lwmatch

Thanks to the many responses back in January when I first posted this topic. The short version: On day of surgery I was 1 pound 2 oz. below 35 bmi and Hospital Bariatric Director, refused to honor the approved procedures from Aetna. I was in the pre-op room in my surgical gown, being made to pony up $9,000 to still have the surgery that day. So I Did,and had the surgery When I had first complained to Aetna,in January, the person from Aetna said rules are rules and sorry but you no longer met the requirements for Insurance payout. After beating my head on the wall and shedding a few tears in frustration, I called and talked to Aetna Supervisor the next day that told me to submit it.Surgery was December 16th, 2015 and on March 21st Aetna, three months later,said the $9,000 has been paid out to the hospital / Doctor. The hospital has told me that a credit to my card account is pending, yah! But the Dr. office, NO SURPRISE, is saying "We don't know anything, yet" .I know without a doubt, that they are going to be a p.i.a. to get my money back. I will update this topic as it unfolds. I talked to the nicest lady, EVER, at Aetna that called the hospital for me, to first verify the payout this Tuesday, and yes, she called the Dr. office,also, but the billing girl was out of the office . [What a Surprise].The Dr. office, when I called today, said they would call me right back, [they didn't], so next week will try to get the Aetna 'Nice Lady' back on the phone to call the Dr. office for me. Moral of this Topic, Don't give up on what you know is right, get the right people involved and by all means, post your problems and your rewards here to share and to gain input from others that may have gone thru what you have.

I am 58 and yo-yo'ed most of my adult life. Due to health realities, decided to get the sleeve to enjoy my grandkids for a longer time and to reduce the pain on my joints. Almost 3 months since surgery and no regrets. Both of my sons have had sleeves and great results. I feel the risks are worth the rewards. YES, I hate going out to eat because of the small amount I can eat, but a small, small price to pay for the results I get. Good luck to you and only you can decide the path that is right for you.

Being I kept my surgery basically private, I get comments from co-workers and others such as "Are you okay? Everything all right?" So often weight loss to many is a sign of serious health problems and not a sign of taking better care of yourself.

Sorry, not much of a boss not to allow you a little consideration of trying to have a water bottle to sip on or a snack every hour or two. Your body will be changing and you may be getting upset stomach / diarhea, to deal with. I pride you in wanting to go to work and hopefully work will show you the respect you need to have a good working environment. Your Company is lucky to have an employee as you trying to get in better health and coming to work as you are adapting to the changes! Good luck to you and I hope work wakes up and appreciates you!

Double hernia plus sleeve, no drains.

Good luck, Frank, glad you came through ok. Pain is worth the gain or loss in our case. Take care, my friend.

Just my immediate family. At work I left it at double hernia surgery. Losing weight due to liquid diet due to hernia repair. lol.

Frank, relax, you got this. My biggest fear was dying and not being there to raise my grandkids. High blood pressure, heart surgery before, etc., etc. 5 weeks ago had the sleeve and double hernia surgery. For what you can look forward to on losing weight, one of the easiest things you'll ever do. No more yoyo diets, no more drugs to lose weight, only to gain more back. The only thing to p_ss you off is why did you wait to do it! Good luck, my friend, I hope you gain the peace of mind to make the choice that is right for you!

Van Vleck, near Bay City

I felt bloated and more pain right below ribcage I'm assuming was from the hernia repair. On pain scale maybe a 3 1/2 to 4 but medication kept it down to a minimum. Took about 3 weeks to lose the bloated feeling. My biggest discomfort was having to be cath'd the two days I was in the hospital. They tell me a common man thing after this surgery. A great life changer, but still a newbie only 5 weeks post op.

I was like that for nine days. Had to take me off of protein shakes to firm me up.

I didn't have a tough pre-op, just the day before surgery. My last 'bad' meal, 1/2 pound cheeseburger at Fuddruckers with fries and onion rings. Sigh ,,,,lol

I was at the minimum bmi so had to keep my weight within a pound or two, either by drinking alot of fluids prior to Dr. weigh in or carring my phone and spare charger packs etc., etc. Fluid loss or gain is so quick it can get you. I am having a cluster post op cause I weighed in 2 pounds light day of surgery. Had to cash pay and now filing to see if Aetna will approve. Their first reaction is no.So maintain level, if you lose they will say keep losing, if you gain, bad. I had it wrote up that due to actual knee and back issues, unable to do much exercising. [co morbidities, also, blood pressure, etc.] If you have any medical issues, make sure your primary care Dr. sends a letter with you to your Surgeon. Good luck to you!

Had double hernia, so had more pain with that, didn't notice my stomach, lol. On pain meds for two days, in hospital but on pain level, maybe a three to 4 and mostly because of reoccurring back pain unrelated to surgery. Gained 5 pounds right after surgery weigh-- in due to i.v. fluids. I have had open heart and knee surgery, this one in comparison, very easy, and well worth it.

To me no better way than a sleeve. I watched my 2 sons lose well over a hundred pounds each and not following a lot of the rules and are maintaining very well. [They are sleeved]Myself at 58 CANNOT keep the weight off on my own. I am only 4 weeks post-op, but best decision I made for my well -being. THE BEST PART IS THAT MY HUNGER BUTTON IS TURNED OFF! I hope it stays that way. Honestly don't care if I eat or not. I know that hinges also on what I eat, but so far, I love it. 31 pounds in a month and feeling great! GOOD LUCK and I wish you the BEST!