KDM74

I just realized I am no longer morbidly obese! BMI is down to 39.7! Woo-hoo!

Better, thanks. Lost another 2 lbs, so I think I might have gotten myself out of my "stall". Really trying to be conscious of what I eat and make sure I get my walking in. Think this first rough patch is over. I'm sure there will be more, but getting through them is the important thing.

Does anyone have BCBS of Texas? Have you also had plastics through them? I called them today to see what kind of requirements are needed and the time limits, etc. To my complete surprise, they really don't have any. No waiting 18 months after surgery or anything. It seems like all my doctor would have to do is submit information proving that it is medically necessary, i.e. documentation of rashes, skin irritation, photos of the affected areas, difficulty with tasks of daily living, etc., and then BCBSTX reviews it and decides if the documentation proves medical necessity. This seems much less stringent than other insurance companies. Yet, it is also a bit vague in the requirements. If anyone has had experience with BCBS of Texas specificially, I would appreciate knowing the process you took and if you were approved or denied.

Thanks. I know you're right. Sometimes it helps to hear someone else say it. I use Garmin instead of FitBit. It's a gorgeous day today. I'm just finished work so I think I will go out and get some Vitamin D and exercise.

I can wrap a normal sized bath towel around me instead of having to use a beach towel.

I am changing companies in 3 weeks and our new insurance is BCBS of Texas. The new plan does not cover wls however that is likely the choice of my new company. Every employer can choice what to include or exclude from their plans. I am really glad I already had my surgery, but feel badly for a colleague who was hoping to start the process this fall.

I had about 2 migraines episodes a week, it was terrible, nausea and pain until I took meds and go on a dark room for awhile, I never figure it what was causing it, since my surgery I don't have it anymore. I'm very happy about it! I start to have migraines about 20 years ago, I was 17 I'm the same way! My doctor had never heard of migraines going away after surgery and no one else on the forums seemed to either. Nice to know I'm not the only one. It's amazing! I got terrible migraines 3 to 4 times a week and since my surgery only 3 headaches in 2 months and they weren't even close to migraines.

Wore size 18 capris today. 9 weeks ago I was a size 26.

I am 9 weeks out and have dropped 50 lbs and 2 pant sizes! I feel the difference and it is wonderful. I can see the difference in my face, but maybe not so much the rest of my body yet (at least in these photos). I picked up my 30 lb niece the other day and could not believe I used to have more than one and a half of her on me all the time. So excited that the numbers just keep going down. I am walking my first ever 5k next week and am so proud of myself so all I have achieved so far! Best decision ever! ​Before WLS (gray) & Today (pink)

So, I knew that most of the plastics I will need/want aren't covered by insurance, but I never even considered that leave for surgery would not be covered under FMLA. Does anyone have experience with this? My entire department is being bought by a large national company in September and I am hoping to be able to have plastics done in the fall of 2016, but I can't take the chance that they will not hold my job for a month and that I won't be covered by insurance! I need to know some personal experiences with this please. I am trying to plan way ahead and know what to expect / battles that will need fighting. Thanks!

I may be able to get the panni covered by insurance, but that is not the issue. I am lucky enough to have my mum helping me with the coat of the plastics with a no-interest loan, and I am prepared to pay for them if they aren't covered by insurance. I'm just concerned about being able to take the appropriate amount of time off work for recovery without losing my job and having income.

I had bypass June 1st and have lost 48 lbs as of today. I have not had any problems and can eat whatever I want but I crave meats and veg. I have had 2 stalls so far, one at the dreaded 3 week post op mark, and one that just broke today. Both lasted about a week. I started at 300 lbs and my first goal is only 2 lbs away!

Yes, I have read the law. That still doesn't answer my question. The plastics I want WILL require at least a 1 night stay in the hospital... so does that mean it qualifies for FMLA? I would really love to hear from someone who has been through the process, either way, so that I would have an example.

The FMLA law states that cosmetic surgery is not typically covered. But then it says that if you have something requiring an inpatient stay, it is covered. I have also read on realself that most plastic surgeons say it's not covered. I'll have to check with HR once we transition over there. Thanks.

My rings are starting to become loose on my fingers. And, I have hips! Saw them in the mirror today, the hourglass is hidden under there after all!

I smoked for almost 30 years, and quit a half dozen times before this one. It is hard. I also used Chantix. Instead of picking a quit date one week after starting the med though, I just let myself gradually stop smoking as the meds were working. It took about 2 weeks and then I just didn't want cigs anymore. I quit in Feb 2014 and I hope this is my last time. Good luck to you!

Does anyone take extended release meds after bypass? I am on Effexor for depression and prior to surgery I took the XR capsules, which slowly release in your intestine. Since surgery I have been taking the immediate release tablets twice a day. The tablets are difficult for me to swallow and I have to take twice as many. I would like to switch back to the XR capsules but haven't gotten a definitive yes or no from my surgeon. What is everyone's experience taking XR capsules after bypass? Is the medication as effective?

I was cleared by my NUT today to eat whatever I want (within reason, of course) and it was great! My boyfriend (a chef) made us filet mignon with a mushroom sauce, garlic spinach and sweet potato. He was very cute and put about an ounce of steak, and about a half cup of each veg on my small plate, and I still couldn't eat half of it. But man, did it taste great! So much better to have real food after the last six weeks. And it will taste great for lunch tomorrow too!

The exact same thing happened to me. I went for my 4th visit and was approved right away.

That's what I thought. Meh. Well, hopefully the surgery and losing weight will help my depression and I can scale back on my meds in the near future. We'll see.

I began to feel hunger around week 2 but it was not the same as hunger presurgery. I explained it to my NUT as my body nudging me to have a few bites of something. When I do, I am good for another few hours.

Oops...I guess I mentioned my weight....I was more excited about getting rid of my fattest clothes!

Spent the day cleaning out my closet. Monday will be 4 weeks postop. I have lost 33 lbs and am down from a 24 to a 22. Goodwill is getting a huge donation today!

This link will give you all the requirements for Cigna. https://cignaforhcp.cigna.com/public/content/pdf/coveragePolicies/medical/mm_0051_coveragepositioncriteria_bariatric_surgery.pdf