Sleeve1stFitNext

I am going through this write now.

My surgery is March 26th and I am like eat it all!!! I don't know what happened to my discipline but once I got approved I have been hungry all the time. Idk what happened.

I am literally eating my "last" of everything and have gained 8lbs in 2 weeks. I stopped going to Slimming World and now having major regrets and doubts about going ahead with my surgery. I start my pre op diet next week and I'm currently mourning all the food I won't be able to eat.
It's scary.

I have to either have to have my tummy on top of the table or try to push it under. The day I slide into a booth and not almost get stuck, I will literally lose it. I will be so excited. Heck, I might do it three or four times!!! lol

OH!! the restaurant booths . I think the hostess does that on purpose. I genuinely do. Every time I go out to eat, it's always a booth and it will be the smallest one they have. I am like really? Really? Then because I am too embarrassed to ask for a bigger one or a table so I sit there the whole time uncomfortable.

I think that I would be scared to eat as well. Some of the people in my support group whom have lost a lot of weight say that they are scared to eat. They say it is like food was once their friend and now its a bitter enemy. They said they had to learn a healthier way to look at food again.

@Mandybb I wish the tables moved. I live in NYC. Most of the tables are nailed to the ground. I wish that they would stop doing that...like serious who breaks into a restaurant and says, "I am going to steal the tables..yeah the tables..."

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.

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

I did not get diagnosed with pre-diabetes until November of 2016. They still approved me. I think it has to do more with what the surgery can prevent. If you have been dieting on and off then that shows you have been trying. What also helped in my case is the fact that my weight plus working out caused me to break my ankle. My suggestion is to call UHC speak with a Representative. Also ask them to check in with the Pre-Authorization department.

This is soo adorable. I love how your students spoiled you for Valentine's Day!!

It is very nice to hear that other people are going through the same thing. This is pretty scary though. It makes me wonder will I succeed. Like I cant even refrain from junk food and the real battle has not started yet.
I do know myself and I know that I am preparing but the food calls me.

I will be doing my liquid diet starting March 12th. I am wondering for those whom have already gone through the diet, how can I prepare myself better. I am stocking up on my Protein Shakes, broth and Vitamins but I am wondering, what are some other things I can get to ensure that I don't fall off of my diet ?
I would really like some insight.
Thank you.

My surgery is March 26th and I am like eat it all!!! I don't know what happened to my discipline but once I got approved I have been hungry all the time. Idk what happened.

I have not been sleeved yet, but I think what you are feeling is normal.
I have been talking about getting the sleeve for 3 years and was convinced I wanted it.
Now that I have met with the surgeon and his team I am scared and don't think I can do it.
My surgery will not be until August at the earliest.
I agree with what others have said, your doctor has probably performed this surgery a thousand times.
Just try to have faith and be strong.

Thank you all for the information. I really appreciate it.

Omg lol I am worried about my edges. I have fine hair and the worst thing is thinning fine hair. My hair falls out if I am under stress, so I can only imagine what might happen. Well this will be a great reason to buy that wig I wanted.

For most people being nervous is part of taking this seriously. This is a life changing event and will alter our lives and eating habits forever. I am sure you are well prepared and before you know it the surgery will be done and over and your new life will have begun. Lots of us here will be rooting for you. Try and stay calm, know you are doing what needs to be done for your health and let us know how it goes. Good luck

I'm also having anxiety about my upcoming March 8 sleeve surgery. I think it's very normal at this stage to be nervous. I just remind myself with my past attempts and failures and now starting to have health issues from the weight that this is the time and I need to do this before it's too late. A month post op we're going to feel great! God bless

I am going through this write now.

My surgery is March 26th and I am like eat it all!!! I don't know what happened to my discipline but once I got approved I have been hungry all the time. Idk what happened.

I had the same problem. I have finished my 6 months and during the 6 months I was amazing. I ate right, made healthy choices and I was just really trying. I would eat something sweet but in a small portion once every other month.
Everything changed when I got approved (Jan 25th) . IDK. Something in me was like, "lets eat it all before we do the liquid diet. Lets do it now." I know it is just me telling myself that it is okay because once I get surgery, I may never be able to eat this stuff again.
Some days are easier than others. My suggestion is small portions. If you fight the cravings too much you may end up like me binge eating junk food some times and feeling guilty about it.
Now that we are half way through Feb, my self control is back. My body is starting to reject junk food. My mind does not want it anymore. I think it is because my surgery date is at the end of March.

In my evaluation, he asked me about my support system. How was my family taking the news that I wanted to get the surgery. I told him the following:
"My Mom and Boyfriend are nervous about it because they do not want anything bad to happen to me. They worry that I may forget to take my Vitamins or I won't go to the hospital if I am not feeling good. That's their biggest concern."
As far as couples splitting up after surgery, a lady in my support group shared some light on the matter.
"She was married 17 years. The first 15 years she was overweight. She had the greatest relationship with her husband during that time. Then she went to the doctor and found out she had all these health issues and she decided to get the gastric sleeve. She said her husband was not supportive at all. He would not even help her when she was got home. Her sister had to come. Once she began to gain her independence, her husband became more and more distant. She said she felt as though he was upset with her because she did not depend on him as much. She also stated that he started getting jealous and insecure. After 2 years, she filed for divorce. At that time she stated that she realized that she had changed. He was happy as long as she was extremely obese and needed him and she was happy that she no longer needed him."
Each case is different. I think that because her husband was not willing to participate and be supportive, their marriage fell apart.
I think people whom lose the weight, change their mindsets. Instead of the thinking of what they can't do or get and they start thinking of what they can do or get. I also think that some partners do not grow with their significant others.

Thank you for the information.

Ok so i have been going through so many pictures and post! And everyone has done an amazing job with there weight loss! I'm a lil taken back by PLEASE DONT BEAT ME UP FOR THIS ITS REALLY A CONCERN I DONT WANT TO LOOSE TO MUCH WEIGHT! I SEE LADIES WHO WHERE 320 and are now 150 and they look super skinny and faces look sunken in a lil makes them look older IM SCARED THIS IS GONNA HAPPEN TO PLEASE GIVE OPINIONS THIS IS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO PUT ANYONE DOWN JUST DONT WANT LOOK UNHEALTHY Sw 286
Cw 261
Gw 185
Sleeved 1/11/17
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App