Daisee68

I am required to have 3 months nutritional counseling and dr office told me best case would be 5 months from initial consult date IF they got right on everything. That was Jan 20 and then I did the seminar/info session on Jan 30 where I saw NUT for first visit. I will finish those visits April 30 but then they have to apply for approval from my insurance (who states they will respond within 5 days) and then wait for dr to schedule. I suppose if all things fell in to place just right, we could have surgery by the end May which would only be 4 months from initial consult but that doesn't seem likely to me for some reason. Suppose it also depends on how busy surgeon's schedule is.

I am also Type II diabetic. I went in asking for sleeve but was experiencing painful bout of acid reflux at the time. While she didn't say she wouldn't do the sleeve on me, she thought I was a better candidate for bypass. She said that bypass is a better solution for acid reflux. She ordered a barium swallow upper GI and they found a small hiatal hernia. Nurse said it shouldn't prevent me from sleeve but as a diabetic, bypass is always a good choice. She said the weight loss is faster and often times diabetes goes in to remission fairly quickly. I was (and kind of still am) worried about the malabsorbtion also, and I am still not 100% sold on the bypass, but after processing and researching for 6 weeks, I am getting closer to accepting bypass. I want to get my endocrinologist's opinion but ultimately I will likely trust my surgeon's opinion for what she feels best option for me is for long term success. As far as the meds, you may not even need insulin after the surgery and could be switched to oral meds if you need anything at all. There are chewable glucose tabs but again, hopefully you won't need those. (By the way, I have read a lot of people on here say swallowing pills wasn't an issue for their dr especially if small - M&M candy size or smaller.) Will be anxious to see what you decide and will keep you posted on if I find any other information also and maybe we can make a firm decision together.

Oh my goodness I had no idea this could happen! I mean it makes sense, but I am so excited about this! Size 11 to 11 1/2 (which they don't really make). Would be thrilled to be able to wear a 10! So many more options in a 10.... Happy dance! One more reason to look forward to this surgery!

My understanding is that net gain means gain from your starting weight.

I have a friend who just had sleeve with Dr. Nicholson about 3 weeks ago. She's doing great and had a very good experience with Dr. Nicholson / office. She did have a hernia and they fixed it and then did the sleeve all in the same surgery.

I'm back. I just was reading someone's post about their surgery getting postponed unexpectedly and apparently lied to about it. in my response, I said "everything is perfect in God's timing", so I got a smack in the face that maybe there is a reason this isn't moving as fast as I want it to. I still don't like that Cigna is being so difficult but will try to patiently and calmly make sure the process moves forward.

Well I am ticked off for you! I would be furious! But as others have said, don't think it is something you did. I would definitely let them know how you found out and ask WTH. (Let us know what they say!) Now, having said that, I believe there is a reason for everything - even when we can't see it. About 15 years ago, I had a surgery scheduled on my shoulder. It was the 1st of many surgeries I would have and I was extremely anxious and frankly very glad I was going to be off work a week. Day before surgery I get a call and the dr is unable to perform the surgery - he had a blocked tear duct. I felt bad for him but mostly I was just ticked. The next day (day my surgery was scheduled), I got a call from my mom to come urgently to meet her and drive her home. My grandfather suddenly passed away. It was awful (and I still miss him and dream about him), but the whole week I just kept thinking, what if I had been in surgery and my mom couldn't have left me to be with her mother or she did have to leave me there alone, etc. etc. I am not wishing something tragic to occur in your life, but just a little reminder that whether we like it or not, everything is perfect in God's timing. (Now excuse me while I go edit the post I just made about being so frustrated that this whole process wasn't moving fast enough for me.... )

FRUSTRATED - So, supposedly Cigna finally approved the sleep study - in home only - after a conversation with my surgeon. The patient coordinator tells me this 2 weeks ago but needed to "get it in writing from Cigna and find a sleep lab that does in home studies". Still no word from them so I follow up and they never got anything from Cigna and haven't followed up but will soon. I just called Cigna and they say it still isn't approved. Again, if Cigna is this difficult to just approve a sleep study and the surgeon's office isn't good in following up, it could take forever to get Cigna to approve this once I have met all the requirements. For what it's worth, I have met all the requirements except for the sleep study and the last nutritionist meeting (which by the way has been underwhelming up to now to say the least). The counselor on the other hand has been extremely helpful. I have seen her 4 times and plan to continue seeing her. So, it is not about the 90 day "diet" that makes me want to self-pay, but the mere fact that I do not want to be at Cigna's mercy and their potential stalling and then land in the busiest time of my work year and not be able to get this done until October.

I am so sorry to hear that. I can only imagine how frustrating and upsetting this is! As a Type 2 diabetic, it sounds like you are doing all the things you are supposed to be doing. How long have you been taking those meds? Also, when are you taking your blood sugar? Should be before you eat and 2 hours from the time you start eating to get your after meal number. My diabetes educator said the difference between the 2 numbers over 1 meal should ideally be only around 40 points (i.e. if you were 120 before meal, after meal number should be around 160). If it is more than that, re-evaluate what you just ate and see if there is something in that you should have modified. Also, my NUT just told me to concentrate on keeping my sugar grams less than 50 grams. (I actually have never been told that before from all the diabetes education I have had.) Another suggestion my endocrinologist gave me is walk / exercise 15 minutes before each meal. (Can't say that I do this, but thought I would throw it out there. ). At the end of it all, I would agree with the others and suggest seeing an endocrinologist if you haven't. They are MUCH more educated in the area of diabetes than most PCP's. Maybe they can help you by adjusting meds to get you to a level acceptable for surgery. (OR - and I almost hate to say this, but have you considered discussing with a different surgeon? Seems like others have had surgeons that weren't quite a strict with the number. After all, many of us with diabetes are having the surgery in hopes of ridding ourselves of the diabetes.) Best wishes! Again, so very sorry this is happening. Try not to let it derail you.

I know this is an old post, but I thought I would post that I have chosen Dr. Colleen Kennedy. While I haven't had the surgery yet, I can say that my initial consultation with her definitely sold me on my choice. She is definitely the right person for me and her staff is wonderful!

Don't know if this will help, but I had the conversation with my counselor 2 weeks ago about the fear of failing at this. She asked me how I would advise a friend who came and told me they had failed at something. And when I said I would be encouraging and loving to that person, she reminded me that should be the response I gave to myself as well. Not give yourself license and grace to do whatever you want, but don't be too hard on yourself. Instead try to encourage yourself as you would lovingly encourage another in the same position....

I'm sorry you are in so much pain. I haven't had knee troubles, but I have had 4 shoulder surgeries so I do understand pain and what it can do to the mind causing depression. Mostly I want to say hang in there. My dad had knee replacement for same situation you were in and man, he wouldn't trade that for anything. He is good as new (as are my shoulders now ). I hope the injections work, but if not, just try to look at the knee replacement the same as the WLS - which is to say short term pain for a long term freedom. PS - 35 pounds is great!! Don't discount that!! From what I have read on here, everyone hits stalls. If you haven't checked your measurements yet, try that.

I agree with you. Keep calling. I was told 10 days ago I was finally approved for sleep study (surgeon requires ruling out Sleep Apnea but insurance had declined to cover). Now insurance has finally approved home sleep study only but surgeon office had to "find someone who does home sleep study". Still no word. I like getting stuff checked off my list and I am trying to be patient but if I was as close as you I would probably be calling even more often!

I was thinking the same thing about paying for the sleep study. My surgeon actually got on the phone with Cigna ND eventually they approved a home sleep study so at least we are making some progress. Looks like from other members here that Cigna does typically approve the surgery so I just have to be patient. (Not something I am great at. )

I've told a lot of people but I am a bit of a talker and tend to share my life very openly. And I have had great support (every one but one person and I expected that one and she will be supportive in the end). With each person I have told, I have felt more comfortable with it and excited about it. I told my boss last week (wasn't intending to but there you go) and he says "Congratulations. That's awesome!" That made me feel even better. I am a people pleaser though so maybe that has something to do with it. It all depends on your personality.

Ok, I might be way off here, so take this for what it's worth, BUT when I am dehydrated (this is pre-surgery, I haven't had mine yet), I actually drink some pickle juice. Runners use it too. The theory behind it is the electrolytes in the salt (I think), SO having said that, how about drinking some Powerade Zero? It doesn't have any calories but does have electrolytes. I might help with the dehydration and the salt craving. You might check with your nutrionist if you aren't sure if that is something you can drink but just a thought.

Assume you are using Protein drinks? Is it possibly a lactose tolerance issue? if you are drinking whey Protein Drinks that is a dairy product. You might try switching to a different Protein Drink.

I had a hysterectomy in October 2013 and seriously best decision I ever made. You do have to rest quite a bit, so it would seem right to have it after the bypass. I got a ton of information and support from a forum similar to this one called Hystersisters. Highly recommend it. All kinds of great info. Good luck!

I have been pretty lucky. My family was SO supportive when I told them I was thinking about it. My closest friend at work instantly responded "can you imagine being rid of the diabetes?" not "can you imagine being skinny". All of these are people that have struggled with weight at some point (though on a much much smaller scale that me) so I think they understand the real struggle of it all. My best friend though, who is very thin, instantly judged me. And I knew she would. I even said to her first "I have something to tell you and I don't want your opinion, I just want you to know." "Can't you go to a dietician first?" she said. Yep, done that (and will be doing that for the surgery). "What about a counselor to work out your issues?" Yep, done that (and doing it again for the surgery). "How about Weight Watchers, you always did good at that?" Yep, until I didn't and gained it back. Of course this is the same person that when I told her I had to have a hysterectomy told me I was crazy and shouldn't do it (as if there is something I could do to "cure" those problems) and when I had to have radiation to kill my thyroid for Graves Disease, she said "I wouldn't do that. It sounds dangerous." Meanwhile my heart rate was 120 and that was going to kill me. The problem is that she just hasn't ever had to deal with the health issues so they just don't make sense in her mind. She will come around and she will be supportive (in her way which honestly isn't very helpful but the best she knows how), but in her mind it is definitely the easy way out because she sees it, I think, as someone else doing the work for me. A surgeon physically changing my anatomy so that I am physically unable to eat as opposed to me being in charge of what I put in my mouth. And, when I see it from her perspective, it does sort of seem an "easy" way. Let's be honest, how long would it take me to lose 150 pounds through Weight Watchers? I'm doing this because it is faster. Because it will finally get the job done. Yes, I still have to work at. Yes, it is and will be very hard. But in some ways, I do think it is easier than say Weight Watchers (or other calorie restricting program). At least I hope above hope it is easier because what a disappointment it will be if I spend all that money, take that time off work, risk my life with anesthesia and still have the same struggles as I did going through Weight Watchers and end up right back where I started...

Congrats! Glad it went so well and you are on your way!

Thanks all! The advice really helps. I have got to look at this as a tool and forced life change (in many ways) and not just a diet. I met with psychologist today for my evaluation and she said a lot of stuff that made sense. I am going to meet with her probably 5 or 6 more times before surgery so she can help me sort through my food issues. I meet with nutritionist tomorrow for 1st meeting. Each step I get closer definitely helps and advice from all of you has really made a difference.

Sorry @@Mommabird, I gotta ask - you have lost 74 lbs since surgery in December (so only 2 months) and you are a slow loser? I can only hope I have half that much success in that amount of time! (Looking forward to reversal of diabetes too though!)

Still sorting out whether I should go through with this or not, and the biggest fear I have is failing - or in my eyes - losing the weight only to regain as I have done every other time. I have seen so many with long term success but unfortunately have met many who have gained the weight back and honestly are worse off now because of the malabsorbtion. Is this a normal fear? If so, how did you get past it? And what was your difference that made you successfully keep the weight off / get & stay healthy?

Congrats!! I am just starting the process and can't stop talking about it, so I can only imagine how excited I will be when I get to that point!

@Luvin_Life125 posted this link in one of my posts. It was really helpful. https://cignaforhcp.cigna.com/public/content/pdf/coveragePolicies/medical/mm_0051_coveragepositioncriteria_bariatric_surgery.pdf