Nothing in over a year? Wow! Not even crickets chirping in here. (Must have all died of lonelieness, I guess.)

I'm thinking about starting my fifth journey towards WLS at 47 with a BMI over 60. I have pretty much the whole list of co-morbidities other than diabetes: hypertension, sleep apnea, bad osteoarthritis in my knees, collapsing disks and bone spurs in my back, and on, and on, and on.

A friend recently (Jan 19, 2015) had the gastric sleeve done. He's about 200 miles away, but is probably the only person who supports me. I've only got a couple of real friends here in Pittsburgh, PA, and since they're both in OA are dead set against me getting the surgery.

Last night I saw that the Maestro, the vegus nerve "pacemaker", was approved a couple days ago. Too early to tell what insurances might cover it. I'm on SSDI due to all my co-morbidities and Medicare is funny. They cover WLS, and at my BMI, they don't really have any conditions for approval,. (The doctor I'd use DOES want 3 months weight loss attempt, pre-op education, and a bunch of tests to make sure I'm a reasonable risk for the surgery.) And Medicare just started covering Obesity Counseling. But medications, weight-loss shakes, etc. are all NOT covered. No idea if the Maestro will be covered as a type of WLS or excluded for being a lessor procedure.

I'm concerned about the expected complications that go hand-in-hand with a RNY like malabsorption of Calcium, B-vitamins, difficulties getting enough Protein and Water, etc.And my local friends hype those potential problems. Being on Disability has me on a very tight budget and most of my food comes from food banks and food stamps so I'm not sure how I'll afford at the supplements I'll need post-op.

Anyway, I have a feeling I'm talking into empty space, and maybe that's why I feel comfortable saying all this here. I'll shut up now and let the dust resettle.

@@ReadyFourChange it's been a struggle but getting better everyday. I'm 6 weeks post op and just starting to feel a little mormal. Good luck with your surgery and may you have a quick recovery.

Thanks skc72. I'm expecting to have to endure some difficulties and I'm trying to get as much info as possible to know what to expect.

Being informed is a great start but remember everyone's experience is very different.

@@ReadyFourChange, how are you doing? How did your surgery go?

Anyone still posting to this board? I'm 9 days post op. Just found this board.

Welcome lisaanewme67... how are you feeling ?

Welcome lisaanewme67... how are you feeling ?

hi I'm feeling quite well. Just really trying to get my proteins and fluids in. I haven't had any medical issues THANK GOD just taking it day by day and feeling very blessed to have been given this gift. Thanks so much for responding. How are you?

I am feeling well thanks for asking. I had my ryn Feb 2014, and the first six months are the most challenging. Once you get into a steady routine it becomes second nature. Which surgery did you have?

I am feeling well thanks for asking. I had my ryn Feb 2014, and the first six months are the most challenging. Once you get into a steady routine it becomes second nature. Which surgery did you have?

Wow, that is awesome for you. i also had ryn on June 5th & Yes, I hearing by 6 months you feel "normal". Like most of us I have been trying to get NY weight down I have losing & regaining the same 20 lbs for the past 10 years all to have more added to it as well. After diagnosis Hugh blood pressure, type 2diabetes, sleep apnea AND high cholesterol, all in the same year, I knew I could no longer do thus alone. Here I am and I am so grateful. I love this site. People like you are so open & willing to help. I have found lots of helpful information and people to lend n ear. I am very happy to be on this team!

So I have hit the 3 month mark and my hair is falling out right on schedule.....ugh!!! Anyone have any advice on how to slow it down....losing what seems to be handfuls at a time. To add to the stress my wedding is in 35 days!!

Protein....other than that I don't know if anything will really help or slow it down. I was losing what I felt was handfuls but it wasn't as obvious to others. I took biotin right after surgery and didn't see any big results, i even went as far as buying nexxium shampoos. It didn't hurt my hair and I'm sure in the long run it helped. I wish i had a majic answer for you. Congrats on your wedding.

I'm new but I'm here...and also in Pittsburgh! Like you, several of the comorbidities, with MS added on for good measure. :/ I'm 4 months in on my supervised weight loss. Next month is my psych eval & hopefully we're going to start looking at surgery dates for December?

If you are still around, where are you at in your journey?

Jenny, welcome! I am from FL and am right at six months out from surgery. Things are great! My energy level is off the charts and my weight loss is right on track. Good luck with everything and keep us updated on your progress!

Really interesting read....had some major flashbacks :-)

I am headed in this morning for the required EGD. Wishing you all well, have a great week!

Hi skc72,

How did your EGD go? I will be having one in April. What is it like?

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