SHOTzY*

Hey sassyfrass....you just go on and have that pity party! ????. I can't imagine how your feeling, but I know I would have exploded in a temper tantrum and dissolved in to tears. So, I'm assuming since you made your post, we are all invited to your party?!?!! ????
I admire your willpower; you don't need that donut (and we all have been at that place), you did the best thing by coming here! As everyone has said, make your dr and clinic earn their money and get this solved. Keeping you on my mind!! ????

Hey sassyfrass....you just go on and have that pity party! ????. I can't imagine how your feeling, but I know I would have exploded in a temper tantrum and dissolved in to tears. So, I'm assuming since you made your post, we are all invited to your party?!?!! ????
I admire your willpower; you don't need that donut (and we all have been at that place), you did the best thing by coming here! As everyone has said, make your dr and clinic earn their money and get this solved. Keeping you on my mind!! ????

Hey sassyfrass....you just go on and have that pity party! ????. I can't imagine how your feeling, but I know I would have exploded in a temper tantrum and dissolved in to tears. So, I'm assuming since you made your post, we are all invited to your party?!?!! ????
I admire your willpower; you don't need that donut (and we all have been at that place), you did the best thing by coming here! As everyone has said, make your dr and clinic earn their money and get this solved. Keeping you on my mind!! ????

I posted this awhile back and later felt that the issue had resolved itself and wasn't what I thought it to be. Looks like I may have been wrong.
So here goes..
I've received conflicting answers from UHC regarding my requirements. There are the typical; BMI, 6 month supervised diet and psych eval. All of which I have completed and my file is in the process of being submitted. I'm this close!!! And boom....I hit a big @ss brick wall that has knocked me off my feet this afternoon.
I called insurance to see if they'd received my file. While on the phone we discussed my requirements, etc. The rep then mentioned receiving authorization 6 months PRIOR to surgery. Curious of his answer, I asked him to convey his perception of that statement. Which he did, and I did not like. I then asked him that IF I were to be approved, let's say next Wednesday, does that mean I have to wait an ADDITIONAL 6 months before I can actually have surgery? So, like...August??? His response was yes. This whole scenario makes absolutely no sense to me. Why? Why make a patient bust their rump for 6 months to prove that they CAN follow guidelines set by their provider/nut but receive little to no result? Why have a patient see a psychiatrist, get the go ahead and then wait an additional 6 months? I'm not saying it will, but there is a lot that can happen in a 6 month period. I can honestly say that when my father passed away in 2012, I would not have been emotionally stable if you will, to follow protocol after surgery.
Up until today, I have been under the impression/hopes of having surgery in early March. I have put in my time and done what has been asked of me. And this news has rocked my world. No it's not the worst case scenario. Yes, I can put on my big girl panties and wait the required time. Yes I am even lucky for the fact that my insurance actually covers this. But I simply do not want to. And that is okay. Please do not ridicule me for being upset over this. I guarantee most of you would be just as disappointed if you were almost there and had the carpet ripped right out from under you.
And yes- when I first started this process I did inform my benefits coordinator at the office of what I was told. She said it did not sound correct and she thought the rep had misunderstood what they were reading to me. I spoke with another rep a couple of months later, and she told me that I did NOT have to wait 6 months. However, I will be calling my coordinator tomorrow to request that she call UHC and discuss this with them. When she initially called to verify my benefits, they never mentioned this to her either.
I'm just having a pity party, okay? And in an effort to avoid a bad habit I have almost broken...I am trying not to resort to emotional eating. I just want a big friggin donut right now!!!!!! Maybe a cupcake too..

So with surgery getting close, have you started getting your supplies together? I go in on Monday and I have started packing my bag First off let me state, if you use a Cpap, check to see if they want you to bring it. Last year my surgery was postponed because I forgot to bring it! I was so crushed. IV in, minutes away from the OR and told no.
Here is what I have so far in my bag:
Distilled Water for my cpap (check with your hospital if they carry it, my unit uses it and they do not carry it there)
Gas X dissolvable strips (gas pains can get pretty bad, the dissolvable ones are great and they don't taste bad)
chap stick ( your lips will get dry)
Loose fitting close for ride home. ( some of those sweats and yoga pants can be a bit tight fitting, and will be hitting right around the area those stitches are, also remember that they fill your abdomen full of gas so you will be a little bloated, just because something is ok fitting now, it may be little tight at the hospital.)
Binder ( some docs are ok with these, some aren't,, some even hand them out to you). if you don't know what it is, imagine a big Ace bandage for your waist. They are great to help that hold in feeling that you want when you are doing that walking around the hallways.
Long charger cord ​ I use mine for my tablet and my cell phone. Having a long one is great for those far away plugs.
Home supplies:
I know some docs let you take pills afterwards. My docs rule is nothing bigger than an pencil eraser. So she requests that we either do crushed, chewable or liquid. Crushed Tylenol is horrible! and the chewable kind you would have to take so many. I found at Walmart their brand of adult liquid Tylenol an it doesn't taste that bad. All my Vitamins, Fiber and such are either the Gummy or the chewable. And something I've learned is to take Biotin. Its great to help with the hair loss.

I go on Monday. Waiting for the call tomorrow with the time. Haven't packed yet but I did stock up on my Clear Liquids. I have friends who had the surgery and they brought me tons of Protein powders and different types of Vitamins to try. Getting excited! And nervous!!!!!!!

Would have never thought about that being an issue ????!! I'm a heavy chested girl, and I have a few of those front clasp "items". I'm going to really think about that the daylong and after surgery this month. Thanks for the heads-up.

Hello awesome people.
Since I began this journey in January of this year, it's been an absolutely wild ride. I've had some huge changes both with my body and my life, and triumphs I never thought I would see. Through all of my hard work, i have pretty much point blank refused to tell most people in my life, let alone "go public" with it. I spend a lot of time with social media and I've seen firsthand how ignorant, judgmental, and downright cruel people can be about wls and the people who get it or want to get it. I'm sure many of you have witnessed this as well... "weight loss surgery is the easy way out", "people who get weight loss surgery are lazy and undeserving of praise", etc. At best, people simply don't know much about it and have preconceived notions that are hard to change. At worst, people outright hate and name-call because they have problems of their own and take it out on others.
Positivity has been one of my main weapons during this battle to reclaim my body. Exposing myself and my struggles to people was far too much of a risk for me, and I don't regret not telling most people.
However, I've recently been having a (very uncharacteristic) desire to share my progress, hardships, and everyday tips with people who could use them, either for inspiration or ideas or whatever reason. I realized that I would have been so much less brave and confident going into it without the help of people who have shared their own stories and ideas. I want to contribute to the "next generation", so to speak, of wls patients. I want to give back a little to the amazing community that has done such wonderful things for me.
To that end, I've decided to make an instagram. I'm still a little nervous about showing my progress in a place where I could be found (which is silly... people in my life saw me when I was 440 pounds and they see me now at 320 and they will see me later at 170, maybe below) but even just making the account and posting my first two pictures is sort of.. liberating. I found a picture from my highest weight that just astounded me. It baffled me. It saddened me. Then I put it next to a picture I took a few days ago and seeing them side by side made me feel like being so open will be worth it if it helps even one person who has suffered and struggled that way I have and am.
So, people, I would love to make new friends! If you don't have an instagram, I would highly recommend you think about making one, even just as a place to document your daily progress. You can make it private or for only friends, and you can follow other people who are wls patients or hopefuls, or exercise gurus, or anything, really.
I would also like suggestions for accounts to follow, if anyone already follows some helpful people.
here is my page: https://www.instagram.com/belly.laugh/
I really look forward to making new friends.

Seems like there are several of us February surgery people out there ????. We can all console and encourage each other during this pre op diet we must do! At least we can all come here and talk about before and after, and the ups and downs of our journey. That makes all these pre op meals (steamed broccoli with lemon juice tonight ????) worth it. Ha ha ha!!! I keep telling myself all these Protein Drinks are good practice for after surgery. But they are hard to get used to-4 shakes per day are more volume to get down than I realized!

@@MiteyMom
Welcome!! Glad you have a surgery date set????! Yes, the pre op diet is necessary to get that liver in shape. It's worth it, and you will be so happy with the results! I just keep saying that everyday when I feel like I'm going to drown in river of Protein shakes! LOL!! ????

You are lucky. You are grateful, and you made the decision to save yourself and be healthy! It's okay to cry and let it out ????. Your tears are full of joy, relief, expectations, and some sorrow for others who can't or won't seek this type of life changing medical solution. I've cried. I've felt similar feelings like you. Everyday I'm more acutely aware of the fact that on Feb 8, I'm going to wake up and all things are going to be changed forever. So you just let it all out, girl!! We are listening and you are definitely not alone in all this. Congrats on the Feb 12 date ????

Hi! I'm Feb 8th. I'm happy, and nervous. I have a very experienced surgeon and a great support network, yet I have many thoughts both,good and troubling, that run through my mind. Congrats and happy futures to all getting ready!

Re: terrified??
Heck yeah!! I stay terrified. Terrified I'll have problems, terrified I'll fail, terrified it won't work....and on and on! I'm trying to make that "terror" work for me rather than RULE me. I tell myself that as long as I have those feelings, I will stay on my toes and tie the line. Just keep breathing and believing in yourself. You made it to this point with hard work. There is no reason to think you will not go forward and win the prize????!! You will!

@@MsB7
I wonder if it was fate that you wrote that post and that I read it. I just sat here and re-read it about 3 times. There is so much of your post that brings memories and echoes to my mind. I just got to the end of my mandatory 6 months+ of PCP monthly visits, physical therapy, counseling, nutrition, Nurse Practitioner, and 17+ lab and specialty appointments. I know what your going through with that. It's a long haul and you aren't allowed to miss or just not go to the appts. It's all required to see if you are really commited and that you will be compliant to ensure your success. One day at a time; that's all you need to concentrate on. One day at a time. No one is perfect and everyone struggles and makes mistakes. You get back up, do your program, keep the faith and keep it honest. Keep it real. This is a chance of a lifetime to take back your life and live it healthy and happy. So, welcome to this forum. Explore all the forums and ask anything you want. Sending out positive energy to you! You are okay and you can do this!! ????

@@MsB7
I wonder if it was fate that you wrote that post and that I read it. I just sat here and re-read it about 3 times. There is so much of your post that brings memories and echoes to my mind. I just got to the end of my mandatory 6 months+ of PCP monthly visits, physical therapy, counseling, nutrition, Nurse Practitioner, and 17+ lab and specialty appointments. I know what your going through with that. It's a long haul and you aren't allowed to miss or just not go to the appts. It's all required to see if you are really commited and that you will be compliant to ensure your success. One day at a time; that's all you need to concentrate on. One day at a time. No one is perfect and everyone struggles and makes mistakes. You get back up, do your program, keep the faith and keep it honest. Keep it real. This is a chance of a lifetime to take back your life and live it healthy and happy. So, welcome to this forum. Explore all the forums and ask anything you want. Sending out positive energy to you! You are okay and you can do this!! ????

Yes, it will be worth it!! I am also having to cook for everyone else and have just my pre op allowance. It sucks, but I'm determined and extremely motivated to get this done and help myself health wise. I started my diet this past Sunday. You can do it! Don't let ANYTHING distract you. I was told once by a wise person: If you want something more than anything else, and you love that person/thing/idea/outcome more than anything else in your life, then you will be successful. I believe that, and I know if you believe that, you will do fine ????

@@MsB7
I wonder if it was fate that you wrote that post and that I read it. I just sat here and re-read it about 3 times. There is so much of your post that brings memories and echoes to my mind. I just got to the end of my mandatory 6 months+ of PCP monthly visits, physical therapy, counseling, nutrition, Nurse Practitioner, and 17+ lab and specialty appointments. I know what your going through with that. It's a long haul and you aren't allowed to miss or just not go to the appts. It's all required to see if you are really commited and that you will be compliant to ensure your success. One day at a time; that's all you need to concentrate on. One day at a time. No one is perfect and everyone struggles and makes mistakes. You get back up, do your program, keep the faith and keep it honest. Keep it real. This is a chance of a lifetime to take back your life and live it healthy and happy. So, welcome to this forum. Explore all the forums and ask anything you want. Sending out positive energy to you! You are okay and you can do this!! ????

I have heard of SixStar, Isopure. I know you can go to any GNC nutritional vitamin/supplement store and the staff can help advise you. I do not know what your preference is, of course, but you can always purchase a high quality Protein Powder and mix it with lactose free milk or with almond/soy milk. There are also lactaid chewable tablets that help your system process dairy. You just chew one a few minutes before you drink your shake. Hope you find something that works for you so you can continue on your weight loss journey ????

I have heard of SixStar, Isopure. I know you can go to any GNC nutritional vitamin/supplement store and the staff can help advise you. I do not know what your preference is, of course, but you can always purchase a high quality Protein Powder and mix it with lactose free milk or with almond/soy milk. There are also lactaid chewable tablets that help your system process dairy. You just chew one a few minutes before you drink your shake. Hope you find something that works for you so you can continue on your weight loss journey ????

I'm waiting for everything to come together also. My healthcare team has told me to be ready by February 8, and that they are sure the insurance will be okay. I was told that this is common place in many cases, the ins company runs behind or drags their feet. Hope we all hear soon so we can put this niggling doubt to bed!!!????

I'm waiting for everything to come together also. My healthcare team has told me to be ready by February 8, and that they are sure the insurance will be okay. I was told that this is common place in many cases, the ins company runs behind or drags their feet. Hope we all hear soon so we can put this niggling doubt to bed!!!????

My surgery date is also February 8th!! I just joined this group last night. I'm having lots of jitters now that the date is just around the corner!!!

I was given a HUGE binder of detailed information and medical reasoning upon my very first visit in 5/14. They are very precise and very structured at my clinic. They make it clear that if you fail to be compliant with the concepts they set forth, they reserve the right to delay or dismiss your surgery if you simply cannot be compliant and as healthy as you can be. It may seem strict, but I respect my Bari team, and I believe they are there for me now and forever! Finding this forum has really helped me so much!!

The grill part of your question is just fine, but I would try BBQ Sauce with caution or use sugar-free.< /p>

Thanks very much to everyone for the grilling advice ????. I was unsure if the grill marks or the smoked/charbroiled taste might make people nauseated or worse. I guess you really do just have to try things little by little and see how you do! Hopefully I will still enjoy very small portions of grilled and spicy foods.