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I had 5 surgeries in less than 2 years. 2 shoulders, Gall Bladder, Lap Band, and Breast reduction with a lift. My husband went to all appt. with me, held my hand throught it all. Changed my babdages, fed me, made sure I always had everything I needed, most of all loved me through it all. it has been a year since my last surgery. He still sleeps in the spare room and hasn't wanted to be intimate with me. he is still very loving and suporrtive, but I think he saw me as a patient and now has a hard time seeing me as a loving wife. I think the breast reduction sent him over the edge. It was brutal.

Hi!! Im so glad I found this thread! I am also from SJ. Pittsgrove (my property is on both Salem and Cumberland Counties!) I have not been banded yet, however I hope that the posibility is in the near future. I have been researching Drs that my insurance covers, and I am considering Dr. Gus Slotman from Cherry Hill NJ. He is part of the Lourdes Medical Associates. I was wondering if anyone else has heard of him? (:rolleyes2: or ) I actually Googled him to see what I could find, and I found nothing but positive reviews. I have BC/BS NJ Health Insurance, and I was wondering if anyone else had that and could tell me how difficult it was to get approved. I called them, and they told me it was covered, but I needed a letter of Medical Necessity from my Doc. So if anyone has any suggestions for me, that would be BEAUTIFUL, as i kinda feel overwhelmed. Choosing to get surgery is kinda a big deal.

Riane226, I have BC/BS of Nj also. They made me jump through alot of hoops and didn't send me my approval until 5 days before surgery but they did pay for everything in full. I think they just make you go through so much to make sure you're serious, lol. Let me know if you have any specific questions! Good luck! Julie

I have had two friends who were infertile with no real reason. One was tiny. After she gained 20 lbs, she conceived. Another, was a friend who did medifast with me. She was infertile for so long, they adopted two babies. Seven years later (her kids now 7 and 4), she did medifast. Three months in, she finds out she is pregnant. Turns out, if you lose weight quickly, it messes with your hormones. So, the lesson is to now use bc until the year Mark. And good luck!!! Sent from my KFTBWI using the BariatricPal App

I had my lap band surgery in August 2013. I had the normal up and downs. Received 5cc fill for the first year. Lost 50 lbs. Great. I had an incident where chicken got caught and had the cc's removed and endoscopy done. Afterwards, they took 6 months to give me 3cc fill. That's where I am now. I still have moments that I eat too fast or the wrong thing, but I do upchuck but not very often. My problem has been diarrhea and constipation. I would take pepto for the runs and a bowel softener for the other. That has been going on the whole 2 years. My problem now that concerns me is that I haven't lost anymore weight. Also that whenever I eat or drink I get an upset stomach every time I try to eat a little. I can't seem to get down a Protein drink, Water sometimes gags me, other drinks seem a little strong and gives me an upset stomach. I take about 20 pills (mostly RX) a day. I can feel the heaviness in my throat and stomach. I don't seem to be getting enough protein and liquids. I know what and how much I need, it's getting it down with no queasiness. I also am diabetic and at one point my blood sugar got down to 36. I took glucose pills and a glass of milk. Now my lap band dr. says I don't really need anymore fills. And everything I've said above happens most of the time. At other times I feel great. I can't figure out what I am doing wrong or right. Other big problem which may be due to the weight loss is that my husband said he no longer desires me. We barely touch, talk, or whatever. He works still at 66 and I stay at home. I don't drive. I am 65. We're like roommates. I do see a psych dr and I might start going to a therapist to figure out what I can do to help my husband trust me emotionally bc he shut down along time ago. Just recently after a heart op I decided I was no longer going to be depressed and I've done it since March 6 2015. I didn't want to waste the next 20 years like I lost the many years in the beginning of my disease. I have Bipolar Disorder Rapid cycling and most of those pills are psychiatric drugs. I have made his and my girls life a living hell for over 30+ years. In and out of hospitals. My husbands emotions just shut down. I don't know if this is a subject for BariatricPal but I'm throwing it in. I have a lot of drooping skin and a lot of wrinkles. What can I do to be more lovable without first having body lift. That is $$$$ I haven't got. Can anyone help?

I don't have a Ga plan, but I have Blue Choice from BC/BS in Maryland. They took 4 weeks from submission of paperwork to approval. I had to do a 6 month supervised diet prior to submission, so you could say they took 7 months, but I had very little out of pocket expense, though they don't pay for fills once you are out of the 90 day post surgery period. All in all, after reading some of the nightmares posted here, my approval process wasn't bad at all. I even used an out of network dietician and psych evaluator (paid them myself), since they were on the team that was doing my surgery. I feel for those getting an insurance runaround.

My husband went on the pre op diet with me and is continuing to keep his portions down so between the two of us our food bill has dropped by about $75A a week. We had roast pork a few nights ago and would usually only have enough meat left for sandwiches the next day, well we got two evening meals for 4 and one lunch and i fed almost half of it to the dog this morning. A chicken does 2 meals now and i am not buying my lunch at work. Saving money is a real unexpected bonus.

I live in Rocklin!!! I have BS of CA too! Who is your surgeon?

Hey Truberry. Congrats on your sleeve. I was sleeved 7/17 also! I returned to work a week later. How are you handling everything with your sleeve?I know you are looking for people in the area, but I live in Atlanta and I am coming to NY to visit hopefully in September to treat myself. I would love to join your meetup if possible. Thanks Wablue. Congrats to you! That sounds like a wonderful idea. So far the sleeve is great. The usual ups and downs. My job pays in full plus benes while I'm off so there's no point not taking advantage. I start mushy and moist tomorrow and I've never been so excited. What are some of the things you plan to eat during that phase? I'm very much looking forward to a new me. Officially I'm down 14lbs. Unofficially 18. But I'll have to wait three weeks for my next doc visit for any more info bc my scale refuses to move and I'm pretty sure it's wrong bc the docs readings were different. How are you doing so far?

I love Bison! (Buffalo) so lean and has so much flavor. I also love beef, but I buy all my beef from a lady that I split a cow with. All her beef is grass fed and no hormones so the flavor blows what you can buy in the store away. I was out of beef and waiting on my next side, and decided to try some Bison at our local health food store, it was also grass fed, organic. So now I'm hooked. :thumbup:

I have BC/BS of Alabama & was denied immediately ( after the required 6 mos nutrition visits, psych eval & so on) because bmi was not documented @ 40 for 3 yrs, & the nutrition visits not signed by PMD . BMI 37 to 38 for 10 yrs... No where in the policy did it say any of this ! Have decided to pay out of pocket using other resources. It is worth it at this point. There was no way to appeal.

Pammie Sue, How hard was it to get your surgery approved by BCBS Fed? Do you have the standard option? My BMI is around 38 but I have co-morbidities. I am nervous. I have jumped thru the hoops as far as I know. Just need to lose about five more pounds that the surgeon requires. Thank you. Melinda

The following Abbreviations are commonly used on this discussion board: ACL = Anterior cruciate ligament AMRAP = As Many Rounds As Possible (crossfit) BB = belly button bc = because BCBS = Blue Cross/Blue Shield BED = Binge Eating Disorder bf = best friend BM = bowel movement BMI = Body Mass Index bp = blood pressure BPD = Borderline Personality Disorder or Biliary Pancreatic Diversion bs = blood sugar btw = by the way CBT = cognitive-behavioral therapy CC = common channel c diff = clostridium difficile cos or cuz = because CPAP = continuous positive airway pressure CRNP = certified registered nurse practitioners cw = current weight CXR = Chest X-Ray Dr. = doctor DS = Dumping Syndrome or Duodenal Switch EGD = Esophagogastroduodenoscopy EKG = Electrocardiography ff = fat free GERD = gastroesophageal reflux disease GI = gastrointestinal GNC = General Nutrition Corporation store GP = general practitioner or family doctor HBP = high blood pressure hr = heart rate hw = highest weight ICU = Intensive Care Unit Idk = I don’t know IMHO = in my humble (honest) opinion IMO = in my opinion IUI = Intrauterine insemination LAP Band = Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band lol = laughing out loud LSG = Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy med = medicine MFP = my fitness pal msg = message NASH = Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis nf = non fat NG = Nasogastric NP = nurse practitioner NSAIDS = Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug NSV = non-scale victory (“scale” means “weight scale”) NUT = nutritionist OA = Overeaters Anonymous Onederland = a magical place or destination for those trying to lose weight. It might correspond to attaining a weight in the hundreds or losing a hundred pounds. op = operation OSA = Obstructive sleep Apnea Oz = Australia PB = Productive Burps PCOS = Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCP = Primary Care Physician PM = private message (email) PMS = premenstrual syndrome POSE = Primary Obesity Surgery Endolumenal postop or post–op = post-operation or post-surgery PPI = Proton Pump Inhibitors ppl = people preop or pre-op = pre-operation or pre-surgery PTSD = Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder PVC = Premature ventricular contractions RA = Rheumatoid arthritis RH = reactive hypoglycemia RN = registered nurse RNY = Roux-en-Y RTD = ready to drink SADI-S = single anastomosis duodeno–ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy s/f or sf = sugar free SIPS = stomach intestinal pylorus-sparing surgery smh = shaking my head, scratching my head SO = significant other SOB = shortness of breath sw = weight at surgery tmi = too much information TPN = total parenteral nutrition TT = tummy tuck TTC = trying to conceive Ty = Thank you. [but according to the urban dictionary “Ty” is also an abbreviation for “a total stud with a massive carrot”.] u = You UGI = Upper Gastrointestinal VSG = Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Vit = Vitamin wks = weeks WLS = Weight Loss Surgery WOD = Workout of the Day w/o = without wt = weight or :-) = = smiley face or :-( = = sad face

I am still preop but I went back and forth for 2 years! At first I was going to get the bypass, but it made me feel extremely scared to have my insides re-arranged per say. I immediately went with the sleeve after looking more into it. Also, I like the sleeve bc I would lose weight a bit slower than the bypass. With slower weight loss you can control the amount of extra skin by working out in different areas. All I can say is do your research. Even look at the bad things that can happen so you are 100% fully prepared. You will be nervous, you will have doubts, I think I have them every other week!! Just keep in mind the end goal, happy, healthy, and able to live a normal life.

I don't drink alcohol bc I have been working hard to get to this point. I have heard some sad stories about was, drinking and causing death. I have chosen to live a healthier life style and right now there's no room for alcohol. I did like an occasional margarita at times. I probably will have one some time in my future. But right now. Alcohol is not important to me.

It's just hard sometimes bc I get bored or something. I've found I like riding a spinning bike with a video. I'll step it up and try it more.

Foods that are not so good for you seem to get me stuck and slow me down. Now this is a catch 22. I talked to my NP at my surgeons office last week about this. I ate a turkey sausage patty in a biscuit. Not the BEST choice due to the biscuit, we both agreed. First bite. STUCK! pain pain pain. It took me 45 minutes to finish that biscuit and sausage and I wasn't hungry for 5 hours. So, when I make a better food choice, like a natural yogurt made from grass fed cows milk, etc. , I am hungry in 1 hour. So, do I seek out the foods that actually "clog" me so that I am not hungry for hours, or do I eat the healthier foods, and be starving for hours?

I'm getting close -- have jumped through all kinds of hoops to make this surgery happen and have even done the liquid diet for about 6 weeks. (Some weeks more strictly adhering to it than other weeks.) And now I'm down to a week! (Sept. 29) Thought it would never get here! But, last week when I went for my pre-op clearance with the PCP, I received word that my EKG was abnormal and so this morning I went to see a cardiologist. He's fairly certain the ssurgery won't have to be postponed but I am freaking out. Had a bawling fit right in the middle of his hallway this morning. He did the resting phase of a chemical stress test this morning and will do the exercise phase of it on Friday. (Couldn't do it today because I had one of the Protein shakes on the way to his office and the chocolate flavor had caffeinne which can mes up the test - wish someone had told me that!) Has anyone else had trouble with their pre-op clearance? Did you get to have your surgery on the scheduled date? Did anyone have to have their surgery completely cancelled? I have been in such a funk this past week bc of all this I haven't even been on the forum and am really struggling again. Give me a good word, someone, please! Thank you!

My surgeon/NUT has said to me, re: vitamins/pills... Only ones that are chewable &/or fully dissolvable in a glass of Water within 1/2 hr. Also, that gummies are not as complete as say a Centrum complete chewable (which I'd have to take 2 instead of 1), & that they do not fully dissolve in the sleeve/pouch (& most ppl actually do not fully chew them before accidentally swallowing them) so the nutrients are not released. Also, there is a potential blockage risk, similar to swallowing chewing gum. There is also the thought that they are mostly sugar, & could potentially become a candy substitute for someone who is not coping well...&/or trigger food for someone with sugar sensitivity/"addiction". (I say "addiction" in quotes bc it's not generally medically accepted but those of us who battle it, know it's power) 347*294/285/135 (*347HW/294SSW) | @Mwrarr | mwrarr.wordpress.com

I have hmo and bs said its covered but i have to pay 20% . I think thats not bad ryt?

i actually havent bought the chicken broth bc i didnt know that was considered clear liquid protein. oops!. im going to go to ralphs today and see what i find. i mixed the protein shake with water and i sooo did not like it. so i tried it with milk and it was better. i was actually wondering about mixing fruits with it too, bc i love buying the frozen packaged ones in the frozen sections of the store...or does it have to b fresh?

Ten years of weight creeping up and here I am-- with a BMI of 36 (go me!!) with 2 co-morbidities. Tired of losing and gaining the same 10 lbs five times a year, I decided to take a step.,,or rather a leap. And here we are 8/29-- WLS seminar 9/11 -- first visit. Have Anthem BC of CA so hope I get approved And now I'm working though my list Primary care letter of clearance -- check Blood work-- check Three years of 35 + BMI -- check again (another go me moment!) Doing sleep apnea study tonight To do: Cardiac clearance (required if you're over 50.. And I'm 50 and 2 weeks.) NUT appt Psych eval ( wonder how that will go) So I'm hopeful that I get this all one quickly and get approved ( holding my breath ) Anyone else out there with Anthem BC of CA? Any tips. Oh and I'm an Alabama gal

I have tried like 10 different brands. They just smell awful and the after taste is gross! I'm continually drinking them bc I know I have to. I'm almost 5 weeks out & I can only eat little bits of food at a time. (Like 2-3 bites) and I'm totally full. I'm lactose intolerant, so all the Protein rich cheeses really irritate my stomach. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be sleeved, however at this point I'm feeling like I'm stuck in between a rock & a hard place. Thank you all for listening

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

WOW! It looks like BCBS Fed covers all ranges, 3 days to 4 weeks for approval. Well my surgeon's office is "swamped" with insurance authorization requests to send out. My appt was Jan 24 and they havent sent my stuff to BCBS yet so .... I'm waiting for them to catch up. I guess I'll call at the end of next week and hope to know something from BCBS Fed sometime in March or earlier.