Briswife15

Thanks. I have been doing 2 15 minute walks a day. That makes me feel better! I hadn't thought to add a little salt to my diet. Good idea!

Are you looking for insurance to cover it, or will you be self-pay? Most, but not all insurance carriers require a BMI of 40 with no comorbidities or a BMI of 35 with 2 comorbidities. All carriers are different though. Can you call insurance and ask??

Wow! Thanks. I feel like a slacker. :-( guess I've got to suck it up and get out there walking!!

So, I'm 15 days out from surgery and am supposed to be walking 3 times a day. I just can't hit that because I get lightheaded and tired. How far/long were you walking at this stage? btw, I'm getting roughly 75 gm protein a day and meeting my water goals. Thanks!!

Yup, the yogurt went down better than the cream of rice. I mixed 2 TBS plain Greek yogurt with a tiny bit of sugar free jam. Yum

I have a desk job as well, and took just under 4 weeks off. I had surgery 2 weeks ago. I feel pretty good, but still get tired and need an afternoon nap. My body is still adjusting to the severe decrease in calories. I probably could ho back at 3 weeks, but I am glad I took the extra time.

Sorry for typos!!

Hi, shanshan. During my 6 month period of nutrition visits I was afraid of the huge lifestyle changes and not knowing if I could do it. However, as the time approached, and I got my head in the game, those fears went away. Day of surgery I wad totally ready, vool as a cucumber, and had mo fear or nervousness at all. That was 2 weeks ago. I'm happy I had the surgery and confident I will be successful. I think this is 90 percent mental!!!

I haven't told anyone at work either. I took 4 weeks off for "surgery" and only the department head knows -- none of my coworkers. I've got 2 more weeks before I return. I plan on saying that my doctor has me on a special diet and exercise program, which is the honest truth! Best wishes to you.

Thanks, Colorado Cowgirl. I'm definitely waiting until tomorrow to try a bit of Greek yogurt. If that doesn't sit well I'll keep waiting.

Thanks, GradyCat!! That's a relief!

So, I had my 2 week post op visit with surgeon and nutritionist today, and they gave me the go ahead to start "bland" purees. For lunch I made Cream of Rice, and had the recommended 2 tablespoons. I got a stomach/pouch ache immediately afterwards even though I ate slowly. Is this a sign my pouch is not ready for purees? Or is it normal for the first "meal"?

Hi. I'm just starting bland purees right now. I started with Cream of Rice cereal, 2 tablespoons. I'm taking it slow. I couldn't eat 4 oz, but I'm only 2 weeks post surgery. I don't feel sick yet! Best wishes to you!

I didn't set timers, but just sopped slowly. The day I got home from the hospital I had no problem with liquids. Just don't gulp, but take baby sips. I probably sip 4 oz in 15 minutes. The liquids go right through your piuch pretty quickly.

Hi, and welcome. I used insurance and waited the 6 months. It goes by quickly believe it or not. I couldn't afford the thousands of dollars my surgeon charges to do it on my own. Also, if you go through all the prerequisites you know that you're fit for surgery, and I believe that makes surgery safer. Best of luck whatever you choose.

Hi, and welcome. Sorry for your chronic back pain. I was in the same boat when I started this journey. I have a back condition where one vertebrae slips over the other and makes it painful to walk. I received an injection which helped. I qualified for gastric bypass and had surgery 2 weeks ago. Do you need any comorbidities or do you qualify without them? So far I pleased I had the surgery, and believe that losing weight will help my back problems. Best wishes to you!

I agree with the other posters, my surgeon insisted on walking right away, and when I was discharged the instructions were to walk AT LEAST 3 times a day. I have been using my treadmill since I got home.

I had Gastric Bypass so it may be different, but I was off all diabetes meds when I got home from the hospital, and my diabetes is in remission!! First few days I couldn't regulate, and had some serious lows. Now, 13 days out, my blood sugar stays between 90-95 all day. Of course I am not eating food though!!!

Awesome news!!!

That's great! Ask for something in writing, like the specific coverage so you're not surprised later!

Sorry you're going through this. Have you tried protein shakes? Also, are you permitted to start multi vitamins yet? The iron in the vitamins may help stop you up a bit and prevent diarrhea. I had gastric bypass, so I'm not familiar with sleeves, so I don't know if you have dumping or something else. Please contact your bariatric team, and feel better!

I agree with KCgirl. Your employer has chosen not to include Bariatric surgery as part of what they purchade insurance coverage for. Definitely reach out to HR. An appeal won't work. Sorry. Hope you eventually get it covered and get your surgery !

Hi there. In my past I was Anorexic. I talked with the surgeon and psychologist about this, and neither were too worried. They suggested seeing a therapist. I think it is more common than we think. I just had surgery 12 days ago, so it was not a bar to surgery. Take care of yourself and best of luck to you!!

Hi, Melissa, I just wanted to say welcome! I don't have any words of wisdom as I just had my surgery 12 days ago, but stick around a while and join in the conversations. Lots of good advice here!!

Our team did not have a specific amount they wanted us to lose. They just wanted to see a loss every month. One month I gained 7 pounds, and lost it the next month. Despite the gain, I was recommended for surgery, and approved by my insurance company.