MSinger

@gwbicsterThat's exactly what happened to me as well. Chocolate was my least favorite preop, now it's my favorite flavor post op. I'm definitely still drinking my shakes - I'm too cheap to throw them away

Yep, I've had changed tastes too. I don't like ice cream as much as I did preop (which is a huge plus), but I also don't like my protein shakes. I loved the Premier Protein vanilla and caramel shakes preop, but now they are way too sweet and I have to choke them down. I still have some left from when I purchased a whole bunch preop. I'm still ok with the chocolate flavor. I also have to add flavor infusers to water and can't drink it plain without gagging. I used to chug plain room temp water preop. Now It's gotta be cold and flavored.

It took about 5 weeks for it to completely go away for me, but everyone is different. I had issues where if I overexerted myself my incisions would get sore and my muscles would start hurting again. Are you working out?

From my understanding, plan exclusions are typically non-negotiable situations. I'm sorry if that's the case with your insurance. It's ridiculous that something that could help prevent or reverse so many chronic conditions is not considered worth covering. I second the suggestion of looking into Mexico. Lots of folks here had their surgery over the border. Good luck.

I've been having small bouts of depression that seem to happen on days I lose a lot of weight at once. I definitely think it's at least in part due to hormones, but losing weight is emotional business. Many people used food as a crutch or to cope with unhealthy aspects of their lives - I noticed some long-ignored issues start bubbling to the surface for me too. It could be hormonal or psychological, or some combination. But if it gets severe to where it impairs with your daily life I think it would be time to discuss it with a Dr. Good luck.

I have a Mirena and still got my period a day or so after surgery. They give you a pad and mesh undies.

Running nose is typically a sign that I'm eating too quickly or ate too much at once. Preop it was a sign of reflux for me. I've also seen other people on the boards here reporting a runny nose.

I was very fatigued for about 3 weeks post op and still have trouble with walking more than 30mins at a time at 7weeks out. I have energy, but it runs out quickly.

I just found this thread.. @Goggyween, I am really sorry you are going through this! I don't really know much about management of a leak other than stent placements. Have you discussed other options with your doc? Please stay strong. You are in my thoughts.

Wow, your progress is incredible! Congrats!

Yes, I weighed 10lbs more a week after my surgery. Your body retains water while it's healing, plus any IV fluids you had during the procedure. Don't stress the weight too much during your first month as fluid retention can really throw your numbers off.

@Blizair09, I totally respect your input. It may sound contradictory, but I also agree with what you say. The reason I decided on taking this course of action based on a long history of seeing reactions to the people around me regarding weight loss. My family is gossipy and they have tried to sabotage my efforts in the past. At my work, a lady who had WLS and was open about it was harassed. There were a few other coworkers who were considering it, and the news of them even considering the surgery reached me, even though I never asked. It's really unacceptable that such personal information is passed around a professional setting, whether it is WLS or any other procedure, and did not want that to happen to me. I don't recommend people do what I do, but making such a radical change AND doing it publicly is not for everyone. If I ever come across someone IRL who is thinking about weight loss surgery, I think I'd be open to them about my experience. For now, sharing with people online who are seriously considering or have had the procedure is about the extent of my comfort level. Hopefully, my stance on the matter will evolve and I'll be more comfortable stepping out of my comfort zone as I progress, but I'm just not there yet.

I was initially approved as an outpatient as well, but I had to stay inpatient for 2 nights because I wasn't tolerating liquids. My insurance approved the whole stay. I was told they will not pre-approve the inpatient stay - they wait until after your procedure to see if it's medically necessary.

Just do what you can and don't pressure yourself to go past your limit. I'm 6 weeks out and walk 1.5miles a day. I was hoping I'd be back to my regular 3miles a day by now, but I've blacked out a couple of times. Yesterday I added an additional 500 steps to my walk and got dizzy on my way home :/ Your diet is the biggest driver of weight loss. Exercise helps, but it's not critical, so if you're struggling then take it slow. Anything is better than no activity at all.

The biggest thing that surprises me post surgery is my change in personality. I am more aware of how toxic some people in my life are and I am no longer tolerating or enabling their behavior. It was like a night and day switch. I don't know if it's a physical/hormonal change, or an emotional change, but right now I feel like I am fighting for me and have no patience for the poor behavior of others around me.

I have a premier protein shake every morning for "first breakfast" which I count it as a meal. My "second breakfast" comes 3hrs later and from then on I eat all solid meals and do not drink calories.

Is there a reason you're avoiding taking the Zofran? It seem like if you have nausea and a nausea med on hand, maybe try taking it. Unless there is some reaction you are having? I can tell you as someone currently at 6weeks out I had to take Zofran as needed for the first month. I still have occasional bouts of nausea, but it goes away after I eat. It just stinks because the nausea makes me not want to eat, so I have to fight through it.

I feel the exact same way. When I really start "showing" I plan on simply telling people I'm eating less, moving more, and increasing my protein intake. It's not a lie...

Not food, but I had dreams that I was smoking pot. Lol.. I don't touch the stuff!

Regarding #2, if you are calling in to check benefits, the representative will typically tell you all the financials related: deductible, in and out of network benefits, out of pocket max. They like to dump the data on you. I'd recommend calling back and ask for an Explanation of Benefits letter (EOB) to be sent to you. At least then, you'll have it in writing. As for #3, this is incredibly vague. Every insurance company has a medical policy that explains what criteria must be met for surgery to be approved. These are typically available online. You said you have BCBS, so maybe search on their website and see if you can pull up a copy of their bariatric surgery medical policy. You can also call your insurance and ask them how to find their medical policy. That information is available to everyone and you many be able to get to it yourself if you go to the BCBS website. #4.. well, first off, I don't know how true this is. Gastric bypass and duodenal switch procedures do qualify as inpatient procedures per my insurance. My sleeve gastrectomy was approved as an outpatient procedure, but I had to be admitted inpatient for 2 days after my procedure and they covered it. They just did not approve an inpatient stay until they were sure I needed it. I recommend you call your insurance company back. The rep's answer to #3 was not acceptable. If you are getting more vague nonsense ask to speak with a supervisor.

It really depends on person to person. Many people I've seen on here were walking over a mile at two weeks out. My energy was in the toilet for the first two weeks, and it has been extremely slow but steady progress since then. I'm 6 weeks out tomorrow and I still have occasional bouts of dizziness after a 1.5mile walk. It was also strange because I felt energtic, but would run out of steam very quickly. Still do. Take it slow. Make sure you have water with you and take frequent rest breaks. Make sure you have enough energy for the walk back.

I second checking to see if this is a current policy. The copy you put up states vertical banded gastroplasty is covered, but per my insurance, that procedure is no longer a standard of care. This looks outdated. ETA: I also see your screenshot is from a site called obesityreporter.com. I don't know what kind of a site this is, but you should be speaking directly with your insurance company (call the # on the back of your insurance card). One insurance policy will not be the same as another, even if it the same insurance carrier. Every group has their own plan. Calling your insurance will allow you to get a link to a current policy the insurance company uses to review, as well as any additional stipulations your specific employer group may have.

This sounds really bizarre. I'm not sure if this means they would only cover if it is an open procedure, but if so I don't know why they would favor a more invasive approach. I have never heard of this. In any case, just focus on what your insurance company requires. There are some plans with strange provisions in their plans, but don't let that throw you off.

I have gigantic tonsils and went through surgery fine. If it's something your doc finds concerning they may want you to do a sleep study.

This is really common post op. I hope the nausea meds help, but if you continue to have problems getting your water in call your Dr's office and let them know. Eta: I still get nauseous from plain water and have to flavor mine. I add trulemon to my water every day.