HopeandAgony

Thanks. I do like the shakes I have, they taste really good. I think I just unrealistically thought if my last Dr appt is early July I could be sleeved soon there after. I didn't realize there were so many steps to be taken after you see the surgeon. Do you mind sharing what the pulmonary Dr did/tested?

Hi there. I am trying to grasp how long after referral to the surgeon the procedure takes place. I have H. M. O (BCBS IL) and have to: +See my PCP for 4 weigh in (3 months) +Lose 6 lbs +Keep a food journal I just called the surgeons for some general questions and was told I have to: +Be cleared by a Cardiologist +Be cleared by a Physcologist +Be cleared by a Pulmonary Dr +Speak to a dietician +Attend a seminar (doing in 2 weeks) +Have full lab work (done) I will have my last app with my PCP in mid July. I thought I'd for sure have my surgery in August but with all the stuff listed above I am at the mercy of a lot of different schedules. I have already started drinking Protein shakes 2 times per day (that is my Breakfast and lunch) and eat a normal healthy dinner. Today, I am so frustrated with the thought of drinking these Protein Shakes for like the next 6 months. I know this is a lifestyle change and that this will be the norm going forward but I just want to cry. I tell myself all day long food is only fuel and this is all worth it but hearing today this could drag out much longer than end of July is really upsetting. Words of encouragement?

I have the flex. LOVE it. It really keeps me on track. I haven't had surgery yet but I like that it tracks my steps and sleep pattern. Mine syncs to my phone and I can track all my calories and liquids on my phone. Really am glad I have it and will definitely continue to use it after I have my surgery.

They required a mammogram & pap?

I am most likely going to be August as well unless I can squeeze it into July (would love that!) I started in April with my Doctor. I have to see her for 3 months and then I get referred to my surgeon. I have no idea what time frame the surgeon takes to schedule. I will ask at my next appt. My last appt will be in July. Wohoo. I am suppose to lose 6 lbs during these 3 months. The first month I gained 1. This month I've been working hard and drinking protein shakes twice a day and only eating dinner... the scale isn't moving though

This is the first I've heard of a drain. I am 2 months into my 4 month required wait before approval for surgery. Thanks for sharing. I will be attending a seminar soon and will be interested in hearing about this.

Hi. Any idea why I can't see stats? Can I not see them if I am using the mobile version?

Any update on surgery date yet? Are you excited? Congrats on your lose so far. How are you doing it?

Ktmillen, we've got a lot in common! Was your surgery recommended or did you elect it? I have to lose 6 lbs...such an odd number. I can't say I've put a ton of effort in yet (like you have). I've focused so far on eating slower and eating less. I've also started to focus on Protein. I am aware of how much I am eating, how much I need, and paying attention to what are good sources (egg is my favorite so far, I am not a huge meat eater). I've looked into Protein shakes and am going to start those soon so it's not such a culture shock later. I feel like 6 lbs is something I could literally lose overnight depending on the time of the month. I have another appt in a week and a half (number 2 of 4). The Dr scale had me at 5 lbs less than I thought I was so I hope that doesn't bite me in the butt at this next appt. As far as your desire to cut sugar & fats, I've had to do that in the past when I've had some bad sugar addictions. The easiest way for me to do it is focus on cutting carbs first (completely). If I do that for 2 weeks I can then incorporate cutting fat the next 2 weeks. It's not easy. But it's a step process for me. I am in a pretty good place right now food wise. I've been having some anxiety over complication fears. Have you had any of this? I have had seven surgeries in the last 15 years and this one, because I am choosing to do it is scaring me a little bit. Last night I was so worried I started thinking I was changing my mind. Your message couldn't have come at a better time. My Dr does seminars on the process so I am definitely going to one. I just need to stay strong and positive.

Hi everyone! Thank you all for replying. It feels good to know I am not alone. I don't plan on telling anyone except my parents, my sister, and my husband. Not that there is anything wrong with people knowing, I just don't feel like it's their business. That being said, I am glad for this website.

I have IL as well. I am starting to wonder if these requirements are due to H. M. O. coverage......

Great question. I could have wrote your post. I had my gall bladder out 5 years ago and have had ibs since then. I wondered too how the sleeve would affect me.

Thanks Tammy. My hair is already thin. I need all the help I can get in regards to hair!

So it sounds like even this can differ from Dr to Dr. Some have liquid diet 1 week, 2 weeks, or 1 day? I wonder what I will have to do. I think I'm going to start some shakes here and there so it's not a culture shock. I've already been upping my protein.

Thank you everyone! I am so anxious to get this going. I've been researching the protein shake options.

I would love it in July to but I think when it's all said and done mine will probably be in early August. I don't know how long it'll take from referral to surgery date so I am trying to be realistic. I have been trying to eat slower and smaller amounts. I have not seen any results yet but it'll all be worth it. Every little bit will help.

Hi! I have BCBS too. I have to do 3 months (4 appts total, lose 6 lbs, and keep a food log). My 4th and final appt will be mid July so we should be looking at about the same time!! I am 37. 255 lbs, and 5'4". I am frustrated with the waiting period but it's allowing me so much time to research. I read and read and read. Have you lost any weight yet? I haven't but I am on a no exercise recommendation until I get clearance from a hip xray I just had done. Horrible hip pain (which is what pushed me to ask for the surgery). We can keep each other company while we wait if you'd like!

Hi, I am just curious to hear what all of you lost only during the 2 week liquid diet phase. I know everyone has/had different direction up to the pre-op liquid diet (for example I have to log a journal for 3 months and lose 6 lbs before referral to my surgeon). I am curious how weight lose during that 2 week period varies. If you are comfortable putting you starting weight, height, and age too I would appreciate it! I am hoping to be sleeved in august. Thanks in advance. (Sorry if I am being nosy, I am excited and curious and interested all at once)

Hi Charity. Thank you for replying! Congrats on your weight loss so far. It's so good to hear that so early in your journey you have come to realize food is fuel. That's my downfall. For me still food is, a lot of times, a reward. I don't eat unhealthy which I believe is why I don't have high cholesterol. I eat entirely too much (for example I could eat an entire head of steamed broccoli and tell myself it's OK because it's healthy, along with a large portion of boneless skinless chicken). UGH! This is why I am so afraid of over eating after surgery. I don't eat bad foods......sigh. I haven't been here for a few days because I read thru the complication section and got a little scared. There are some really poor outcomes and of course some fears crept in. I have had 7 surgeries so I am not fearful of the surgery itself, but reading the complications was an eye opener. I just need to be prepared on that front. Perhaps the delay that has me so frustrated is exactly what I need to be as ready as I can be. What made you decide it was time? In addition to my hip pain I am just steady increasing in size. Never down, always up. Walking is ok, but if I put any speed to it my hips go numb and throb for days. Can you share what you've been eating and portion sizes? Exercising? What you've found hard? Thanks!

Hello I finally saw my primary care and requested surgery. I am 37 years old, 255 lbs and 5'4". My BMI is 44 and I have Asthma. I haven't ever been diagnosed with High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, or anything else, but she just did all my labs and I am hoping that doesn't change. I am not diabetic either. What I am experiencing though is joint pain. Mostly my hips. I am afraid carrying this weight has ruined my lower body for life. I have always been thick. Through out highschool I was about 175, but a whole lot of it was muscle. I gained steady after highschool and am currently at my heaviest. My insurance requires 3 months (4 visits total) with my primary, loss of 6 lbs, and a recorded food log before referral to the surgeon. My 4th and final visit will be mid July, and I am optimistic that my surgery will take place in August. I am anxious and wish I didn't have to wait. So far all I've done is read and research. I've had several surgeries so I don't have fear of it. I fear over eating afterwards. Sorry for the novel, I am just looking for a friend who will be going thru this around the same time as me. Thanks in advance!