AfitRN2015

I also have Cigna and they required a second opinion from a doctor other than my surgeon recommending I have the procedure. Once that was sent in I was approved. I'm all set for July 20th. Start my pre-op diet on 7/3. Whew. Started the process in February so it hasn't been too bad. I'm not a patient person so I'm glad I have a date now. I've got my ducks in a row and am ready to move forward with this new chapter in my life.

i like premiere protein shakes too. So convenient and tasty. Costco has an 18 pack for $24.99.

Smoking is such an addictive habit and is so hard to overcome. I have heard that surgeons are concerned about general addictive behavior. If you are addicted to cigarettes, they feel you may be addicted to food and may not be successful with WLS. While it's not easy to quit, it is one of the behaviors you have control over. We can't control our genes and we have to eat to survive but you don't need to smoke to live. My aunt used a prescription drug to help her quit. She was amazed that in just three days her senses of taste and smell were so much better.she needed less salt and she could smell her roses. Ultimately it's up to you to take control of your life and this might be the best way to start the journey. Good luck.

Great advice!

Congrats everyone!

July 20th for me. Can't wait to be post op. ????

Great. Glad to hear you are feeling better.

Wascott, glad to see you are on the other side. Once the anesthesia wears off the nausea should subside. Pain meds can also cause nausea so try to get some protein on board when you take the pain meds. Hope that helps.

I'm getting sleeved on July 20th and really appreciate all the comments. Seems like three weeks is the magic number for a stall. It makes sense to focus on nutrition and protein first and how you feel and how your clothes fit second. Just ditch the scale. The human body is amazing. If you flood it with whole healthy foods it will respond in a positive way.

Now that you are all on the other side, how is everyone feeling? Give us the good the bad and the ugly.

Go with your surgeon's recommendations to be on the safe side.

Sounds like everyone's doing well. Congrats to all of you.

Great suggestions. It's amazing how different everyone's eating plans are.

The less you weigh, the fewer calories you need. When we drastically reduce those calories when we are heavy, we lose weight very rapidly. As your body normalizes, weight loss slows down or stalls. Your body is saying "whoa, hold on, I'm in starvation mode and I'm going to hold on to everything". You need to eat a few more calories to tell your body you're okay then it will start losing again. This can take a while and is why you need to focus on nutrition, not junk. It also stresses the body out and our cortisol increases, which unfortunately makes you hold on to salt and Water and the scale won't move. It's a balancing act. 3500 calories equals 1 pound. Unfortunately, hormones, salt, stress, etc. all get in the way and hold on to weight. We just need to stay focused and be kind to our bodies. It will reward us in the end. Oh, and keep drinking your water to flush out your system.

Gas Ex strips that melt on your tongue may help.

In the end you have to do what is best for you. Remember, this is a difficult decision any way you look at it. We wouldn't be here if we did not need this tool in our toolboxes. Take comfort in the fact that you are doing this for you and your health for a better quality of life. You are in charge of your own destiny. ????????

I have been eating healthfully and mindfully for a couple of weeks and I was feeling good. I just came down with a cold and was in need of some comfort food so I decided to make spaghetti carbonara for dinner last night. I couldn't smell it or taste it. It was a total disappointment. My partner said it tasted great. I think it was a sign. I don't feel like eating anything now. I think it's a good time to start my pre-op diet ????

Bufflehead, I love your recipes! I will try those when I get to that stage. My Vitamix has changed my life. I love it.

Hi everyone. I just got approved last Friday. I hope I can schedule in early July. Ready to get this show on the road.

Yahoo!! Got my insurance approval today. Hopefully I'll have a surgery date by Monday. Whew!!

Hi Everyone: I just finished all of my pre-insurance requirements and thought today would be a good day to jump in to Bariatricpal with both feet. I am hoping to get approval soon and have a surgery date within the next month. I have PPO and they do cover it so hopefully the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed. Looking forward to this journey and the support from everyone in this community. I am not looking forward to the pre-op liver shrink program or the immediate post op struggles but the sooner I begin, the sooner I will be on the other side. The support and encouragement on this site is great and I look forward to coming out of my fat shell and participating wholeheartedly.