NEW TO SITE

Hi All!! I just wanted to introduce myself to everyone as this is my first time on this site. I am going through the work-up for the RNY procedure. All that I have left is the visit to the pulmonologist. I have BCBS-NC insurance. Does anyone have any tips on how long it takes for the approval process? Also I was curious to know from different people their experiences post-op as far as what type of foods they eat and how they maintain their weight loss.

Welcome! I know Dr. Moran. Although his old partner, Dr. Enochs, did my surgery, I know Dr. Moran is a great surgeon as well. He will give you the facts straight! I have BCBS-NC as well. Once I got all my pre-op work done AND got my weight history in (essential if you want approval the first time), it only took a couple of weeks before I was called with my approval and I had surgery the NEXT WEEK! I have had a great recovery so far. I have walked, walked, walked. The advice I got on here from other people about sitting up in a chair as soon as you are back in your room from surgery (and awake) and then getting up and walking the very next day helped enormously. I went home after only two days and felt very good. At first you are sore, but the more you walk, the less sore you will feel! I'm still only a little more than one month out, so I can't comment on the maintaining part yet. I just know that eating the foods I am supposed to and exercising everyday not only has me down 31 pounds, but I feel GREAT! Good luck!

I have BCBS-NC...it took me from January until April to get approval because I was denied 3 times. The first time I submitted my paperwork they took 30 days to respond with the denial. I know other people had better times than me but thats my story As for eating - I pretty much eat "normal" now. I will be 6 months out next week. I am still experimenting and trying to find the best way to maintain my weightloss. Previously I was only keeping track of protein and calories and my weight loss has averaged about 7lbs a month (at the time of surgery I had 102lbs to lose to get to goal - I am now 44lbs away!!!). Recently I started keeping tracking of protein and carbs and already this month lost 6lbs! I am hoping for me carbs were the key! My NUT never said anything about keeping track of carbs so I wasnt. In a support group the NUT there mentioned a max of 60 a day - I was WAY over that!! I am aiming for 30-40g carbs for now and will keep playing with the numbers until I find what works. What I eat on a typical day.... mostly lean proteins (tuna fish, chicken, beef), veggies, fruits and 1 serving of bread. Here is todays menu Bfast - South Beach Pnut Butter Cereal Bar Snack - Protein Shake Lunch - Salad (romaine, spinach, carrots, cukes, crumbled bacon), Grilled Asian Chicken with veggies Snack - sometimes I have an afternoon snack, sometimes not - I brought a choice of yogurt or string cheese today Dinner - meat loaf, squash/zuc or green beans, small baked tater

I also have bcbs of nc. It took me only a few days.......... Hope things go well for you. God bless Amy