POSTED UNDER Gastric Sleeve Surgery REVIEWS
27 year old, sleeved 3/26/18- bettering my health!
ORIGINAL POST
Hello fellow future and current sleeves! I'm...
WORTH IT$6,500
Hello fellow future and current sleeves!
I'm writing my experience, just the everyone else on this site. I have been doing a lot of research and have read many reviews about VSG. I am currently in the very beginning stages of this process. Last week I attended my first informational seminar; I did the online one first and went to the in person one for the many questions I had. I am scheduled to meet my surgeon next week. I have Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance, and from what I've learned they cover 80%. I have a series of tests and approvals I need to have through insurance, plus I have to go through a 6 month supervised diet. I will be updating everyone after each appointment!
A little bit about me; I'm 27 years-old, married and have a young daughter. I have been overweight the majority of my life, I remember when I was 13- I went to my PCP at the time and stepped onto the scale and it read 215lbs- I felt so embarrassed. No one in my family was overweight and I kind-of became the laughing stalk of the family. My mother was so supportive and said she went through the same thing when she hit puberty and lost the weight after two years. I stayed at 215-220lbs until I was about 18 years-old.
When I was 18, I met my husband. I fluctuated between 200 and 220lbs for about 2 years after I met him. We traveled a lot and went to amusement parks to ride rollercoasters and what not. In 2012, we got pregnant and I gained 60lbs during that pregnancy. After I had our daughter, I lost 40lbs and then it slowly started to climb. Crazy thing was I didn't realize how much my weight had changed, I seriously thought my dryer was shrinking my clothes... sounds crazy, huh? I went to my PCP and stepped on the scale to see my weight had climbed up to 262lbs. I was devastated. I didn't even want to tell my husband! In 2015, I lost my mother and lost my self control- I gained 40lbs! I was so angry and hurt- I wouldn't say I looked to food for comfort- I just stopped going out and being active- I just stayed at home and laid around. It was truly the hardest time of my life. September of last year I injured my back and was diagnosed with sciatica. The ER doctor was blunt and told me to loose weight. I went home and cried, not just because I was in stupid crazy pain- but because I wouldn't be in this situation if I wasn't this size- I am currently at 298lbs.
I kind of gave up after that. I truly convinced myself that I loved myself in my own skin- but the fact is I don't... I hate the skin I'm in. I don't like going to the mall and finding all of the plus size clothes in random corners of the store with no cute shirts or shorts/pants that aren't a mile long in the crouch area that make me look weird because I'm only 5'6". I hate that I wear under shirts and light jackets to "hide" my insecurities. I hate that when we now go somewhere, whether that be a restaurant or amusement park- I have to plan around the fact if I can sit, walk, ride. etc..- it's miserable and depressing. I joined a gym in January and go when I can, it's difficult. I've only lost 4lbs!
So, I am 298lbs, 5'6" and have a high BMI to qualify for surgery without any co-morbidities. I am looking forward to recording my progress and the process of having this surgery. I enjoy everyone's stories- you all are an inspiration and I would greatly appreciate any advice!
I'm writing my experience, just the everyone else on this site. I have been doing a lot of research and have read many reviews about VSG. I am currently in the very beginning stages of this process. Last week I attended my first informational seminar; I did the online one first and went to the in person one for the many questions I had. I am scheduled to meet my surgeon next week. I have Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance, and from what I've learned they cover 80%. I have a series of tests and approvals I need to have through insurance, plus I have to go through a 6 month supervised diet. I will be updating everyone after each appointment!
A little bit about me; I'm 27 years-old, married and have a young daughter. I have been overweight the majority of my life, I remember when I was 13- I went to my PCP at the time and stepped onto the scale and it read 215lbs- I felt so embarrassed. No one in my family was overweight and I kind-of became the laughing stalk of the family. My mother was so supportive and said she went through the same thing when she hit puberty and lost the weight after two years. I stayed at 215-220lbs until I was about 18 years-old.
When I was 18, I met my husband. I fluctuated between 200 and 220lbs for about 2 years after I met him. We traveled a lot and went to amusement parks to ride rollercoasters and what not. In 2012, we got pregnant and I gained 60lbs during that pregnancy. After I had our daughter, I lost 40lbs and then it slowly started to climb. Crazy thing was I didn't realize how much my weight had changed, I seriously thought my dryer was shrinking my clothes... sounds crazy, huh? I went to my PCP and stepped on the scale to see my weight had climbed up to 262lbs. I was devastated. I didn't even want to tell my husband! In 2015, I lost my mother and lost my self control- I gained 40lbs! I was so angry and hurt- I wouldn't say I looked to food for comfort- I just stopped going out and being active- I just stayed at home and laid around. It was truly the hardest time of my life. September of last year I injured my back and was diagnosed with sciatica. The ER doctor was blunt and told me to loose weight. I went home and cried, not just because I was in stupid crazy pain- but because I wouldn't be in this situation if I wasn't this size- I am currently at 298lbs.
I kind of gave up after that. I truly convinced myself that I loved myself in my own skin- but the fact is I don't... I hate the skin I'm in. I don't like going to the mall and finding all of the plus size clothes in random corners of the store with no cute shirts or shorts/pants that aren't a mile long in the crouch area that make me look weird because I'm only 5'6". I hate that I wear under shirts and light jackets to "hide" my insecurities. I hate that when we now go somewhere, whether that be a restaurant or amusement park- I have to plan around the fact if I can sit, walk, ride. etc..- it's miserable and depressing. I joined a gym in January and go when I can, it's difficult. I've only lost 4lbs!
So, I am 298lbs, 5'6" and have a high BMI to qualify for surgery without any co-morbidities. I am looking forward to recording my progress and the process of having this surgery. I enjoy everyone's stories- you all are an inspiration and I would greatly appreciate any advice!
Replies (18)
February 22, 2018
I have BCBS too. I had my procedure December 11,2017. I was up to 264 and now 219. I don’t get on the scale until I go to he doctors. I don’t want to obsess over the number. I reached my deductible for the year and did not have to pay the 20% out of pocket. If I had to, I would have paid it! It’s worth the struggle and the hoops to jump through. You let me know how I can help or encourage you along the way!
March 8, 2018
Hey! Congrats on the wwigjt loss. That is amazing!!! I just paid my 20% out of pocket. I have my pre-op appointment with the surgeon soon and then surgery! Are you taking any certain kind of vitamins and or protein powders?
February 24, 2018
Our stories sound a lil similar. I'm so glad you decided to do this. My date is fast approaching, 3/10/18. Starting pre op diet tomorrow..
March 8, 2018
How exciting!! I have been anxiously reading all of these surgery posts recently. I am so nervous, but excited! I'm sure you feel the same. Write about everything, I'll follow your journey! =)
April 6, 2018
Bless your heart, good luck on your journey. I plan to get the sleeve this coming October. Keep us posted, my prayers are with you
April 6, 2018
Thank you and bless you on your journey, October will be here before you know it! I love updating, so stay tuned!
April 6, 2018
I'm going through the same process along with you. I was thinking"6 months!" but now it's right around the corner with June 15th as my date. I have gotten all of my cleareances with the exception of an EGD. This test is happening tomorrow for me. The only clearance that will be remaining will be from my primary care doctor. So far I'm down 13 lb. I'm glad I had to do 6 months. This gives you time to learn to eat slower, two more thoroughly, and master the not drinking 30 minutes before or after food.
April 6, 2018
My EDG was last also, good luck with that today. And congrats on the 13# loss. I'm kinda happy I waited so long as well, this liquid stage is an experience to say the least, you HAVE to be prepared. And, congrats on the upcoming surgery!
UPDATED FROM needmyownsunshine
11 months pre
And the wait begins...
Went and met with my surgeons office yesterday. I am very happy with my choice and am now beginning the insurance requirements to be able to have my sleeve surgery. I have BC/BS- so I need to:
1. Obtain a doctor referral letter from my PCP
2. Six--month supervised diet
3. Required visits pre-op and post-op with dietician
4. Complete a Psych Evaluation
Also, my weight is 296.2, so already some weight down!
I do not want to wait 6 months :(
I also met with my surgeon, who spent two hours with me during my consultation. I asked a lot of questions and got all the answers. I told him I wanted the vertical sleeve, he still went over the other various procedures just so I knew my options, but also agreed the sleeve would probably be the best choice, also considering my age. So sleeve it is in six months!
I have to have a test done to examine my throat and check for acid reflex sometime soon, I currently do not have any acid reflex problems-just a precaution. I plan to keep everyone updated as these next few months pass. This is just the beginning of my journey!
1. Obtain a doctor referral letter from my PCP
2. Six--month supervised diet
3. Required visits pre-op and post-op with dietician
4. Complete a Psych Evaluation
Also, my weight is 296.2, so already some weight down!
I do not want to wait 6 months :(
I also met with my surgeon, who spent two hours with me during my consultation. I asked a lot of questions and got all the answers. I told him I wanted the vertical sleeve, he still went over the other various procedures just so I knew my options, but also agreed the sleeve would probably be the best choice, also considering my age. So sleeve it is in six months!
I have to have a test done to examine my throat and check for acid reflex sometime soon, I currently do not have any acid reflex problems-just a precaution. I plan to keep everyone updated as these next few months pass. This is just the beginning of my journey!
Replies (8)
April 20, 2017
Dear NeedmyOwn,
It seems like you had a great consultation w/ your surgeon. I am; however, sorry that you have to endure a 6 month diet. Understand this: If you manage to lose even 10% of your current weight on the diet, then your insurance company can, and may say, that your diet was a "success" and that you do not need weight loss surgery...............
Just be aware of this: The diet is a "disqualification" process.
It might even work for you temporarily, but honestly, if a diet was going to work for you long term, then you would not be in this predicament to begin with. (As is the case for all of us WLS patients, including myself.)
As far as the psych evaluation, I believe only patients with bipolar disorder can sometimes be disqualified because that particular condition makes it very difficult for those patients to follow the prescribed post operative diet and exercise plan.
If you are very depressed then you might need more support throughout your journey; however, losing the weight and being able to be more active will certainly go a long way toward relieving any depression you might have.
I had to have the reflux test also; It is uncomfortable, but not horrible. I don't like tubes in my throat, but I did OK. It is an important test to determine whether or not a sleeve will make your reflux worse. I do not have reflux with my sleeve unless I eat bread or overfill my stomach. Lying down after eating will also cause reflux. So try to avoid these scenarios, and you will most likely be fine. (Bread get a bit "stuck", but other foods are well tolerated such as: Crackers, tortillas, chips, etc.)
Please let me know how your diet is going. Learning how to eat right will serve you well after your sleeve.
Good Luck !
TxMom
It seems like you had a great consultation w/ your surgeon. I am; however, sorry that you have to endure a 6 month diet. Understand this: If you manage to lose even 10% of your current weight on the diet, then your insurance company can, and may say, that your diet was a "success" and that you do not need weight loss surgery...............
Just be aware of this: The diet is a "disqualification" process.
It might even work for you temporarily, but honestly, if a diet was going to work for you long term, then you would not be in this predicament to begin with. (As is the case for all of us WLS patients, including myself.)
As far as the psych evaluation, I believe only patients with bipolar disorder can sometimes be disqualified because that particular condition makes it very difficult for those patients to follow the prescribed post operative diet and exercise plan.
If you are very depressed then you might need more support throughout your journey; however, losing the weight and being able to be more active will certainly go a long way toward relieving any depression you might have.
I had to have the reflux test also; It is uncomfortable, but not horrible. I don't like tubes in my throat, but I did OK. It is an important test to determine whether or not a sleeve will make your reflux worse. I do not have reflux with my sleeve unless I eat bread or overfill my stomach. Lying down after eating will also cause reflux. So try to avoid these scenarios, and you will most likely be fine. (Bread get a bit "stuck", but other foods are well tolerated such as: Crackers, tortillas, chips, etc.)
Please let me know how your diet is going. Learning how to eat right will serve you well after your sleeve.
Good Luck !
TxMom
April 22, 2017
Thanks for the continuous support and information! You are truly a 'real friend'. I plan to update this entire process as it happens. I enjoy seeing your feedback!
April 23, 2017
Dear Needmyown:
You are very welcome. I like to help other people; Sometimes in life it's easier to help "strangers" than it is to help family or friends. -I'm not sure why that is, but it has sometimes been the case for me.
I will watch for your updates.
Good luck.
Txmom
You are very welcome. I like to help other people; Sometimes in life it's easier to help "strangers" than it is to help family or friends. -I'm not sure why that is, but it has sometimes been the case for me.
I will watch for your updates.
Good luck.
Txmom
April 27, 2017
Hi Needmyown,
You are very welcome. Please do not hesitate to ask any specific questions that you may have. I am pretty open, and will share if I think it will help someone else. I feel pretty great at nearly 4.5 years out. The sleeve completely changed my life and my entire outlook on my life. I feel younger than I have in YEARS. I love being active, and this surgery has given me the strength to do things I certainly never thought would be possible due to my weight struggled. Just keep your eyes on the PRIZE.
Good Luck
TXMOM
You are very welcome. Please do not hesitate to ask any specific questions that you may have. I am pretty open, and will share if I think it will help someone else. I feel pretty great at nearly 4.5 years out. The sleeve completely changed my life and my entire outlook on my life. I feel younger than I have in YEARS. I love being active, and this surgery has given me the strength to do things I certainly never thought would be possible due to my weight struggled. Just keep your eyes on the PRIZE.
Good Luck
TXMOM
April 24, 2018
do you have pennsylvania blue cross and blue shield or is it independence bcbs/personal choice .
September 22, 2018
You look great .. I didn't lose that much.. don't get discouraged.. ppl will try to get u off track.. do t listen to them.. I'm gonna get my self together .. you are my inspiration.. where are u at now? And how are u feeling ?
UPDATED FROM needmyownsunshine
11 months pre
Tick, tock...tick, tock.
So, yesterday was my first weigh in with my supervised dietician. I learned a lot at my first appointment! I am required to start tracking my calorie intake/ and exercise through the My Fitness Pal app. Not gaining weight is very important, i am hoping to lose a little bit- maybe 10-15lbs prior to surgery. Small goals. So hopefully by October I will have a surgery date!
I dislike having to pay $40 every time I weigh in, but I gotta do what I gotta do.. Anyways, here's where I am at;
HW: 298 (January 2017)
CW: 296.4
I'll update everyone as this process goes along. Thanks for all of the support!
I dislike having to pay $40 every time I weigh in, but I gotta do what I gotta do.. Anyways, here's where I am at;
HW: 298 (January 2017)
CW: 296.4
I'll update everyone as this process goes along. Thanks for all of the support!
Replies (1)
April 27, 2017
HI : Please do not worry about spending that $40 on weight in. That is some of the best money you will ever spend in your entire life. Think of it as an investment in your health and your future. You are certainly worth that and so much more. Keep at it. !!
Txmom
Txmom
I read your story, & you have been through a lot. For that, I am truly sorry. I understand and feel your pain and your frustration.
I want you to know that gastric sleeve absolutely changed my life!!
I was never far until after I had my 2 kids. My weight was like a yo-yo.
I could lose weight but I could not keep it off ! I was always at the gym & dieting, but I just could never get below 200 lbs.
It was so frustrating. I hated clothes shopping. It was so depressing.
I had my gastric sleeve in 2012. I lost about 95 lbs. the first year. I did not exercise until the first year was up. I am now almost exactly the same size but with more muscle. You can regain the weight of you don't watch your diet and exercise. Exercise is a must. So, you need to adopt a healthy lifestyle & stick to it. If you enjoy exercising that will help you.
My advice is have the surgery.
But, be very careful about the surgeon you choose. Pick a board certified bariatric surgeon who has been doing this surgery at least 5 years. (it's only been out maybe 9 years).
You have a very high bmi, and your risk of obesity related disease is very high. It will be almost impossible for you to lose enough weight to be healthy without surgery. I really think it is your absolute best option !! I have a review on my gastric sleeve and one on my tummy tuck a year ago. You can read them and maybe this will help you. There are also tons of other sleepers on here as well.
I can tell you that I have never regretted my surgery, & I have never wanted the part of my stomach back that they removed, so don't let the fact that it is permanent scare you...You will never look back !!
Good luck
Txmom