Gotalose

14 hours ago, Lindsay_Sayz said:

Great! I’ll make the secret group tomorrow and post the link on this thread! I think it’s awesome to have several of us going through the same experience in one easy to read group! I love these threads, but Facebook groups are better!

Excited about secret group My surgery date is 1/18. I just found out yesterday. Needed to start preop diet two days ago but just found out my date. Time to get going on high Protein, low carb

How could you tell it was submitted? I'm hoping my paperwork was sent in yesterday and now I'm just waiting. Not sure how long it takes for them to get it into the system and review for approval. I'm nervous. Scheduled for 1/18 in NC

I'm interested to know also. How about you - your stats are great - are they from your surgery date or start of process?

27 minutes ago, Cam Paige said:

My advice would be to listen to your surgeons but not to be afraid to hear others experiences who have gone through this. Some doctors recommend things, others recommend others. If there's something your surgeon won't budge on, talk to your primary care and keep asking. This surgery is only going to work if you aren't miserable. The head hunger has been strong for me some days, so I'd recommend waiting to go on pinterest for recipes if thats something you do. But mainly, go with the flow. Your surgeon knows what they're doing and you will be in good hands with your nurses. don't be afraid to let them know if you're in pain, nauseous, whatever!! Keep your fluids up! I went to a diner and got some chicken broth from their Soup and strained it at home. It was a nice treat one week post op and helped with my fluids. Don't be afraid to take your pain meds, and liquid tylenol is heaven!!! I'd ask them at the hospital for liquid tylenol if your pain isn't excruciating, through the IV it helped my pain tremendously. Make this journey your own and don't be afraid to stand up for yourself! You got this!! Good luck!

Thank you! Great advise. Just got my surgery date 1/18 so I’m super excited. Just need ins approval now. Hoping this winter storm doesn’t slow approval down.

2 minutes ago, Cam Paige said:

I was in the hospital for 2.5 days. Was so ready for discharge, what a relief to be home! Definite pain the first week but nothing that bad after maybe 3-4 days. I still have an incision in my belly button that hurts a bit when I get up, but nothing unbearable. I believe I could definitely work a desk job right now and probably for the last 2 days. I'm 8 days out.

Thanks! Glad to hear you are doing okay. Any advice or recommendations for what you’ve already gone through? I’m actually sitting in office right now waiting to get my date after this h p appointment. I’m so nervous We’re you able to get a prescription for Vitamins and supplements?

YAYY!! Congratulations this is HUGE! Anxiety is totally normal but think of how bad you would feel if you were NOT approved. This is a blessing and you are going to love your new life! I am 5 days post op and so happy with my weight loss (15 lbs since starting weight) and I feel no hunger. Thats coming from a huge binge eater!!! Be prepared for lots of needles and injections while in the hospital, remember everything is to make you healthy. I'm a HUGEEE needle phone and if I can get through that you can get through this! Just keep thinking of how healthy and happy you'll be in a few short months. [emoji4] Good luck, lovely lady!

I’m excited and nervous. I have my H&P appointment today and find out my surgery date. All my other requirements have been filled just need this last appointment and then they submit to insurance and hope we get approval before the day we schedule. Hoping for Jan 18.

What do the do at the Health History & Physical appointment?

28 minutes ago, Please BeSleeveMe said:

I think that I have tried all of the Premier Protein drinks. Carmel is good and I sometimes put it in my coffee. banana cream, chocolate and vanilla are good. I have tried to blend them with ice and now think they taste better right out of the container. I have tried the premier Protein Bars and I love love the salted caramel and the double chocolate ( I think that is the name) I recently bought the nectar brand to try. Many have said how good they are. I bought a sampler pack so I can see which ones I like for surgery. Still trying to find out which Vitamins to use since I do not like the Barimelt.

Haven't thought about Vitamins yet. What don't you like and what are you looking for?

8 hours ago, Creekimp13 said:

Jade, my incisions itch today, too:) Par for the course...the healing itch.

Thanks for the report - its nice to hear a positive experience. How are you feeling today? If you had to, could you work at a desk job for a couple of hours?

1 hour ago, Gretsada said:

Yeyyyy!!!!! Excelent, I want to try the pre op diet for the weekend to see how I feel.... and try to see which Protein will like me....



Gret Quesada

I bought the Premier Protein banana cream and I love it and my body didn't react to it so that's wonderful. My nutritionalist was looking into why so many people love this brand. I guess is unusual because normally they are told to go with a isolate rather than an casemate Protein but users aren't having an issue with it after surgery. the banana cream is really good and not gritty at all. Kinda past like a liquid banana pudding. I'm going to try to other flavors as well so I'll have plenty on hand after surgery. I'm still waiting on my date and insurance approval. I have finished all my test and once the labs get back they will submit to insurance

On 12/1/2017 at 7:23 PM, NewYorkOldBody said:

I just joined this forum last night, and was enrolled in my bariatric program today. All appointments are set for the next few weeks, I have no waiting period or anything crazy from insurance like I thought I would. I'm set for surgery sometime the week of the 22nd. I can't believe it all progressed so quickly. I have been researching for a year and it is all so serendipitous! I look forwarding to getting to know a few of you and going through this. I've only told my husband- It's exciting to tell others here! Congratulations everyone!

Welcome! I went to my seminar middle of November and I just finished my last appoint today. I can't believe I was able to get the consult, nutrition, EKG, psych and upper endoscopy all done in 2 weeks. Now its fingers crossed that insurance approves and looking for a possible surgery date 1 month from today. My choice to wait after new year so I can enjoy holidays with the family. Right now the only person I have told is my spouse. Do you mind me asking what insurance you have? I have BCBS and hoping no issues arise

6 hours ago, Mstlawrence said:

No issues with either--I just have to chew chew chew and take it slow. I'm super happy with my progress thus far, and I can't wait to get down a bit more, get back to the gym, and hopefully it'll melt off

Great job! So excited for you!

How are you feeling? Just wondering being 10 days out if you are still sore and what you can/can't do

20 hours ago, msdemps said:

Yess, i am very happy with my decision. I have no problem swallowing especially warm fluids. Just have to grt up and walk to get rid this gas.


Sent from my SM-N920P using BariatricPal mobile app

How bad is the gas in the upper body? That seems to be what most people are talking about so thought I would ask while you are actually going through it. Also, how much pain are you in? Would you be able to sit at a desk job if you were required to go in for a few hours?

So excited about this new journey ahead of you and can't wait to start mine!

For those of you that are keeping surgery a secret, how did you do it?

What was excuse for surgery and time off? Just trying to find a way to set up my story

1 minute ago, UndercoverDiet said:

My surgery is not until December 19th. I requested off through the 26th and will return to work on the 27th. I'm lucky to have an understanding boss so if I need more time I can have it. I also have the option of working half days or working from home. Good luck to you! When is your surgery?

It will be mid January at my request. I'll finish all my apps by 12/11 but want to wait until after holiday to do it. My boss is great too but I don't want to tell him what I'm doing. Not sure what I'm going to tell him yet, tbh

On 11/14/2017 at 10:42 PM, UndercoverDiet said:

My surgery is on Tuesday. I'm thinking I'll return to work the following Wednesday. I work in an office setting. I walk from my office to the printer about 30 times a day. Does this sound reasonable?

how did the surgery go? where you able to go back to work as planned? I have a similar job and just wondering how much time I need to take off. In my mind I was hoping to have like a Wed, Thurs, Fri off and go back Monday.

so did you get a surgery date before finishing all of your test (ekg, X-ray etc)? All of my apps (NUT, PSYCH, UPPER GI) are scheduled for the first week of December and then after that I'll do bloodwoork and X-ray once I'm within 30 days of surgery. I'm so nervous about not getting approved. I have BCBS NC and my surgeon is saying I don't have to have the 6 or 12 month diet to get approval. I do have 5 years of vitals that show 5 plus years of BMI over 40 and evidence of discussion about diet and exercise and membership from earlier this year with WW. Hope he is right. Looking over the revised policy as of 5/2017 it seems to be up to the surgical team about the prior 12 months.

7 hours ago, Honeyswt said:

Has anyone bought the required Vitamins yet? Any suggestions on which ones are better?

Anyone tried to see if the insurance will pay for the Vitamins and Protein? I saw where if you get a prescription that sometimes insurance will pay for it.

I was wondering if anyone might give me some insight on what to expect from BCBS NC. Specifically if they required any proof of diet and how long did it take?

On 10/29/2017 at 3:00 PM, Tony22 said:

My approval happened all within 5 days from submission. I had to get involved though and contact customer service myself. They were extremely helpful. My doctor's office misunderstood the request for more information. They thought I needed to wait six months and have multiple weigh ins, etc. etc. etc. They also thought I needed to have it done at a center of excellence, which would have been two hours away. However, I did not.

I have Anthem BC through work. Once my doctor's office submitted it they got a response within a few days. When the confusion came about I immediately called Anthem and they connected me with the dept that authorizes everything. Straightened everything out and they issued the approval within the hour and confirmed I did not need a center of excellence and was able to go to my local hospital. I only needed to show the 15 minute face time meeting with a "therapist" and a one time meeting with a nutritionist. So from the first doctor's appt all of this took only a couple weeks.

Tell me about your therapist? Did you find someone online that did it for you that was good enough to pass the requirements?

Just now, VSGnewguy said:

It didn't take long, less than a week, but I had already been diagnosed with sleep apnea and have had a heart attack. My insurance only required the psych consult and 1 meeting with dietitian - I did both of those on the same day.

thanks - do you mind me asking what type of insurance?

Does anyone have any info on the change that was made mid year regarding 12 month diet for BCBS NC. My surgeon's nurse indicated its not what it seems to be and that they are approving without it but it seems to be at the discretion of the physician. Anyone get approval after May of this year without proof of diet?

Does anyone have any info on the change that was made mid year regarding 12 month diet for BCBS NC. My surgeon's nurse indicated its not what it seems to be and that they are approving without it but it seems to be at the discretion of the physician. Anyone get approval after May of this year without proof of diet?

On 10/13/2017 at 11:42 AM, silv3rstarz said:

I have BCBS of NC and I'm on my last step of going to my support group. But I've already talked to BCBS and was told I've got nothing to worry about

Did you hear back from BCBSNC? I'm just waiting for one more appt before I submit to insurance. How far along are you? Did you have to do a supervised diet?

Mine looks to be Jan 16 if everything goes well. Waiting to hear back from insurance. Hopefully the process will go fast. How long did it take you all from first consult to getting approval and surgery scheduled?