tera73

That's awesome! I'm still going through all the my dietician appointments. I had to do 12. Congrats!!! So exciting!!!

I just had my 2nd (and last) visit with Suzanne. I was shocked to get my surgery date right afterwards... October 8 (the day before my 37th birthday). My family was a little irritated by the date, but I'm thrilled. I can't imagine a better birthday present.

Feeling better now?

You'll be fine. I'm a worrier too. Just listen to your body. You'll be straight. Congrats again.

Invite sent!

Just got released....headed home.

Congratulations! How are you feeling?

Yay! I hope you're feeling as well as can be expected. Looking forward to joining you on the losers' bench in a couple of months.

I am SO excited for for you - best of luck!!!! We can't wait to hear how it went.

Hello Family,
Anyone going to the support group tonight at 6?

You got this my girl. I'm so excited for you. Time to be great! Good luck. Keep us posted!

Just had my pre op....now waiting to see Suzanne....signed my surgery consent papers....made me more nervous! [emoji51]

Just had my pre op....now waiting to see Suzanne....signed my surgery consent papers....made me more nervous! [emoji51]

Just had my pre op....now waiting to see Suzanne....signed my surgery consent papers....made me more nervous! [emoji51]

41 pounds?! That's fantastic! You've got this.

Opt out if you're worried about it, and then do what you can to make sure you're down a bit at the time of your pre-op w/Fitzer. I think you'll be fine either way, though. I also have a requirement to "not gain weight during the supervised diet period," but I was up a couple of pounds at my last appointment with Suzanne, and she said I'll be ok as long as I'm at Fitzer's goal weight for me by the time of my pre-op appointment 2 weeks before my surgery date.

That is awesome! Glad you’re here! How are you feeling? What hospital did you use?

I wish I would have found you guys before surgery! Lol. You guys are awesome. My Surgery date was April 9th. Home and resting now. I have 2 jobs so the time off is different between the two because of the type of work they are. One desk the other way more physical.
I do have to add that this office is AMAZING!!! I actually started my process at MedStar Washington and it was the worse!!!! Night and day to Dr. Fitzer and his incredible team! So much so that my bestie who dropped me off went up to get her process started while we were waiting to get checked in for pre-op.
No regrets!!
I look forward to getting to know ya’ll

Ok....the past 3 hours have been a whirlwind! I called insurance this morning and they received everything...said they would request medical records and they normally have a decision within 3 days. Imagine my surprise when Danielle calls and says that they called her and that I had paper to sign and then it would be approved!! She quickly emailed me the form and I signed it and sent it back to her...next thing I know, we are scheduling my pre op with the PA and my surgery!!! A year ago when I started this, I was totally discouraged when I found out I had to wait 12 months...and complete all these different requirements from the insurance....including losing 40 pounds! Every visit, I would see people scheduling their surgery and felt like mine was never going to happen...I go for my pre op April 26 and then my surgery is May 7 at Reston hospital. We at first were aiming for May 15 at Haymarket, but my insurance wouldn’t cover there. Now, the nerves have set it; but the excitement is through the roof! Thank you guys for all the encouragement and motivation!!

Had my apt this morning with Suzanne....I lost the 10% that the insurance required...they are submitting everything. How long does this process normally take? Did everyone get a surgery date before they were approved by their insurance?

I emailed Heather the other day and heard back from her...she told me pretty much the same thing. No driving for a week...no lifting 25# for 4 wks...she pretty much asked me how long I wanted off, and that he gives up to 4 weeks. I am a transportation Aide for Jefferson County Schools. Our kids last day is June 1st...but we have to go a little longer. I told her I would rather be safe and do 4 weeks, but asked if I could be released before then and able to return back if I felt like it. My only worry at this point would be that I can’t take water or anything with me around the students. I did get my FMLA papers returned yesterday, it didn’t have how long on there.

I emailed Heather the other day and heard back from her...she told me pretty much the same thing. No driving for a week...no lifting 25# for 4 wks...she pretty much asked me how long I wanted off, and that he gives up to 4 weeks. I am a transportation Aide for Jefferson County Schools. Our kids last day is June 1st...but we have to go a little longer. I told her I would rather be safe and do 4 weeks, but asked if I could be released before then and able to return back if I felt like it. My only worry at this point would be that I can’t take water or anything with me around the students. I did get my FMLA papers returned yesterday, it didn’t have how long on there.

Good news! I was in the office today for Suzanne visit #3. While I was waiting, Heather told me that my insurance company, GEHA, denied my surgery. She submitted it to the insurance company for approval several weeks ago because I had previously participated in a medical weight loss program that met all of the requirements. I completed that program about 16 months ago, however, and that is the reason for not approving my surgery. The good news is that I just need 3 more appointments with Suzanne, and Heather will resubmit to insurance. The really good news is that Heather offered me a surgery date today, which I was not expecting to happen at this stage, especially after hearing from her that it won't be right after dietitian appointment #3.
My surgery date is 7/25. Woohoo!

I was in the office today and asked Heather how long (at a minimum) does Dr. Fitzer require patients to take off from work? She didn't give me a specific answer. Just said it depends on the type of work, and it was really up to me when I felt like returning to work. She said the only restrictions he has are 1) no driving for a week, and 2) no lifting >25# for 4 weeks. This doesn't help me tell my boss how long I'll be out, but I think I'll tentatively plan to return to work the day after my 3-week post-op visit.

Trust me, you'll definitely know!! Hahaha. It doesn't take long to be able to take big drinks and chug. I can drink pretty fast at almost 4 months out. I can't chug a whole bottle water, but I can get after it pretty good.