KensingtonWalk

I am just three weeks out and I think I am starting the stall! Keep a goin'!

How common is needing a revision after the bypass?

Insurance companies make deals with healthcare systems. So they agree to pay so much for a service and no more. It is likely that your insurance co has an agreement with your health care organization and you received a discount based on their agreement. This is a possibility.

Have you met your deductible? I had to pay out of pocket for the psych portion as well. That was $430. I am submitting it to my FSA. The cost of medical care in general in this country is out of control.

Kensington NH

I am 5'1" now. Started at 221, down to 208 on the preop diet and psych and exercise program. Hoping for an October surgery date!

Thank you everyone. I do have insurance and I am starting the jumping through hoops game. I feel as if when I eat a meal I am just taking the edge off hunger and keeping myself upright. I hope I can make it through these 89 days of preop hoops. I am always hungry. I need to lose 11 pounds before I can schedule the surgery. 89 days, five days down, 84 to go!

I chose by-pass because of it having better data for curing diabetes, which was the most likely source of early death for me.... three months out today, diabetes 90% better, high BP gone, edema gone, 75# gone.... but following these threads, people also love their sleeves, but the GERD issue is significant.....

FANTASTIC!! Thanks for replying!

I have read a lot about that as well. In fact the hospital where I am having the procedure no longer uses the lapband. Not successful, and too many complications.

I have looked into the sleeve but I am hesitating because I have GERD and have read it can become worse with the sleeve. My husband isn't completely on board with the bypass but I am leaning toward bypass.

Hello all! I am just starting this process. Last week I had my first visit with the NP at the surgical practice. In two weeks I see the PT and Dietary. I am undecided as to which option I will choose surgically. I want the best, long term success possible and I know that will mean a lot of work. But I am determined this time to make it work and keep it off. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Every nurse should be compassionate and caring. I am sorry your experience was bad. Nurses like that give nursing a bad rap.

I have had 8 abdominal surgeries, and the stay in the hospital is really not huge in the grand scheme of this process. You go into surgery, you go to recovery, then go to your room. They'll do post op vital signs and get you up to walk. Walk, walk, walk! It will get you out of the hospital sooner and you will feel better sooner. Walking helps get rid of gas, reduces the chance of deep vein thrombosis and helps prevent pneumonia. Use your incentive spirometer, and keep moving.

I am being very cautious about who I tell about this. And my family have been very supportive but others either stare blankly or try to discourage me. It is tough when those we love choose not to support a decision but you are doing this for you and we are all here for you.

I like your perspective! But being a former anorexic I try to avoid it because that period in my life was hell. That's one of the things I need to change my internal conversation with. That and the need to eat if I am upset. Eating won't change anything nor will being hungry.

I only told my boss so she knows that I will be needing some time off. You don't need to tell everyone.

I know what you mean. I am constantly hungry! Not looking forward to the next few months. I do find that not having carbonated beverages reduces that sensation. Having a hot drink, helps, and so does having something like bouillon or stock. Also eating small frequent meals helps with Protein and fruit, or veggies. Let me know if you find something that really works. Best of luck to you!!

Did you ask him what he feels your goal should be and how he is assessing your readiness? If he didn't communicate that goal to you it would be good to ask him that. How can you reach a goal if you don't know what it is?

I am also leaning toward the bypass vs the sleeve. I had my first appt this morning. I have to lose 11 pounds before they can schedule the procedure. Originally I was quite sure I would be going for the sleeve but now that I have spoken with the NP I am reconsidering. She told me the risk of malabsorption and malnutrition is much less if the supplement regimen is followed. That made me feel better.

Thank you. Yes I did go to a seminar but they didn't get that detailed. I am thinking the bypass will be a long term solution given my history. Good luck with your decision and please keep me posted. I have researched both and it seems as if the sleeve may affect my GERD and make it worse.

Thank you.

Hi all! Did anyone else struggle with which procedure to go with? I keep going back and forth. Any advice would be appreciated.

Naomi

Anyone from NH? I am in the seacoast of NH. Looking for others to connect with. ????

So, how did you all make out? I have GERD and didn't realize the sleeve would exacerbate those symptoms. The bypass scares me a bit, but I would rather not have these symptoms any longer.

Kensington, they were checking me for acid reflux. Which I haven't had in 13 years. Hopefully you won't need it.

Thanks. It makes sense they need the study to map their path during the procedure and rule out other issues. Thank you!

Woo hoo!!!