Swan56

I'm awaiting my approval/denial from BCBS (of Tennessee Network P). Anyone dealt with them? How hard is it to get approved? I've already jumped through all their requirement hoops. Please - someone give me some advice on what to expect.

Okay so before you think I'm crazy - I've done some research and it IS possible. Has anyone else noticed new stretch marks after losing weight? Very frustrating! I guess I need to start buying stock in cocoa butter lol.

My doc says the average is around 5 lbs a month. The first 6 months I'd say I averaged about 8-9 lbs a month but then hit a major plateau and fought the same 3-5 lbs for almost 2 months - bringing my overall average down to like 7.65 lbs a month. Either way - I seem to have FINALLY broken through the plateau... yippee!

I'm about 8 months out and I've lost just over 61 pounds (83 from my heaviest but still not at my goal of about 10 lbs a month). I averaged around 2 lbs a week for the first 6 months - then hit a plateau (and some stressful events - including death of a close relative). I fought the same 3-5 lbs for almost 2 months - totally frustrating! However, I finally broke that plateau and made it into the 230s yesterday. Hang in there and TRY not to compare yourself to others. We all have different journeys - even if we are using the same tool.

What a good feeling!

@zeniada - what is the pouch test? @KimK - as far as exercise goes, I do the elliptical, Zumba, Walking, biking, playing softball, as well as some weights. I've always been active, exercising even when I was the fat girl. I know how important cardio and muscle are in burning fat. Not to mention my husband used to be a personal trainer so he's big time into the gym. I think I'm pretty on track with that side of things. I've even started switching up my cardio routine in fear that my body had gotten to used to my other cardio. @sandworms - that's a great idea. I take side and front shots weekly (or I try to). It's great to compare but I have a hard time seeing the change. That's why I want to do a side by side comparison. I also took pictures in January with my shirt lifted just so I could see the ugliness of it all (lol). I need to do that again and compare before and after. I know I'd definitely see a difference then.

So things have been slow for me lately and I'm super frustrated by it. I was banded on December 27, 2011 and was averaging close to 2 lbs a week (with a few off weeks here and there) until mid-July. Then comes vacation. I think I did really well. Had a few things I shouldn't have but by no means went crazy. Well the end of vacation came and I found out my grandmother (rest her sweet soul) passed. Needless to say, that led to stress and a crazy band. I came back from being gone for over 2 weeks and weighed in 6 lbs heavier then I was when I left. I was upset with myself but managed to lose that extra plus some in a little over a week (getting down to like 240 even). I was SO happy! I've been so ready to get into the 230s (my goal for vacation - which i missed by like 2 lbs). Then, for the last 3-4 weeks I've been battling the same 2-3 lbs. I'll weigh in at 240.6 then weigh in at 241.8 then weigh in at 241.2... you get the idea. Is it a mental block? Am i creating my own barriers? I've been having a hard time emotionally lately. I'm still seeing the fat girl (322 lbs at my heaviest recored weight). I can feel the difference in clothes and activities but I have a hard time seeing the changes (even in pictures). And my poor sweet husband doesn't get it at all. He's in great shape and hasn't been fat a day in his life. He says, "you should be proud of yourself" or "if anything you should feel better about how you look." I know he's trying to be supportive but he just doesn't get the mental block. I have around 60 lbs to go for goal (at least my first goal - i may keep going at that point depending). I've come so far. Has anyone else had this issue? What can I do to start losing again? I eat mostly protiens, exercise, etc. I'm following the rules. HELP!

Are you getting in enough protien?

My goal weight still has my BMI listed as overweight (by around 30 lbs or more). I HATE those charts though. So much more plays into your build than your height and the size of your bones. I figured if I get to my goal (180 lbs) and I think I need to keep going I will. But honestly, I'm currently right around 240 in a size 18 jeans (some 16s) and a L/XL top. I'm like 5'5"-5'6" so not tall by any means. I know size wise, I compare to people that weigh a LOT less than I do. I'm very muscular (the healthy fat girl if you may). For this reason, I think it is important to listen to your own body. Find the weight that you and your body are comfortable at. Helen - this is your journey! Pick what you feel is right for you.

Thank you both for your encouragement! I'm normally really good with my water intake (normally). I really think stress has a lot to do with my plateau. Plus, I have been an emotional wreck lately. With the loss of my grandmother and just having body image issues - It's been a mess. I think I have been putting way too much pressure on myself to get out of the 240s that my body is going crazy. When I think, maybe I need a fill, I have a stuck episode or a really hard time eating something that would normally not be a problem at all. The mind is a powerful thing and I really think mine is getting in the way. I know this is a marathon not a sprint. I know it's long term commitment not short term gain. Sometimes though, my brain gets the best of me and I'm my own worst enemy. I really need to do the side-by-side comparison shot soon so I can start to see what everyone else does. I mean, I KNOW 80+ pounds is noticeable on anyone. Maybe I just need to start believing in myself again.

Has anyone had laser skin tightening after getting to goal? Did it make much a difference? I'm pretty convinced I would have to be really bad to undergo plastic surgery (except for my breast maybe), but I was wondering how well laser tightening worked. Anyone have any input?

I work nights and just eat three meals like I would normally (if i worked during the day). I eat "breakfast" when I wake up, "lunch" is at dinnertime, and then "dinner" is during my break at work. Sometimes I'll bring a Protein shake with me to drink on way home if I think I may get hungry. That way I'm not putting any crazy foods in my tummy before sleeping. My biggest corcern was the lack of caffiene. I don't drink coffee and with most doctors stating that sodas were a no-no, I was worried I would be the walking dead. I stopped drinking carbonated drinks when I started my pre-op and don't miss them. I actually have a lot more energy without them. You'll get the hang of it - good luck!

I'm only four months post-op but I have began taking weekly photos (front & side) so that I can see the change in pictures. It's not always apparent to me just looking at myself but so many have began commenting on my weight loss and my clothes aren't fitting so that obviously means it is apparent to them. I think comparing pictures like Eloisa suggested would be a great idea. Cameras don't lie. Good luck!

Are you sure this isn't your port?

I lost 9 pounds on my pre-op diet. Everyone is different. Some people are retaining a lot of water while others aren't as much. People also have different amounts of weight to lose. It's easy to get caught up on someone else's successes but keep in mind that your body will move at a different pace than others. You'll have a much more successful journey if you focus on you and what works with your body.

Sounds like you're off to a great start! Your mindset is a HUGE part of this journey.

I average 2 lbs a week.

I can't drink with meals anymore... not at all. It causes food to get, or feel like it is anyway, stuck in my band. No fun!

I think my biggest area of concern will be my thighs and arms. My stomach isn't super big to begin with so even though I may have some, i don't think it will be enough to warrant surgery. I carry my weight pretty proportionatly but my thighs are an area of concern. While I've always been very muscular, there is that patch of fat in my inner thighs that stretched me out as a teen... oh and my hips... Watching the excess skin videos on YouTube have me a bit scared... lol

Keep me informed if you do decide to do this. I'd love to know how it works. I'm not quite half way to goal yet but I know I will have some loose skin.