My journey is just beginning

[VeroN86 60]

I already got the referral from my pcp for weight loss surgery, (sleeve) I met with my surgeon, I started my 6 month supervised diet with my pcp because that's what my insurance requires, (crazy) and I did the barium swallow test the other day. I have a couple of other things to do with no problem but I'm so upset that I have to do a 6 month supervised diet when the past 5 years I've struggled big time with my weight. Does anyone know if there is a way around it? I really want to have the surgery in February vs May or later. As the days goes by I get more anxious. I did a lot of research about this surgery and I feel ready. I'm 5'2 and carrying around this weight is tough! ☹ I guess I'm being impatient.

[LoseItKacy 347]

Trust me it goes by fast. My process was 8 months. Now I'm a month out and I'm really glad I had the time to start making changes. I know it feels like forever but I thought it was really helpful.

[VeroN86 60]

I guess I was frustrated because I'm cleaning and 15 minutes into it I had to sit down because my feet and back were hurting. ????????

[2goldengirl 2,076]

You don't say which state you're in or what kind of insurance you have, nor your BMI. I'm asking because Blue Shield of CA has changed their requirements for *** members and no longer requires the six months.

That said, part of the purpose of the six month period is actually designed to set you up for success. It provides time for you to develop the tools you will need post-op.

I hear you on being ready when you're ready. Some of us have been fighting the weight loss/gain battle since the 1960's. Sometimes it seems like waiting even another day is wasting time. But the truth is, working on the mental part of having surgery can, and should, start at any time.

My surgeon referral got delayed two weeks after I found out my insurance had changed requirements. I'm learning all I can in the meantime, and spending time tracking my intake and really monitoring my hunger against when I choose to eat something. Sometimes I am convinced that those of us who eat for reasons other than hunger have trouble delaying gratification. If I'd figured this out decades ago, I might have had different outcomes.

Good luck to you, I hope this helps!

Edited November 1, 2015 by 2goldengirl

[VeroN86 60]

You don't say which state you're in or what kind of insurance you have, nor your BMI. I'm asking because Blue Shield of CA has changed their requirements for *** members and no longer requires the six months.

That said, part of the purpose of the six month period is actually designed to set you up for success. It provides time for you to develop the tools you will need post-op.

I hear you on being ready when you're ready. Some of us have been fighting the weight loss/gain battle since the 1960's. Sometimes it seems like waiting even another day is wasting time. But the truth is, working on the mental part of having surgery can, and should, start at any time.

My surgeon referral got delayed two weeks after I found out my insurance had changed requirements. I'm learning all I can in the meantime, and spending time tracking my intake and really monitoring my hunger against when I choose to eat something. Sometimes I am convinced that those of us who eat for reasons other than hunger have trouble delaying gratification. If I'd figured this out decades ago, I might have had different outcomes.

Good luck to you, I hope this helps!

Thank you for replying to my post. I live in Florida and I have amerigroup through Medicaid. My bmi is 55 and I have hypertension that is controlled by two medications. I am learning a lot of different things too which is awesome. That's good that California changed from 6 months down to 3 months.

[SalOdyssey 441]

I already got the referral from my pcp for weight loss surgery, (sleeve) I met with my surgeon, I started my 6 month supervised diet with my pcp because that's what my insurance requires, (crazy) and I did the barium swallow test the other day. I have a couple of other things to do with no problem but I'm so upset that I have to do a 6 month supervised diet when the past 5 years I've struggled big time with my weight. Does anyone know if there is a way around it? I really want to have the surgery in February vs May or later. As the days goes by I get more anxious. I did a lot of research about this surgery and I feel ready. I'm 5'2 and carrying around this weight is tough! ☹ I guess I'm being impatient.

Just sent you a PM.

Just stay focused. Try not to worry about the ups and downs so much. I've started my journey at 688 pounds, and this past week broke the 200 pounds lost mark. My VSG is this Friday. The nerves are kicking up a notch as each day passes, but I'm ready for the next phase

I don't believe there is a way around the pre-op supervised diet. Insurance is going to want verification of the steps each step along the way. I too wanted to avoid a spring/summer surgery because I am unable to swim for several weeks.

I totally understand the impatient part. I was that way too. Just don't rush it. The process will work its way out and soon enough you'll be rocking a body that no longer feels like an anchor.

Best of luck to you!!

[VeroN86 60]

Thanks for the words for encouragement Sal as well as the two ladies before you. I should have read this post you replied to before asking questions from the private message lol. You sure have come along way and you guys are right that I need to be more patient. Good things do come with time.

[Dub 9,943]

It's hard.......damn hard....to be patient during those months.

It seems like it'll take forever.....but once you are into the pre-op weight loss it seems to fly by. Every few pounds you lose will give your body a break and feeling better will encourage you to lose more. Before you know it those first few months have passed.

You'll participate in the various classes and workshops than can be very valuable later on. This will help the time to pass, too.

It's tough, sure.....because we are are simply worn out and ready to get "there" and feel & look our best.

A lot of good things can happen for you along the way those 6 months and you can learn from them.

You can, in great confidence, make a strong run at losing weight pre-op with the knowledge that you are ensuring a safer surgery and you'll continue with the great progress once you have your surgery.

The months ahead will pass and you'll look back and laugh.

Best wishes.

[VeroN86 60]

It's hard.......damn hard....to be patient during those months.

It seems like it'll take forever.....but once you are into the pre-op weight loss it seems to fly by. Every few pounds you lose will give your body a break and feeling better will encourage you to lose more. Before you know it those first few months have passed.

You'll participate in the various classes and workshops than can be very valuable later on. This will help the time to pass, too.

It's tough, sure.....because we are are simply worn out and ready to get "there" and feel & look our best.

A lot of good things can happen for you along the way those 6 months and you can learn from them.

You can, in great confidence, make a strong run at losing weight pre-op with the knowledge that you are ensuring a safer surgery and you'll continue with the great progress once you have your surgery.

The months ahead will pass and you'll look back and laugh.

Best wishes.

Thanks Dub! It sure does feel like forever from now especially not knowing a specific surgery date but I now believe as you said that once the surgery is done I'll look back and laugh . Have you had the surgery already?