newyorklady20

Yes, good luck! I’m all done with appointments and have 5 months of weigh ins so my surgeon is going to try to send it to ins to see if they will approve early - so hopeful!

This is the most fantastic update to read! I’m so glad that this has been a positive experience for you and it gives me hope! I am hopeful that you continue to do and feel well!

I’m also hoping for March - I still have my final weigh in on March 1st but approvals seem to go fast through my insurance and my surgeon seems to be booking rather quickly, covid permitting.
I am a teacher so I am hoping to get it done right before spring break so I can recover during that week.

Hi! I’m planning on hopefully having a sleeve in March, and I realize it’s going to come up quickly so I’m thinking and planning!
I’ve been wondering if there are any reputable meal delivery or prep services that do post op food prep - like for liquid and and purée stage foods. I absolutely understand that the purpose of WLS is to relearn food and food prep and how to make to sustainable and work for you in the future - and I am a big cooker and so is my husband who is super supportive and all about prepping food for me that will meet my needs! I also have bad anxiety and am big into ✨planning✨ and for those few weeks I’m so worried that I’m not going to eat the right thing, it’s not going to have enough Protein, it’s going to be a bad balance of calories/fat/protein, I’m going to not eat things I should or eat things I shouldn’t - I was just thinking if there was a place where I could just get meals that know what they’re doing and those meals contain the right things, then I can really put all of my energy into what will come next and learning how to plan for more long term sustainable meals in the future!
I live in NYC if that helps.
Thank you!

I am also a city employee (DOE teacher) and am in the process of getting approved. I actually just did my sleep study last night so I’ll see the outcome - I don’t have any other comorbidities. If you google the insurance, it shows a list of qualifying things that you might end up having. It’s beneficial to go through the steps because you never know what will come up in the bloodwork, etc.
I will also say... I’m pretty sure that insurance covers it flat out if your BMI is 40+. I see that you’re already basically at 38, so... maybe if your BMI became 40 by your first weight in, you would be covered... 😉🤷🏼‍♀️

New York City!

Thank you so much for sharing this experience and being vulnerable. I feel like many of us can relate to this feeling!

I’ve always wanted to have a large collection of coats/jackets to wear as accessories.
I’ve always wanted to be able to cross my legs comfortably.
I’ve always wanted to be able to take pictures from any angle and not hate them.

I can’t wait!

On 11/19/2020 at 1:53 PM, LaoDaBeirut said:

Hi everyone!

I'm strongly considering gastric bypass and have done consultations with 3 surgeons. One told me I qualified for the surgery and approved me and suggested the bypass. Another said surgery was an option and recommended the sleeve. The third said that medically I could qualify but he didn't recommend surgery for me as other than obesity I have no other co-morbidities.

I'm 36, female, 6'1, 410 pounds. My BMI is 54 and has been around this high for at least a decade. I'm one of those "lucky" fat people who don't store fat close to internal organs and so I haven't developed significant health issues. My BP is normal, no diabetes, heart disease high cholesterol, etc. I've managed to have a pretty active lifestyle despite my weight and have been a competitive powerlifter for years.

I want to get the surgery because I'm aware that just because I'm "healthy" now that doesn't mean I will be 5 or 10 years from now. I would also like to do things like fit into airplane seats with ease and not worry about whether I will fit into a chair or break a bed frame. I want to be able to go skydiving and bungee jumping and things I've never been able to do as a big person. I've tried to lose weight before and always gained back whatever I lose.

Has anyone been in a similar position? I was honestly quite surprised by the reaction I got as doctors have been telling me to lose weight for years. Now when I say I do want to do that it's like well maybe don't lose weight this way. My gut feeling is to go forward with the surgery anyway as I want to lose weight for my own reasons but I would love to hear from anyone who has been in a similar situation.

I am in a similar situation! I am 36, have slowly been creeping up in weight through life and I have finally had it having a BMI of 42. However, I knew, and I’m finding out as I do the initial work ups, that I don’t have any other health issues. I don’t take any meds and don’t have any other problems other than my weight. However, that is the reason that I want to have the sleeve done. I’m otherwise healthy now, but if I continue on this path it won’t last forever. And I’ve learned over the years that I am just not successful at losing the weight by myself over time. The yo-yo dieting and losing/regain is going to cause major problems over time!
It’s unfortunate that the surgeons questioned the validity of you requesting this surgery, but you should just know that you know yourself and your needs best and you should stick with your instincts. Unless someone outright tells you that you shouldn’t because it’s unsafe or something, advocate for yourself!

4 minutes ago, billho said:

One of my greatest fears was this:

Other than being overweight most of my life, I have been relatively healthy. I had never had surgery, never broken a bone, and never experienced a major medical event. However, being overweight has led to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and difficulty with physical activity. The decision to have WLS came with a bit of shame that my obesity was all my fault and completely in my control to fix and that I have failed miserably. So, I was afraid that I was going to permanently disfigure or mutilate my body, just to fix something that I caused. And, if I had a complication, that would be that much worse. I realize that that was wrong thinking... but it had a lot to do with why it took me so long to decide to do this.

Now I'm headed in the right direction and have a lot of pressure to not let this opportunity go to waste.

I really like the way that you described this. I am similar, in that I have thankfully never had to have a surgery before and I am otherwise quite healthy, despite being overweight. I wish that I could just lose it and continue to maintain the same health and not have to take such drastic steps to get there - I feel like a failure!

I am also trying to be realistic, in that I have tried to do it on my own so many times over the years and have never been able to sustain it - if anything I gain back more each time. I am also the type of person that is very self reliant and never asks for help or admits that I need help with anything. I am trying to view this as a great place for me to start to admit that I need help in order to do this successfully!

On 10/19/2020 at 11:09 AM, Smitty74 said:

I am brand new to all of this today...so this may have come up before. What was/is your greatest fear going into surgery?

I am being sleeved on 11/18. I am VERY EXCITED to take this next important step in my life. There are so many things I think (and research) about as the date draws closer and closer...but my GREATEST FEAR is that I won't like the way that I look. I know that may seem very shallow given the complexity and importance of everything else tied to the procedure...but I can't help it.

I have been big my entire life....and I actually like the way that I look (except for my torso). I just want/need to get my health under control.

Does anyone else have crazy things like this that consume their mental side of the experience?

My #1 greatest fear is dying during the surgery. I don't know what that one seems so much more terrifying - I think because I wouldn't even know that it happened!? As I'm going through the process I try to hold that one back. I tell myself that I could have to go into ANY surgery at any time (my appendix could burst tomorrow!) and so these things can't be avoided forever. It still freaks me out that I might go to sleep and never wake up and never know though. I think as it gets closer I will struggle with that a lot.

#2 is becoming not being approved by insurance. Doing all of these appointments and planning - Ill be so bummed if they find some weird loophole, drag their feet or if something changes because insurance mandates change in the coming months.

Either way, I have been trying to see everything that happens as a sign. I am not a religious person but I do believe that things happen for a reason, so I am going to just go with the flow and assume that the things that are meant to happen will in their own due time!

Just now, billho said:

Good question. All that I been told I can take is Tylenol, which isn't really good enough. I am particularly interested in finding something better since I fell about 8 ft. through a shed roof over the weekend (long story...) and I am pretty sore.

Oh no!! I know, there are so many things that might happen that cause us all to need relief! I'm assuming that all pain relievers aren't bad, as people get pain meds in the hospital post surgery and it sounds like many people are sent home with some sort of pills. I'm hoping someone has a suggestion! Good luck with feeling better!

Hello all.

I know that one of the issues that holds many people back - myself included - is not being able to take ibuprofin after surgery. I don't take it all the time, but I am prone to terrible Migraines and ibuprofin is the only thing that words for them. I also get terrible cramps for my period, and again, this is the only thing that works.

Are there any suggestions, or recommendations from experience, for what others have done for similar situations? I know its not good to take it regularly anyway, but sometimes you are just in pain and need some relief!! Is there anything that will be an option for post sleeve?

Thanks!

43 minutes ago, JessLess said:

I thought self acceptance was more important than living with being fat for years. I had my surgery two years ago and have been very happy with my decision.

I feel the same way! I am very supportive of body positivity and I think everyone should accept and love themselves in any way that they want. I have tried to love and accept myself being so overweight and I just can’t do it. I also don’t want to weigh nothing - just be something that is sensible in between the two.
I almost envy those that can live happily as they are! I am excited to be making big decisions and big moves to hopefully find the same contentment. I’m so glad you found happiness!

16 minutes ago, The Greater Fool said:

Your second paragraph pretty much sums it up. People either give up or think they can do it without surgery.

Your first paragraph I don't think is true. I don't think most people have an easy time of surgery. I know I didn't.

Further, it's a fair bit of work to get approved. Honestly, insurance creates as many obstacles and work as they can because it will cause a certain percentage to quit.

Others are scared of surgery, doctors, hospitals. Some rightly so. I hated going to doctors when I had a problem because it was always my weight.

Further, as you say people are judged for being MO, so it's hard to go though a program to admit you need help. In many of our minds we BELIEVE it is a character flaw to be fat.

And, again, giving up all that food. OMG, A 16oz Prime Rib, loaded baked potato, mushrooms, a good wine, that I will NEVER have as much as I want again! is a tough row to hoe for some people.

Don't forget all the dieting competition. WLS is the enemy product, so it is villainized.

WLS horror stories, I know I read many and had to accept it could happen to me. Many can't.

Boy, I can go on an on, can't I

Tek

Thats very true. Those are really all of the reasons I had thought of, and I guess its just a matter of personally getting to the place to be ready for such a change. I know that it took me years!

I guess my anxiety also makes me feel like theres something else I don't know or haven't heard yet that everyone else knows and thats why they have chosen to not have it done! I want to make sure I have all of the facts.

A great big steak with all of the fixings will definitely be one of my last big meals! Thank you!

I know this question might seem strange, and I don't mean it at all in a judgmental or divisive way. But I just wonder - if the majority of people have easy surgery, minimal pain and success, and many insurances seem to cover these surgeries for those who are eligible, why is it that more people don't have it done?

I absolutely understand that not everyone even wants it, and that makes sense. Even for me, for years I viewed surgery as something that was such a big deal that it wasn't even something I would consider. I also thought I could do it on my own. I tried to just make peace with my size and who I was - as a person I have changed my mind and made the decision to do this.

However, I still wonder why only a small percentage of those who are eligible and would be able to have it mostly funded by insurances don't do it?

Why isn't this a surgery we know of more people having or considering?

On 10/5/2020 at 10:14 PM, AccountingCalories said:

I’m sorry for my scattered thoughts, currently doped up a tad bit!

I know everyone’s experience is different, but I wanted to share my thoughts (especially for those that are worried about the surgery!)

I have never had surgery prior to this VSG, and also suffer from pretty severe anxiety and was so so worried about getting an IV, pain, being nauseous, staying in the hospital alone, etc. I just wanted to share that my surgery went great!! I have minimal pain and nausea and feel pretty darn good. I’m so excited for this life changing opportunity.

To those of you in the preop stages of wls, please don’t let anxiety or fears hold you back from changing your life!! As much as I wanted this surgery, I contemplated cancelling it almost daily due to fear. As mentioned, everyone’s experience is different, but don’t let the “what if’s” hold you back!

Thank you so much for sharing this! Its like you crawled right into my head to show who I am and the fears that I have!

I was supposed to complete the process in the spring and then covid intervened so I'm back to planning now and will hopefully have vsg in March. I'm so afraid of the pain and my anxiety is through the roof. I keep telling myself that it won't be as bad as I imagine (thats the anxiety talking!) and that it will all be worth it in the end!

I hope that you are continuing to heal and are having success!

I still have not had surgery, but when I'm trying to eat healthy buy I really want chinese food, I will order the steamed shrimp with peas and then a side of dumpling sauce. Or even soy sauce works. Cutting up the shrimp into smaller pieces and then dipping them in the sauce will give me enough of the feeling that I'm having chinese food without all of the unnecessary bad stuff!

On 2/1/2020 at 9:07 AM, avillemure93 said:

@karlee0206 I actually called them and they weren’t really helpful (shocking). They just said that it’s a case by case basis and that they look at all of the medical history. It’s so frustrating. I’m so happy that I’m losing weight and my labs are stable but then I feel like it puts everything I’ve been working for in jeopardy

Its so frustrating. I'm still waiting to go to a meeting with my surgery center to get the list of required appointments, etc, but from what I understand my insurance requires 6 months of weigh ins with no loss or gain.

I can understand how they might want this for continuity, to make sure that you are serious about the procedure and the process - but its becoming restrictive to maintain that weight! And if I'm out and active, I will come home and eat chinese food or something to balance out the calories so that I don't lose at all - how is that useful going into such a major procedure? It just seems counterproductive to the process.

I have always wanted to have a collection of jackets. Like lots to use as accessories. Now I’m usually just stuck buying functional jackets that I can get in my size and wearing the hell out of them.
I’m looking forward to being able to shop in any store and buy interesting or sale jackets and have a collection I don’t look like I’m squeezed into!

I feel like this is a common thing that I see mentioned by many, and something that I am worried about/anticipating once I start telling more people that I'm planning on getting the sleeve.

I would say that you know what is best for you and your body. If you are considering having this done, there is a reason for it and you have thought carefully about it. I would sit down and make a list of why you want to do it and know that its the right choice for you and then practice sharing those reasons so that you are ready when others bring up counter arguments. I would also wait to tell more people - that's what I have chosen to do for this very reason. I told my husband and 2-3 friends and I am not telling anyone else until I am approved by insurance so its already a done deal.

On 1/16/2020 at 8:38 PM, Repeatingthoughts said:

Hi there. I work for DOE too. I however, have the HIP prime. I Am having a revision. You aren’t going to die. The medical field has made great stride. What surgeon are you meeting with? Each program require a different things. Emblem health who covers ghi and hip doesn’t require the 6 months visits anymore (stopped last year) that is what certain programs want. They want to be able to see that you are committed to this.

also if you’re afraid of acid reflux I will highly consider doing your research on the sleeve and GERD. I know of a few people at my program who revised from the sleeve to RNY due to developing gerd after the sleeve.

Thats some good advice, thank you. I will be going to have a meeting with the nutrition advisor at my surgeons office next month so I can find out for sure what my insurance requirements are. Regardless, I think I still want to wait until summer for convenience. I'm going to Dr. Kella at Winthrop Bariatric.

On 1/15/2020 at 8:21 PM, Kimberly3 said:

I had a BMI Of 40 and many comorbilities. I'm in NJ and have Blue Cross. I was required to have 6 month supervised medical visits. Because I was right At the mark, I was not allowed to lose or gain any weight during those six months. I needed to be the exact same weight. The surgery was easy. Quick and easy healing. Only issue I had was with the anesthesia made me very sick and kept me an extra night in the hospital. Otherwise, piece of cake!

Thank you! That makes me feel so hopeful! I feel like the maintenance of the same weight is seemingly the hardest part right now! I'm aiming to do it during the summer so that I give myself the most amount of time to recover afterward. I have my fingers crossed that my experience is as positive as everyone here!

On 1/15/2020 at 1:32 PM, mcfluffington said:

Having an endoscopy is a breeze. the put you to sleep and before you know it you have woken up none the worse for wear.

Thank you! It just sound so intimidating - I don't know anyone who has done it!

Hello!

I am new to the message board and am looking to get as much information and advice as I can, but also get relevant information to my experience and what I have before me.

I am a NYC DOE teacher, so I think our insurance is GHI CBP? I have spoken with insurance reps on the phone and they have confirmed that they cover the procedure at 100% (minus the $300 hospital copay and specialist/appointment copays) as long as you have a BMI of 40+ or a BMI of 35+ with a comorbidity. Has anyone else who is a teacher had this procedure and can confirm additional expenses or how it was to deal with the insurance? How long did the insurance take to approve you for the procedure?

I had some confusing information, mostly from just reading message boards online. I was under the impression that I would have to lose weight prior to the procedure, and I was concerned about this as I am right at the BMI of 40 threshold and do not have any comorbidities. I didn't know if losing would disqualify me from coverage. I have since heard that they actually want maintenance of your weight for 6 months, but is there any point where the insurance company requires you to lose weight or undergo a supervised diet/weight loss before surgery?

I attended an initial consultation with a surgeon on LI in October and then took some time to think things through - I am starting the process now with hopes that I will have the procedure done during the summer. I read a lot about so many fears but honestly mine are a lot more primal - I'm terrified of dying during the surgery, of having a stroke during and being incapacitated for the rest of my life, or of developing a major infection or negative side effect after. I have read some of the stories of people who have great surgery experiences but then develop serious complications months and years later. I feel like I'm just trying to quantify the problems that others have so that I can make an idea of myself of what this might look like! I'm also afraid of losing a lot of hair. Of course I'm also afraid of acid reflux, gas pain, dizziness... but I feel like if I power through, these will pass quickly.

Any advice or suggestions that anyone has had that have used this insurance or maybe had similar fears going into surgery would be very welcomed!

Sorry - also on a final note, I've been reading more about how some people have to have an endoscopy beforehand? Is this required by GHI? How bad is it???