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Which stage diet are you on? Are you on soft foods as in Stage 2 diet which is post op to 4 wks? Presuming this the only thing allowed is non-sugar added applesauce. If you are on stage 3 then the only allowed WHOLE fruit are bananas. Outside of this are anything mashed up or pureed.

I'm 6 wks post op and down 52 lbs. I'm glad I pushed myself to do this as it's already been a dramatic change. Apprehensions are normal. My biggest bit of advice would be to convey these to your surgical team. Ask questions at your informational session as well as your first consultation. We usually fear what we don't know. So, become informed. @@antionettemn619y, if you don't mind....what concerns you the most?

@@MiteyMom, If you have selected a reputable surgeon and surgical center....trust in them. TALK to them and convey your concerns. Remember, you need to be your own advocate. That includes your opinions and having a say in what happens to your body. However, let your surgeon explain why he thinks the specific surgery is right for you.

This! Let me reiterate...THIS! lol Your surgeons office deals with this so much that it's an art form. Coordinate through your surgeons office. You may have to wait a little longer, BUT....they'll be able to explain exactly what the next step is.

Everyday has been a learning process. Hopefully I keep "listening" to what my body is telling me.

Call your current insurance provider. Explain the situation and ask if they cover your current situation despite another insurance covering the sleeve. They will also tell you what your policy requirements are.

Exactly! That's wasted energy and you have so much more you can be getting done. Keep your focus on you and how far you've come already. Good luck with your surgery!!!

Ask as many questions as you can at your consultation. Even if you think it's a trivial question....ask it. They can even help you with some insurance processing questions. In regards to the approval process and requirements: call your insurance company. Even with the same company you will have many different plans. BCBS can provide you with their specific requirements for BMI, preferred surgical center to use, pre op steps, etc.

I stepped on the scale this morning and....boom! 51lb weight loss. I've got a long road ahead but I'm loving the progress. :D

Many people say exercise and what they are referring to is getting up and walking. Even your surgeon recommends getting up to walk as soon as you can. However, anything more than that and you risk popping staples/sutures, etc.

I also had RNY and had no drain. Going back to work and recovery time are different for everyone and, typically, younger patients recover faster. I was back to work 2 1/2 wks after my surgery and have felt great since. As far as loose skin there are several factors. Being younger is definitely an advantage as you have more elasticity to your skin at younger ages. However, it depends on how much skin, how fast you lose the weight, etcs.

Good for you for the determination to keep pushing forward.

You're most certainly welcome. Hopefully the clarify the difference and background of the surgeries.

Certainly keep us posted. You are the first I've heard of having this done.

Are you currently on pain medications? What about Tylenol? Discuss with your doctor about possibly taking liquid or rapid melt Melatonin.

I showered the day after discharge. My incisions were covered by Tegaderm's right after surgery.

Looking good sir. I can't wait to break the first 50lb mark!

Like they say a journey is started by the first step. Good for you! My advice would be to ask questions of the surgeon directly. If not with all the people around, at least after the meeting is done. Mainly ask the questions that still have you "on the fence."

Once my 13wk wellness program, psych evaluation, and nutrition counseling were turned in....my surgeons office called to setup the appointment. My hangup was getting the Wellness center to coordinate in a timely fashion with my surgeons office. Once the paperwork was in hand it only took a few days before they were calling me to schedule an surgery date.

I'm still not telling the masses that I had surgery. Most people who work around me have noticed my (so far) almost 50 lb weight loss. I do enjoy hearing people saying how good I look and several people offering support like "keep up the good work." Like stated above...I hate being asked "So, how much have you lost?" My mother is terrible about this as she continues asking several times a week like it falls off multiple pounds a day.

I'll admit I logged my food and Fluid for every ounce I consumed during the first 2 weeks post op. However, over the last 3 weeks I have not logged at all. My way of control is measured and weighed portions that I prepare the day before. bought a Jaxx by Fit Fresh "lunchbox." It has 6x 1 cup containers, a pill organizer, and a shaker bottle. The day before I work I measure and weigh 4-5 meals making sure each meal is no more than 4 oz. I have a pretty good idea of how much Protein each meal has then account for a supplemental protein shake, nor not.

I brought this up with my nutritionist. Her advice is, like stated above, it can be a very healthy snack. However, it is easy to overeat. I have eaten popcorn and haven't had any issues but I waited until I was cleared for Stage 3. Everyone is different. Ask your surgeon or nutritionist their recommendations. Nevertheless, ask their rationale for allowing or prohibiting it.

Once you have the surgery your body will remind you, trust me. lol It's as simple as muscle memory. You need to create a habit of eating and either: a) make sure no drinks are in front of you, start a 30 minute timer once you start eating, or c) create the habit of not drinking and eating at the same time. You'll get there. It will take time and several reminders. But, you'll get it and won't even be thinking about it.

I started the discussion with my PCP. After that I called my insurance company to find out their specific requirements to have the surgery approved and paid for. When I started I was referred to a close Bariatric Center of Excellence. I attended their informational session, filled out the paperwork, an waited for a call. They followed up and advised me my insurance viewed them as a Tier 2, and I needed to seek a Tier 1 to have the surgery covered. This is other thing I would advise people to do is not only ask what is covered, but which hospital they consider Tier 1 coverage or recommend. Another big point is not to make assumptions that just because you have, for example, BCBS the requirements are the same for your plan. Insurance companies are specific to your employers or healthcare exchange plan. My employer and my wife's employer are both covered by BCBS. However, we are under her insurance because through my employer is several hundred dollars more per month, and doesn't have as good of coverage.

Go through the motions and jump through the hoops. Most importantly: ASK QUESTIONS! Especially of your nutritionist.