Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Starting the process!



Recommended Posts

I just started the process of inquiring into Bariatric Surgery even though I’ve been considering it for years. I’m 43 and have been overweight since I graduated from high school. I’m currently 5’9, 254, and my BMI is 37.

I was diagnosed with Hashimotos hypothyroidism 3 years ago. I suffer from GERD and recently found out that I have high cholesterol and Hepatic Steatosis. My endocrinologist just ordered a sleep apnea test for me because she thinks I might also have that.

Within the last 6 years I’ve tried every weight loss medication out there and have had some success but have always gained the weight back.

Once I found out I had fatty liver disease (I had an MRI for abdominal pain) I decided I really needed to get serious and do something about my weight and my health.

I know I have a food addiction and also a crappy metabolism due to my thyroid issues.

So the first thing I did was contact my insurance company to see if it was a covered benefit and what the plan rules were. My insurance is BCBC of Michigan (Although I live in Ohio and it’s administered through Medical Mutual), covers bariatric surgery 100% if I have qualifying comorbidities. The insurance requires that I have tried a medically supervised diet for six months within the last 4 years (which I actually did in 2018- I was on Saxenda for 7 months and only lost 20 lbs but gained that back).

Once I found out that it might be covered, I contacted 3 hospitals to inquire about bariatric surgery. (I did this in Jan. 5th). All three Hospitals have forms that you fill out on their websites after your watch a mandatory video. I guess now it’s a waiting game for the Hospitals to get back to you? One of my friends had WLS last year and she told me that it could take a few weeks before the hospitals call you back.

I am very happy that I have stumbled upon this website! I have already learned so much from all of you sharing your stories.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You fit right in with the rest of us. I poured over this site both before and after surgery and it continues to be a source of information and support for me. Welcome to this site and good luck on your weight loss journey.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Welcome! I believe in "doing your homework" before getting any WLS-the more you know the better prepared you will be, and the less scary everything will seem. I practically lived on this site for the two months before my procedure!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

On 1/11/2020 at 11:08 AM, MariaC6 said:

I just started the process of inquiring into Bariatric Surgery even though I’ve been considering it for years. I’m 43 and have been overweight since I graduated from high school. I’m currently 5’9, 254, and my BMI is 37.

I was diagnosed with Hashimotos hypothyroidism 3 years ago. I suffer from GERD and recently found out that I have high cholesterol and Hepatic Steatosis. My endocrinologist just ordered a sleep apnea test for me because she thinks I might also have that.

Within the last 6 years I’ve tried every weight loss medication out there and have had some success but have always gained the weight back.

Once I found out I had fatty liver disease (I had an MRI for abdominal pain) I decided I really needed to get serious and do something about my weight and my health.

I know I have a food addiction and also a crappy metabolism due to my thyroid issues.

So the first thing I did was contact my insurance company to see if it was a covered benefit and what the plan rules were. My insurance is BCBC of Michigan (Although I live in Ohio and it’s administered through Medical Mutual), covers bariatric surgery 100% if I have qualifying comorbidities. The insurance requires that I have tried a medically supervised diet for six months within the last 4 years (which I actually did in 2018- I was on Saxenda for 7 months and only lost 20 lbs but gained that back).

Once I found out that it might be covered, I contacted 3 hospitals to inquire about bariatric surgery. (I did this in Jan. 5th). All three Hospitals have forms that you fill out on their websites after your watch a mandatory video. I guess now it’s a waiting game for the Hospitals to get back to you? One of my friends had WLS last year and she told me that it could take a few weeks before the hospitals call you back.

I am very happy that I have stumbled upon this website! I have already learned so much from all of you sharing your stories.

Hi! I’m in the beginning stages with you, just don’t have to do any supervised dieting. I too had to watch an online webinar and they wanted me to wait to be contacted, but I am the type of person who needs info right away.. soooo I ended up calling lol. Things have gotten started super fast though! I started the process December 31st & have already met my surgeon & dietician. Now I have to complete an MRI, I see the Endocrine doctor Friday, I get the equipment for sleep study the 29th so the ball is definitely rolling! Good luck with everything & it’s nice to meet you! Keep us posted!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@danielleleigh90. That’s awesome! I did follow up with one hospital by phone to see if maybe I was missing something and was told that once someone completes the online form, they are put into a queue and will have their insurance informations checked out and then contacted to start the process. I was also told this time of year was a little busy with everyone wanting to start the new year with new goals so I’m trying to be patient. I have found that watching YouTube vlogs of those that have undergone the procedure have been very informative, especially the vlogs that are one week post op. Good luck to you and keep posting!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, MariaC6 said:

@danielleleigh90. That’s awesome! I did follow up with one hospital by phone to see if maybe I was missing something and was told that once someone completes the online form, they are put into a queue and will have their insurance informations checked out and then contacted to start the process. I was also told this time of year was a little busy with everyone wanting to start the new year with new goals so I’m trying to be patient. I have found that watching YouTube vlogs of those that have undergone the procedure have been very informative, especially the vlogs that are one week post op. Good luck to you and keep posting!

That's so bomb! I basically found out all my insurance information on my own (because I'm THAT annoying lol). Initially, the doctor was telling me that I had a 6 month supervised diet time frame, but I confirmed with the insurance that I don't. Prior to confirming this they set me up with 2 supervised visits, which I don't mind at all because it'll just keep the doctor updated. My psych is March 3rd and hopefully I'll get an April date...I have graduation in May...So It would be bomb if I could have it before then! I'll definitely check out youtube though! Since my start, I've been a bit obsessed so I look for information EVERYWHERE. I will admit I am a bit worried that I don't have any diagnosed comorbidities, but I do have a big family history of GERD, Diabetes and Heart Disease. I also suffer from Anxiety & Depression, so hopefully that is enough! I'm remaining positive though, the forums DEFINITELY give me comfort

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have hashimotos hypothyroidism as well, just started my process as well. Working on my head now, going to get right so I don’t fail miserably. CW 306 😕

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Update, so I received a packet from one of the Hospitals that I contact which requires me to get it filled out from a physician recommending me for the surgery. I have an appointment with my Primary Care Doctor tomorrow to discuss my decision to pursue bariatric surgery.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Kind of an update I guess, apparently one of the Hospitals I contacted had contacted me right away and I didn’t realize this until yesterday when I was clearing voicemails from my cell phone (no clue how I missed this!).


 Anyway, so I called the Hospital back and spoke with a Patient Navigator and she emailed me a packet of information and a packet for me to fill out which I did that same day. I really like that they seem to be on top of everything.  While we were on the phone we scheduled a tentative “surgery consultation appointment” for January 30th. I say tentative because she indicated that they will have to check my current comorbidities with my insurance since my BMI is 36.2 (I have high cholesterol but I am not on any meds and I do also have NAFLD/ Hepatic Steatosis).


I am already scheduled to have a sleep apnea test done on the 22nd of this month and apparently if I do have sleep apnea, that’s a for sure comorbidity with my insurance. My Endocrinologist (who treats me for hypothyroid Hashimotos) ordered the sleep apnea test last month so that was already in the works so the timing just happened to coincide. I guess I will know shortly if the insurance will cover or not.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Kind of an update I guess, apparently one of the Hospitals I contacted had contacted me right away and I didn’t realize this until yesterday when I was clearing voicemails from my cell phone (no clue how I missed this!).


Anyway, so I called the Hospital back and spoke with a Patient Navigator and she emailed me a packet of information and a packet for me to fill out which I did that same day. I really like that they seem to be on top of everything. While we were on the phone we scheduled a tentative “surgery consultation appointment” for January 30th. I say tentative because she indicated that they will have to check my current comorbidities with my insurance since my BMI is 36.2 (I have high cholesterol but I am not on any meds and I do also have NAFLD/ Hepatic Steatosis).


I am already scheduled to have a sleep apnea test done on the 22nd of this month and apparently if I do have sleep apnea, that’s a for sure comorbidity with my insurance. My Endocrinologist (who treats me for hypothyroid Hashimotos) ordered the sleep apnea test last month so that was already in the works so the timing just happened to coincide. I guess I will know shortly if the insurance will cover or not.
I am close to your stats... I'm 39 5'7 and around 245#. My surgery is on the 27th. I too have been overweight my whole life but was always relatively fit and healthy. In the last two years I developed GERD and bile reflux so severe I am on 4 medications to mitigate it to prevent my body from burning away my insides. That's why I chose the RNY and am so excited to hopefully fix my gerd!

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×