[WhatIsNormal]

Hi All. I am going thru the process right now. I had really hoped to be done with all of the pre-op stuff by the end of November at wich point I would meet with the surgeon and get a date. If the insurance co. doesn't give me a problem. But.....big but..... I have gained weight since my last nut. apt. although I can't deny that my eating hasn't been the best. I am having a huge problem with my thyroid and it is way low right now. I heard that gaining weight in the program is a definat termination. What to do.? I need some encouragement. My nut. apt is Monday. I am working with an endocrinologist to get my thyroid back under control. If there is any one who can offer advice I would love it. Especially anyone who went through the HighlandHospital Bariatric program in Rochester NY. thanks

[A new me]

hello. I went thru Highland and I am 19 months out. Not sure how strick they are with the rules now a days. I know there are some more recent people on there who have gone thru highland more recently that may be able to answer your questions.

19 months ago or even I guess before that when I went thru the nut appoiotments we had to keep a food diary and get weighed in. I do remember them saying that we should loose but not gain but I dont remember what the rules were if you didnt.

Can I ask how much have you gained? Is it alot? They might forgive you since your having the thyroid issues and all.

Which doctor is suppose to do your sugery?

[Cheryl24]

Welcome, I had Dr Johnson at Highland. I had my surgery 3 mos. ago the nutritionist always reiterated that at each visit that your current weight is your new starting point and couldn't go any higher. I don't know if there is flexibility when there are medical issues. Good luck it will all work out.

[DocSanae]

Welcome to the board, thank you for joining us.
Good luck with your process.
(((((HUGS)))) May your journey go well.

Get a letter from your endocrinologist that your thyroid is acting up right now, and promoting the weight gain. Get your thyroid under control--you probably will have to have it at a good level anyway before any surgeon agrees to surgery, so your surgery may be delayed just due to this, and nothing else.
Also, be careful not give in to the "just this bite will be okay" nor, "I've gotta eat this 'cause I'll never be able to eat it again" (this is called the Last Supper Syndrome) thoughts, because these thoughts won't help you any, both now and in the future.

[Queenofthenile]

I didn't go through highland nor did I have surgery yet. I had a date and was denied by my surgeon because I didn't lose the 30lbs required. I had lost only 20. I think because you have a medical problem they will not hold it against you. Just have documentation to prove that your thyroid is acting up. Hopefully this will be enough. Good luck

[SarJen01]

Hi! I have Dr O'Malley at Highland. I also have Preferred Care. PC required that I have a 6-8 month "weight loss education" program completed before they would cover my surgery. They also required that I lose 5% of my body weight. The "starting" weight was when the education program started, the ending weight was at the appointment with Dr. O'Malley - the last app before surgery. The last I knew BC&BS was not requiring the education and weight loss, but my nutritonalist said that they would all be requiring that soon. You should definitely call your insurance provider and make sure that you're covered. I had the big disappointment of having all my appointments set up last year only to have PC cancel coverage.

I also have thyroid problems because of radiation to treat Hodgkin's a few years ago. My primary care physician treated the hypothyroidism saying that O'Malley's office would required good TSH numbers before they'd start the process. Unfortunately that takes a long time because you need to wait 6 weeks between medication dosage changes.

I think you should call your doctor's office (O'Malley, Johnson or Boss?) and get them to tell you what the thyroid requirements are. Then call your insurance company and ask them what the requirements are for coverage. If what they say on the phone is vague, ask them for the address to write to, to get the requirements in writing, and then take them to your doctor to get help understanding what they are.

I know what it's like to not be able to lose weight because of thyroid. I know what it's like to be disappointed because you have to wait for surgery. Hang in there, don't give up and don't stop calling until you have answers. It will work out. It's really important to get your thyroid stable, don't stop until it is. You can't gain weight during the pre-op appointment phase, and this becomes almost impossible if your thyroid isn't working correctly.

I had hoped to have the surgery all done last January. :-) Don't give up. Start making better choices eating. Get out and walk (I know the weather is tanking here, but this week it's supposed to be nice). Get into the sun once a day if it's there. It will work out, maybe not on your ideal timeline, but it will happen.

Good luck. Let us know how it goes.