gina171

Your skin looks BEAUTIFUL. Your success gives you Rock Star status as far as I am concerned. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Hi All, I want to get some books to help me prep for post-op. If you have any books, cookbooks, emotional/psychological support books that you have found valuable, I would love to hear about them. Also, is there a single, almost all-inclusive book you would recommend for family members who are interested in gaining an understanding without reading 1000 pages across 10 different books? Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Thx, that is encouraging! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

So much of who I am is the mom/cook/entertainer. I am the person who cooks the kid's favorite foods when they come home from college, I am the neighbor who leaves a pot of homemade chicken Soup on your porch when you have the flu, I am the person who drops off a cooked meal for the family that just brought home a new baby. Our home kitchen has a 60" by 60" island with the gas cooktop built in, so that I can talk to family and friends as we prep and cook food together. After I have surgery, I am thinking that a way to make this possible and part of my life is to still do all those things, but to consider the tastes and bites I eat during party prep (or cooking at a party as I described above) as my meal ..... And then skip over the actual meal part? Sort of become the hostess who is running around prepping and then not really eating the meal (keep in mind our entertaining is very casual and buffet oriented, and not a formal sit-down deal). I am super creative and outgoing, and I love creating fun dishes and events.....anyone have success adapting similar loves into their lives postop? Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Thanks Lemm61! That sounds like the kind of program that offers the support I want/need to learn a new way of living. Who is doing your surgery? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

They're both Centers of Excellence, but I am looking forward to my Duke info session so I can get a sense of their care and post-op support. Dub, your comment really struck a chord with me, thx for the info. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

That's terrific advice, thx!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Both hospital programs are very close by to me, trying to decide which to use. Attended UNC info session, seemed pretty straightforward....duke info session is next week. How were your experiences if you used one of these programs? Is one more comprehensive than the other in terms of support and follow up post-surgery? I definitely want to have solid support groups available to me post-surgery, when the real work kicks in. Any info or opinions you can provide on your experience at Duke or UNC would be so appreciated! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am early in the process and haven't had surgery yet, but I just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and sending lots of good thoughts and hopes your way. You're strong and brave and are going to get through this. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Any Chapel Hill/Durham folks? Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Sending you good vibes .... You don't deserved to be ashamed of ANYTHING that has to do with this struggle and journey. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Terrific letter, well done! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Congratulations, can't wait to hear more about the next steps in your journey! So happy for you. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

No I definitely would want to see the face.... Plus, if I was a little unsure about the process, and I went to YouTube to learn more from actual patient stories but they blurred out their face....it kind of maybe implies that there is something to be ashamed of? I hate to use that word, but it would send me the silent message that this is something I shouldn't feel proud of doing. If we were talking hip surgery, or even a heart surgery, would you hide your face? Showing your face makes me feel more connected to you, and really connecting with you and your message helps me relate it to my situation. Show your beautiful face.....you're doing a wonderful, brave thing. :-) Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Considering both UNC and Duke for my sleeve surgery, and was wondering if any of you were also deciding between the two, and which you chose? Is there a notable difference in the quality/care/support services of one over the other? Or am I just comparing apples to apples here? Thanks! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Thanks for the input! I will check out the other university hospital, and make my choice! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Chapel Hill, NC Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I have the great fortune to live in the triangle area of North Carolina, and am very close to both UNC and Duke. Attended an info session for one and liked everything, seemed pretty straightforward, but I wonder if I should also check out the other one as well? Does it really matter which I choose? Wondering if you all checked out different programs before choosing, or if you found that there were significant meaningful differences that mattered to you in the end? Thanks for your advice. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I am new, and wondering what are the reasons insurance would deny approval for WLS? My BMI is 48, sadly. And I suspect I have sleep apnea. But isn't the BMI alone a clear reason to approve? Anything I need to be careful to do or NOT do, in order to not ruin my chances for approval? I have United Healthcare, and have confirmed sleeve surgery is a covered benefit if BMI is over 40. Thanks for any advice! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Hi there, I am a super newbie here, going to my first info session at UNC on Tuesday. Have been thinking and reading about this for years, now feel very ready. Checked w my insurer, UnitedHealthcare, and my plan covers the surgery at 90%, which is great. But I am wondering how long is the typical wait between first contact and surgery? Does United Healthcare make patients do a 6-month diet and wait before surgery? My BMI is 48, so even that won't get me below 40. Also, I have been doing weight watchers online (fee-based), and have all my food logs and weigh in logs....would that suffice? I am 48 years old and I am sorry I waited this long, I just want to move forward with a healthier life. Thanks! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App