Dogmom68

Hey! Guess what happened today?! My insurance company got my sleep study info yesterday and now my surgery is APPROVED!!! I’m thrilled! ??

Thank you so much for the encouragement. ? I wish my doctor’s office hadn’t waited to submit my paperwork but such is life, I guess. I’m actually doing my pre-op diet since my surgery is supposed to be in less than two weeks. I’m going to do this with or without my insurance so I’m just going to keep on truckin’!!! ?

I’m terribly frustrated. When I first went to my surgeon my BMI was over 40. The dietician and bariatric center I went through wanted me to try to lose some weight before my surgery so I was trying very hard to lose some. When the surgeon’s office submitted my paperwork to the insurance company, they denied my surgery because my BMI was 37 with no acceptable comorbidities. I’m pre-diabetic and I do have very bad sleep apnea so the surgeon’s office is trying to submit my sleep study to see if I’ll be approved. To be honest, I’m not holding my breath because they may not take that as well. I’m so angry that had I known my insurance wouldn’t look at the big picture and see my initial weight then I wouldn’t have struggled so very hard to lose those pounds they asked me to. I’m telling you this so you won’t have to deal with what I’m going through right now. My husband said we’ll pay out of pocket for my surgery if we have to since I’ve been working so hard for this for such a long time.

I seriously suffered from anxiety for years. I understand not being able to move past something and it can get the better of us! Since taking Paxil XR and Abilify, I feel like a new person! It’s like one day a lightbulb went on. I could see things so differently and handle things so well! Ask your doctor about them. Best wishes!!!?

Good luck, SunshineBaby! You’re gonna do great! ?

Hey, surgery buddy! I’m on February 9th, too! Have you started your pre-op diet? I’m only on day 2 but so far so good ? Keep me posted on your progress, your surgery, and recovery! We can do this!!!

I’ve been dealing with major back problems, too. I’m scheduled for another procedure on Feb 2 in Jacksonville, FL and then I have my VSG on Feb 9 here in Tallahassee. It’s taken a lot of coordinating to get everything scheduled. I sure hope your back is doing well (back problems are no joke!) and I hope you can get your VSG scheduled soon. Best wishes and definitely keep me posted! ?

I’m scheduled for VSG on February 9 here in Tallahassee, FL. COVID numbers are very high down here but, as far as I’ve heard, my surgery will go ahead as planned. Our hospital is on “lock-down” so only one person can come in the hospital with me (my husband) and even then he’ll have to pass the screening. I’m nervous but more excited since I’ve been working toward this for what seems like forever.

Feb 9!!!

Gorgeous! You are an inspiration!

Congratulations! I’m scheduled for VSG on February 9. I understand that feeling of waiting for what seems like forever to schedule. We’ve worked so hard to prepare for this we just want it DONE! Best wishes! ❤️

Excellent information! Thank you for sharing!

I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a January surgery date. I’ve been released for surgery by my bariatric center/dietitian and I’ve had a COVID test (negative.) My endoscopy is in four days by my surgeon and then I get my surgery date! Can’t wait!!! ?

I’m so glad other people feel like I do. I was feeling really guilty for “over-indulging” on Thanksgiving. I was two pounds heavier the next morning and felt terrible and guilty for eating so badly. I’ve worked so hard to get my weight down before my surgery and had lost 33 pounds just by eating better and weighing and measuring everything. I’m back on it and trying to get another pound or two off before I see my surgeon on Monday. I want him to know I really am dedicated to being successful with my weight loss.

Just trying to be helpful. ?

Yes, but is there anything that helps you get past it?

GoodRx - Mail my meds option is $155.

Yes. My dietician said to have a healthy snack in between meals. Also, she gave me a calorie limit of 1200 to 1500 calories per day. I laughed, of course. I asked if she would please cut my calories back since there was no way I could lose any weight on such a high calorie count. She gave me between 800 and 1200 but I actually eat less than 800 ( and mostly protein by means of FOOD - no shakes!)

I’m wondering what causes weight loss stalls for everybody at any stage of this journey. I’m just in my pre-op phase and am trying to drop lbs. prior to surgery. For example, if I drink protein shakes and have that “healthy snack” in between meals, I will not lose any weight!

I’m still in pre-op but I weigh daily and log my weight in My Fitness Pal to stay on track. It helps me figure out what is working for me and what isn’t when I compare my dietary log to weight.

As far as having coworkers cover your shifts, I would just turn in FMLA paperwork to your director and let your director take care of it. It’s easy to do. Just print it out the forms from online ( just Google FMLA forms) and have your surgeon’s office fill them out. Done! I’m so sorry that people you thought were friends at work really aren’t. Burn those bridges ( diplomatically) and let them go. You can still be nice to them but you don’t have to be friends. Have your surgery knowing there are so many of us out here that understand and support you!

Oh my gosh! You HAVE been through it, haven’t you!!!! I’m currently struggling with chronic inflammation in my spine and this year I had to leave my job that I loved because of it. My gallbladder was taken out two years ago and had a hysterectomy, as well. I still have one ovary that kept me out of menopause until this year. That’s when a lot of my weight started piling on. I got a hormone implant about a month ago and since then I can’t get any weight off at all! I was eating (mainly protein) about 750 calories a day until about a week ago. Now I’m only eating about 500. I’m really struggling. I’m supposed to lose about 15 lbs prior to my surgery and I’m trying so hard. I lose two lbs then gain a lb. Up and down, up and down. Frustrating!!! I really appreciate you letting me know about your issues with hormones. Sophie7713 recommended a book called The Obesity Code and how insulin’s affect on weight loss. I ordered it today. I plan to talk to my doctor about all of this so I’ll let you know what he says. ???

Thank you for your advice! I will definitely read those books you recommended. I have noticed a slight change even though the scale isn’t really showing it. I see my hormone specialist next week so I’ll ask him about the weight issue. My primary care doctor said I should just keep trying even if my weight isn’t dropping. He says if I can just keep focusing on eating healthy and lose some before my surgery then that will be helpful. Thank you again for your words of encouragement. I really needed it. ?

BTW... you look great! ???

Congrats on reaching “the penthouse!” My Dad always says “ Hitch your wagon to a star!” And that’s what I’m trying to do. I’m just in the pre-op phase and feeling a bit frustrated with my weight loss. I eat about 750 calories a day (or less) and it’s mostly protein. No sugar, no dairy, lots of water. In the past if I wanted to drop some weight I would follow the same plan but now the weight just won’t come off. Went through menopause recently so I’m wondering if that has something to do with it. I’m seeing a hormone specialist and have an implant. Another reason?? I’m feeling a bit bummed since I’m trying sooo hard! I weigh and measure everything and I plan my meals and follow it; no cheating. Since you’re already in the penthouse, Any advice you can give would be appreciated!