mollyk26

I saw three plastics surgeons for consultations, one of them submitted to my insurance for prior authorization. I got denied.

I appealed.

It was overturned, and I have been approved for panniculectomy! Hooray! I am going to pay the extra $$ to get my upper belly sag fixed, as well, the whole Tummy Tuck, not just the panniculus. All three surgeons highly recommended I do the tummy tuck portion because of how my skin sits on my belly button from above.

Regardless, I am probably doing this late September/early October, and I am freaking out. Looking for advice from people who have BTDT (been there, done that)! Things I'm most freaking out about:

1. Narcotics. I hate being nauseated and constipated, and just plain don't like the way they make me feel.

2. Anesthesia: I hate being nauseated.

3. Drains: Didn't get them when I had my sleeve done 2.5 years ago, can't imagine what they're like. Any wisdom?

Thanks for your advice!

2+ years post-op here. for three weeks of the month i sleep between 2-5 hours a night. and function just fine. no fatigue, no naps, no exhaustion. the other week of the month i sleep 6-7 hours per night, and feel like garbage. thank you, PMS.

How are your labs?

I work for a bariatric surgery program - and I'm also a patient. (26 months post-op VSG) I just had my annual lab work taken, and haven't been supplementing my diet with anything other than sublingual B12.< /p>

We've established a baseline, and today I have started using the 'Multivitamin Patch' from PatchMD. We will be rechecking labs in 60 and 90 days to monitor the efficacy of this product. Will keep you updated!

I went shopping at stores I would have *never* been comfortable shopping at preop, or even capable of fitting in their clothes.

Paid ridiculously for a pair of size 8/10 jeans because i could. lol

26 months post-op VSG and LOVING my life now.

So much energy and vitality - i had no idea life could be this way! <3

I'd love to join in!

CW: 185

GW: 170

Thanks!

Just thought I'd poke my head back in!

Hi everyone! How is bariatric life treating you all?

I was sleeved on the 30th at United in St. Paul. I also live in St. Paul.

How is your sleeved life treating you these days? Welcome to the loser's bench!

Please feel free to add me as well! Always interested in challenges, friendships, and of course, health!

mollyk26@Gmail.com

Hi all! Checking in -

It's been a while so I wanted to stop by and say hello. I had my one year labs done (about 2 months late!) and everything looks really good. However, my Iron is a bit low, and we are having trouble supplementing that. I doubled up on my daily Multivitamin to see if that would help - it did not. Over the course of our 8 week experiment, my labs only got lower.

So, onward to a stronger supplement. Regular iron pillls upset my stomach (they did even prior to surgery - this has been an ongoing problem for me) - so my primary suggested that I try a liquid iron supplement. Similar results.

The next step is looking into an iron infusion - and I'm wondering - has anyone here had them? Experienced them? Know anyone that has had to have one?

This is my only 'problem' after surgery. I LOVE my sleeve, wouldn't undo it for anything in the world. It has given me a new life, and I love it - even if my iron is low!

How is everyone else doing?

Friendly reminder for those who want/need it!

North Memorial's Bariatric Surgery Support group is happening next Tuesday!

November 18th, from 5:30-6:30pm in the A7 Conference room on floor 7. If you need directions or more information, feel free to send me a message and I'll get you there!

There will be some Thanksgiving recipe ideas, some delicious (and good for us!) treats, and our guest Nicolle Alleva, Certified Personal Trainer! Bring your questions, thoughts, struggles, suggestions, whatever you want!

For you fresh to the loser's bench - I too, was sleeved right before Christmas - if you'd like to knowledge/idea share on how to get through the holidays, I'm here for you! Feel free to reach out!

Had my surgery Nov 10th, yesterday. I'm doing awesome, minimal pain, have been up on my own the first night, drinking Water and no nausea!

Congrats! Welcome to the losers bench!

Chapstick. I would have been so sad without Chapstick. I brought a lot of things I never used. Keep it simple. I am so excited for you!

I had virtually no change in my weight on the preop diet. Maybe 1pound loss? I was sad, but never wavered. Good luck at your appointment tomorrow!

Also, a friendly reminder: North Memorial Hospital is having their next Bariatric Surgery Support Group meeting on November 18th, from 5:30 to 6:30pm.

If you'd like details, check their website or feel free to send me a message! The more the merrier!

Lindalue - Glad you are home and resting! Hope you're feeling well!

Just wanted to pop in and survey everyone - What websites do you find the most useful? Which ones do you visit the most often?

Thanks!

M

OK folks:

TONIGHT (10/14/2014) there is a support group meeting at North Memorial in Robbinsdale. The meeting goes from 5:30-6:30, and meets in the hospital itself. Tonight they will be having Cassie Shallenberger - Registered Dietician - come to answer questions and speak!

3300 Oakdale Ave N.

Robbinsdale, MN 55422

We are in the A7 Conference room on Floor 7 of the hospital.

Here's a link for more info, maps, etc!

http://www.northmemorial.com/weight-loss-surgery

Hey peeps! I had a great time this weekend meeting all of you! There's a support group meeting tonight, and I'm just double checking to see if "outsiders" (patients who didn't have surgery at our facility) are welcome before I post the info. I know we spoke about the accessibility of these meetings while we were together!

More to come! Thank you for being so warm and welcoming!

I will be there on the 11th! Looking forward to it!

Hi all!

My name is Molly, I live in Minneapolis. Sleeved in December, loving every minute since then. I am lucky enough to work for a Bariatric Surgery program within one of the hospitals here in the metro area. Truly amazing.

I just posted in the other group - I'm looking to meet some surgery/sleevie peeps from the area. I lived somewhere else when I had surgery, and they had an amazing support group. I miss them! But, I'm hoping to find my own family of small-portioned foodies around here.

It would appear I just missed the meet-up. Is there anything planned within the next couple of weeks? Would anyone want to get together for a coffee/tea with me?

^{Good morning local peeps!}

^{My name is Molly, I'm in Minneapolis. I work for a hospital system, within their bariatric surgery program! (Can you say AMAZING?)}

^{Anyway, just thought I'd poke my head in and say hello. Anybody know of a meet up or support group coming up? I'm interested in meeting some sleeve/surgery peeps locally. It would seem I've just missed one. Darn my timing!}