mherrera

Thanks. [fingers crossed] I'm hoping for the best! I accepted a conditional offer of employment in April 2016. Received my world-wide medical clearance in June 2016. Security Clearance interview in September 2016. Sleeve surgery in October 2016. Waiting to hear the final results on my security clearance...hoping to hear within the next month or so.

I am unable to locate information about bariatric surgery and security clearances. I am interested in a career with the Department of State as a Foreign Service Officer. The position requires a worldwide medical clearance. Does anybody know if bariatric surgery would disqualify a candidate from receiving a worldwide medical clearance?

I spent New Years in the Dominican Republic. We stayed at an all-inclusive resort for 8 days. I found it easy to stay on track with Proteins and liquids (water and milk). All meals had excellent Protein options. I indulged on fresh fruit at most meals. I also tried to have a bite or two of veggies at most meals. For me, the most difficult part was slowing down and stretching my few bites of food over the 30 minutes or so we were at dinner. Also, I worked hard to not draw attention to how much I was eating, since most of the group we traveled with do not know I had surgery. We travelled with family (siblings, spouses, parents, etc.). I've only shared my journey with my husband, our children and my parents. If I were to go again, I would definitely bring along Protein Bars. We did a few excursions away from the resort and it was trickier for me to find proteins that I felt comfortable eating.

I wondered the same thing early on. It definitely gets easier. I was sleeved on Oct 13. I felt like I had improvements with how things felt in my tummy between weeks 3-4 and 6-7. From week 3 to 4, I noticed that soft foods, like yogurt, didn't feel so yucky. From week 6 to 7, Water suddenly tasted refreshing to drink (prior to that, water made me feel like gagging). ...hang in there.

Stalls happen. Do your best not to let them get you down. Keep getting in your Protein and liquids. Are you incorporating exercise? Even a short walk every day can make a huge difference. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I can't stand the taste or texture of ready to drink shakes. I made my own too. My program said that if adding milk or yogurt to smoothies then not to add fruit. To keep the sugar and calorie content lower? I'm guessing? They also told me to keep smoothies under 30g Protein. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have united healthcare. It took approximately 3 weeks. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have united healthcare. It took 3 weeks to receive approval. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have UHC. I had been doing weight watchers online for many months before I made the decision to have surgery. When I decided to have vsg, i was able to get approved with 2 dietitian visits along with sending in my weight watcher payment and online weigh-in history. I was sleeved in Oct 2016. I started the process in June 2016, with first visit to Bariatric program and dietician. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App