Cococat

It's funny that they insist on making you go through a psychological screening ... and then DRIVE YOU CRAZY with the insurance thing.

Sorry that your seminar was cancelled. If they don't jerk us around one way, they do it another. Hang on. It is worth it.

I can't quite get my head around the problem you had. As far as I know, MediCARE is a Federal program. I thought all Federal programs were uniform in all states. Maybe you are thinking of the MediCAID progarms specific to each individual state. That could account for the variation in coverage. Just a guess. Hey, I could be wrong. So, anyone getting the gastric procedures done- check out all the details. Dot your "I" s and cross your "T"s. I hate surprises.

It is funny how the little things, like being able to paint your own toenails, mean so much - but it does. There are a hundred other little things that we give up when we put on weight. Is there a spiritual lesson in all of this? I hope so. I have yet to lose all the weight I want, but even as I am, I have a deep understanding of overweight people and how they suffer. So, to those who have not yet had their operation: Stay hopeful and strong. You will have an opportunity to reset your lifestyle. To those who have already had their operation: YIPPEE! You know what I mean!

Congratulations, Bubbletoes,

Some of our surgeons have support groups as part of their practice. Some do not. At any rate, you will find people here who can share their experiences with you. Remember: everyone's experience is different, but some things are pretty much universal. Like: drink the recommended amount of Water and eat the right amount of Protein. Also: Keep a positive attitude. As far as "toes" go - the first thing that actually looked better to me after the operation were my feet! I had nice feet but when I got fat, my feet started to swell and look awful. I also could not bend down comfortably enough to put polish on them. Well, a few weeks post-op and my feet looked great. I can now polish my toenails easily. Ah, vanity! You will do well. This time you will be doing something for yourself, and in doing that it will benefit your entire family too.

toler48:

Medicare paid for the Sleeve that I got. I had three co-morbidities, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure and sleep apnea. There are others which you can research by Googling Medicare Gastric Surgery (or something similar). All must be diagnosed and established as being a threat to your health... which they are.

Interesting to note: My doctor made a point of saying that Medicare will indeed pay for a Gastric Band, but if you run into trouble or are disappointed in it (it sometimes requires many adjustments and can cause erosions and scarring), although Medicare will pay to have it removed, Medicare will NOT pay for another subsequent procedure like the Sleeve or the Bypass to relpace the Band. That sort of made up my mind for me. I figured that with the rate of complications and disappointment with the Gastric Band I was better off just getting the Sleeve. I have been happy with my results of my Sleeve. Cholesterol down. Blood pressure down. Incontenence practically gone. sleep much better. The sleep doctor said that my CPAP machine gives me more oxygen for healing and energy, too.

You may have to wait for several months for surgery. You have to get a psychological clearance from a licensed professional, which undoubtedly your surgeon can refer you to. He undoubtedly works with a few psychologists on a regular basis.

Ask your surgeon what OTHER qualifications you must have. Ask his staff and his office people, since they put through the paperwork to Medicare and know the details even better than the doctor.

At one point I had to put down on paper information for Medicare - of a track record of diets and programs that I have participated in within the last 5 years. Atkins. Jenny Craig. Weight Watchers. Dieting and exercise on your own. Physician's prescribed programs of whatever diet doctors are around, etc. Things like that. Easy. I had been on every diet known to man.

I had to see sleep apnea doctors, get cardio and pulmonary clearance (all pre tests paid by Medicare), got everyone to get onboard and all my ducks in a row. My surgeon's office people were very helpful.

I was grateful to have my Sleeve taken care of by Medicare, although I think Medicare realizes that they will in all probability not have to pay for two knee and hip replacements, knee and hip rehab, back operations and other health issues because I got the Sleeve. I think Medicare comes out ahead by allowing a Sleeve.

Sorry that your spouse does not want HIS life changed by your getting a Sleeve to save your health and possibly your life. If Mr. Big Shot does not like the Sleeve tell him he does not have to get one! BUT, if he is stubborn and unhelpful, be prepared for him to subtly (maybe even unconsciously) try to sabotage you. Suddenly there will be doughnuts. While it would be perfect if he was onboard with your decision, it's YOUR knees that hurt. It is YOU who is unhappy when you get out of breath or can't pick up your grandchildren. It is YOU who can't bend down and put on your own socks. Tell him to F-off from everyone here on the bariatrics board. We have seen his kind before! After losing weight your knees, feet, back, hips, urinary system, arteries, heart and lungs will LOVE you. That smile on your face might upset him, but who cares? Tell him the old saying, "Happy wife, happy life." And the reverse is true, too.

Yes. Constipation is a problem for me. They told me to take Miralax, which works, but I like prunes better. I know prunes have a lot of sugar in them , but Miralax seems so artificial. Drink plenty of Water, too.

Sring15:

I had no gas pains at all. Some people do have some, but others do not. They say that one can walk gas pains off - that is, exercise. Keep in motion. But as i said, I did not have the experience of gas pains. Chances are that you will not experience any, but ask your physician what his results generally are - do his patients experience gas pains after his surgery. And ask him to recommend a remedy for them.

BeautifullyCreated:

You did not specify in what way you are feeling sick. Nausea? There are pills for that. They work. Pain? There are pills for that, too, but they tend to make one's system come to a stop, and you might get constipated. I liked them to relieve pain and let me sleep. In a week you should be feeling much better. I had no gas pains. None. I had some pain from the incisions, but not a lot. I don't have a lot of demands placed upon me around the house, so I gave myself permission to do nothing but recover. If it is any consolation, this is the worst you will feel because every day will get better. Follow your doctor's orders, and those of his nutritionist and group leaders - if you have them. Right now, YOU ARE SPECIAL and you need some time and space for yourself. If you get really sick - with a temperature - call your doctor right away. Other than that, give yourself time to heal.

Califlower83:

There is nothing like having the proper motivation, and you have it. Many of us have been in your position, but many of us had to wait many years to rectify it. The sleeve was not available until recently. You are going to be fine. Your whole life is before you. You are young enough to reach your goal and enjoy it. You will become a princess. After the weight loss, there is no need to be too merciful on the male gender!

Hi, My name is Linda. I return to doctor Monday March 16. To my best knowledge

I have completed the pre-op checklist after Monday appointment for ANX breathing

Test. Hoping to set actual surgery date for Gastric Sleeve. Keep me in your thoughts.

I have been reading the literature and resources available on line. (Love Bariatric Pal posts.)

Ordered samples of Protein from unjury, Isopure and Synthesis nectar. So far feeling like I

am preparing for my next step. The anticipation is almost overwhelming!!!!

Trying to keep everything in perspective....thanks everyone!

Hello, Linda,

I can feel the nervousness in the tone of your posting. You are going to do just fine. Many of us have done what you will be doing and have had great results. Just do everything your doctor and nutritionist says to do. Remember: this time you will be doing something for yourself. This is for your better health. YOU come first!

Congrats to all sleevers! Keep the faith. Lose the weight!

Let me guess ... this psychologist is a lot younger than you, in her thirties, or less. She has not reached the age when physical things start to kick in - like slower metabolism, arthritis (which inhibits or prevents adaquate exercise) or menopause which changes a LOT of things about the body. She hasn't got a clue!

Please do talk it over with your surgeon. She is basically telling you NOT to have the operation. That is counterproductive to your doctor's bariatric practice. He should cross her off his list of referrals, not only because she has no clue about bariatrics, but she is not doing you or your physician any good.

It sounds as if Tamlynn88's doctor's office did not coordinate everything right. The fact that she just had the sleep study done, only to hear the very next day that the insurance might not cover the test, shows that the doctor's office should have checked this out beforehand, IMHO, of course. They should have given her a few days to hear back from the insurance company before scheduling the test.

Incidentally, this month's Discover Magazine has a good article about sleep apnea and how many diseases it is involved in. They make a good argument pro sleep apnea testing. It is a serious condition.

I can see both sides of the issue - should you respond positively to people who hit on you after you lose weight, (especially if they have known you prior to losing the weight but did not like what they saw enough to make a move) or reject them for having been too shallow?

I was never the skinniest girl. I was always a bit chunky... until I got really chunky. My husband passed the "Trial by Fat" challenge. He loves me, actually loves me, the old, chunky bitc# that I am. He passed "Trial by Fat" and "Trial by Bitc#." There are amazing men out there.

An old lady's advice: they have to pass some sort of test.

And just to confuse things even more: Men might just be responding to their genes. Meaning: millions of years of evolution imprinted on our genes the image of a good mate. For women, a healthy maker (an supporter)of babies is generally taller than the woman is, broad shoulders and a slim waist. Good hunting skills now translates into having a job! That hits the genetic bullseye. Men also have the "ideal" mate (a cooperative female who looks in good breeding shape). Tip: After you lose weight, don't be too merciful with men, but know that they are only tools of Nature. If you can make one your love slave, all the better.

Are you taking Protein Drinks? I drank Premier Protein religiously morning and night and took my Vitamins. Once while watching JayLo on TV she was asked what she did to loose weight. She said she drank a Protein Drink in the morning, had a small lunch with a Protein drink, and had a protein drink for dinner. She also said that it was important to take vitamins and lots of Water, although Premier Protein has lots of vitamins to begin with. Anyway, I was doing that regimen before I saw JayLo on TV, and when I heard her say that's what SHE did, I knew that was the way to go. Think about it: If you take a Premier Protein Shake for dinner, you will be getting 30g of protein, 160 calories, 1g of sugar, 3g of fat and 24 vitamins and minerals. All night long as you sleep, you will be using nutrients until you wake up in the morning for another shake. Your only indulgence is at lunchtime. Then it's back to shakes again. I like the chocolate. BUT always ask your doctor what his/her recommendations are.

I also sometimes have a bit of a problem keeping the mask in position at night. At first, when I was chubbier, the mask fit properly - no breeze shooting out while I slept. Later, as I got thinner, the mask got leaky. I can probably get a better fitting mask/device but I am too lazy to go and get another at this time. To cope what I do at the moment is give myself a fantasy that I am at my dream home at the beach, and I am sleeping with the window open and with the breeze flowing in. (I have a vivid fantasy life, but don't ask me any more than that about it! ) Also: for those experiencing air shooting out of the mask at times during the night - there are different masks, including a smaller one which fits under the nostrils. This might be better for some, but the size of the device hooked up to one's nose looked to me as if I would gradually develop a nose as wide as railway tunnels. My nose is as wide as I care to have it, but others might want to check out a different breathing attachment. Just an observation.

It has been a crummy winter and depression thrives on crummy winters. There is nothing wrong with consulting a therapist. It might be a good idea to consult your nutritionist, too. Keep your chin up - remember that your chin is getting smaller every day! Just think of how nice it will be to wear some new summer clothes soon. No hiding. Walking and strutting your stuff. The sun will come out tomorrow!

I have a feeling that the doctors figure in that most of their weight loss patients will cheat a bit. So, if one actually needs a week, they will require two weeks of pre-op dieting. I think they figure in that they are dealing with people who have weight and food issues, and compensate for that. But that is only a guess. At any rate, ASK your surgeon first, and then follow what he/she says. Also figure in that they have heard it all before, and you will not be the first one to ask.

Spouses and "significant others" sometimes feel insecure about ANY change. Look at it this way - he felt close enough to you to reveal his insecurities. That shows he is mature enough to know his own insecurities and sure enough about your love to share that with you. Reassure him as much as you can, but only going through the experience of having you thinner and your not leaving him, will (might) make him feel secure in your love. Of course ... he MIGHT try to sabotage (unconsciously or consciously) your diet and life change, with temptations he just happens to pick up from the bakery or 7-11 as he was driving home. We don't talk very much about unconscious sabotage, but it is a reality, especially in a home where food means love. But, chin up, things have a way of working out.

Hi, Linda,

I am 68 and live in Naples in SW Florida. I have heard a lot about The Villages but never have been there. Take your time fulfillng all the pre-op details and get all your ducks in a row. What I noticed about post-op recovery was that I did not seem to heal as fast as the younger members of the bariatric "crowd." I read all the posts about people getting into strenuous activity and going back to work within a week and I knew that would not be me. I am retired so who cares!

Anyway, I planned to follow the doctior's orders to the letter and to baby myself as needed. I got two new electric/and heated recliners - one for my husband and one for myself - and spent a lot of post-op time healing. No one can tell you the length of time you will need but YOU. I made a big pot of nice, gelatinous, chicken Soup (no noodles) and froze it in ice trays - removing the frozen cubes of Soup and replacing them with soup that would freeze into cubes. I kept the frozen cubes in a plastic zip bag in the freezer. All I had to do was select a few cubes at a time and heat them up in a bowl in the microwave. I lived on chicken soup for a week or more following the operation. (not that I was hungry, I wasn't, but I wanted to keep up my strength.) I still use those liquid Protein drinks and also now eat "regular" food - just not much of it anymore.

Another thing: Everyone has second thoughts and gets bad advice from well-meaning relatives and friends. Don't let them scare you. My sister-in-law kept trying to put the fear of God into me, and yes, she still is overweight! There are people who mean well, but don't want you to change, although they might not be aware of their own motivations. Put up with them, but do your own thing. If you are placed on a pre-op diet - show your commitment and follow the diet. I was surprised that even during pre-op, drinking those liquid Protein shakes actually satisfied my appetite. That never happened before, but I think it had to do with kicking the carbohydrate and sugar habits. Your system really does adjust. Stay with it and good luck!

Personally I have no idea how sleeve surgery affects fibromyalgia. If you have fibro, it might be interesting to see what happens after you have surgery. Please keep us informed. Thanks.

I also have not taken Ibuprofen or the other non-narcotic pain relievers since I lost weight. I also think that taking in fewer carbohydrates has something to do with it. Less inflamation. This is a very interesting phenomenon ... at least to me.

So, Charlene and others needing knee surgery - not eating carbs and taking off weight might very well affect your pain levels. We will see. Hope so.

So sorry about the need for knee surgery no matter what.

About skin surgery: At this point it is not an issue, but I anticipate needing it in the future ... if I am lucky to loose enough weight. They say not to have excess skin surgery until a year or 18 months after having the sleeve, so I am going to wait until that time and see what must be done. But, being over 60 and losing weight means things will inevitably sag and need taking in. That's what I get for letting things get out of hand. So far, my neck looks a bit loose. I was never a beauty, so trying to be the cutest grandma has not been my goal. I am so thankful for the health benefits, I am not concentrating on the aesthetics of the thing yet. Maybe someday down the line, I will. We will see.

Hi, Babalou,

The pain I experienced with my knees made me want a sleeve (besides my other co-morbidities). Now, after my sleeve, I can get up out of a chair without a struggle. I just ... get up! NO pain. No meds. It still amazes me. I was so afraid that someday I would have had to have had a knee replacement. But I think sleeve surgery has put that off ... maybe forever if I am lucky. The difference in my knee pain level is significant and I encourage you to envision yourself not only weighing less but in bounding out of chairs and walking with ease. I used to humorously sign off my emails to friends with "Got to waddle," instead of "Got to run." Now, I can write, "Got to run!" and mean it.