njlimmer

Now we're surgery twins!

I'm the 3rd too!

My OB/GYN did the annual blood workup and made me come back in for a follow up. He delivered both my kids so he's been my doc for a while, and like the poster above, he said if I didn't do something in 10 years I was going to be in big trouble. He also said that I was now diabetic - skipped the pre stage and just went straight in to diabetic. He referred me to my surgeon. I went to the endocrinologist and sure enough - diabetic. I'm 47 and I already see the cardiologist for a stress related thing - my dad died at 52 of a massive heart attack. Blood pressure is now high, cholesterol is high, and diabetic on top of it. My knees hurt so bad some days it's hard to walk. I can't stand for long periods of time. I was already thinking that in 5 years I might have to have a cane or walker. I have a 14 and a 10 yr old. When I talked to my husband, and he almost started crying because he was scared of losing me, that was it. That was the moment. It was all just a perfect storm to make me realize that I couldn't do this on my own. Surgery is next week and I'm getting more anxious about postop, but it will be okay and I'll come out better on the other side.

Me too!! Surgery Twins! Good luck!!

5 weeks! Holy moly!! I'm in the middle of my pre-op diet now. I'm not in Canada so I can't speak to the variety, but I was able to find a variety of broths in different flavors like chicken bone broth with rosemary and lemon. If you can order the PB2 powders, they're a nice addition to a shake too. Good luck!

Venting since y’all will understand- I started my journey in October, and with my insurance, I could have gotten all done by Christmas. I waited though because I wanted my insurance to start over as I’ve got another procedure to do this year anyway. Plus, I didn’t want to rush into such a life changing surgery. I’ve lost 30lbs, did everything “on schedule “, educated myself and changed some habits. Tested positive for H Pylori and did so many antibiotics, I should have killed any bacteria in a 5 mile radius. Avoided COVID - even when my oldest tested positive - and didn’t even have my usual November sinus issues. Started my pre-op diet yesterday for my surgery on 3/3. Now, I have a cold!!!! ARGH!!!!!!!!!!! I’m going to get a rapid test for safety sake, but it feels like a regular head cold. If this puts off my surgery, I’m going to be so mad!!

I’m getting the bypass on March 3rd. Just started the pre-op today. Shakes, broths, and some sugar free jello and popsicles for the next two weeks!!

I'm not sure what the requirements are for sleeve, but with the bypass, I'm supposed to take the calcium 3x a day. You might want to make sure so you don't short yourself on that one. My program recommend calcium at breakfast, lunch and dinner and the vitamin and vitamin D at bedtime.

My dietician recommended the Procare ones. They're once a day.

I absolutely get it. If my insurance didn't cover it, I wouldn't be getting it either, but based on what they DID tell you, it looks like as long as everything is in network, your max out of pocket is 2750. The way my insurance explained it was that you pay the deductible first. Then everything after the deductible is 80/20 with them paying 80% and me paying 20% so if the bill was 100, I'd pay 20 and they'd pay 80. That works all the way up until the 2750. Once you've paid 2750, then insurance should cover it 100% unless it's out of network - so if the bill is 100,000 - you should only have to pay 2750. Since the medical folks don't want to tell you too much, you're best bet is to call your insurance and tell them you want to get the surgery, ask what's covered and what's not, and are there any expectations in terms of classes, etc... That will give you more info in terms of the $$$ than the doc's office will.

I get the frustration, but I think this is pretty normal - or at least mine was very similar. They verified that my insurance covered it before I went in for my appointment, but after my consultation, they suggested that I call my insurance for clarification and that really helped. Your insurance company will have to explain the out of pocket stuff to you, but basically the numbers change and they can't give you a hard and fast figure NOW because things change. For example, I had my EGD (endoscope) on Jan. 8th and I had to pay almost $850. My deductible is $800. When the doctor's office called me with my surgical info, they told me a number that'd I'd have to pay on a certain date. When I mentioned what I had paid for my EGD, their number changed because it takes FOREVER for insurance to get stuff in and processed and they didn't have the payment that I'd already made for the EGD. So, if they quote you a number today... and life happens... it could be a different number by the time you're actually ready for the procedure. Also, they don't want to quote you XYZ and have things change to ABC and that cause more problems down the line. I feel your frustration and it is confusing, but I don't think it's completely abnormal.

Pre-surgery. My date is 3/2/21 so I'm hoping to lose another 10 between now and then. I figure anything I can lose now means more I can lose during my honeymoon phase. Plus, I'm trying to learn some better habits for afterward.

YAS!! I took these this morning because I'm just starting to FEEL any difference.

Started at 310 in October 2020. I've lost 35lbs on my own so a current weight of 275. I'm just now seeing a difference in some of my clothes. My surgery is scheduled for 3/3/21 so I start my pre-op on 2/17. Excited but nervous too!! The original post all those years ago asked if there were things that others might not understand. I think not seeing a difference until there's significant weight loss is one of those. I have friends who if they lose 10 pounds they're in a whole other size.

Haven’t been able to wear this top from the day I got it so super excited!!

It didn't. I did my EGD on Jan. 8th and they sent it off the next week. It was approved within two weeks, and they could have scheduled me for Feb. but I needed a March date instead so I'm joining the club on March 3rd! I took longer than I had too because I started at the end of last year, and I wanted my out of pocket to roll over so I can have something else done later this year. I think the wait has been good because I've tried to relearn some habits that will be helpful for after surgery.

Well, then call me an expert! I can lose 50 but then I find 75.

I'd heard it before but never tried it, but switching to a small plate has made a huge difference! I've also tried to work on taking small bites, putting the fork down between bites, and chewing a ton! I figure every habit I can start BEFORE will help me after.

Dr. Primomo at the Davis Clink at Memorial Hermann. I am a mix of excited and scared! It was one thing when surgery was some random date in the future, but now it's real!!! This site has been a tremendous help in preparing and getting my head on straight.

I am almost to surgery! My date is March 3rd and I'm getting nervous. Who is your surgeon?

I'm in the same area!! I think PsyMed was the one that I saw recommended too!! We need to be BP buddies!

Hi! I'm nowhere near what you're looking for as my surgery is still coming up, BUT I do have a friend who is several years out from the sleeve, and she started having some serious health issues that they finally determined was an iron deficiency. She's started iron infusions and that seems to have helped. I know from your follow-up post that getting tested seems like a challenge, but a full workup maybe what you really need to get to the root of your problem. That is so weird, and stupid, that they only track for 5 yrs. ?

I’m a JH librarian and my surgery is March 3rd so I’m taking the rest of that week and the next off. The week after that is spring break so I’m doing your plan in reverse.

I’m sorry I don’t have any insight for you, but I wanted to send you a virtual hug. I hope you find some answers soon!

I am excited but nervous too!