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Another hiccup along this journey

R

RecoveringSecretEater

Member
Hello!

It has definitely been longer than I intended to post here. I started mid-August 2021 really anxious and prepared to begin the process of gaining control of my weight and subsequently, my health. I’ve been away dealing with loss in the family, a sudden move due to a 45% rent hike (my state does not regulate it, just a caution to landlords not to make it too high or they’ll have vacancies ), and losing my rabbit of 8 years (I rescued him, someone threw him away in the apartment complex on Easter back in 2013). Then there were some bright spots, I started a new job a few weeks ago and earlier this month I began training with a personal trainer. My surgical consent appointment went well Dec 2, and I was told it typically takes 2-3 weeks for a response. So pretty much any day, BUT now I do not have that insurance because of the new job. I called and was told they have their own set of criteria so I’ll pretty much have to start this process all over again. Honestly I feel somewhat numb. Not angry or upset because that will change nothing. I’m definitely disappointed. I am grateful that during the course of everything, I did not self soothe with food. Trying to find ways to view this as a positive and not some sign that it’s not supposed to happen for me. It’ll happen at SOME point . Gotta smile . Happy New Year everyone!!!
 
I'm sorry you are delayed in your surgery. I had RNY on 8/5/21. Down 70 lb. since surgery. One thing I wish I would have had more time to process is the fact that EACH AND EVERY day you have to think about and plan what you will be eating. You have to shop in advance or you won't have anything to eat and then will tend to graze or not eat (both are bad for you). I have had a hard time with realizing my portions are so small. I get so hungry and then make a plate and then realize I can't finish it. At first it turned out to be a lot of wasted food. Now I am getting used to it so it is easier. Start practicing drinking lots of water or zero sugar drinks. I can't use aspartame as it gives me migraines so my choices other than water are limited so I drink herbal tea or water and that is it. I seem to enjoy the alkaline water better (smart water type) than the other bottled water. I know it sounds weird but when you are only drinking water each day, it does taste different. Cut out any soda, diet or not. Try to decrease or eliminate any caffeine usage and if you smoke, cut back and quit. There will be times when you think 'what the heck did I do'. But there will also be times that you are so happy you actually did it. As the time has gone on, my thoughts are mostly, "why did I wait so long. This is exactly what I needed." No more regrets but I do admit there were some in the beginning when I was healing. With this extra time, I would focus on mindful eating. It takes a lot if you haven't had to do that and then are thrown in to it. You got this!!
 
Let your surgical center know that you've changed insurance. Most have their own insurance experts, and they may be able to help you. My husband just changed insurance this year. He is in month 5 of his 6-month requirement. The new insurance only requires 3 months, but he thought he would have to start over and do 3 more monthly appointments. But the insurance expert called and those past appointments count. So, she applied for approval this week.
 
LaurieLee said:
I'm sorry you are delayed in your surgery. I had RNY on 8/5/21. Down 70 lb. since surgery. One thing I wish I would have had more time to process is the fact that EACH AND EVERY day you have to think about and plan what you will be eating. You have to shop in advance or you won't have anything to eat and then will tend to graze or not eat (both are bad for you). I have had a hard time with realizing my portions are so small. I get so hungry and then make a plate and then realize I can't finish it. At first it turned out to be a lot of wasted food. Now I am getting used to it so it is easier. Start practicing drinking lots of water or zero sugar drinks. I can't use aspartame as it gives me migraines so my choices other than water are limited so I drink herbal tea or water and that is it. I seem to enjoy the alkaline water better (smart water type) than the other bottled water. I know it sounds weird but when you are only drinking water each day, it does taste different. Cut out any soda, diet or not. Try to decrease or eliminate any caffeine usage and if you smoke, cut back and quit. There will be times when you think 'what the heck did I do'. But there will also be times that you are so happy you actually did it. As the time has gone on, my thoughts are mostly, "why did I wait so long. This is exactly what I needed." No more regrets but I do admit there were some in the beginning when I was healing. With this extra time, I would focus on mindful eating. It takes a lot if you haven't had to do that and then are thrown in to it. You got this!!
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Thank you for your insights and congratulations on your successes! I am glad you mentioned meal planning post op. I struggle with that now and didn’t realize I don’t have a game plan moving forward. It’s like I know it will be a change, but I don’t think I really grasp what that looks like if that makes sense. This is helpful to re-evaluate moving forward. Thank you!
 
Roni said:
The set back gives you more time to prepare. It is a journey that involves not only the surgery but it also involves a mental adjustment. It is a new way of thinking and it is a commitment. Take the time to study the resources here and give yourself permission to be patient.
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Thank you for this reminder. I remember in the beginning having moments of impatience and it spurred doubts, now I’m being comfortable with making sure I commit properly. Thank you!
 
missyinacage said:
Let your surgical center know that you've changed insurance. Most have their own insurance experts, and they may be able to help you. My husband just changed insurance this year. He is in month 5 of his 6-month requirement. The new insurance only requires 3 months, but he thought he would have to start over and do 3 more monthly appointments. But the insurance expert called and those past appointments count. So, she applied for approval this week.
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I appreciate this! Before I posted, I gave them my new insurance and the receptionist said I would most likely have to start over. So I called my new insurance and they said they had their own requirements so they go by that. Then I left the office a message after reading this and the nurse called back saying the new one had the same requirements so she sent in the authorization! She then informed me that they will call back to schedule when the approval comes in! Thank you!
 
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