cdadams

I'm in the NE Texas area. Ft Worth/Keller. Anyone else?

Lately I've been reading a lot of posts from newbies who haven't much information to get them started (perhaps it was surgery in Mexico, or you didn't get a lot of written information from your doc. that you could reference later...) so I'm hoping this will help you all. There are several good books you can get that are loaded with information for after your surgery, including recipe books. Most are written by folks who have had the surgery, some by the surgeons. I have found several on Amazon.com, type WLS in the search box. One I like especially is Weight Loss Surgery Cookbook for Dummies by Brian K. Davidson, David Fouts, and Karen Meyers. And for all those who are thinking about the surgery, there are books about the surgery, as well. I wish you all good luck and happy eating!

Lots of new things going on for me in this new year. Started my 2 week (starvation) liquid diet on 12/29, not as bad as I thought it would be. I do see food EVERYWHERE and it isn't easy cooking for my husband and 7 year old. They try not to tempt me, but it doesn't take much to do so. My two older ones are helping mom out by doing the liquid fast with me, which is so cool. We keep each other in line! Now if I could just get this next week over and get to surgery I'll really be doing something!
Oh yes....So I had my EGD today. I totally psyched myself up that this was going to be an awful experience, and that it was just a pre-cursor to my sleeve experience being the same. However, much to my surprise it was pleasant, easy, and I didn't have any issues at all. Anesthesia didn't cause any problems and I woke right up. I'm now ready to conquer my fears and get this surgery out the way so I can discover my new body. There are so many things I could be nervous about, but I'm trying my best to be positive and optimistic about my not so far off future. I guess I'm still just a mixed bag of emotions!

Dallas

Go in being honest, doing extra is only going to hurt you.

I don't know if this will help.....but, about 2 mths before surgery I started having a Protein shake for Breakfast and then only Water until lunch. After the first week I realized I felt sooo good! I felt better than I did when I started my day with a mug of coffee. So that stuck. Then I started eating healthier lunches. Then healthier Snacks. I became aware of what I was eating and it got a lot easier. So..I would suggest just starting small. The rest will fall in line once you start feeling in control of it. Good Luck!!

I have an appointment to see Dr. Frank Veninga on August 14th. Heard lots of good stuff about him. Both Dr. Veninga and Baylor Medical Center at Carrollton are in network for me. ( I have Aetna HMO). As long as I stay "in network", my insurance will pay for the surgery 100%. (if I have to stay overnight in hospital; if it is outpatient, I'd have to pay $40).
i've wanted to do this for a long time but never could afford it. Then I was laid off from my job. Through a friend, I got a referral about a job opening. A week after I was laid off, I had a new job. This new job has this wonderful insurance.

I had my initial surgeon appt this past Fri. I have Horizon NJHealth and was thrilled there was no six month diet requirement. Waiting to be contacted for my sleep study. I have my cardiology, gastroenterology and nutritionist apt scheduled mid August. My pcp already submitted my letter of medical necessity. Still have to schedule a psych evaluation and attend a preop class. Hoping for an October surgery.

txdogmom, where are you in tx. Im in the dfw area.

I dont have a surgery date either. So I feel you. Also I have only completed one requirement but I do have the ball rolling.

I tried to knock out as much stuff as I could today. I scheduled a consult with the GI group that will do my EGD scope for 8/5. My first nutritionist appointment is 8/8. I got my diet program to send me the past year's history. I called a psych office and left a message to try to set up my psych eval. And I called the office to set up the sleep study.
I think out of everything the sleep study bothers me the most. I have insomnia issues I just don't see how I will ever fall asleep with all that stuff attached to me.

CDADAMS: Yes, I'm in the DFW area. In Flower Mound, to be specific.

Ok newbies, I friended all of yall. I had my 1st appt today and the fat ball is rolling. Made my lab appts for tomorrow and waiting on the NUT to call and set up my appt. Woo hoo. I have also sent an email to the Psychologist requesting an eval appt. I am really glad that I dont have to do a sleep study. I hate those.
I am so glad that this forum is here and we can support each other during this time.

I am a super newbie. I have my referral appt. this thurs. I've struggled most of my adult life with my weight. At one point I lost 100 pounds on jenny craig and with in a year gained it all back. Once I gained it back I felt hopless especially since I knew what I could look and feel like. I am really scared of the whole idea of surgery and complications, but it seems like every thing I read, even those with complications do not regreat there decision, so here I go jumping into this whole crazy thing feet first.

Ok newbies, I friended all of yall. I had my 1st appt today and the fat ball is rolling. Made my lab appts for tomorrow and waiting on the NUT to call and set up my appt. Woo hoo. I have also sent an email to the Psychologist requesting an eval appt. I am really glad that I dont have to do a sleep study. I hate those.
I am so glad that this forum is here and we can support each other during this time.

Ok newbies, I friended all of yall. I had my 1st appt today and the fat ball is rolling. Made my lab appts for tomorrow and waiting on the NUT to call and set up my appt. Woo hoo. I have also sent an email to the Psychologist requesting an eval appt. I am really glad that I dont have to do a sleep study. I hate those.
I am so glad that this forum is here and we can support each other during this time.

First full day home and i feel pretty good. Bloated with gas but all in all doing good.

Hello all!!
My name is Amy,
I just started my process. I went to my seminar last Thursday. I have been a member of the site for a while now but just lurking and reading everything! I initially wanted to have surgery back in 2010 but was looking into RnY because my ins. didn't cover sleeve at that time. Well after much thought I decided not to go any further with surgery and wanted to give it one last try on my own. So here I am four years later after losing 20 and re-gaining 40+ lbs I am READY to get this Sleeve DONE!!
I have BCBS Illinois and I do not have to do a supervised diet but I do have to wait until the first of the year to have surgery since the plan I am on right now is just a Health Care Account and I will need to switch over to a full coverage plan to cover the procedure.
I want to get all my appointments out of the way though so I will be doing my nut visits and my psych eval. all prior to the first of the year so once my ins is switched I will be rolling into the OR!
If anyone needs someone to talk to I am usually stalking around looking at before and afters and reading all the stories (with a few hidden tears and sniffles from time to time since I am at work..lol).

I'm towards the end of my insurance requirements. I did three months of support group meetings and I have two more nutritional consults left which will take me into September. I've seen my surgeon twice in the past 3 months and will be seeing him for the third time next week. One thing I've learned is to write down any questions you want to ask your surgeon or NUT. I find that in the weeks between visits I come up with questions or things I need clarified but by the time the appointment rolls around I forget what I wanted to ask so now I write down anything that comes up in between.

I'm a newbie!!! I just scheduled my referral appt with my family doc this Wednesday and can't get in to see the Bariatric docs until August 26th. I'm so excited but also worried at the same time. I'm currently 5'3 and 245lbs...so my BMI is a 43 by the CDC.gov site calculator.

I'm pretty sure my insurance (Highmark PPO Blue, Pennsylvania) still has the 6 month education requirement but I am so ready to begin this process. I would LOVE to make some friends on here to talk with as we go through this!
-Katie

im not sure how to use the app. it drove me nuts so i just use website so much easier

I'm in the app and have no idea how to add friend?!

HI Jezika,
I have my first appt tomorrow to get things rolling. So tomorrow I will see what I need to do and what appts I need to make. I hope it doesnt take too long. I am hoping for good things tomorrow. I am nervous.

The BCBS of IL already did away with the six month supervised diet but a lot of surgeons and patients aren't aware of it...I got a copy of my policy and sent it to my insurance coordinator at the surgeons office, no one believed me lol.

During my bariatric appt today I learned that the 6 month supervised diet may be no longer after July 1, 2014 for BCBS NC policy holders. The Bariatric Association has been arguing that the 6 month supervised diet requirement has shown no benefit for many individuals seeking insurance approval and it prolongs on-going medical issues of many.
As we all know some individuals benefit from having to wait 6 months before surgery (more education, planning, etc.). However some individuals are dangerously obese and want to start their journey to becoming healthier.
I did not want to wait, I've been educating myself over the past 3 months (everyday) because I'm ready for a change. I've always been overweight. I have 2 pages of past diets and I can't count how many times I've tried to starve myself so I wouldn't put calories in my body (hoping my body would burn the fat). I know some may say that was stupid, it was but I've always wanted to look healthier. I have a very nonexistent metabolism. I have to work out 7 days a week, 30 days a month to see results. Realistically I don't have the time with career, 3 children, husband and household.
I learned this morning that I only have to complete my endoscopy and psychological. Then I can see my surgeon and get scheduled for surgery!!
Anyway I didn't mean to get off topic but I'm really excited !! I will definitely keep you posted if i hear more regarding BSBC NC decision. Hope this helps someone.