Finally Approved with a Surgery Date!!

[goddess0823]

Wow this has been a journey thus far. I have never posted to this site, I've just been reading the post of others. Now that I finally have an approval and my surgery date of 3/5/14 I am super excited! I am nervous and really want this to work. My first step is to get through all of this pre-op stuff. I don't plan to weigh myself unless I'm at the doctor. I've read on here how people have become addicted to the scale. I've been there before and I don't want to set myself up for disappoints when I am making progress. I'm not going to lie I am hoping I am a quick loser Now that the date is very real and coming very quickly I do wish I could tell more people about the surgery. I have only told a select few and no family members. I don't want anyone saying I am taking the easy way out since I have loss weight before. this is NOT an easy way out and it is hard work. I need a tool that will help me to maintain. Okay I am rambling...one last thought. When my surgery was denied the first time about a week ago I realized I am still very much an emotional eater. I am hoping the sleeve will help eliminate the physical desire to eat when I am emotional or stressed. Well, I'm off to get everything in order so I can relax while I'm recovering after surgery. I just want to focus on understanding my new eating to live lifestyle.

Any suggestions on what I should pack for the hospital?

[jarnols]

Congratulations. Wow March 5, thats like 10 days away. WOW... My packet was just submitted today for insurance approval. I was told I would hear nothing for atleast two weeks, which really means more. I have a question for you if you dont mind answering. Why was your surgery denied the first time? Thanks Steph

PS packing for the Hospital everyone says Chap Stick

[goddess0823]

I have Cigna and they are the most strict insurance company even though they switched to a 90 day weight loss program. The denial was because the first reviewer felt I only had 1.5 months of documentation of weight loss. That didn't make sense. Turns out the doc forgot to submit a month's worth of info. Then, They said the doc forgot to notate our convo about exercise on my first appointment. I thank God the second round the reviewer was really nice to my coordinator and get everything approved. Just make sure your packet is complete. I say over document. I am sure you will be fine. I actually kept calling my insurance company to check the status. If I had not my doc would still be waiting for the official letter only to find out it was a denial. then when they resubmitted I called to ensure they had what they needed and 24 hours later I had my approval. You pay for insurance there is nothing wrong with checking the status.

[jarnols]

Thanks for sharing.. I am happy that you got approved. When do you start your pre-op stuff, 2 week dieting?

[julesdeck]

Congratulations! I just got approved as well but waiting on the scheduler to get a date. I was told to bring a comfy night shirt, socks, and chapstick. Wishing you luck and quick recovery.

[Steam]

Make sure your nightshirt is big and loose and ware slipper socks. The Chapstick is going to be your best friend for awhile. Don't forget to walk as much as possible after the surgery. You might have gas and this will take away gas discomfort plus you need to walk. I am a little obsessed with walking because it made such a big difference with my recovery. Good Luck

[Steam]

I didn't tell either. You have to remember, our families are usually the ones who keep us in this state and would say things that make us feel bad. I had one close family member ( one who lives with me) say, " I don't see why you are doing this, you should just diet and lose weight that way." I told her if it was that easy then why is she not losing weight? Of course she got mad at me but kept her mouth shut afterwards. Recovery is easy for the most part. You will feel about 75-80 % in about a week. Just walk and sip, in the hospital, at home, on the road. Good Luck!

[thinmeskreamin]

Congratulations. Wow March 5, thats like 10 days away. WOW... My packet was just submitted today for insurance approval. I was told I would hear nothing for atleast two weeks, which really means more. I have a question for you if you dont mind answering. Why was your surgery denied the first time? Thanks Steph

PS packing for the Hospital everyone says Chap Stick

I took sleep pants to wear underr hospital gown. Andsomething for your feet cuz yes you'll be walking. Chapstick they talk about be because you have such a long period between eating n drinking.. that your lips definitely dry out. Iv will bloat u so expect to weigh more when u leave hospital than u did when u got there. Depending on where uhave ssurgery determines what else u might bring. Took a front hook sports bra myself. Basic toilettries. Easy to wear stretchy clothes for going home slip on shoes because bending is rough. Something to read a tablet book or even something to sew/ crochet etc. To pass time when ur not walking. And no one can stress small sips enough. Good luck
Karen

[goddess0823]

Thank you for your support! I see we are around the same weight. Did you go from 240 to 219 in 16 days?

[goddess0823]

Thanks for the info! I like the sports bra idea....I was wondering about the girls. Lol. Can't be walking around the hospital looking too crazy!

[goddess0823]

I only have a one week pre-op diet. I start on Wednesday.

[brandy5]

I am going to my first appointment this Tuesday to arrange for sleeve, does everyone have a pre-op diet? I have never in my life drank straight liquids for a week or so and this makes me nervous. I need to loose 60 lbs. have HBP and high triglycerides and pre diabetic.

[goddess0823]

I am going to my first appointment this Tuesday to arrange for sleeve, does everyone have a pre-op diet? I have never in my life drank straight liquids for a week or so and this makes me nervous. I need to loose 60 lbs. have HBP and high triglycerides and pre diabetic.

That I know of most people have to do a pre-op diet. My liquid diet is 7 days because my BMI isn't as high as others. It could vary with the surgeons. the purpose is to shrink your liver and give better access to your stomach. The pre-op diet isn't easy, but doable. I think once you are past the first couple of days you should be okay. Hopefully, yours will only be 7 days and not 14. I was so happy to find out I only had to do 7!

[brandy5]

Oh, my bmi is 34. o.k. thanks.

[Hopeful2014]

I am scheduled for 3/3... Great post because I was just wondering what I needed to pack for the hospital. Wishing you the best of luck!