Veebear

That's great! I also heard it can be a somewhat long process for many, which I wasn't bothered by. Actually, it will likely be quite a long process for me now. turns out the person I spoke to for my insurance who said it was approved was wrong.
I found out yesterday it's not approved which was a bit rough for me mentally, but I spoke to our president today and he'll be adding it either this year or next year for January, so i'm sure the program I'm working on currently should be okay with making it a Jan surgery. The insurance company we changed to this year is not great so we likely will be switching again. It's my work busy season from now til Jan anyway so least they'll add it for next period. Hopefully it won't cause any issues since I'll already have completed the program by then.
Gotcha, the quick one seems pretty well put together. I think the nutritionist I'm seeing next month is a single but I'm not positive. They didn't mention it being a class but I could be wrong. I'm thankful the support groups are via zoom for this one too. It's like a 25-30 minute drive for me for each appointment and I've been taking a lot of time from work haha but it's worth it to work on myself.
We haven't touched too much onto the other testing. I did a sleep study previously, so I don't think I'll need to do another since it was end of last year or so. Wow, that moved quickly, but it must be a relief also to be finishing up?
That's great how things worked out and went fairly smooth. Not too much longer until the road to recovery! The open flexibility is nice, I'm also pretty open to taking cancellations but I may hold off on that since my stuff may now be delayed until they can fix the insurance for me. I doubt we can add it half way into the insurance year, but I'm not too sure.
that's great you both could go through this together for the support and they're willing to work with him on the timing. It has been super helpful having a supportive spouse. My husband wasn't able to make my changed appointments due to timing, but he's been super supportive and whenever I'm able to move forward, he'll be able to wfh and help me. Excited for you!

Mine was pretty fast, shorter than I expected for insurance - from what I am hearing from my friends who went through this already.

My insurance did not have any weight loss or education requirements. I met the criteria of BMI which was enough to move forward.

My first class, informational & weigh-in was May 16th 2022. I was put on a 3 month program - since I didn't have insurance requirements, that is the shortest duration the program I am in does (mainly because of medical clearance testing & scheduling).

In June I had 2 virtual zoom classes (they were spaced about every two weeks) My second one I was the only person on her schedule - so I got a private class with the nutritionist. It is normally a group class it just worked out that way. If I was in a 6 month program or longer - they would have covered the same information - they just would have been more classes of a shorter duration.

During June I was able to schedule my psych evaluation, PT evaluation, upper endoscopy, labs and cardiac clearance. Unfortunately there was a miscommunication about wanting an echo done along with my cardiac appointment - so I had to go back for that on July 1st.

My final weigh-in and class was July 7th. Unfortunately they had not reviewed and signed off on my cardiac echo yet, so I couldn't schedule my surgical consult appointment that day, as planned. A few days later they called and were able to get me in on July 21st. The surgeons do their own scheduling - so I was able to schedule directly with her, and her first available opening was August 16th

I have an 8 day liquid fast starting the 8th... and a covid test on the 13th yet.

So from first appointment to surgery day will be exactly 3 months to the day. I got very lucky with scheduling to get everything in as quickly as I did. I had the flexibility of taking what ever was available (I am not working) and I asked to be put on cancelation lists for anything that scheduled out further than June 30th and was lucky to have get called for availability.
I was in a little of a time crunch because I have driving restrictions, my program and hospital are about an our away and my husband was trying to be at as many appointments as he could. He is a teacher so he is off for the summer - so we were trying to get the surgery done before he starts back to school. He actually starts back in-service on the 15th but thankfully school is willing to work with him and he shouldn't miss anything more than possibly the morning of the 16th (if I am scheduled first possibly not even that).

Hey there @LookingForward22! It went great. Had the initial "educational" call with a ton of other people. My appointments were originally scheduled for the end of August, but due to cancellations, I had my health and exercise appointments this past Monday, and the nutritionist will be at the end of August.
Both appointments went well and we talked a bit about the surgeries and medicine-type options. I think I'm leaning towards sleeve as recovery time isn't too bad but also still very effective. Still learning, but from everything I've read and heard, I think that'll be the option for me. I also started seeing a Psychologist (took a bit to find one taking new patients, but did it!) who has been super helpful. I found out during my appointment she could also be the one to do my eval. I didn't know it prior, but she used to do evals for these types of surgeries in the past so it's nice talking to someone who has an understanding.
Happy to hear things for you are going well! out of curiousity, how long did your program go? I think this one I'm on would be 4-6 months. I'm not in a rush though, it has been pretty interesting and happy to have motivation to work towards a healthy goal again.
@Midgetlegs
I have had kidney stones a few times but it has been about 2-3 years since. I've really kicked up my water intake over the years, those are no fun. The Dr. I saw did mention it could increase risk. I recall same for Gallstones as you mention. My brother has gotten those in the past and I hear they're also super painful. thanks for the tip, though. Glad to hear yours have not been an issue! I definitely plan to be careful around those high fatty foods as I know how painful Kidney stones are and I'd rather not have to deal with gallstones.
@ShoppGirl
Yeah, the eating stuff I've kind of accepted for a while but this is one of the first times I'm trying to seek help on it also because I want this surgery if/when I move forward to be a success. Mine is definitely more emotional/anxiety driven, but I have also snacked when bored. I appreciate your support! Being on this forum I really have learned a lot from the threads and discussions and everyone is super helpful. I think having different opinions/views/experiences can really help someone such as myself make educated decisions and the support really helps.

@LilaNicole20
Thanks for the additional info! i read that the gas pain can be rough at first but that once that passes, normally, it's not too bad. Glad to hear yours is going well and best of luck with the summer!!
@redhead_che
Thanks, that's good to know. I'm set to have my initial zoom learning session on 7/6. I'm excited to learn more and meet the surgeon and see if it's something I want to move forward with. My SO is also going to join and listen for support. I figure regardless of what I decide if I move forward, I plan to be at home for some time and thankfully, I can have time saved by then or wfh if needed if I'm feeling well enough.

@blackcatsandbaddecisions
Thanks! Didn't know some insurances wrote that in, I'll need to check mine to see if there are any exclusions for it in my current insurance. I found out that my insurance is accepted where I'm considering the surgery, but not sure if they'd block this specific thing. I thought a lot about the extra skin and honestly, I'm not bothered by it and think the health benefits far outweigh extra skin. It's always something I can save for in the future if needed, but to be healthy and comfortable is where I'd like to be.
@Queen ApisM
Thanks! Super helpful as well. I figure after we go through the initial learning session on 7/6 which I think will cover any surgical options they offer, I'll be asking all the questions and trying to also get insight into my body type and what they find to be most successful and safe. I think for me, I want to be sure I'm mentally ready. More so because I am a stress eater which I can admit helped put me where I am today so I know I need to overcome that. I think I'm ready in most ways such as cutting out some things and knowing I need to be more active to help take off and keep the weight off.
More a question for anyone, but for stress eaters, did you see someone to discuss this before or after surgery? I know prior to, you talk with someone about the obvious live changes that any weight loss surgery can do to you, but i'm curious if someone has/is overcoming the stress of eating and what helps you? That's I think my biggest hurdle so i'm hoping for some inspiration. I think once I go through the information zoom call next month, I need to mentally set myself on the path to find more healthy ways to work through those emotions tbh my job is a large cause so I've been working towards that change already.

@LookingForward22
Thank you! This is super helpful. Agreed you should be 100% comfortable with who is doing the surgery. If I move forward. My husband is super supportive and I'm hoping he hops on board if I make this decision and truthfully, he's really good about asking questions and observing where sometimes I am not... Not for lack of care, but sometimes I miss important things where he catches them haha. I think that'll be helpful when it comes to really digging into who we I'll be seeing and talking with. Happy to hear you are comfortable now with the new option and all the best!

@The Greater Fool
Thanks! this is very helpful. I read a bit on how some have been able to prove skin reconstruction can be proved as health required with some insurance but hadn't found too much on the more in-depth what insurances/proving other than back and rash issues. I read the tummy-tucks were more likely covered due to the back issues but not as much on other areas. Appreciate the additional info on this.
@redhead_che
Truthfully, I haven't looked into bypass too much but know someone going for sleeve and also read/head it was a shorter recovery, but as I said, I haven't looked/confirmed this yet since I'm still more in research mode haha. I appreciate the mention, though. I definitely am open to other options to move forward with a healthier lifestyle. Since you have had both, do you happen to have any feedback on recovery, and do you find now that bypass has been more effective in weight loss than the sleeve now?
@LilaNicole20
In addition to my post above, definitely interested in your experience with bypass too with any recovery and after feelings. Will look into videos and posts with experiences as well to help educate myself on both. I currently only have a referral in somewhere as of late last week so waiting to schedule something and talk to a dr about options too but I want to kinda soak up info so I can prepare some questions when I can meet with someone.

Thanks everyone!! ❤️

Thanks! To clarify, I think I meant panniculectomy which (from what I read...could have changed now) can at times be approved due to it causing back pain ext. That's great progress! I am about 10-15lbs heavier than your starting weight. I've been trying to be more active again the last month or two, but after you don't for so long it is hard getting back into walking and not exhausting yourself. Also not confident enough to do gym memberships or more public things short of us walking around where we live. Our insurance changed this year to one that isn't as good, I feel, but am hopeful if I can find an in-network option, I can move forward if decided. I messaged them today to see what info I could get on it.
Thankfully, I stopped doing fast food a lot over the last few years...but that doesn't mean I don't pick up things that I binge on or that are quick to eat due to general laziness on my part and because I'm too tired after work to cook. Frozen items like pizza have been our go-to off and on weekly. As a stress eater, snacks are my downfall. Thankfully, never had acid reflux but that's good to know, something I hadn't read or seen!

Hey fam,
New here and strongly considering gastric sleeve surgery. I found this site from a helpful youtuber who documented their journey and spoke highly on it. Been looking more into it to be sure my insurance covers or at least will pay for the majority as well. I'm mostly looking for thoughts/suggestions/pointers for those of you who have gone through it. Things you wish you had known before going into it to better mentally prepare myself (or anyone considering ) before making the leap.
Currently, I'm 35 5'3 and a bit over 300lbs struggling with weight most of my life as I know many do. I know my stress eating is something I'll really need to work on prior to also making that leap as I sure do not want to go into this, have it help, and backslide. I'll likely see someone about that before committing to anything in hopes I can jump-start working on myself in that aspect. I have watched a lot of videos and read quite a bit on experiences, but I'm really interested to get more information and absorb as much as I can as you all know, this is life-changing surgery. Also curious for those with so-so insurances if they covered skin removal, not an immediate concern but trying to take in everything. Truthfully, I think after being heavy ones whole life, I think I'd be happier just feeling healthy and being more active over that but this is also why I'd like thoughts.
Any guidance is much appreciated, whether it be before surgery prep, a week, or a year+ after. I read a bunch the other day joining and am looking forward to the wisdom anyone would be willing to share. Thank you!!

- Do it, you will only regret not doing it sooner
- Do your research and be completely comfortable with your surgeon; make sure you ask what they will do and how they will manage complications
- Get up and move around as soon as you can postop. It helps move the gas out of your system. Use a heat pack for the shoulder blade pain from trapped gas.
- Don't worry about loose skin yet; deal with one step at a time.
- Go to a psychologist or therapist. The mental reasons you overeat to the point of obesity are not helped by surgery. You have the aid of no appetite initially to lose weight, but once that restriction eases over time, it's just you again, with all the same issues and problems. See someone. Consider what led you to get where you are/were. I was never a believer in "therapy" and thought it was rather useless and self-indulgent to sit and "whine" to someone about your problems. I misunderstood. It is unbelievably helpful to have a professional with whom you build a good relationship, to call you out on your BS and encourage you to feel your feelings instead of eating to suppress them (if that's what you do - it's what I do). Cannot recommend strongly enough, and think it should be mandatory for before and after WLS.

@LilaNicole20
Thanks for the additional info! i read that the gas pain can be rough at first but that once that passes, normally, it's not too bad. Glad to hear yours is going well and best of luck with the summer!!
@redhead_che
Thanks, that's good to know. I'm set to have my initial zoom learning session on 7/6. I'm excited to learn more and meet the surgeon and see if it's something I want to move forward with. My SO is also going to join and listen for support. I figure regardless of what I decide if I move forward, I plan to be at home for some time and thankfully, I can have time saved by then or wfh if needed if I'm feeling well enough.

@blackcatsandbaddecisions
Thanks! Didn't know some insurances wrote that in, I'll need to check mine to see if there are any exclusions for it in my current insurance. I found out that my insurance is accepted where I'm considering the surgery, but not sure if they'd block this specific thing. I thought a lot about the extra skin and honestly, I'm not bothered by it and think the health benefits far outweigh extra skin. It's always something I can save for in the future if needed, but to be healthy and comfortable is where I'd like to be.
@Queen ApisM
Thanks! Super helpful as well. I figure after we go through the initial learning session on 7/6 which I think will cover any surgical options they offer, I'll be asking all the questions and trying to also get insight into my body type and what they find to be most successful and safe. I think for me, I want to be sure I'm mentally ready. More so because I am a stress eater which I can admit helped put me where I am today so I know I need to overcome that. I think I'm ready in most ways such as cutting out some things and knowing I need to be more active to help take off and keep the weight off.
More a question for anyone, but for stress eaters, did you see someone to discuss this before or after surgery? I know prior to, you talk with someone about the obvious live changes that any weight loss surgery can do to you, but i'm curious if someone has/is overcoming the stress of eating and what helps you? That's I think my biggest hurdle so i'm hoping for some inspiration. I think once I go through the information zoom call next month, I need to mentally set myself on the path to find more healthy ways to work through those emotions tbh my job is a large cause so I've been working towards that change already.

I agree with what @LookingForward22 said regarding finding the right program. I also switched programs and even though it really extended my timeline, I am so happy I did.
I would also say: research all options (bypass, sleeve) but don't get railroaded or let others convince you of which one is right for you. I always preferred the sleeve, but tried to convince myself that a bypass was better. I was doing all the mental gymnastics for it - it would be faster weight loss (not necessarily true), more weight lost (also not necessarily true) - when in my heart I was not comfortable with re-routing my insides so much and I wanted to still have a pyloric valve. It was so liberating when a surgeon reminded me it is simply a tool and will be as successful as you make it. He wasn't trying to tell me what to do, just to make sure my decision fit my needs and comfort level. That was so important. I personally have no preference for others, just make certain you are an informed recipient of the surgery you get and are 100% on board with the decision and the inherent risks for both (as there are differing risks for each type). Sleeve brings risks of GERD (and is contraindicated for anyone with GERD already) but bypass has other risks. Neither set of risks makes one inherently better or worse - you just need to be aware and ready to accept those risks.
And don't get surgery until you are mentally ready for it. That's just good advice across the board. You need to be in the right mindset to make it work.
Good luck!

I think skin removal is possible with insurance but very unlikely. I had insurance cover my surgery but my plan specifically states that no skin removal, regardless of stated medical necessity, will be covered. That’s not an uncommon provision.

Regardless, I’d focus on the weight loss and related surgery at this point. Many people lose the weight and never have skin removed. If I didn’t have the funds for it I wouldn’t stress over it, and I’ve lost almost 180 lbs so I def have extra skin. I’ve posted a pic of me in a swimsuit, however, and even then it’s not that overt.

Sleeve recovery was easier for me. I was off 3 weeks only because I didn’t have confidence in my ability to meet my Fluid intake goals at a fast paced hospital job until week 4 started. For the bypass, I’m off 3 weeks because it’s needed. I’m still in pain. Bending hurts. Bowels aren’t regular yet. Fluid intake isn’t met yet. It definitely hurts worse and is taking way more of my energy.

Weight loss so far is faster with my bypass. But I am currently in the famous week 3 stall. -25 since 5/6 ??‍♀️ But I did lose -110lbs with my sleeve so it can be done before GERD and regain.

Keep up the research, I hope it helps you ❤️

My recovery was a blur. I can't tell you how many times I have thought and even said "it doesn't even feel like I had anything done". This, of course, applies after the gas pain passes, you're out of the hospital, etc. I am relatively young (38) and I was extremely healthy and fit prior to these past 3 years where I gained 100lbs. I have had zero issues. Weight is coming off nicely and I'm excited to see how I fare over the summer. I have no experience with any other WLS but this one I am extremely happy with - oh, and no heartburn!! Huge win as I was taking 2 Pepcid AC daily prior to RNY.

I just want to echo this post! I went with the bypass the first time for the same reasons. Also, I had researched the number one regret/complaint about the sleeve (or something like that - before finding this forum) and the [loud] answer seemed to be that they wished they had just gone with the bypass. I also had heartburn pretty bad (which fortified consensus with my doctor).
I didn't want to have to wish I had had the big dog (RNY) so I just waited a few more months and had the bypass when a slot opened up.

I am not a fan of gyms. I work out at night. At around sunset I go to an area i like (next to the river) and walk for about an hour or so. before surgery i could not walk for 5 minutes.

Just curious, is there a reason you have landed on the sleeve vs bypass? Bypass does tend to lead to higher weight loss in more obese folks if folks follow their diet plans. I’ve had both now (sleeve to bypass) and wish I would have just done the bypass. But that’s just me! When I did the sleeve I was 225lbs so sleeve made sense, wish I would have given bypass another research though anyway. I ended up in the smaller percent of folks that get GERD and regain after sleeve. So bypass I went.

@LookingForward22
Thank you! This is super helpful. Agreed you should be 100% comfortable with who is doing the surgery. If I move forward. My husband is super supportive and I'm hoping he hops on board if I make this decision and truthfully, he's really good about asking questions and observing where sometimes I am not... Not for lack of care, but sometimes I miss important things where he catches them haha. I think that'll be helpful when it comes to really digging into who we I'll be seeing and talking with. Happy to hear you are comfortable now with the new option and all the best!

@The Greater Fool
Thanks! this is very helpful. I read a bit on how some have been able to prove skin reconstruction can be proved as health required with some insurance but hadn't found too much on the more in-depth what insurances/proving other than back and rash issues. I read the tummy-tucks were more likely covered due to the back issues but not as much on other areas. Appreciate the additional info on this.
@redhead_che
Truthfully, I haven't looked into bypass too much but know someone going for sleeve and also read/head it was a shorter recovery, but as I said, I haven't looked/confirmed this yet since I'm still more in research mode haha. I appreciate the mention, though. I definitely am open to other options to move forward with a healthier lifestyle. Since you have had both, do you happen to have any feedback on recovery, and do you find now that bypass has been more effective in weight loss than the sleeve now?
@LilaNicole20
In addition to my post above, definitely interested in your experience with bypass too with any recovery and after feelings. Will look into videos and posts with experiences as well to help educate myself on both. I currently only have a referral in somewhere as of late last week so waiting to schedule something and talk to a dr about options too but I want to kinda soak up info so I can prepare some questions when I can meet with someone.

Thanks everyone!! ❤️

Skin removal is not always "cosmetic." For me, it was "reconstructive."
Certain things make it reconstructive. first, a panus that overhangs the pubic area, back-pain, documented constant or repeating infections under the panus. My "reconstructive" tummy-tuck was totally covered by insurance.
My thighs were approve as "reconstructive" for many of the same reasons. Rashes between the legs were additional reasons for "reconstructive." I didn't follow through on this because of a newly discovered clotting issue that killed me during the tummy-tuck.
Keep in mind and prove "reconstructive" and insurance coverage is a new game.
Good luck,
Tek

I lost 16 lbs the first month, and I started out at almost 400 lbs.
unless you're the size of someone on "My 600 lb Life", you're not going to see enormous drops. Most of us "normal" WLS patients lose about 15-25 lbs the first month, and then maybe 10 lbs give or take a month for a few months after that (and it slows down more than further out you get).
your weight loss is completely normal - you're doing fine!
as for no desire to eat, also normal. It's very common to lose one's hunger and appetite for several months after surgery. Mine came back after five months, and honestly, I wish it never had. It was SO MUCH EASIER to lose weight when I was never hunger and didn't give a flip about food!

P.S. of course, you will always find some "normal" WLS patients who lose more than 25 lbs the first month - but they're the exception. On top of that, you're starting out at a much lower weight than many of us. Starting BMI is one of the major factors in your rate of weight loss. The higher it is, the faster you're likely to lose. So don't worry - you are doing absolutely fine!

I dont think any insurance will cover skin removal since that is a cosmetic issue. I am just 1 inch taller than you and i was at 317lb when i first started. I am about 5 weeks post op and i have lost about 40lb and its awesome. before surgery i could not stand more than 5 minutes without my back hurting like crazy and i could not walk across a mall. Now i am walking miles a day and have no issues standing. only 5 weeks in and i find it worth it. I cant wait to loose more. Only thing that does suck is well food was a major part of my life as most of us. I miss the going out and grabbing mcdonalds or taco bell or going with friends to random places and pigging out lmao. I was self pay. My insurance did not cover it. After surgery its a huge change with food. so far for the last 5 weeks (since i started on actual food and not liquids ) ive been eating pretty much the same thing and i am starting to get really tired of it. Need to try different things. Make sure you dont have any acid reflux. (doctor will probably order an endoscopy) because if so then the sleeve wont work for you.