Aranks

I had surgery on 11/28/14, was just cleared yesterday for no weight lifting restrictions, so just over 6 weeks.

My first consult meeting from my surgeon he told me his cost to me would be $300, and that was all. Insurance pretty much covered everything minus my regular copays ($60 for hospital admission, $20 for specialists/doctors, etc.). I started the process in May. I then postponed it, resumed back in October, got a surgery date for the end of November, and didn't hear until the week before surgery that I was actually approved.

I have my insurance under my dad still (NYCT) more than likely they're the same. My doctor was ecstatic I had this insurance because its much easier for approval. No supervised visits. Was able to be approved from start to finish in a month.

Yeah. You have NYSHIP right? Insurance through a state employee. The empire plan? We didn't need a supervised diet plan. Just get our clearance testing done and the recommendation of the surgeon. Not sure with the lower BMI mine was exactly 40. But a low bmi with a comorbity I know you dont need anything else either.

It means they dont foresee an issue with you getting approved. Both the insurance company and your surgeon will call to let you know. I thought having a date meant i was approved but probably about two weeks after all my clearances were done I received a call from my surgeon and that night from bcbs. Then they follow up with a letter that I actually didnt receive until after surgery.

Im five weeks post op I'm probably getting about 400-500 calories a day. Ive heard 600-800 is optimal for losing weight and 1000-1200 once youre maintaining. Sounds like you're doing pretty well. Check with your nutritionist though if you're concerned. :-)

I was sleeved 11/28 on 12/25 was my first "soft regular food" day. I eat mainly chicken honestly whether it's chicken salad or chicken with a marinade for dipping or gravy. Still not allowed dry or really thick food or raw fruits or veggies yet. Just take your time eat slow your stomach will let you know what it thinks. Unfortunately a lot is trial and error.

My cardiac clearance involved an ekg (actually had 3 one from my cardiologist one from my pcp and one during presurgical testing all were good). Cardiologist figured I was 25 with no history of heart issues with a good ekg. My dad received and ekg and also had to do a stress test.

I love Dr. Ahmad, him and his family really do make you feel like one of their own. But being he's so busy that time tends to be limited. Ive met with his wife and daughter during the process also. Theyre all extremely supportive while my support system at home lacked. I went with Dr. Ahmad because I have two friends a co-worker and my father who were all operated on by him. I feel like it's pretty nifty. It's all about who makes you comfortable! Im sure everything will go well and you'll be in tip top shape in no time! Absolutely, a sleeve celebration is in order! :-)

@@melva66 Congratulations! I got my surgery done at Mather Hospital with Dr. Ahmad on Black Friday (11/28). If you need anything I'm 5 minutes from your hospital! haha Good luck!! Glad you have been approved, don't let anything stop you now!

@@Annie77 That does sound rough! I was on clear liquids 2.5 days after surgery and full liquids including soup and yogurts for almost 3 weeks after that. Ventured to pureed foods for a week and this is my first full week on soft foods. Check with your nutritionist also, may be they can help you figure something out specific for your needs. It's all just precautionary measures in which the doctor feels comfortable. The longer you go with out substantial food, the easier it is for your stomach to heal.

@@stacyamanda32 Feel like I should have taken more time off from work! I was released from the hospital on a Sunday and went back on Wednesday (12/3). My job isn't strenuous by any means but I feel like I'm consistently playing catch up with my sleep now lol. Luckily I haven't really had a "stall" (knock on wood) I mean the past couple of weeks I've lost may 3lbs in all in increments of .5 lbs this week, .4 the next. But I'm just excited it's still moving. Hoping to have clearance to start at the gym next week. I haven't noticed any dramatic changes in how I perceive myself but I'm down one and a half pant sizes and a shirt size. People tell me I'm melting at work or that it's really visible in my face. Hoping once I hit my 50lb mark since surgery I'll feel more comfortable.

You have NYSHIP too? (Dad works for NYCT). I was just sleeved on November 28th. Most doctors love working with us and our insurance lol. I had a BMI of exactly 40 when I started the process and slightly less when I was sleeved with no issues. I didnt have a hiatal hernia but my dad did for his bypass they repaired it while they were performing the surgery. Did you start the process at a BMI of 40? Or do you have any other comorbidities? If so it should just be a breeze.

Im doing fairly well. Down 37 lbs in total 30 lbs in the just about five weeks since surgery. I'm exhausted a lot. Nearly fall asleep coming home from work exhausted but the doc tells me to consume more water even though he said my liquid and protein intake are good overall. During the week I feel on point with my schedule and food. Over the weekends I don't get enough because I sleep 12-16 hours. So I'm struggling with that. How's everybody else faring thus far?

I was sleeved on Black Friday, 11/28/14. :-)

I had only steristrips covered with bandaids. Took the bandaids off when I got home and 4 days post op my surgeon removed my steristrips. After that in just put neosporin unless my pants were rubbing or I wore a fitted shirt I'd throw a bandaid on.

I'm in a similiar boat. Going to be 26 in March. Lost 100lbs about 5 years ago and hoping to lose a smidge more with surgery. Fingers crossed that i won't need plastics. But if I do I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. I'm curious about other responses also! I'm only a bit over a month post op.

I was sleeved at 10 am and was only permitted ice chips until about noon the next. That day i had about 5oz and was permitted to leave after having another 5 the following morning. 3oz the day of doesnt sound terrible to me! I haven't puked. Just take your time. Dont rush it just do your best!

Every two hours I was pumped with dilaudid through my i.v. and liquid percocet kind of stuff every 4. I was there for two nights. I couldn't stay awake to text or anything. Just slept and watched tv. Once I left the hospital I felt like a different person. The next day I had my brother drive me around to go shopping. Day after that had a post op appointment and went to work the following day hree days after discharge. Take it easy. Relax. Dont worry about not getting all your liquid and fluid requirements. It takes time. Bowel movements after may take a while. Don't freak. Just focus on your healing.

P.s. good luck wishes and vibes!

Sounds like you have everything covered! Just a word of advice with the lip balm. The hospital wouldn't let me use chapstick or any petroleum products because I was on oxygen until the morning after surgery. They were nice enough to give me some lip lotion stuff. Definitely not the same but better than nothing.

Good morning! Pain pills were given in a pill form upon release from the hospital. I was also sent home with a pill grinder that doubled as a splitter. I was told I could have pills that were smaller than a pencil eraser, it was too difficult to swallow so I grinded them. Omezaprale was in a tablet so you could open and use the granules only. Then you just put it mixed with a little apple sauce and youre good! Good luck tomorrow! Im sure you'll do wonderfully. Being the Lapband failed I'm sure you'll have more determination than most! Don't give up! You'll have moments where you'll feeling like what did I do to myself. Or Im not capable of following what the doctor wants. Or I ate too much let me go vomit and wallow in self pity. You'll have many not so wonderful thoughts and concerns and generally they'll be normal. Just push forward everyday and things do and will get better. This is a new journey leave your old one in the past. :-) good luck again hope everything goes well and cant wait for you to be able to start this new chapter of your life!

I was sent home with omeprazole (just prescription strength prilosec) and Percocet. Luckily I haven't really experienced any heart burn or bad gas. I'm sure your doctor will take into account the severity of yours prior to the scripts. :-)

Good afternoon and happy holidays! I'm not sure how long they plan on keeping you there, but a pair of slippers are good, you will be getting up to walk frequently. (Plus my feet are cold the slipper socks supplied didn't do the trick.) Also if you have a robe feel free to bring it, again you will be walking frequently and it's much easier to just throw something over your shoulders than to have to get tied up each time (request an extra gown if you don't have a robe no biggie.) When you go just wear comfy clothes, I packed extra undies for when I was leaving because well, I don't like that. Bring your phone and charger. Pretty much all I did was lay in bed and watch tv which was plenty entertainment for me, I kept nodding thanks to the wonderfully magnificent dilaudid they were giving me. Lots of people have problems with gas and recommend gas-x strips, but the antacid they were giving me in the hospital worked just fine. As far as when you get home, find a Protein shake you like. Some people really like Isopure, I couldn't stomach it. I prefer Pure Protein or Premier. The first few days I really only was able to have a Protein Shake and Water. But broth, diluted no sugar apple juice, sugar free Italian ice/popsicles, sugar free jell-o, are all good options for your first few home. Good luck and thoughts for your surgery!!

I don't see why it should delay you, you have 3 weeks to kick this bug! Just make sure no NSAID products, but Acetaminophen products you should be good to go with. I wouldn't think it necessary to contact your surgery coordinator unless it encroaches closer to the actual date.