Sparkle&Storm

Seems like I should clarify... I wasn’t blaming my parents on my obesity. I merely established compulsive eating behaviors (I.e., eating beyond fullness to clear plate) as a kid that I have been trying to break for years. My obesity is my own fault. Of that, I am keenly aware.

Fantastic! If my insurance denies this, I’ll probably go the Mexico route as well! How long has that process taken? From first consult to your May surgery day? I kind of wish I would’ve gone that route anyway. It’s going to cost about the same and this has been a long, frustrating 8 months to say the least

Awesome! Nice to meet others in the area Sounds like it may be a different process for you. I know it all varies by insurance. I had to do 6 months of monitored diet/exercise. But I had my very first apt at OHSU way back on Aug 9th! My psych evaluation was Oct. 5th. So, I guess I’m going on 8 months of this craziness... And I’m beyond ready for this surgery to happen!

So question for y’all who have had the hernia repaired at the same time... was it billed differently than expected for just the sleeve alone? My insurance is going to cover the sleeve 80%, and bariatric surgery doesn’t count towards my out of pocket max. So I’ll be paying 20% with no maximum. Just wondering if the hernia repair (which counts towards my maximum) makes a difference in the amount you end up paying? I hope that makes sense lol!

Gosh, I’m sorry! I missed the part where you live with them, because I was reading while cooking and I’m terrible at multitasking lol Obviously, not telling them at all won’t work haha! But you can certainly use that method for your sister who doesn’t live at home if you chose to. Tell the rest when you are ready. Maybe that won’t be until surgery day. Who knows?! Stockpile the supplies you need (protein shakes and vitamins and what not) and keep them tucked away in your room. If you wait to tell them until just before surgery, they won’t have the opportunity to be negative or try to convince you otherwise. But if it is bothering you that they don’t know, just tell them. Do what makes you most comfortable. This is your journey, not theirs. Tell them they can get behind it, or keep their mouths shut! Lol! I’m glad your mama is supportive of your journey. It’s nice to have someone cheering you on! Good luck, hun!

Thanks for the reassurance! I do really enjoy feeding people and it makes me so happy when they love what I prepare. I’m glad to hear that won’t go away! I think a lot of people here can probably relate, but I already do cook healthy due to all the recipes I’ve collected through my yo-yo dieting lol I prepare a slew of weight watchers and Skinny taste recipes on a regular rotation. My probablem has always been eating too much (my parents always said “clear your plate” as a kid and it’s sort of a compulsive habit now). Since I’ve struggled with my weight my whole life, I knew I wanted to instill good eating habits in my kids. My youngest is 5, and you’d be shocked by her favorite foods. She loves tomatoes best and eats them like apples! One of her favorite snacks is bell peppers to crunch on. We just don’t keep things like chips and cookies in the house. And yet I still weigh 235 pounds! Go figure! My doctor says my body is ‘comfortable’ at this weight and that’s why it’s so difficult to lose. I definitely feel that’s an accurate statement! I’m just saying that even though my body is a total mess, I think I’ve done a pretty good job when it comes to feeding my kids. I didn’t want them to turn out like their mama! I really worried it would be torture to continue preparing meals for them while I was stuck with broth and protein shakes, but I’m glad to hear that’s not the case! Thanks again!!

Thank you! And that’s such a great idea! I bet that was super helpful. I don’t actually have any friends lol... haven’t in more than 10 years But if I did, I’d totally ask for help

I have absolutely NO plans to tell anyone about this surgery. Other than my two essential support people--my mom and husband--no one else needs to know. This is MY journey, my body, and my experience. I have NO time for any negativity. My husbands family are extremely judgemental. They would crucify me for taking the "easy way out." Even when I've done it the "hard way" time and again, only to fail and gain it all back (and then some). Because of that, I've made the decision to keep my surgery private. I know they will pry and secretly speculate behind my back, but I don't care. I'm doing this for ME, not them. So, I say do what YOU are most comfortable with!

Hi! I'm in Oregon as well. I've been going through the program at OHSU. I've completed my 6 month insurance requirements... met with my surgeon, Dr. Farah Husein, for the first time last week. She was absolutely AMAZING! Oh my gosh, she put me at ease and made me feel like I'm in such good hands! Now I'm just anxiously awaiting insurance approval to get this thing scheduled! Fingers crossed... Where are you at in your journey's?