Has anyone been sleeved at Inova Fair Oaks in VA? How did it go? And tips? I am just beginning the process. Thanks!

Yes, I had surgery and am doing well. Thanks for asking! I've lost 33lbs so far so that makes me happy! Eating is going ok, still trying to figure it all out. It's hard to get everything in each day. I'm still on mushies and I'm suppose to get 3 "meals" and 2 Protein shakes in each day and then the 64 oz of fluids. It's a lot and add in the 30/30 before and after meals and there isn't enough time in a day, but I'm doing my best. Any suggestions? Exercise is my next goal. I have started walking and that is all that my doctor wants me to do until my next visit. Then that challenge begins How is your journey going?

My journey has been amazing! I wish I did this years ago. I had my surgery Oct 12th. Ive lost 63 lbs. as of today. I have never felt better. I can walk up stairs without being winded. I can be at work all day and not feel like I can't make it throughout the day without being so exhausted. I want to do more active things. More importantly I don't think about food all day.

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I am scheduled for surgery at Inova 28 April 2016. So far it has been a good experience and the staff is very nice.

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Years ago that's how I feel.

I am scheduled for surgery at Inova 28 April 2016. So far it has been a good experience and the staff is very nice.

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Elle09- I'm also scheduled for sleeve surgery on April 28 at Inova Fair Oaks! What time is your surgery? I have to be there at 10:15am for surgery around 1pm with Dr. Nain. Who is your surgeon?

I've also found that it has been a good experience overall and that everyone I've dealt with has been really nice. I'm so excited (and a little nervous) for surgery. I can't wait to have it done with and to start the next phase of my journey.

I'm on day 5 of the liquid diet- the first few days were rough, but yesterday and today have been much better. I never thought I would look forward to hot chicken broth so much

@judanna - this is awesome because I am right behind you literally with Dr. Nain. I check in at 12:30, surgery around 3:00.

This has been a good experience for me and the staff is really nice. I am really excited and yes nervous.

I am also on day 5 of the liquid diet and have been hanging in there. I am staying motivated knowing there is a good outcome with sticking to the plan.

It is great to have a surgery buddy!

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That's crazy that we're back-to-back like that! I guess I'll get him warmed up for you

It will totally be awesome to have a surgery buddy. I'm sure we'll run into each other walking the halls after surgery...

Completed my final pre-op appointment today. Met with the nutritionist and surgeon.

This is getting real.....and exciting!

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^{I've been to consultations with both Dr. Moazzez and Dr. Fitzer (in Reston, different practice) - I like both surgeons but the Reston Hospital is quite a bit more convenient for me to access. I really really liked Dr. Moazzez, but now I'm confused with the insurance requirements (maybe I can find a Tricare thread on here somewhere so I can get some real world experience!}

^{Dr. M's office says: 3 consecutive months nutrition, no mention of my payment - I pay for psychologist eval, and bariatric drinks}

^{Dr. F's office: need to do the 3 nutrition appointments, but does not have to be over 3 months (can shorten) and I DO pay - psych eval is covered}

^{I'm just confused and frustrated that even though my insurance is the common denominator here, both offices are totally different in what they say is covered and how it all works. I've called Tricare a few times and what they say is more in line with Dr. Fitzer's office. So if I do want to go to Dr. Moazzezz do I tell Pam she's wrong about my insurance . I'd like to do this in July (no later than August, I really need my mom to come out to help and she goes back to work then). I'd like to go to Dr. Moazzez but it's already confusing. This is more of a rant than actual question, but if anyone has suggestions, I'm all ears:)}

I am no expert or anything but based on my experience and in researching hospital programs I went with Inova Fair Oaks because they have a comprehensive program and it is a one stop shop. All my needs could be addressed right there in their clinic. They also are considered to be a Center Of Distinction with BCBS. For me the process was seamless and I felt that I had a lot of guidance.

I did not want to find my own nutritionist nor did I want to have to find a licensed person covered under my plan to do an evaluation for the psych evaluation. This process is already overwhelming for me.

In regards to the bariatric drinks I like the fact that they have a pre-planned menu per se. Especially now being in the pre-op diet phase as that it has been very easy to follow.

I can only say research the clinics, review your insurance, understand your out of pocket fees with each, and decide what your comfortable with.

I don't know that I said anything that was helpful, but others have been where you are including myself.

Good luck on your journey.

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^{I've been to consultations with both Dr. Moazzez and Dr. Fitzer (in Reston, different practice) - I like both surgeons but the Reston Hospital is quite a bit more convenient for me to access. I really really liked Dr. Moazzez, but now I'm confused with the insurance requirements (maybe I can find a Tricare thread on here somewhere so I can get some real world experience!}

^{Dr. M's office says: 3 consecutive months nutrition, no mention of my payment - I pay for psychologist eval, and bariatric drinks}

^{Dr. F's office: need to do the 3 nutrition appointments, but does not have to be over 3 months (can shorten) and I DO pay - psych eval is covered}

^{I'm just confused and frustrated that even though my insurance is the common denominator here, both offices are totally different in what they say is covered and how it all works. I've called Tricare a few times and what they say is more in line with Dr. Fitzer's office. So if I do want to go to Dr. Moazzezz do I tell Pam she's wrong about my insurance . I'd like to do this in July (no later than August, I really need my mom to come out to help and she goes back to work then). I'd like to go to Dr. Moazzez but it's already confusing. This is more of a rant than actual question, but if anyone has suggestions, I'm all ears:)}

Hey I saw Dr Fitzer. I loved his office and I was able to have my surgery at Fair Oaks Hospital. Both experiences were perfect and pleasant

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Good luck tomorrow Elle09! Soon we'll both be on the loser's bench! I'm savoring my last protein shake with a full-size stomach right now.

@judanna good luck to you also! I am also drinking my last strawberry Protein drink.

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@@judanna77 how are you? I am just getting home. Hope all is well with you.

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@@Elle09 I just got back today as well. The surgery went smoothly, but man, I was totally not ready for the amount of pain and nausea I would feel. I'd say the first 36 hours were miserable. I kept on dry-heaving, and that was so painful for my new sleeve. Owww! And all the meds that they gave me never seemed to do anything for the nausea. Then they finally gave me something for the stomach spasms, and that helped a lot. One thing I am loving is this On-Q pain pump- I haven't felt any pain from my incisions at all. I'm a little worried how they are going to feel one the local anesthetic runs out, though.

How was your experience? How are you doing now?