New to the forum, Starting 6 month program next week!

[yarnismyantidrug 5]

I just got approval through my insurance to begin a 6 month doctor assisted weight loss program leading to weight loss surgery. It was weird since my policy specifically excludes ANY weight loss treatment (even doctors visits!), but if I called them and signed up, it was all be covered. (Who knew?)

While I'm only 100 pounds overweight (only. huh.) I've been trying for years to lose weight. My dad had gastric bypass surgery several years ago and it was life changing for him. My husband is supportive, but skeptical. My friends are all supportive but so far most of them tell me that they didn't think I was that overweight. Apparently I carry it well. Or they are all really good liars.

I do have severe apnea and I'm really hoping that this will be the way to fix it since I have difficulty complying with my cpap. It either gets ripped off in my sleep or I swallow air and can self propel via gas for the rest of the day.

I have my first visit with my PCP next week to get started. I'm really excited for this because until now no insurance I have had would cover this procedure. I'm looking forward to being active without pain, wearing nice clothes, and generally being visible again.

I do have some concerns, such as my bmi is 36.8 and I have to have a bmi of 35 to qualify. While I plan to take the weight loss program seriously, I'm concerned about dropping just enough weight to disqualify myself (I've been here before) just to put it back on again. How much am I expected to lose in the 6 months? Do they just need to see progress?

If anyone has any good advice for starting out, please let me know!

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

my policy specifically excludes ANY weight loss treatment (even doctors visits!), but if I called them and signed up, it was all be covered. (Who knew?)

@@yarnismyantidrug

welcome, welcome and welcome

you have officially tested the waters with your great first post!!!!

insurance company has given the green light officially??

never look a gift horse in the mouth

hmmmm, hubby skeptical - but SUPPORTIVE

one out of two isn't bad

as time goes on, he hopefully will see how great you are doing

becoming more and more supportive/helpful

wonderful to have support from friends

your friends didn't/don't think you are THAT heavy???

that's great !!!!

they see your wonderful qualities, and don't see anything but the nice person you are

butttttt - whichever one of them is willing

have them carry your "excess" baggage for a week

have them "walk a mile in YOUR shoes"

see how they like it

insurance reasons, afraid you will loose too much weight????

i have heard this concern from others

talk to your PCP/surgeon about this

IMO it is crazy that someone would tell you to loose weight, but not tooo much

that situation might mess up your approval

docs are ALL different

one doc might tell you to loose 10% of your weight

5% of your weight

DON"T gain any weight (that's what mine said)

you probably will be seeing your NUT (nutritionist )shortly after you see doc

he/she will give you all the proper directions/rules you will be following pre and post op

she'll give you a special pre-op drinking/eating rules

examples of post op order

clear liquids, full liquids, mush (love that word LOL ) purees', soft, solid

you "might" want to ask her if you could/should practice certain Water rules

ie drinking 64 oz liquid daily

never eat with your meals (people have been shot for less )

don't drink for about 30 minutes before you eat

do not drink for 45-60 minutes after you eat

I think many/most docs say no to cola, carbonation

you can work on that

IF you are a smoker doc will tell you to KNOCK IT OFF

some doc's will do a urine test to make sure you are "clean"

learn how to eat plenty of protein

watch the carbs, sugar, fat etc

amount /portions of food you'll be eating

for "most" people

many medical issues improve or disappear shortly after surgery

for example your CPAP

diabetes, high blood pressure, pain from knees

you'll get a lot of great info from this board

you can find books to read

"The Big Book on Bariatric Surgery"

this is the book i have, its for people after surgery

there is another great book by @@Alex Brecher concerning pre-op

"what to know about............

written by our "fearless leader"

@@Alex Brecher

you order online

btw if you mention my name when you order, i get Quest Protein Bars for life!!!!

if you don't mention my name i get Protein Shakes for life

check out U-Tube

you'll see some docs/patients talk about the journey to success with WLS

pictures of before/during and after surgery - those are always great

their experience pre-op, immediately PO - etc

everyone on these boards are very nice helpful, SUPPORTIVE

except...............

ask your questions

go to the search area in the top area of this board

you'll see others have similar comments/questions

read other questions, but you post away too

we are all here to support you

you'll get great advice, info, experience from others

butttttttt, at the end of the day ONLY listen to your NUT/surgeon (or me of course) LOL

good luck with gastric bypass

kathy