeks post-op, reducing sodium is helpful.

When I feel I need just a little somethin-somethin: 1/2 cup cottage cheese with spices like pepper, chili powder, cumin, cilatro, or tarragon. 1/4 cup green lentils with similar spices as above or a tablespoon of light alfredo sauce. 1/4 egg beaters + spices + 1 oz low fat cheese. sugar free popsicles sugar free/fat free Jello pudding made with low carb milk + greek yogurt

I took 2 weeks, though my company would have easily allowed longer. My recovery went surprising well. I was sleeved on a Monday, home on Wednesday, and clothes shopping all day on Friday. I did take it very easy overall (no heavy lifting) and ensured I got all my liquids in. I was glad I had the time to get used to my new tummy. I was on liquids only during this time, so it was no problem and the shakes filled me up. I did wear loose clothes (which I had plenty of) when I returned to work and took it easy there as well, which is easy enough at a desk job.

I'm almost three months out and I feel very little physical hunger so far. I do get the head hunger to 'graze' at times, but if I "think" about my hunger, I really don't have much in the physical sense, unless I go 5-6 hours without eating anything I start to feel a little low on energy. I'm eating 4-5 meals of no more than 4oz of almost pure protein. I take in at least 64 oz of liquids and I checked my caloric intake a few days back and I'm just under 1,000 calories. On days I exercise, I burn between 500-700 calories. I recently went on a vacation and eating felt more like a nuisance, which I thought was rather funny. I actually bought snacks like cottage cheese and protein bars. I lost weight on vacation! Who knew that could happen?

Decaf iced coffee, plain water, water + Mio, unsweeted iced tea. My staples.

There will still be food available after your surgery. Best to follow 'the plan' that your surgeon/nutritionist have prescribed. Best of luck!

My stall also started about 3 weeks after surgery and lasted about 3.5 weeks, but then the weight loss started again! Don't get discouraged! Keep in mind how much you've lost already and the weight loss will start again!

Warmest congratulations and best of luck on your journey!

I'm not sure how baking soda can rupture a sleeve unless it's giving off alot of gas like when it's mixed with vinegar. Why not try Miralax or Milk of Magnesia? Miralax is great because you can sprinkle it on your Breakfast or even put it in your coffee/tea.

If you focus on the health benefits of the surgery rather than the aesthetics, you may find that you are much happier with your decision. If you're worried about sagging skin or how pretty you might be at a lower weight, then you're overlooking the fact that you could be saving your life. Having the energy to jump out of bed and take my dog for a two-hour walk has added much more to my life than a new wardrobe. Having said that...I loooove all my new clothes! Best of luck to you on your journey!

Congratulations to you too!!!! 60+ pounds is a HUGE accomplishment. I actually can't believe I'm getting so close to my goal. And it does feel great. I was a size 46 in January and now I'm down to a 36. I wore one of my shirts to the gym this morning that I bought when I was 300lbs. The shirt looked like a dress. That was great! I am starting to see a little saggy skin in my belly, but meh...better than dying! I do seriously feel wonderful thanks! And continued success to you as well!

The pre-op diet was SO important for me. I had a two week liquid-only pre-op and the same post-op so a full month of liquids only. The two weeks pre-op was a bit more difficult, but I lost 25 pounds during that one month period. In retrospect, it was the best start to my post-op life. The liquid diet also really reset my taste buds so that I required much less intense foods (spicy, fatty, sugary, etc.) to satisfy me. The liquid diet post-surgery was a snap. I was excited that I was able to get in liquids so easily and I actually felt full on the liquids because my tummy was so small. I've been fortunate in that I've had almost no problems tolerating anything, but I'm still gravitating toward "simple" foods like cottage cheese, tuna, chicken, cheese sticks, egg whites. And yet I feel more satisfied than before surgery. Your workout schedule sounds great. Pre-surgery I was going 4-5 days to the gym and doing 3 days of strength + cardio and two days of cardio only. I keep my workouts to a max of 1 hour. Post-surgery I scaled it back a bit and dropped the intensity due to the very limited caloric intake. Today I've taken in about 500 calories and I burned 600 at the gym. I'm still 100 in the hole! lol! It's crazy. Point is, you may have to cut down your workouts post-surgery to ensure you're getting in enough liquids (64oz minimum is my doctor's orders) and a reasonable amount of calories offset by the workouts. Best of luck to you on your journey!

Awww, thanks! But I started losing before surgery. I started at 305 in January. I started exercising and started the surgery process in March. I was around 245 on my surgery date (July 28), and now I'm around 190. I'm still quite proud, but my total weight loss has been since January, not since surgery.

I like the Body Fortess brand (available online or at Wal Mart) in chocolate or vanilla powders. I used unsweetened almond milk and sugar free Torani syrups to change the flavors up a bit. I also liked the Isopure drinks, though many people find them disgusting.

I told all family, friends, and co-workers along the way and I was met with amazing support. The only negativity I had were a few people who "knows someone" who either had complications or gained much of the weight back. And even those negative comments weren't said out of malice, but out of genuine concern. I love talking about the surgery, the preparations I made, and my continued efforts along the way. I can say that two co-workers are now doing their own research on weight loss surgery and certainly do hope they find what works for them. I'll certainly support them in whatever they choose. I do get co-workers who say they feel sorry for me when we get some catered food in the office (and there has been alot recently) and I don't eat. I told them please don't feel sorry for me; I feel great, I'm making a choice not to eat the catered food, and I'm usually not that hungry anyway.

I bought really cheap pants along the way. Like no more than $10/pair. Goodwill has received quite a few barely-worn additions to their clothing selection.

I ran into two people over two days this weekend that I hadn't seen in over a year (about 110 lbs ago). It's seeing the expression on their faces when they realized it was me that is so exhilarating! I did my first vacation a little over a week ago. I traveled solo and eating out seemed like such a waste of money. I had cottage cheese, chili, cheese sticks, low-sugar protein bars, Protein Power Pack (from Oscar Meyer), and turkey jerky. Eating seemed more like an inconvenience than anything I missed. I was surrounded by buffets and thought I would really regret the surgery then. Nope, not at all. I really felt like I could order anything I wanted, but I was really craving simple proteins, which I suppose is a great thing. And I lost weight on vacation! That seems impossible! Probably because that's never happened before. I had so much energy and walked so much! I really feel like I'm getting my life back the way it used to be.

I was in the hospital 2.5 days. I thought that seemed long before I actually had the surgery. Now I feel I would not have been comfortable leaving until the third day, so the time was perfect. I found that my recovery time escalated very quickly starting the third day. Granted, this is a major surgery. But by the fourth day after surgery, I was clothes shopping. Laparoscopic surgery is simply amazing! I did take it easy for overall and followed surgeon's instructions about lifting, etc. However, I was truly impressed by how well the recovery was. I know everyone does not have the same experience, but I hope the same for everyone! Peace be with you!

The nutrionist/diet was required by my insurance and covered by my insurance. If they had any additional fee not covered by insurance, I likely would've questioned it.