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Sleeve1stFitNext

Gastric Sleeve Patients
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Posts posted by Sleeve1stFitNext

  5. Posted

    13 hours ago, KGee88 said:

    I spoke with UHC and there was no mention of 6 months of testing, dieting and education. I'm currently in a bariatric program through my local hospital that has 3 months of all that- then after 90 days I'll submit all my paperwork to the insurance for final approval. But I meet with my surgeon on Monday so maybe I'll get information. I'm not opposed to continual waiting but I hope it's not an additional 6 months to the 3 I'm currently working through. Might I ask what state you're in?


    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

    I am in New York City. Due to each state having their own requirements as well as employers, that is why I put to contact UHC to learn the plan requirements. Most people whom I have met, had the same requirements as me. I have learned that some people get less time and do require all the things I listed. It's great to know the different plans and how they work.

    pink pixel reacted to this

  6. Posted

    2 hours ago, sgc said:

    I spent most of my adult life being overweight and isolating myself from people that I don't have really any friends let alone common ones. I guess the signs are there. She did draw me a picture when I was in the office and weighed 470 pounds. She did ask me to go to a play and a dinner. That doesn't seem like something a woman would ask a guy to do even though I believe some other female co-workers were going to join us. When I did go to the bar back in December, she did say a couple times she was glad I came. She also asked me if I was single. I am pretty sure she is single. I know she was about a year ago. Ironically I was matched up with her on an online dating site. It's hard to stop thinking as the 470 pound guy. She isn't quite petite. She would probably be considered overweight but I think she is the perfect size. She did comment on my weight loss and she said she wanted to lose some weight. Maybe she has the same insecurities as I do?

    @sgc

    She may be just as shy as you are. The goal is to go for it. We all have been rejected but it is better to have tried then to have never tried at all. I think she likes you and maybe shy about it. Maybe she thinks you are too good for her. You should go for it. I think once you stop hiding, you will experience the world. Besides, you have millions of people here that are supporting you and in your corner. Though we may not know each other, we know the feelings and experiences. You got this!! Send her a quick email saying something work related and ask her to get coffee so you can discuss it. From there, get to know her. You got the charm, you just have to let it out.

  7. Posted

    I think you should speak to her at work. Maybe casually bump into her and then spark up a conversation on how she is doing. Telling how things are going with you and then say you know back at the bar. Causally say well I wasn't sure if you were dating someone so I probably missed my shot and laugh a little. I think she will be impressed.


    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

  12. Posted

    To: soon2bethin17
    I had a 6 month nutrition appointments, psychological evaluation,
    Needed 1O% of weight gone. Im very slow to lose because of my age. I have HB, type 2 diabetic, I feel I'm active I walk 5 miles 5 times a week. I do struggle to lose weight.

    Sent from my LGLS990 using the BariatricPal App





    I am a slow loser as well. Mines come from having severe Endometriosis in which I take hormone blocking medication. I explained all of this to my surgeon and he made sure to add it to the reasons why the surgery would be needed. My suggestion is to call UHC. Have a list of questions available and start drilling them on what are the requirements, what happens if you cannot reach the weight lose requirement but come close. It is important to keep a track of whom you spoke with. Call multiple times to confirm the answers.

    UHC was pretty consistent when it came to me. Also read up on your plan. The better you understand your plan, the easier it is to deal with the insurance company.


    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

  13. Posted

    I'm March 8th! The dr said I have to go in one week before for a preop appointment but he hasn't said anything about a liquid diet before hand? Maybe he will in my preop appointment


    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App



    You will discuss this during your Pre-Op appointment. My surgeon just gave me my information when I got approved. You will most likely be given a packet. It will break down the 6 - 8 week Pre-Op and Post-Op diet. Have the Vitamins you will need to take. How to eat and drink. What is acceptable and what is not.


    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

  14. Posted

    Greetings,

    I know many of you are just starting out on this journey and may want to know what to do after approval ?. Here are some tips that are helping me:

    1) Stock up on your Protein shakes. During your visits to the doctor, you should have been trying to find a shake that you like. For me, it was difficult since I am lactose intolerant. Even a small amount of lactose makes my stomach hurt. I spent 3 months testing Protein Shakes. The following two are great for me:

    Premier shakes
    Orgain Shakes

    You can get these from target, Vitamin Shoppe and Premier is sold at BJ's.

    2) Stock up on your vitamins. If you're like me and cannot take pills, try this brand sold a Target called Olly. This brand comes in a chewable form and consist of the following you will need:

    Calcium (Bones)
    Multivitamin (Men and Women)
    B12 (Energy)
    Vitamin D (Sunshine)

    3) Find a food Processor (Not a chopper. They look similar but are different apparently)

    4) You can purchase glass baby jars (??) for your puréed stage or you can purchase condiment holders. They both will work with holding your puréed food and helping you measure it out.

    5) Gatorade will help with the electrolytes loss. Make sure it is sugar free. It may taste nasty but hey sugar is what got us to where we are now.

    6) I created a Pre-op diet schedule and Post-op diet schedule. For those whom need to have an idea of when to eat based on their schedules, this can help.

    7) Practice your eating and drinking schedule?. Don't drink 30 minutes before and wait 30 minutes after eating to drink. Slip slowly. Chew your food slowly. There is an App which can help you time yourself.

    8) Incorporate more vegetables. Limit your fruit intake because that is still sugar.

    9) Continue reading and learning.

    10) If you are surrounded by people whom are not supportive, try to not discuss this process with them as they will not be understanding of it. This will stress you out and you may have second thoughts.

    11) If you are surrounded by people whom are supportive, try not to overwhelm them. It's a catch 22...I know but show them what you are doing or going to be doing. They may not understand the process but they will see how important it is to you. Try not to talk too much about it, when they have questions, they will ask.

    As a reminder, this is not a medical opinion but tips that I use to help with the process. There are days in which I want my comfort foods. Sometimes I indulge but most times I ignore the cravings. We are not only changing our bodies but we are also changing our minds. Use this time wisely. Be prepared. Good luck and you can succeed.


    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

    boreml reacted to this

  15. Posted

    It is based on the amount of fat around your liver mostly. If you have fatty liver disease, it can cause the liver to get in the way and prevent surgery. The goal is to make the liver smaller. This is mainly offered to persons whom carry fat in their midsection.

    I have fatty liver disease so I will have a 2 week liquid diet. Some people have to do 3 weeks and others only need 1 week. It all depends on your body.

    In addition, surgeons also can decide what is safe for the patients. A liquid diet may cause more damage than good.

    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

    MissMellyMell reacted to this

  19. Posted

    I am writing this to help those whom have United Health Care. Here are the following things to know and tips:

    Before reading these tips, contact UHC for confirmation that Bariatric surgery is covered under your plan. Confirm the requirements. Confirm that your surgeon and his associated hospital is In-Network (if they are not, it will be like paying for the surgery without insurance). Make sure you have an understanding of what the insurance wants to see or have done.

    1) You are eligible if you have a 40 BMI or Higher / Greater than 35 BMI with Co-Morbidity.

    2) Once you find your surgeon, you will have to do 6 months worth of testing, dieting and education.

    3) You will have to make 6 visits (once a month). This does not include your consultation.

    4) One of your visits will be with a Psychological Evaluation. This will determine your surgeons view and the insurance company's view of your case. They take a look at your mental and emotional health. They ask about your family and your support systems. They may ask you how you feel about yourself. Stay away from the negative views you may have of your body. Understand that they have seen hundreds of people like you and may have some prejudice in regards to whether you will succeed or not. Remind them that you are a person, not a statistic and bring some human to your discussion.

    5) Your surgeon may require you to keep an eating and exercise journal. I use MyFitnessPal and I have a FitBit.

    6) You will be asked to do an EKG to see how strong your heart is.

    7) You may be asked to do a sleep study. Depending on your surgeon, it can be a requirement. In my case, the insurance company denied it. They did not deem it as a necessity.

    8) You will have to do an Ultrasound which is to see if you have any issues with your liver (fatty liver disease) or other organs.

    9) The next thing is an endoscopy. This requires you to head to an outpatient clinic, be sedated and have a tube stuck down your throat. I learned that I had an hiatal hernia (where part of the stomach enters the diaphragm). This can cause you heart burn. Be aware of H. Pylori. This is a bacteria that can cause ulcers and heart burn as well. It takes a lot of antibiotics to cure. Be mindful that your throats will be sore and some sharp pains may occur as they most likely scrapped some samples from your digestive tract.

    10) In between these visits, you will see an dietitian and nutritionist for further help. They will slowly walk you through changing your eating habits. Be honest with them. It is very important in the long run. Also try to keep your weight lost in small amounts. If you lose too much in a short period of time, the surgeon and insurance company will feel like you can lose the remaining weight alone.

    11) Your last visit will consist of an overview. The surgeon will check your weight and may discuss further with you about your feelings towards the surgery. Hopefully you are approved by the surgeon. My surgeon was great during the process. I met with him more times than anyone else. He literally kept giving my information and sites to read to understand this tool.

    12) They will then submit your information to the insurance company. Now it can take up to 2 - 6 weeks for approval. I was approved in one week.

    My fellow UHC Members, I hope this assist you in your endeavors. 6 months will fly by so quickly you won't even realize it.

    Remember education is the key to success.


    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

    snarkysheltie, dnadeen, njgal and 12 others reacted to this

  20. Posted

    I am writing this to help those whom have United Health Care. Here are the following things to know and tips:

    Before reading these tips, contact UHC for confirmation that Bariatric surgery is covered under your plan. Confirm the requirements. Confirm that your surgeon and his associated hospital is In-Network (if they are not, it will be like paying for the surgery without insurance). Make sure you have an understanding of what the insurance wants to see or have done.

    1) You are eligible if you have a 40 BMI or Higher / Greater than 35 BMI with Co-Morbidity.

    2) Once you find your surgeon, you will have to do 6 months worth of testing, dieting and education.

    3) You will have to make 6 visits (once a month). This does not include your consultation.

    4) One of your visits will be with a Psychological Evaluation. This will determine your surgeons view and the insurance company's view of your case. They take a look at your mental and emotional health. They ask about your family and your support systems. They may ask you how you feel about yourself. Stay away from the negative views you may have of your body. Understand that they have seen hundreds of people like you and may have some prejudice in regards to whether you will succeed or not. Remind them that you are a person, not a statistic and bring some human to your discussion.

    5) Your surgeon may require you to keep an eating and exercise journal. I use MyFitnessPal and I have a FitBit.

    6) You will be asked to do an EKG to see how strong your heart is.

    7) You may be asked to do a sleep study. Depending on your surgeon, it can be a requirement. In my case, the insurance company denied it. They did not deem it as a necessity.

    8) You will have to do an Ultrasound which is to see if you have any issues with your liver (fatty liver disease) or other organs.

    9) The next thing is an endoscopy. This requires you to head to an outpatient clinic, be sedated and have a tube stuck down your throat. (Update: You will need to have lab work done no more than 1 month prior). I learned that I had an hiatal hernia (where part of the stomach enters the diaphragm). This can cause you heart burn. Be aware of H. Pylori. This is a bacteria that can cause ulcers and heart burn as well. It takes a lot of antibiotics to cure. Be mindful that your throats will be sore and some sharp pains may occur as they most likely scrapped some samples from your digestive tract.

    10) In between these visits, you will see an dietitian and nutritionist for further help. They will slowly walk you through changing your eating habits. Be honest with them. It is very important in the long run. Also try to keep your weight lost in small amounts. If you lose too much in a short period of time, the surgeon and insurance company will feel like you can lose the remaining weight alone.

    11) Your last visit will consist of an overview. The surgeon will check your weight and may discuss further with you about your feelings towards the surgery. Hopefully you are approved by the surgeon. My surgeon was great during the process. I met with him more times than anyone else. He literally kept giving my information and sites to read to understand this tool.

    12) They will then submit your information to the insurance company. Now it can take up to 2 - 6 weeks for approval. I was approved in one week.

    My fellow UHC Members, I hope this assist you in your endeavors. 6 months will fly by so quickly you won't even realize it.

    Remember education is the key to success.

    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

    kittymommy, pink pixel, Tracy's Sleeve and 1 other reacted to this

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