linzlou2000

Best wishes on this journey!!!!

Center for weight loss success. Dr. Thomas Clark

I've told everyone about my upcoming surgery. I've only received support. I figured people are going to talk either way. I wanted them to be informed when they talk. Lol. I'm very positive and up beat about my surgery (have some personal worries and fears). If anything some friends comment they wish they could has it done. The only "negative" was concern if it was a lapband, because they knew people who had problems with it. Everyone is different, but I wanted to be 110% truthful, maybe my journey will help another person I know start their journey. I know 5 people who have had WLS. I think it is becoming somewhat normal and less taboo. Good luck to everyone on their journey.

I'm in Virginia. My MD has a self pay package that includes ALL charges at a discounted rate. He worked with the other doctors and hospital to offer this package. Definitely look around and find something that meets your needs!!!!

I've heard that being tired is the biggest hurdle. You are consuming so few calories, that you're exhausted! My surgeon does it as an outpatient. I will be home the same evening. He feels very strongly people heal faster at home and the longer in the hospital---the longer the recovery. Thanks for the well wishes. I can't wait to officially join the losers bench. I've lost about 40lbs since Sept 2014.

BCBS Cova Care-my husband is a state employee. I guess what I failed to include is it is covered 100%, no copay. Also, they will cover some plastics if needed down the road.

I have anthem BCBS (my husband is a state employee). It stinks, but I survived!!!! Two more calls and I'm done. I think the program is put into place bc most people won't follow through with these lame phone calls. However I did ☺️☺️☺️

My hubby tells me the same, "happy and health!" I just need to remember that when thoughts of worry creep in.

Thank you for sharing!

I've always been an 18-24 and that's the way my hubby likes it. I'm very worried about how me losing weight will affect him. Thanks for sharing also, I feel very similar to what you posted.

Of course! Happy to help. And thank you, I appreciate that. Who is Dr. Hall? For me, I have absolutely never regretted the decision to have this surgery. No matter how horrible my recovery was, I only hated the experience, not regretted it. I feel fantastic. I have crooked hips and a "military neck" with straight vertebrae, and with the increased weight on my frame it was incredibly painful for me to even stand for 5 minutes. Now that I am down about 50 pounds, I don't notice back ache until hours on my feet. I feel so fantastic. I was able to go to Disneyland last week and I didn't have to worry about fitting in the narrow lines, seats, and I walked for hours. Now I can finally go parasailing next time I cruise with my boyfriend without my weight making us too heavy for the excursion. I'm so happy for you! The excitement is great leading up, and once the weight starts pouring off, it's enough to make you SO happy with the changes. Mentally, I was ready for this; so I haven't struggled that way like some do with the way they look versus how they see themselves. Definitely be ready for that. Dr. Hall was the doctor that cleared me for mental health. So glad you are feeling good and the rough part of recovery is a distance memory!

Thank you so much and I'll keep you posted ☺️

Thank you so much for the detailed response! I'm sorry your recovery wasn't smooth. I saw Dr. Hall yesterday. When expressing my knowledge of complications, she agreed they are very rare. However, they are real! I figured I will hate my decision for a few weeks! Now that all of that is behind you, are you feeling good? No regrets? I have BCBS Cova Care. 12 months stinks!!!!! I've almost made it through though. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I'm taking 10. I will return on a Monday then the next day is a teacher work day. I figured working one day with kids, then having a little break on Tuesday would ease me back into it. I've had lots of people (2 teachers included) tell me I won't even need the 10 days. The biggest thing is being tired. I'm planning on 10, if I need more or less, in okay with that too. My MD office made it clear I can pick my return date. With that said I also don't plan on blowing all my leave. I'll be reasonable. Best wishes and stay in touch!!!

I saw him last week. Now I just wait as I finish my 12 month insurance requirement. I'm all signed up with my intro class, pre-op appt, and surgery date. How was your procedure and recovery??? Any tips?

I am going to be sleeved in October by Dr. Clark. So glad to find someone in here who used him. ????

Thanks for the tip! I just added a countdown to my phone. Once I get back to work (I'm a teacher), I am going to write the countdown on my calendar and cross it off. Really excited!!!!

October 19th!!!!! Eeeeekkkkk. Getting closer!

In VA the doctors office an all inclusive self pay rate. It includes pre, hospital, and post care. Call around!!!! Fingers crossed it works out for you.

I'm in VA also (Hampton Roads). I graduate from my 12 month program on September 30. Then I just need insurance approval! Hoping for mid October!

Is an EGD required for all patients? I am planning on being sleeved in October after completing my twelve month insurance requirements on September 30th!!!! I meet with my surgeon later this month and this is one of many questions I have. However, I wanted to put it out here too. I don't really know what an EGD is or why it is needed. My initial visit almost a year ago indicated I wouldn't have a lot in the way of pre-op testing, but an EGD was never discussed. I'm healthy, just morbidly obese. I would like to get as much of my required testing done by mid August if possible since I teach school. I know my labs, chest X-ray, and ekg will be very close to my surgery date. I'd like to minimize my time off from work if possible and get any "other" stuff out of the way now ☺️. Thanks for any feedback.

What an amazing journey!!!! Only going up from here.

I'd give your office a call tomorrow. It's a simple question that they should be able to answer over the phone. It will help put your mind at ease.

My MD office stated they submit with your starting weight (my first weight on record, not current weight). I had the same concern as I inches closer to a BMI of 40.

There has only been one other person I've read about having a one year "hoop" on this board! I think there should be one set standard!!!! A year is a long time---if it is medically necessary, provide the required info and keep going! I asked my "coach" provided/required by my insurance, "how many people have life changing weight loss after having 20-30 minute phone conferences once a month for 12 months AND no longer need the surgery?" She referred me to BCBS. ????Why would she refer you to bcbs? I'm sorry I'm a little dense right now from a hard day at work and trying to get used to my new eating plan. She is contracted by BC/BS---she didn't have the stats I guess. However, the MD office told me no one ever finishes the program!