kaplanlyn

If you haven't done your psych eval yet, DO NOT go through Joan Israel. She is a Master something-or-other and was on my list of providers but she is definitely NOT WLS friendly. All she did was tell me about how SHE lost her weight like 40 years ago (she is in her 70's btw), which she credited to exercise alone. She told me "I didn't have any surgery you know" and then put me on the spot about what would be MY reward for exercising. When I didn't immediately come up with a response she thought was worthy, she gave me a denial, saying she didn't think I would do well and would gain weight back. It was completely mortifying and depressing. Per my center's advise, and my insurance advocate's advice, I went for a second opinion and he passed me with flying colors. It was such a completely experience.
My insurance will reimburse my co-pay over four years, and I am damned determined to get that money back! Also, if I stay at goal for a certain length of time, they give you money toward cosmetic surgery for the loose skin. I will definitely NEED that, so I'll be reaching and staying at goal. Put money as an incentive and I will always hit the goal. That is how I stopped smoking years ago. I spent $300 for that stupid laser therapy, which was pretty silly, but because I spent the money on it, I wasn't about to start again. LOL
Good luck to you! I should be getting my surgery date date next for sometime in September and am so excited!!

Hi everyone! I'm from Las Vegas and I'm also pro-op for sleeve! Had last of 6 NUT meetings 2 days ago. Meeting Dr for consult next Tue. At that time they'll schedule my surgery date, pending insurance approval. Was told, based on schedule now, I can expect a surgery date 4th week of Sept. They will try to put me on an on-call list in case they have a cancellation or change, so hopefully I can get in a little earlier. We have vacation set up for November 12th and I want as much time to heal before hand as possible. Plus I don't want to miss out on any activities if I'm not healed enough. I'm the overly cautious type. So excited to get to know you all and obsess together!! LoL

It has been nothing but a roller coaster of emotions since I got the date. I too am having those "what if" cries and those "oh my gosh, I might be able to actually ride a roller coaster and not have to get off" cries ..all sorts of feels! LOL
Thank you so much for your support. It has been amazing having all of you to come and chat with about this stuff. I am scared to death and more excited than I can ever imagine and knowing that I'm not alone helps GREATLY!
Really happy for you. Prayers for smooth sailing through it all! I cannot wait to hear how everything goes for you! ????

Thanks ShutterGirl! Glad for you on timing! Hope mine works out as well as yours! Good luck to you too! Can't wait to see how everyone here does.

@@kaplanlyn congrats on the completion of your nutrition classes! I am looking at a surgery date in the 4th week of September too. (I am scheduled for 9/21). I was pushing to have it done before year end because in my field of work year end and/or the 1st quarter of the year is never a good time to be taking time off (I work in accounting). So I am very grateful that it has worked out the way it has.. Best of luck to you!!

Hi everyone! I'm from Las Vegas and I'm also pro-op for sleeve! Had last of 6 NUT meetings 2 days ago. Meeting Dr for consult next Tue. At that time they'll schedule my surgery date, pending insurance approval. Was told, based on schedule now, I can expect a surgery date 4th week of Sept. They will try to put me on an on-call list in case they have a cancellation or change, so hopefully I can get in a little earlier. We have vacation set up for November 12th and I want as much time to heal before hand as possible. Plus I don't want to miss out on any activities if I'm not healed enough. I'm the overly cautious type. So excited to get to know you all and obsess together!! LoL

Hi there! I am with the both of you. Just had my last NUT appt on Monday and they are sending everything for insurance approval this week. Hear it takes about 2 weeks though UHC. I have a 2ndary Ins also that will have no issues approving. Having my consult with Dr next Tue and then they'll schedule surgery for probably last week in Sept, pending the insurance approval, which my patient coordinator feels sure will go through! So excited right now. The nerves haven't hit yet. I just can't wait to know the date!

If you haven't done your psych eval yet, DO NOT go through Joan Israel. She is a Master something-or-other and was on my list of providers but she is definitely NOT WLS friendly. All she did was tell me about how SHE lost her weight like 40 years ago (she is in her 70's btw), which she credited to exercise alone. She told me "I didn't have any surgery you know" and then put me on the spot about what would be MY reward for exercising. When I didn't immediately come up with a response she thought was worthy, she gave me a denial, saying she didn't think I would do well and would gain weight back. It was completely mortifying and depressing. Per my center's advise, and my insurance advocate's advice, I went for a second opinion and he passed me with flying colors. It was such a completely experience.
My insurance will reimburse my co-pay over four years, and I am damned determined to get that money back! Also, if I stay at goal for a certain length of time, they give you money toward cosmetic surgery for the loose skin. I will definitely NEED that, so I'll be reaching and staying at goal. Put money as an incentive and I will always hit the goal. That is how I stopped smoking years ago. I spent $300 for that stupid laser therapy, which was pretty silly, but because I spent the money on it, I wasn't about to start again. LOL
Good luck to you! I should be getting my surgery date date next for sometime in September and am so excited!!

it certainly is easier and more fun because I am much lighter and more flexible. Plus, I feel better about myself and a bit more sassy. By the way, I am 63. You are never too old.

My husband has not gone to any appointments with me, but only because he has had to work. I did sit him down with my binder of information and walk him through the pre-op diet, the surgery itself, and the post-op phases. He'll be coming to the hospital with me for surgery (on Monday!!) and is planning to be off for a few days while I'm in the hospital and recuperating (but my mom is also flying out, so he doesn't have to deal with me alone! )
He's been very supportive--he knows how miserable I've been, and he wants me to be healthy and happy. He struggles with his weight, too, so he is looking at it as a chance for him to eat better, as well. He is doing Herbalife shakes while I'm doing my liquid diet, eating his "real food" meal for lunch so that he's not scarfing down dinner in front of me while I'm drinking yet another Protein shake.
I think it would be really tough to do this without spousal/family support--I feel really bad for the people whose spouse or other family members are resistant to the idea of surgery or, even worse, try to undermine the person's efforts.

My husband has been behind me 100% , he didnt go to my appointments but was there when i needed him to hold my hand, he is also a nurse so i had his knowledge on my side when it came to healing. we also knew the nurses that cared for me which made me feel very comfortable.
he does all he can to help me, he also knows this journey is mine and ours, not just about him or me as individuals, i have cried more than once about this decision and he holds me and reassures me. he met me at my highest weight and does also help me Celebrate every loss, but he did take the scale away

My husband was supportive all the way and still is. When I told him that I was thinking about doing the surgery he said, "Good, I found you so late in life I want a long time with you." He went with me to my consult and my first nutritionist visit (they were the same day). I chose to attend support group meetings before and since, he has gone to every one.
When I was doing my research and compiling recipes for after surgery he said "this is great cos I want to eat healthier also and it will keep me on track" He already eats well and goes to the gym every day.
He bought me a smoothie blender for my Protein shakes, and he bought us a treadmill for home.
He helps me do my measurements and celebrates every pound I lose in a truly happy way not in a way that makes me feel bad about having that pound in the first place. He points out changes as he sees them because its hard for me to see them.
I couldn't ask for a better husband and partner in everything.