Chelle1007

I was scheduled the 25th of November for bypass and it was cancelled yesterday. With the way things are going I can’t imagine it will happen this year and I can’t afford to pay my max out of pocket again, so this may be the end of the road for me. I wish you serious luck!!!

It’s affecting all of us one way or another right? I was staying pretty strong until recently. Now I’m noticing that I tear up easily during rom-coms or touching commercials. Human interaction is so important and we are all isolated and yearning for life to go back to “normal”. There is no question that a low grade depression is manifesting, and I for one, am not interested in participating in that :)

My surgery was cancelled last week and if it isn’t rescheduled in December, this is the end of the journey for me. I can’t afford another max out of pocket in the new insurance year. I started to get really down and then I turned on the news. I realized quickly that I have nothing to be upset about! I have a roof over my head and have luckily held onto my job. I’m not in the hospital fighting for my life or wishing I had more time with a friend or family member who is sick. So this made me realize how much time I spend living in the future and how much time I waste not living in the present!

My new goal is to change my thinking behavior and not take any single moment for granted! How about a thread of positivity in the middle of a pandemic that is draining each one of us of happiness?

What is happening in your life right now that is AWESOME? Let’s share some light and lift each other up!!!!

That's really great, you go girl!
for me, in spite of this covid situation we are all in, I am happy that I get to spend more time with my family and I am also thankful that I still have a job.

Thank you Lily66, may we all keep our shine on during these tough times!

It’s affecting all of us one way or another right? I was staying pretty strong until recently. Now I’m noticing that I tear up easily during rom-coms or touching commercials. Human interaction is so important and we are all isolated and yearning for life to go back to “normal”. There is no question that a low grade depression is manifesting, and I for one, am not interested in participating in that :)

My surgery was cancelled last week and if it isn’t rescheduled in December, this is the end of the journey for me. I can’t afford another max out of pocket in the new insurance year. I started to get really down and then I turned on the news. I realized quickly that I have nothing to be upset about! I have a roof over my head and have luckily held onto my job. I’m not in the hospital fighting for my life or wishing I had more time with a friend or family member who is sick. So this made me realize how much time I spend living in the future and how much time I waste not living in the present!

My new goal is to change my thinking behavior and not take any single moment for granted! How about a thread of positivity in the middle of a pandemic that is draining each one of us of happiness?

What is happening in your life right now that is AWESOME? Let’s share some light and lift each other up!!!!

Thank you Lily66, may we all keep our shine on during these tough times!

It’s affecting all of us one way or another right? I was staying pretty strong until recently. Now I’m noticing that I tear up easily during rom-coms or touching commercials. Human interaction is so important and we are all isolated and yearning for life to go back to “normal”. There is no question that a low grade depression is manifesting, and I for one, am not interested in participating in that :)

My surgery was cancelled last week and if it isn’t rescheduled in December, this is the end of the journey for me. I can’t afford another max out of pocket in the new insurance year. I started to get really down and then I turned on the news. I realized quickly that I have nothing to be upset about! I have a roof over my head and have luckily held onto my job. I’m not in the hospital fighting for my life or wishing I had more time with a friend or family member who is sick. So this made me realize how much time I spend living in the future and how much time I waste not living in the present!

My new goal is to change my thinking behavior and not take any single moment for granted! How about a thread of positivity in the middle of a pandemic that is draining each one of us of happiness?

What is happening in your life right now that is AWESOME? Let’s share some light and lift each other up!!!!

Well reading YOUR post was LIGHT for me!! You Go Girl! With your beautiful outlook and can-do-spirit, I know good things are about to happen for you! Thanks, and Congrats on you!!✨

It’s affecting all of us one way or another right? I was staying pretty strong until recently. Now I’m noticing that I tear up easily during rom-coms or touching commercials. Human interaction is so important and we are all isolated and yearning for life to go back to “normal”. There is no question that a low grade depression is manifesting, and I for one, am not interested in participating in that :)

My surgery was cancelled last week and if it isn’t rescheduled in December, this is the end of the journey for me. I can’t afford another max out of pocket in the new insurance year. I started to get really down and then I turned on the news. I realized quickly that I have nothing to be upset about! I have a roof over my head and have luckily held onto my job. I’m not in the hospital fighting for my life or wishing I had more time with a friend or family member who is sick. So this made me realize how much time I spend living in the future and how much time I waste not living in the present!

My new goal is to change my thinking behavior and not take any single moment for granted! How about a thread of positivity in the middle of a pandemic that is draining each one of us of happiness?

What is happening in your life right now that is AWESOME? Let’s share some light and lift each other up!!!!

It’s affecting all of us one way or another right? I was staying pretty strong until recently. Now I’m noticing that I tear up easily during rom-coms or touching commercials. Human interaction is so important and we are all isolated and yearning for life to go back to “normal”. There is no question that a low grade depression is manifesting, and I for one, am not interested in participating in that :)

My surgery was cancelled last week and if it isn’t rescheduled in December, this is the end of the journey for me. I can’t afford another max out of pocket in the new insurance year. I started to get really down and then I turned on the news. I realized quickly that I have nothing to be upset about! I have a roof over my head and have luckily held onto my job. I’m not in the hospital fighting for my life or wishing I had more time with a friend or family member who is sick. So this made me realize how much time I spend living in the future and how much time I waste not living in the present!

My new goal is to change my thinking behavior and not take any single moment for granted! How about a thread of positivity in the middle of a pandemic that is draining each one of us of happiness?

What is happening in your life right now that is AWESOME? Let’s share some light and lift each other up!!!!

Oh man. Fingers crossed for both of us! I’m at Providence as well. Hospital told me yesterday, we should know more after the weekend and that they really need the cases to start going back down to continue with surgeries. Good luck to you!!!

I purchased these for my future post op and have used them for a variety of meals and they have fared really well.
These are microwave and dishwasher safe:
https://www.amazon.com/BINO-Meal-Prep-Containers-Lids/dp/B07MVLT8YD/ref=sr_1_23_sspa?crid=2D7QBGEAVB7KT&dchild=1&keywords=separated+container+for+meal+prep&qid=1598394993&sprefix=separated+con%2Caps%2C239&sr=8-23-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExR0ROSzc0VjNXWjVBJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDEyNTgwMUVXR1ZCUUpRS1lXVCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNzAzNTIxM1EwT0VQRFA3RFhQMyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX210ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
and these are as well plus freezer safe
https://www.amazon.com/WeeSprout-Storage-Containers-Reusable-Leakproof/dp/B0793C1ZYN/ref=sr_1_15?crid=2AH1WNPKNPCVS&dchild=1&keywords=plastic+4+ounce+containers&qid=1598395052&sprefix=plastic+4+ou%2Caps%2C227&sr=8-15

You definitely didn’t ruin anything by not practicing chewing or sipping. You’ll figure that out as you go along.
I went from research to surgery in three weeks and only practiced the sipping for about an hour until my wife got annoyed with my phone going off every five minutes :) I’ve made one mistake (eating too fast) just once and I can’t imagine I’d ever do it again. Ironically I was in the hospital with my wife who was getting her own sleeve four weeks after I got mine done and I had some veggie Soup and went to town on it not even thinking. I didn’t throw up (I haven’t at all since surgery) but it hurt really bad.
As far as pills each doctor has their own rules. Mine literally gave me a giant (over an inch long) rock hard purple antibiotic in the hospital the day after surgery and had no requirements to chew or crush anything (be careful with this, certain prescriptions cannot be chewed or crushed). It didn’t bother me in the slightest, nor did any of my other meds. The only suggestion was to not take them all at once.
Sipping Water is difficult for me, I’ve always been a chugger when it comes to water. I’ve adapted (I’m only 73 days post op) just fine though.
The liquid phase sucks, not going to lie. A variety of broths and Protein Shakes, anything else that’s allowed on your diet, variety variety variety. I tried a bunch of “cream of...” Soups and loved the poblano pepper type made by and sold in a local grocery chain here.. but you’ll be on soft foods before you know it and all of a sudden a whole new world of cottage cheese and eggs and other mushy stuff opens up and the liquid phase will be quickly forgotten. Best of luck on your journey, for me it has been life changing already and I’m just getting started.

Welcome, Chelle.
I will first say that I did feel pretty good before surgery, although my labwork suggested otherwise. I had been obese for so long that I guess I didn't know better. Once I lost all the weight, I realized how "good" really feels!
In answer to your questions:
Taking meds: I did have to crush them for a couple of months and it is disgusting. Unfortunately, that's part of the process. I found that the quickest and easiest way was to simply put the powder on my tongue and wash it down with Water. (I tried them in liquid, in yogurt, etc.--even worse.). After trying various Multivitamins, I found that "soft chews" worked best for me. Even the so-called "chewables" in hard form made me gag.
Water: It is indeed very difficult to get the full amount of water at the beginning, but it gets better over time. Bear in mind that Protein Shakes can count as part of the liquid requirement. Just do the best you can. I had a bottle of water with me all day long and took sips as often as I could.
Liquid and puree stages: Yep, they are boring. I found, however, that I had no appetite whatsoever and had to force myself to get enough Protein every day, so I didn't really care what things tasted like. If you mean "bland" as in not spicy, that is probably best in the beginning. I ate lots of non-fat Greek yogurt at the beginning, and I got really sick of protein shakes. Again, it's all part of the process and you will get through it. I've never heard of anyone having to "start over" after eating the wrong things during the puree stage. Some people talk about a "pouch re-set" when they stop losing weight, but that's more psychological than an actual physical issue.
Good luck! I promise that you will look back in six months and wonder why you hadn't done this sooner!

I could swallow any pill the size of a pencil eraser or smaller as soon as I left the hospital. There were two pills that were larger than that, but I could swallow them by week 3. You can also get chewable or liquid versions of some meds and Vitamins, if that's easier to tolerate - but I was fine.
yes drinking does seem like a full-time job the first few weeks. But you get used to walking around with your water bottle all the time. I could drink faster than I thought i'd be able to, though. But it was a few weeks before I could chug again.

I should also add, the 12 appts could take 3 months to get through depending on everyone’s schedule, it will for me, so maybe that’s what the drs meant?

Hi! I’m in Oregon. You may want to call your Insurance and get a clear answer yourself or show them the new pre certification form, I had to as my medical team was confused too. When I spoke to Aetna they told me the only requirements now are what are on the pre certification form linked above. The 4/21/2020 medical bulletin (copy and pasted above) removed the requirement of losing or maintaining weight during the 6 month previous requirement and now it’s just the 12 or more appts, including the cardiac clearance and sleep study in addition to the multi component program from your Dr (dietician, psych etc). The pre certification was effective May 1st, 2020 and when I questioned my surgery scheduler about it she was shocked she hadn’t been sent the new info and immediately called them to verify. I hope this helps :)

That is wonderful news! I have Aetna and did have to complete the 6-month program. It was frustrating, because I once I made the decision to have surgery I wanted it to happen ASAP. (Best decision I ever made, by the way.)

Hey everybody, I just started my journey this week! The good news is Aetna, my insurance company, and probably many of yours, has revised their obesity surgery guidelines effective May 1, 2020. They have removed the need for weight loss or maintenance of 3 months or 6 months, and now only require 12 intensive appointments in a multi-component program that you are most likely already in the middle of :) So great news...
I also talked to the insurance peeps yesterday and asked specifically about the 12 intensive appointments, and they said, it was just a number to guarantee that you were an established bariatric surgery patient following a program, but that the new guidelines were now just based on approval of completing your doctors program!!!!!! Spread the word, you could be a lot closer to a surgery date than you thought :)
I have attached the url to the medical bulletin below :) http://www.aetna.com/pharmacy-insurance/healthcare-professional/documents/obesity-surgery-precert-form.pdf
On April 21, 2020 this revision was made on the medical bulletin and can be found here http://www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/100_199/0157.html#dummyLink2, under the review history on the right side bar, then look for 04/21/2020
"This CPB is revised to state that bariatric surgery is considered medically necessary when criteria are met and member has participated in an intensive multicomponent behavioral intervention designed to help participants achieve or maintain weight loss through a combination of dietary changes and increased physical activity. The intervention must be intensive (12 or more visits) and occur within 2 years prior to surgery. This CPB is revised to remove the requirement that the member maintain or lose weight during this program. This CPB is revised to state that bariatric surgery for is considered medically necessary for adults with a BMI greater than or equal to 35 with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and for adolescents with a BMI greater than or equal to 40 with NASH, when criteria are met. This CPB is revised to require cardiac clearance, obstructive sleep apnea screening, and optimized glycemic control as prerequisites for obesity surgery."
I SOOOOOO Hope this makes someones day :) So glad to be here!
Aetna PreCertification.pdf

Hey everybody, I just started my journey this week! The good news is Aetna, my insurance company, and probably many of yours, has revised their obesity surgery guidelines effective May 1, 2020. They have removed the need for weight loss or maintenance of 3 months or 6 months, and now only require 12 intensive appointments in a multi-component program that you are most likely already in the middle of :) So great news...
I also talked to the insurance peeps yesterday and asked specifically about the 12 intensive appointments, and they said, it was just a number to guarantee that you were an established bariatric surgery patient following a program, but that the new guidelines were now just based on approval of completing your doctors program!!!!!! Spread the word, you could be a lot closer to a surgery date than you thought :)
I have attached the url to the medical bulletin below :) http://www.aetna.com/pharmacy-insurance/healthcare-professional/documents/obesity-surgery-precert-form.pdf
On April 21, 2020 this revision was made on the medical bulletin and can be found here http://www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/100_199/0157.html#dummyLink2, under the review history on the right side bar, then look for 04/21/2020
"This CPB is revised to state that bariatric surgery is considered medically necessary when criteria are met and member has participated in an intensive multicomponent behavioral intervention designed to help participants achieve or maintain weight loss through a combination of dietary changes and increased physical activity. The intervention must be intensive (12 or more visits) and occur within 2 years prior to surgery. This CPB is revised to remove the requirement that the member maintain or lose weight during this program. This CPB is revised to state that bariatric surgery for is considered medically necessary for adults with a BMI greater than or equal to 35 with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and for adolescents with a BMI greater than or equal to 40 with NASH, when criteria are met. This CPB is revised to require cardiac clearance, obstructive sleep apnea screening, and optimized glycemic control as prerequisites for obesity surgery."
I SOOOOOO Hope this makes someones day :) So glad to be here!
Aetna PreCertification.pdf