newbn1

Sleeved 4/29. Complication- free. Not easy but God is forever faithful.

Wow! Living stone, how inspiring. 6 weeks out and I'm almost where you are. I, too, had those regrets many weeks ago and thought the oft-repeated " best thing I could've done" line was cultish. Still young in this but I am having better, more optimistic days and am so happy that food has lost its lordship over my life. The changing image in the mirror certainly helps.

So sorry you're having trouble getting this done as wanted. I'm certain that a change in policy concerning coverage with your insurance must be on the way since they are covering the two bookends to the sleeve. In the meantime, study all you might need to to understand the risks, challenges and lifestyle changes ahead. Also, start collecting needed histories. Did you know that depression and back pain are comorbidities? Wishing you luck.

Sleeved 4/29. HW 221, SW 211, CW 193 5'1" Am able to get Proteins in pretty well with 1 or 2 shakes and foods. Water can be a struggle - only about 30 oz daily. Thinking that it would be great to start a Private/ Secret Facebook Group with you guys since we are all around the surgery date. Anybody interested and know how to get it started?

Bob, I'm presleeved and anticipate this issue on a smaller scale. I am the one in my family that lives to cook... And serve new, delicious things. I'm a single mom of a 15 y.o. Boy who is carrying his weight well but is still over weight Acc to the charts. Am nervous about how to not so much deprive him of the joy of eating ( with healthy habits) while in the beginning not compromising my "sobriety" My hope is that everything will fall in place in time. 4 months out is still pretty sleeve-young. I do love the others' suggestions that you pioneer on making healthier, tasty options on your menu - perhaps promoting yourself as a walking billboard to the outcomes of healthier living. It could be a way to tap into new clientele as well. Perhaps, cooking demos/ classes weekly etc. I think it's worth exploring. Best of luck! Head up!

Hi. Wondering if there's any secret Facebook groups for us (?)... Maybe it'd be a good idea to start one. I'm to be sleeved on 4/29 and sure could use the support.

I co-sign the "get another doctor" vote. Your doc doesn't sound as if he's comfortable with the surgery and that's the last knife you should want to be under. The band seems to be phasing out ( more being undone and revised). Get with a skilled surgeon who is keeping abreast of research and doesn't reek of contradictions ( why is he expecting to keep performing surgeries on you in gradations throughout your life? Has he no faith in the surgeries he's willing to perform?)

Ok. Assumed I was approved. Got my date (4/29) some time ago, got my FMLA papers filled out by surgeon and sent in. Today I get letter from insurance co requesting from surgeon - evidence of prior conservative therapies/ treatment and office notes. Hoping this doesn't cause a problem because I don't have evidence for the last few years bc all weight loss attempts were on my own. What do I do now? This could set me back several months , I think.

Call your insurance co to get their policy clarified on this. Surely transferring the results should not be a problem. Also, Make a practice of getting all your tests and results mailed to you. Go with your gut ( no pun here)! Those should all be red flags! Expect caring, informed, organized and professional staff. That support group sounds like a joke - a bad one. Good luck.

Won't pretend to know but could it be that you have a slight allergy to the blood thinner ( or an ingredient ) ? A Young lady in a support group spoke of her doctors that couldn't understand her clotting time and again ( on lungs) with no obvious reasons. They finally realized she was allergic to heparin.

Wow! We are quite similar. I am a few weeks younger, single with a teenage son who I feel I've cheated because I haven't been as physically active and motivating for him. I really want to change that and feel under the gun since it is just 2 + short years b4 he'll be off to college ( a great, brilliant kid). I am an appt shy of all requirements with a tentative surgery date of 4/29. Problem is with each fulfilled requirement and as the date draws near, I become less sure about going through with it( though I've been considering and researching for 2+ years). I've always had a weight issue ( currently 5'1" 220, BMI 41) and really "love" food. I so don't want to fail after having my first surgery ever ... It would break me. A natural procrastinator, I have not yet started the important habits necessary to be successful at this. Guess I'm just typing out thoughts... In any case, best of luck & health to you.

I'm scheduled for April 29th and SO need some WLS friends since I'm keeping this so secret that I'm not sure if I've told myself. Would love to join the group. Gonna set up a separate profile to do so ( yeah, that private!). Best, MB

Yep. 4/29! Northern NJ

Hi Going through process of fulfilling appts. Have a date of 4/29/15 with Dr Strom at Mountainside in Montclair. 5'1" 220 BMI 41, no comorbidities but certainly they are in the wings ( family history). Pretty sure approval won't be a problem. Have been researching for 2 years. Ok... So I'm getting jittery ( not nervous yet though I've never had any surgery)... I so wanna be successful at this but food has the pull that I'd imagine a drug would. Am a single mom of a 15 y.o outstanding son and I wanna get this right for him - and for me -before he's off to college. Ok, I've rambled. Hello North Jerseyans ????.