Search the Community

It has been awhile since I have posted here. So long, that I almost forgot that I was a member. September 15th will make 5 months since I had my surgery. A lot of things have changed for me. First off, the Protein shakes, had to stop. At first they were easy, and great. Except, I could only drink one kind and only one flavor of that kind. Everything else was making me sick. Of course, two of the same flavor, of the same kind, twice a day, every day, after a few months, also started to make me sick. It got to the point where I was getting sick, thinking about drinking the shakes. My meal also changed. After the healing seemed to complete, I noticed I started eating more often. At first this bothered me, because the idea of eating more often, seemed in my mind to defeat the purpose. Yet, I also noticed that I was eating a lot less.... just more frequently. I also noticed I was drinking a lot more fluids then I had ever done. I also, have not had a drink of soda, since my surgery, which I think probably also helped. I noticed that bread, will not be eaten again. That includes cake, bagels, doughnuts, etc. I have tried almost all of these things, and while it does not make me sick, it hurts. I am not a fan of pain, so I do not try them again. I find that I do not miss any of them. I have noticed that I have a very huge craving for grapes. I now go through grapes, like I used to go through milk. I used to go through a lot of milk (something else I find, I do not miss.) Well, after almost 5 months, and fearing that my eating was going to become a problem, I have lost 92 pounds. I am very close to the goal that my doctor set for me, and I believe I will pass that goal. Some other things that have changed. I am off all of my medications, except for my thyroid. Since I eat more times a day then I used to, I find foods that are high in protein for Snacks, such as tuna. For the first 3 months, I could not eat tuna, but my dietitian told me to keep trying. She said that if I am going to cut out the Protein Shakes, I needed to find other sources, and tuna is a great source. So far, now at 5 months, I find I can eat tuna again. In fact, other then the breads, I have found that I can eat just about anything. My sweet weakness is M&Ms. I usually eat a bag of them a week. Which compared to how I used to eat them.....much much different. I also have a weakness for chocolate chip frappachino from Mcdonalds. I had someone tell me, I should not drink those, but I compare it to what I used to get at Mcdonalds. One meal at Mcdonalds for me used to be, a double quarter pounder, large fries, two mcdoubles, and a milkshake. Now a meal for me at Mcdonalds is the frappachino, and thats it. So I felt guilty at first, but not so much in contrast. That and instead of going like 3 times a week, I go like once a month. I also found out, that I can run. I started running a mile every morning. It was only taking about 7 minutes once I got into it, that I thought that was not enough time. So now, I run for 30 minutes every morning. One day I will try to see how far I am going. I leave my house, and run for 15 minutes, and then turn around and run back. It is amazing, because I would not run before. I used to have a joke at work, that if someone made me chase them, they would get hurt if I caught them for making me run. Now, I have had to chase people, and smile the whole time I am doing it. In my local area, I am signed up for two 5ks.... coming up in October, and another run, called a Mud run in December. That one has an obstacle course, which I think I need some training for. Learned about something called a Zombie run, which I will be doing next year. As far as more personal things, there was a rumor that I was told about.... size. I am talking about the little guy size....downstairs. Anyway, I was told that for every 30 pounds lost, I would gain an inch. I thought that was complete BS, yet, it was extremely pleasing to one day wake up in the morning, and notice that I could see.... everything. In a way that I had never experienced. Then to top it off, my wife, told me some stuff about things that could not be done before, that was being done now. I do not want to go into detail, but that rumor, seems to have a bit of truth behind it. Something I used to be ashamed of, I am now very proud of. My kids have noticed a difference with me as well. I am doing all sorts of activities with them. Went to a Water park with them, and they where shocked that I went on the slides with them. Something I would not even think about doing before. I had an amazing time, and I am sure they will remember it for a long time. Something I do not think I would have been doing before I had the surgery. I also got very luck with loose skin. As, so far, I do not have any, and have been told by the doctor, that I might not have any. He said to make sure, once I lose to the point I feel comfortable, I should start weight training. That building up muscle, would help fill in the skin, that was full of fat. Sounds like a plan to me. Anyway, that is my story so far. If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask me.

Yay! I have BCBS Fed and it took about 8 days so don't get discouraged if it takes a little while!

Don't worry iv done the same just try them in a week or so... If its turkey Breast only take a few bites bc it will make you fuller faster then ground turkey. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

you know what.....it's nothing more than ignorance....people that have resorted to wls do so not bc they are lazy...but just the opposite...lazy would be doing nothing....rather...resorting to have wls takes much courage..strength...and fortitude...qualities thtare rarely found. It has been my experience that many who condescend wls patients do so bc they lack the courage to do it themselves. Furthermore...i have found that just bc 2 people weigh the same does not mean that they both have the same underlying issues thatgot them to that wt and as such..just bc their wt is the same does not mean that they r both appropriate psych candidates for surgery. For instance--thereare many my size who are that size bc they culturally enjoy big meals with family..cooking...and all that goes with the family tradition....i know many who tell me they havent even tried to diet since they were teens and now theyre in their 40s--50s.... in fact... my friend growing up was never overwt--i always was...she has never dieted in her life---i have never not been on a diet....we go back to when we were 15...she would go back and forth bwn being in a bikini to being just over that......i woudl diet like crazy and struggle every day of my life just t maintain......anyway...flash over to now and shes approx 350lbs.....how it happened i really dont know but it seemed overnight---anyway...guess what....shes never once even thought about going on a diet....when i try and gently nudge her to watch what she eats for her healthy she couldn't be bothered...she says that shes going to continue to eat what she wants and the wt will be whatever its meant to be..it surprisingly doesnt see to affect her at all and she never once complains about it and never once in her life has she exercised ...yet i average 1-2 hrs a day of exercise 7 days a week for most of my life....as such......even though i weigh about 120lbs less than her...I am a wls surgery candidate...and in my opinion...she is not. or would she ever even consider wls). Lastly...I was reading a medical journal recently that said that wls will no longer be called wls inteh s=future and instead it will have a more fitting name of 'metabolic surgery' and it said that many hospitals have already changed their units name to accomodate for the shift in thinking and teh realization of how sugery can drastically help diebetes patients. WHether many realize it or not---wls is mostly about teh hormonal shift (ghrenlin removal/reduction) than anything else....and in teh fiture the article said their will be mediaction that will 'block ghrenlin' production much like insulin is given to control diabetes. So in conclusion....i stand ny what i originally said...it's nothing ore than ignorance....and its quite sad that it is teh last bastion of acceptable discrimination inyhis country......but you know what....go ahead and let those nurses 'die fat' as they said.....you'll be out shopping for your skinny jeans and too busy to even notice.... xo

Thank you! I definitely have to figure something out bc I can not go without them! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Absolutely would do it again! The first few days are difficult but bearable. Yes you're uncomfortable- the pressure from swellling & gas pain. If you have hernia repair which it seems about half of us on here have, the discomfort is more. But its a surgery- its inevitable to be uncomfortable. Are you in agony and brought to tears by it? Far from it. At least for me. I took liquid loritab (yes ofcourse all ur meds should either be liquid or you need to buy a pill crusher ($4 at walmart!). A crushed pill can be put over a tablespoon of something flavorful to avoid the taste. (Protein shake or juice) That's this nurses trick! =) For me cutting out rice & bread during pre op dieting helped curb the withdrawls during post op diet. I always loved carbs but I haven't had it for so long it doesn't bother me. Same goes for soda! Be prepared at home pre op. Have your supply of broths, Protein drinks, crystal light, v8splash light (good way to get your veggie/fruits in!), gasX strips, heat pad, and the help of a friend or family member that you're comfortable with & can depend on. You will need help the first 24hrs- you will be out of it immediately post op til the anesethesia wears off. You may even need help getting on/off the toilet. (Bending hurts!!) You should know you will be passing a lot of gas due to the co2 used during surgery... so if you're like me & don't like tooting in front of the bf- warn him!!haha =) If you live with ppl make sure they understand the process- it will help them be more supportive. I emptied my kitchen of temptation before the pre op diet- chocolate syrup, Cookies & all fatty condiments. My bf now eats light or fat free everything bc its all we have & its really not that different. You can't eat what isn't there. I recommend having a special day to weigh in and otherwise keep your scale put away. With the swelling & gas the first weeks your wt will fluctuate & it may throw you off your game if you don't necessarily see results daily. Keep in mind it takes 2-3 days to lose a single pound depending on your basal metabolic rate. (A deficit of 3500calories is equivilant to 1lb loss). Beware of bandster hell! You may take a while to find your sweet spot of restriction. I personally felt restriction from day 1 but from what I've read that's not common. Be prepared to use self control & will power for a while. Don't expect immediate rapid weight loss. People that expect to lose a lot immediately tend to have post op regret/depression. And for many of us depression leads to comfort eating. Excercise!! Lack of calories slows the metabolism so keep your body moving to keep it up & you can keep losing! Remember the band is a tool you have to do your part. Make smart food choices, do NOT drink with meals & do not eat or drink a lot of empty calories. And finally find & keep a support group! Accountability is essential for me. I tell certain people my losses & my slip ups. And if I slip I forgive myself & make a plan how not to do it again. Don't be too hard on yourself this is a learning process. Other bandsters will know exactly wat ur goin through & how you feel. The best ppl to advise you are those who have been there. Stay positive & inspired. You can do this!

I have bc/bs federal. My paperwork was submitted as outpatient. When I found out about this, I called the dr's office and was told bc/bs will not approve sleeve surgery for inpatient???? The dr's office told me they submit the request as outpatient and then after the surgery is done, they request approval for two nights stay. I was told it will be just fine, don't worry. That just didn't sound right so I called bc/bs and was told they approve the procedure based on what the dr says is medically necessary. If the approval is stated as outpatient, you are responsible for 15%. If the dr requests two nights for observation after the surgery, you are still responsible for 15% of the entire cost. So, if the surgery costs $50,000, I would owe $7,500 instead of just $250! Has anyone ever had this problem with the dr's office saying this is an outpatient only surgery for bc/bs and that is how they must submit the request? Does anyone know if it takes more paperwork to submit the request as inpatient? I am now really concerned that since the dr's office submitted the request as outpatient and it was approved, bc/bs will deny the inpatient request, if the dr's office resubmits. I sent an email to the director of the bariatric center and am waiting for a reply.

I was diagnosed with PCOS and couldn't get pregnant for the life of me. even though we tried. But now, nearly 7 months out from surgery, i'm 5 weeks pregnant! I do have a 6 year old son, but we didn't really want so much time between children, but it happened, and he is very excited about the baby. Just stop the BC and give it a try for a few months. Good luck!

Thanks . I was surprised. Not because I thought I had it but bc the pulse ox thing I had to do the weekend before they said was consistent with apnea which was why I was sent for the study.

Did anyone else develop thrush from all of the antibiotics given in the hospital? It had made my life hell. Im dehydrayed bc im not drinking enough bc this thrush grosses me out. Miserable.

Thank you I will look into them. Unfortunately everyone I've contacted so far doesn't want to follow me bc I had my surgery in Mexico. I guess since I didn't give them my money they are mad.

If you had posted this during the beginning of the approval process, I would have told you to let those people have it. I've worked in the medical field and patients that can be pushed around are pushed around because a lot of people who work in medical offices, not the doctors, PA's or people with actual medical education, have a minimal education and are exceptionally lazy. If someone is rude to you, you call them out on it right that moment. If someone wants to push BS policies like these, you explain to them that your insurance does not require that procedure and if they are going to insist on following arbitrary rules that are not required, you will absolutely go elsewhere. You are not just the patient, you are the customer....if they don't treat you the way you deserve to be treated, you let them know you have no tolerance for it, and you walk away. I have a doctor (not my sleeve surgeon- he was a tool) that I love and who has largely very competent people. A few of his front desk girls though are complete idiots, so instead of dealing with them, I just ask to speak to someone who is competent or I tell them to have my doctor call me. If someone can't do their job, I will happily bypass them and let their boss know exactly why I didn't bother going through his little chain of dummies. That being said...you're so close to approval, let it go until after surgery. In the end you are getting what you want and after surgery you can write them a very long, detailed letter and potentially a review online that should allow them to revise their procedures and their behavior.

I have bcbs fed and it took me about 10 days to get approved after I submitted everything.

Has anyone went thru blue cross/blue shield federal insurance for their surgery?

:-) yeah I have no idea what's realistic... I've always been small I weighed 135lbs before my kids four years ago but I'm 270 now :-/ I'm also frustrated bc it's only a few days after my surgery but I'm so swollen I can't wear any of my clothes :-(

I know we are only allowed Tylenol after surgery (fine for me bc I am allergic to all NSAIDs anyways), but can I take a Tylenol PM (or half of one)? Or melatonin? Something?? I am having a hard time falling alseep at night, & would like to take something to help me. What has your doctor said? Of course I will call mine before taking anything, don't want anyone giving me medical advice if they aren't "allowed" to! Lol. Robyn

So I am 99.9 % self pay. My concern is what would happen if something went wrong. Like if I had to stay in the hospital as a result of a complication... Would Cigna pay for the stay even though it was related to something I didn't go through them for? Or what if 5 years from now my gallbladder is removed... Do I have to pay bc I paid for the surgery? Just wondering how that might work.

I just got back and I was alone. First, you will have someone with you at all times. If you email Janese she will get you in touch with others that are going to be there. I made a couple of life long friends! In the hospital you will have nurses taking care of you. They bring you ice, juice, or Gatorade whenever you need it. You will have a nurse for every 4 patients so they are always available. Abraham will take you on outings to a few shops and show you the town. There are dozens of patients at The Marriott and most of them want to talk and compare notes! The hotel has free broth and Popsicles 24/7 and will bring them to your room. If you want to go to Wal Mart it is a safe walk or the hotel will get you a taxi. It's only $3. I am glad I went by myself so I could rest. But I always had ppl to do things with. When Abraham planes his outings there are usually 6 or so ppl on the van. So that's a good time to meet ppl as well. I never felt like I needed somebody. Alighterme takes really good care of you! Now if someone has trouble getting up and down bc of their weight or health issues then you might need somebody.

Hello Connie. I'm 52 I just started my Journey. My first appointment was Fed 9 2017, I go back March 9. I am having the Roux En- York Gastric Bypass. Hope fully sometimes in Aug. Congrats to you.

Hi!!! I am doing fine so far, one shake in so far. Another for after lunch. Plan on having chicken broth for lunch & a SF jello after. Big challenge will come at dinner bc I have a work event this evening. They are having catered food. :-/ I am taking a very cold protein shake with me for my event & will stick with it.

These ideas are not really hot but might help room temp. I Had sleeve sep 8. Had 2 week setback bc abandoned Persian snuck in & hid. Was so ill my eyes swelled shut. Saw surgeon Tues. He said it’s important to get lots of plain H2O each day. If you like idea In pics U Can get disposable shot glasses at liquor store/amazon. Its motivating knowing I can do in 2 sips. I add Lots of H2O to crystal light, SF hot cocoa watered down w/skim milk, SF jello. it’s runny but not near as sweet, low salt broth helps. But my saving grace is popsicles. U could put in blender with ice. I take H2O when I go out. Hope this is Helpful. He said Water also helps loose skin. Great motivation! Glad u have no pain. Sorry for typos & no caps Am Exhausted dealing with flood damage from TS Beta.

catincanada - How disappointing and frustrating. I cant imagine going through all the preop just to be cancelled last minute. It might be worthwhile contacting the BC College of Physicians and Surgeons. They are there to help British Columbians with questions and concerns about doctors and their practices. Hopefully you will be able to find an alternative that works for you. I am in BC as well and will be having my surgery next week with Surgical Weight Loss Center in Vancouver. My experience with them has been good so far. They might be worth checking out. Hope things work out for you in the end.

I have a BMI of almost 35 and continue to gain weight, despite my brief successes, it is just a matter of time until I put back on anything I might lose. Has anyone else worked with BCBS fed? Any tips or advice?

You need to call BC about your specific plan and get it in writing. They have been notoriously difficult for many of us (not only NJ).

There is a study on the recidivism-weight gain of participants on the show. I read it while I was doing research. One of the points made was that the contestants do 90 minutes of cardio a day with "suggested" times of up to 3 hours more. They are not fed a certain diet, and can choose what they eat. Before weigh-ins, many are dehydrated, etc. (like my WW weigh ins for sure;-( ) once off the ranch, they try to keep to these same measures to win. I don't know anyone who has an outside life of family, kids, dogs, jobs etc, who has time to work out 4 1/2 HOURS a day. Not to mention, it is near impossible to keep up. I used to watch the show and loved it, until I realized that like many of us, they lost all that weight to regain much of it. I do have my guilty pleasure of my 600 pound life...