On 6/1/2018 at 5:04 PM, mamalala said:

One of my coworkers got the lap band and I'm pretty sure she said she was being charged for the hernia repair and the assistant that isn't in our Network. My second coworker had it done use the same Hospital same assistance she also had a hernia but she got the sleeve. She is no longer employed with us she works for Southwest Airlines and I was thinking maybe they needed more info from her and they weren't going to cover it or since she doesn't work for Homeland Security anymore they're not going to cover the remainder of the bill

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I have Fed Blue too, and my surgeon submitted that they're doing an umbilical hernia repair along with the sleeve. Once I was approved, I called Fed BCBS and they said the hernia is covered 100% along with the sleeve (minus the co-pay for the hospital stay and surgeon's fee). So this makes me a little concerned.

On 6/8/2018 at 4:10 AM, Frustr8 said:

Could you get something similar on Bariatric Pal or Amazon?

Amazon has the Premier Protein, but for some reason it's more expensive than getting it at Sam's Club.

Did anyone talk to their surgeon about B-12 shots post-op? If so, what did he/she say?

I'm scheduled for surgery on June 7th and I just got a call from the hospital about pre-registration. They asked me how long I'll be in the hospital and asked me to pre-pay. I told her that I have no idea how long I'll be in the hospital, and asked why I couldn't be billed or pay when I'm checking out. My insurance is covering the surgery, but my insurance has a nightly co-pay for any stays under 5 days (if it's over 5 days then my insurance will pay 100% of the hospital stay). Has anyone else had to pre-pay?

1 hour ago, Chrisb428 said:

Are they really thick?

Premier Protein isn't thick. It's about the consistency of skim milk.

2 hours ago, SAMorgan said:

Very cool! We will be walking the same road on the same dates! I know that it's going to be kind of tough the end of this month and that surgery will be a little bit hard but I think it will be worth it. I have been heavy most of my life and have finally come to the place that I can't do this anymore. So many things I have missed out on because I wasn't physically able to do it. There's a whole world on the other side of this process! I know you're going to do great!!

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We should be surgery buddies!! What's going to be tough is saying no to food, especially since I work in an office that LOVES to eat. I'm excited for this process and ready to get it going. We're in this together and we got this!!

18 hours ago, SAMorgan said:

I am scheduled for June the 7th. I started the modified diet today and go to liquid on the 24th.

I woke up this morning pretty anxious. It wasn't really about the fact that I want the modified diet as much as it was about all the things that I need to do before June 7th.

Another thing I'm noticing is that changing my mental attitude about food is going to be a day-by-day hour-by-hour minute-by-minute process. Sounds silly but boy is it true.

HW 418
BMI 61

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I'm scheduled for June 7th as well, and start my liquid diet on May 24th as well!!

It's a big change, but you're taking the first step. It'll hopefully get easier. Good luck!

I've been trying to slowly do the same thing you do. The Protein Shake isn't filling me up, so I'm drinking A LOT of Water to try to help myself feel full. I start my liquid diet in less than 10 days and I'm getting nervous because I'm in the same boat.

I was in the same boat, but was already seeing a Hematologist BEFORE I decided on the VSG. My Hematologist and Surgeon are actually in close contact and ordering labs (I see the Hematologist every other month). I'm anemic and have low Vitamin D, which are both concerns for the surgery. Part of my surgical approval was that I had to be cleared by the Hematologist (surgeon's requirement). Ask your surgeon to give you a referral to see if the Hematologist can get you in earlier, since they're requiring you to see one.

As far as the birth control, I went and got the IUD so I don't have to worry about it (personal choice because I can't remember to take the pill and I know 4 women who have gotten pregnant while on the Depo shot. If your OB can't get you in early, have your surgeon do a referral and the OB will get you in quickly. I know in Alabama too, some family doctors can prescribe birth control. Good luck with everything!

My Sam's Club carries the Cookies and cream, peach, caramel, and chocolate flavors. There are a few Sam's Clubs here in our area, but if you go online and search "in-club" for Premier Protein it'll show you what flavors are in stock at the store. Hope this helps!

Anyone in Alabama getting their VSG done in June?

You have to be on a doctor monitored diet that doesn't work. Make 6 monthly appointments with your primary care or family doctor and they put you on a diet (my insurance wouldn't take Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, etc.), and the diet doesn't work. You lose a "little" weight but not enough to make an impact.

3 hours ago, Bellasoo said:

My last appointment for my pre-op diet is on the 18th. My insurance just changed on May 1st so I will be paying more than I would have originally. I’m still super excited that my time is getting close.

That stinks. Do you have to pay for a portion of the surgery (80/20 or 90/10)? I'm just glad that your new insurance will cover it. Does it have the same pre-op requirements as the previous insurance? 29 days and counting for me. I'm getting excited and nervous at the same time. Good luck to you!!

5 hours ago, Kate48 said:

I was just scheduled this morning for June 7th. Very excited and anxious.

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Congrats, Kate! There's a couple of us on here that are scheduled for June 7th. 30 days from now!! Hopefully the rest of May will FLY by!

Sam's club has a 12 pack of Premier Protein for $16

On 5/4/2018 at 5:08 AM, GastricSleeve2018 said:

I know that after my first meeting with the doctor, I start my liquid diet. Then he gives us the papers for all the pre op work that needs to be done like blood work. They suggest Slimfast shakes Or this other brand I can't remember but I have the PDF. It looks really expensive as you have to drink up to 6 a day!

I am getting the surgery out of town but still in my state. I'm seeing dr. Shillingford in Boca Raton Florida and I live in the Tampa Bay area. I'm finding out more information on how it all works This week. My coworker is going to drive down with me and I'm going to put her up in a hotel room while I have the surgery and she will drive me back home. My mother is going to take care of my child while I'm out of town. I thought that would be better then my mom and child coming with me as this won't disrupt their life. Plus, going to Boca in the summer Is super fun so my coworker graciously agreed to it with no additional payment LOL! So she gets to stay at the beach I get to have surgery and she will drive me home with as many stops as we need haha.

I was at Sam's Club earlier in the week, and they have 24 slimfast shakes for $8.99 (3-8packs) next to the Premier Protein shakes. So if they're recommending Slimfast that'd be a good place to go for them, because that's at least 4 days worth of shakes for under $10.

12 minutes ago, Jill8008 said:

Yes my hospital is also a COE. I know they’re covering their bases an experienced at getting people approved, but I am paranoid that I’m going to get to the “finish line” and insurance is going to come back with some off-the-wall requirement that hadn’t been thought of. I feel bad for the person who has to deal with insurance all day, it must be a Headache. I’ll need to remember to get him/her a thank you gift!

COE's know how and what to do to help get you approved. Your fear is valid and legit, because everyone who is going through and has been through the process has the same fear. But just think of how worth it, it will all be.

I feel bad for the person dealing with insurance too!! Mine was so sweet, that I sent her an edible arrangement because while you're waiting for approval and a surgery date you'll feel like you are bugging that person non-stop; but I think they're so used to it that it doesn't really phase them. Good luck!!

58 minutes ago, Jill8008 said:

At what point in the process is your health insurance provider contacted by the surgeon’s office in regards to verifying what pre-op requirements the insurance has?

I have had my initial consult with surgeon, an EGD, my sleep study is scheduled. When I spoke to my insurance (United Health Care) on 3 separate occasions to verify and re-verify their requirements, the reps I spoke to honestly did not sound very knowledgeable, which is not very reassuring. One told me that there was no requirement for a 6 month diet, one told me there was, one said they could not find any information. Am I speaking to the wrong people? Should I be requesting to speak to a certain department?

Not one person from UHC mentioned anything about a requirement to see a Nutritionist, but the nurse from my surgeon’s office sent me an email with a list of pre-op tests and says that a 3 month visits with NUT is an insurance requirement.

I am soooooooooooo confused about the insurance requirements and I’m far from being a dumb person.

Thankfully, my insurance company had the requirements listed in their benefits handbook. But the surgeon's office had a list of the difference insurance companies and their requirements, so the scheduler knew exactly what my insurance required and she said they usually added extra items the insurance didn't ask for. Also, because the hospital I'm using is a Bariatric Center of Excellence also helped as far as insurance approval went.

I'm pretty sure that the surgeon's office knows what they're doing since they should specifically have someone that does nothing but deal with insurance companies. Hopefully everything goes smoothly for you!

1 hour ago, jenpa said:

Actually super nervous!!! I haven’t really bought anything... on the 24th I meet with doc& pa they will give me all my instructions & I will go get everything!!! It just seems so close & yet so far... I guess just really nervous about the actual surgery & few weeks after.., hoping for a quick recovery as everyone here!!! Thanks for asking!! Hope all goes well for you:)

I meet with mine on the 21st to do a second pre-op physical, redo blood work, and then go over my medications as to what to stop and what I can take post-op. It'll be here before we know it! I feel like a weirdo, because I'm not nervous at all. I'm just ready to do it.

I have Fed Blue, but my approval letter and everything came from BCBS of Alabama and they're paying 100% of surgical costs. All I had to pay out of pocket were the co-pays for dr. visits.

That's awesome Annie!! So glad that your husband is being super supportive, and like you said that's a big weight off your shoulders, especially when you're int he recovery phase.

The shakes are ok, and they're kinda gross so I'm just trying to adjust. Good luck!!

22 minutes ago, AlamoTeacher said:

Hello everyone!

I know I need o get on some kind of BC for after my surgery but I'm unsure on which to get. The dietitian recommended getting an IUD because sometimes after surgery your body will absorb medications differently than before. I don't know much about an IUD but my main concern is weight gain or stalling postop. Does anyone have any experience they'd be willing to share?

Also, if I do get the IUD, should I get it before my surgery or shortly after?

I have an IUD, and it's a love/hate relationship. I love the fact that it's a type of birth control that I don't really have to think about and it's good for 5 years.

The downside, in 2 months I've had to have 3 IUD's put in because yes, your uterus can expell them. Each time they were inserted they did an ultrasound to check for positioning and they were fine. My uterus is just angry and doesn't like them. If you get one in, make sure you take some type of pain reliever, because it does hurt going in. TMI they do the speculum, then clean your uterus and vagina, and then they insert it. It feels weird for a little bit, but after a day or two you get used to it. The other downside is you either bleed/spot for a few days and you're done. Or you can be like me and bleed for 60 days (my gyno said the bleeding can last for up to 6 months). I don't get my period anymore, but I do get random cramps like my period is coming but it doesn't show up.

So it has its good and bad, it's all dependent on you. Have you thought about the Depo shot? A shot in your arm that you get every month?

53 minutes ago, annie93 said:

I'm trying to get into a good routine of eating better. I started yesterday and did good until last night. Ugh. This morning I felt really bad and so I ate a bunch of Protein stuff and it helped me feel better. I'm a borderline diabetic, but no meds.

No more sodas for me. I am trying really hard to cut out snack between meals. My hard thing is what to cook / eat.

I'm a teacher so I guess I need to pack my lunch each day. Any suggestions? Then at night, my family of four has such diverse tastes and I know they won't like anything I make. I'm stressed about that.

I'm with you in trying to get into the routine of eating better. I know I'm going to struggle with the liquid diet pre- and post-op so I'm trying to prep myself now by doing a Protein Shake for Breakfast and lunch, at least 40 ounces of Water, and then eating an actual meal for dinner (baby steps).

I've been CRAVING soda big time, but I started putting crystal light and crush packets into my bottled water when I get the sugar craving. When I'm craving a snack, I just kind of ignore that craving and drink water. Which probably isn't a good habit, but I'm trying to practice my self control plus I know dehydration is a big issue after surgery.

You could try meal prepping the night before or meal prepping for the week, and maybe get your family in on it. Doing crock pot meals, or starting on creamy broths and Soups. The nutritionist gave me a list of Proteins and vegetables that I should start eating. Hope this helps and good luck!!

Food Meal Options

VEGETABLE VEGETABLE

Per Serving: 25 calories, 5 g carbs, 2 g protein

Eat More Often Serving Size

Artichoke 1 medium

Asparagus ½ cup

Bean sprouts 1 cup

Beets ½ cup or 1 medium

Broccoli 1 cup raw or ½ cup cooked

Brussels sprouts ½ cup

Cabbage 1 cup raw or ½ cup cooked

Carrots 1 cup raw or ½ cup cooked

Cauliflower 1 cup raw or ½ cup cooked

Celery 6 sticks

Cucumber 1

Eggplant ½ cup

Greens, Collards, Turnips,

Mustard, Kale ½ cup cooked

Green beans ½ cup

Leeks ½ cup

Mushrooms 1 cup

Okra 6 pods or ½ cup cooked

Onions ½ cup

Pepper, bell 1 cup raw or ½ cup cooked

Radishes 10

Rutabagas ½ cup cooked

Salad greens/lettuce 1 cup raw

Scallions ½ cup

Spinach 1 cup raw or ½ cup cooked

Squash

Spaghetti squash ½ cup cooked

Yellow/Summer squash ¾ cup cooked

Tomatoes 1 small

Water chestnuts ½ cup

Zucchini ¾ cup cooked

Eat Less Often Serving Size

Spaghetti sauce ½ cup

Tomato juice, 100% juice ½ cup

Vegetable juice, 100% juice ½ cup

PROTEIN

Per Serving: 110-160 calories,

14-21 g Protein, 0-6 g fat

Eat More Often Serving Size

Beans, lentils ¾ cup cooked

Edamame ¾ cup

Egg whites 4 large

Egg substitute, plain ¾ cup

Egg 2 whole

Fish, fresh or frozen 3 ounces

Fish, canned

Salmon 2 ounces

Sardines 4 medium

Tuna, in water 3 ounces

Tuna, in oil 2 ounces

Shellfish

Clams 15

Crab, lobster, scallops 3 ounces

Oysters 12 medium

Shrimp 15 medium

Game, wild, no skin 3 ounces

Pheasant, venison, rabbit 3 ounces

Poultry (no skin)

Chicken, turkey, white meat 3 ounces

Cornish hen 3 ounces

Chicken, turkey, dark meat 2 ounces

Duck or goose 2 ounces

Ground turkey breast 3 ounces

Tofu ½ cup

Eat Less Often Serving Size

Beef, lean cuts trimmed of fat - round,

sirloin, flank, tenderloin,

93%-97% lean 2 ounces

Deli meat, all natural 3 ounces

Lamb, roast, chop, leg 2 ounces

Pork, lean - tenderloin,

center cut chop,

Canadian bacon, ham 2 ounces

Veal, chop, roast 2 ounces

2 minutes ago, jenpa said:

I am June 5th I start pre-op May 26!

Congrats Jenpa!! Are you excited? The countdown is on, and hopefully the month of May flies by! Are you stocking up for your liquid diet?

1 hour ago, CynthiaAnnP said:

My surgery is scheduled for June 7th too. Counting the days

Congrats CynthiaAnnP!! How are you passing the time? My doctor gave me some other stuff to do, and now that it's done I feel like a nervous ball of energy and will be for the next month! Are you getting the sleeve, bypass, or lapband?