I went to my first meeting...now what?
Okay, I finally made it to my first meeting and I am very excited about moving forward with this procedure...any advise? What all can I expect? I would love to hear from you. How long does it typically take to get a date for surgery? I understand that I will have to give up carbonation and sugar.....yikes!!! I take it we can do sugar substitutes...any tips are greatly appreciated.
Hi Carrie,
Welcome 
! Have you decided on a surgeon yet? As for the length of the wait for surgery, it all depends on your insurance company and how the surgeon has his or her program set up. Some insurance companies are no longer covering WLS or they deny people after the first attempt and you have to appeal. Usually if you have a well documented history of weight loss attempts and follow the program you shouldn't have too much of a problem. Sometimes it can take 4 months, sometimes it can take up to a year. I believe the average is about 6 months.
Sugar substitues are wonderful. I personally like Splenda. I've started using them even though I am pre-op because the sooner you get used to it the better. Good luck with everything. Feel free to ask if you have any questions. 
! Have you decided on a surgeon yet? As for the length of the wait for surgery, it all depends on your insurance company and how the surgeon has his or her program set up. Some insurance companies are no longer covering WLS or they deny people after the first attempt and you have to appeal. Usually if you have a well documented history of weight loss attempts and follow the program you shouldn't have too much of a problem. Sometimes it can take 4 months, sometimes it can take up to a year. I believe the average is about 6 months.
Sugar substitues are wonderful. I personally like Splenda. I've started using them even though I am pre-op because the sooner you get used to it the better. Good luck with everything. Feel free to ask if you have any questions. Congrats on the first step Carrie! 
You will find that everything in the bariatric program is unique and specific to the individual. As for me.... I applied to the Portsmouth NH program Feb '04 and had surgery on Aug 11, 2004. My insurance was wonderful at the time (now they do not cover WLS) so things went fast for me.
I too like Splenda the best. I began cutting out things like sugar, caffeine and carbonation right at the beginning of my journey. It made it easier than trying to do everything after surgery. Don't stock up on anything though. I bought a lot of carnation instant breakfast in the beginning and didn't use all of it because I got so sick of it.
I would be happy to help in any way I can. If nothing else, I'm a great listener. Feel free to write anytime!
Heidi
You will find that everything in the bariatric program is unique and specific to the individual. As for me.... I applied to the Portsmouth NH program Feb '04 and had surgery on Aug 11, 2004. My insurance was wonderful at the time (now they do not cover WLS) so things went fast for me.
I too like Splenda the best. I began cutting out things like sugar, caffeine and carbonation right at the beginning of my journey. It made it easier than trying to do everything after surgery. Don't stock up on anything though. I bought a lot of carnation instant breakfast in the beginning and didn't use all of it because I got so sick of it.
I would be happy to help in any way I can. If nothing else, I'm a great listener. Feel free to write anytime!
Heidi Most Active
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