17 days post-op update!

Well first of all, awesome choice. I think if you read all the posts on the forum you will hear very happy reviews. Definitely search for specific topics if you have questions. 

But, as an over all look at this i found emotionally it was difficult to go through the insurance hoops. It's a long process for most plans. But I do believe it makes you take things more seriously because of what you go through. All surgeons and plans and nutritionists are different, but you will probably have a liquid diet for about 2 weeks and then a clear liquid a few days before. Those are definitely tough. But then it's surgery day and you get all set up. There's some pain, but I honestly prepared for it to feel a lot worse. Again, everyone's different. 

As I mentioned, i'm 17 days out. I love it. I feel fullness. I feel the signals. I'm someone who could literally eat all day if I let myself. I ate healthy foods but in such mass quantities. So it helps me stop. 

It's a part of your life for the rest of your life. But, if you're someone who has always struggled with weight, you know that feeling already. It's an amazing tool to help you go through this battle. 

The beginning as in a few days out is uncomfortable.  But that's with any surgery. I'm sure if you read all these testimonials that you'll see it's not a miracle, but probably the cry tool you're missing from your battle. 

Best of luck! Feel free to private message me any questions. 

What kind of insurance hoops are there? I need any help possible because at 5'7" and 238 they're telling me I'm only a maybe,  that it's up to my insurance.  I know i have to do support groups,  6 months of dietary visits,  tests,  and a psych eval... If by chance they don't approve me at first what ask could I do?

Try doing a search for folks with the same insurance as you. There are many things. Blood work, possible sleep test, EKG, endoscopy, upper GI, nutritionist visits, osteo visits, proof that you've tried everything else, note from your doctor. All that's standard. I've read some very intense ones like drug tests and alcohol tests for 6 months. You can call your insurance company. 

What they really look for is that you're committed. So, stay under the weight you were at your consult. Follow up, get your stuff done early, show them you're committed. They need co-morbidities. So if are diabetic, have high blood pressure, have joint pain, etc, there's a better chance of approval. It all depends. 

Insurance can be a sticky situation. Just get the clear run down. 

Oh, and if they don't approve you you can appeal it. Your nurse or doctor can help you do that. They should be 100% on your side. If you feel like they're not taking you seriously and are just kind of passing it off to insurance, try a different office. Mine is 100% there for me in every single way. They're very protective. And I love that. 

Tricia...Unfortunately this happened to me 2 1/2 years ago. I did all the tests, Nutritionist, and Psychiatrist, and was all set to go. Then my insurance denied me. I was shocked and so was My surgeon's office.The company through which I have my insurance through, said one had to be Morbidly obese for 5 years. I had been morbidly obese for 2 years, and obese for 18 years. I appealed, but they wouldn't pay. I had co-morbidities too. I was devastated. So 2 1/2 years later, after many more attempts to lose weight, and ending up at an even higher weight,  I decided to go self-pay. My surgery was two weeks ago today, and it was the best decision I ever made. Fortunately, my evaluations I had the previous time all counted, and as self-pay, I was able to my surgery just 20 days after my initial consult.

I am not telling you this to discourage you. My advice is that BEFORE you do all the support groups,  6 months of dietary visits,  tests,  and a psych eval, you call your Insurance company yourself, and make sure of their requirements. BTW, the self-pay costs for both the Surgeon and the Hospital were discounted because I was self-pay.

Best wishes,

Kay :-)

Thank you both!!  Im 3 months in of my 6 months that highmark blue cross blue shield require.  I heard they're party good about approval so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.  I have all the papers for my ekg and blood work and such which I'm hoping to get done here very shortly. 

Congrat!! You are doing amazing!!!

I also wish I had the Sleeve instead of the Band. After 7 1/2 years, I am glad that I am being revised!! Cant wait until next month!!

You're doing awesome!! I'm so happy that your recovery went well and you're back at work.  You have a great attitude and a great outlook on the dreaded "stalls."  Just keep doin what you're doin girl!

I'm glad things are going so well for you!  Keep it up :)

I am 17 days out and I have lost 18.2 pounds which I'm thrilled about, however for the past 3 days, the scale hasn't moved.

I've been walking 5-6 miles daily sometimes 7 miles on a treadmill at an incline between 10-23% and up to 4 mph. I get my protein in and at least 64 oz of fluid a day. I definitely see the changes in my body, clothing and in my face. I'm working so hard, but can't help but feel a bit miffed. I am at the  dreaded week 2-3 stall and need to be patient. Never in my life have I lost a pound a day. I knew it wouldn't continue.

I must say that what I am most thrilled about and what was the driving force behind my surgery was that my acanthosis Nigricans is gone. I wasn't diabetic, but I certainly had physical signs of insulin resistance. I was horribly afraid of developing full blown diabetes. I'll take the NSV, but seeing the scale move downwards is extremely motivating.

I'll be meeting with my therapist tomorrow and we can work on my expectations. Patience, patience.