MINI-Me

Please keep us updated on your progress as you investigate this further. I so want a TT and would really appreciate your thoughts from your journey. BEST OF LUCK!

To get it to qualify as a medical procedure and not a cosmetic procedure, you normally need documented proof of rashes and irritation for approval. This is true whether you are applying for insurance to reimburse or using FSA/HRA/HSA dollars. Jump through the hoops and be very glad you have a chance for insurance to pay. There is no way I qualify for a medical procedure & I have to come up with the cash. Looking like 2012 for me.

Keep us posted ... I'm sure they can work something out for you. FINGERS ARE CROSSED!

I had surgery with a BMI of 32. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I was an expert dieter, but could never maintain. This tool gives me the ability to be successful at the "hard" part. Saying that, I think it's good that you are considering all the possible complications, impacts, etc on your life. If you want to give it one more go, certainly do it. With self-pay, you have more flexibility in your schedule & shorter consult to surgery time. I have heard good things about Dr. Landerholm.

What about asking Dr. Billings how much he would charge you for self-pay of the sleeve if he billed the band removal to insurance. You would only be paying for the extra OR and anethesia time that way. Never hurts to ask!!!

I also know your pain. I am down to a size 4/6, but my 9-year old son makes comments every time he sees my stomach. He's like "Ew ... cover your tummy, it looks gross" or "What's wrong with your stomach? Is it still fat?" We have had "the talk" and he restrains himself more these days (and I hide my stomach!) but I can see it in his eyes. No - there is no more fat there to lose. Yes, I need a tummy tuck. But, since I don't have the money right now, I'll just have to be content to look awesome in my clothes! (And try not to look at my jeans when I sit down - that pooch drives me nuts. I just remind myself that it is skin, not fat. Skirts hide it well! ) Hang in there - focus on all the positives. I'm sure you look killer!

I believe Dr Billing and Landerholm are around $16K for self-pay. I did not use either of them, but I have heard nothing but great things. A rough estimate for Srikanth is ~$21,500 and that total includes BLIS (WLS Insurance).

Thanks Sleeve 4 Me. It was a lot of fun!

uh oh ... no comments in 3 days. Is it that bad of a picture?

It's really hard to find a full signal until you are on "whole foods". Right now, you have a lot of liquids and sliders. For now, measure & follow your eating plan to the letter. Believe me, you will find that full signal once you start eating/chewing Proteins and such. For me, I apparently get a "look" on my face. My husband knows to tell me to stop before I do sometimes. Others have a hiccup or a sneeze ... You will definitely know when you have overeatten - you will want to throw up just to get that horribly uncomfortable feeling to go away. Think Thanksgiving feast with a plate past "full".

Thanks for the update! Glad to hear she is doing well. Remind her that the first few days are the worst (pain wise) and each day will get better and better!

I am so sorry. Hopefully they can figure this out & get you back to feeling like your old self very soon.

Sorry - I didn't see this post. I was gone for the weekend and it was really busy out on this site! You may not have had a lot of answers, simply because there are so many opinions. Some doctors and nuts say, just to get in your Protein & let the rest take care of itself. Other's have very strict rules about calories, carbs, types of protein, etc. some say a carb is a carb ... others swear you can subtract the Fiber and sugar alcohols ... others say complex carbs are ok, but not simple. What is your doctor's plan? How are you doing with it? Maybe we can make some suggestions based on what you are doing & the results you are looking for. Sorry ... I know that isn't much help. But, it seems like there are as many plans as there are individuals. Everyone seems to be a bit different on what works for them.

In "maintenance", I find myself at McD's 2 or 3 times a month. My favorite meal? Hamburger (minus those rehydrated onions - yuck!) with only the top bun with mustard, ketchup, and pickle. Apple Dippers (no caramel sauce) and 2 or 3 french fries. Gives me that "Fast Food" fix and is fairly "healthy". Sodium is not an issue for me since I have low blood pressure & I've been encouraged to add salt. If you want to decree NO FAST food EVER AGAIN ... good for you. (In fact, I wish I had your willpower! ) It's just not part of my reality with running kids around, having a husband that races a Pro3 Car all over the Northwest, and just an overall busy life. I make the best choices I can where I find myself. And some days, I decide not to make a "good" choice - I limit these times and it seems to be working for me.

Normally, I don't eat a lot of bread. Just too much filling and not enough nutrients. Plus, I get full and don't have room for Protein. But, I've been suffering from a migraine the last few days and on a whim, bought a bagel this morning. I planned to eat 1/2 of it for Breakfast & maybe the other half later today as a snack. Well, sitting here at my desk munching and typing, I realized that I just ate almost all of it within the last 30 minutes. OH MY GOSH! I don't feel any pain (but feel full), but what the heck???? How did I fit that in, let alone why did I let it? I've been "back to basics" since my cruise & this morning I was 126.8. That may change with today's binge.

Scanner still isn't working, but I took a picture of the picture...

WOW! This post is getting insane. Can't we all just remember the line from Bambi "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothin' at all?" That doesn't mean we can give some Tough Love when needed, but we can be civil about it.

I so know what you mean about the Juniors. After having children and being obese, my body is no way made for junior clothes. Whoever thought I would be concerned about clothes being small enough for me in the Misses Section???

I had a very different experience than Tiffykins when I went to maintenance. I sorta hit my "magic number" and have stayed there. I bounced down to 123 for a few days, but really bounce between 125 - 128. Full Disclosure ->Today, I am at 130. Trying not to freak out - I know I haven't done anything different & my TOM just ended. I hate going out of the 120's though - plays with my mind. Ugh! I guess I'll battle that for ever - but at least now have a sleeve to make sure it doesn't stay at that number (or higher).

Sorry, I don't really have any advice as I did not have that issue. I do know that liquid in = liquid out. It may be that your new tummy just needs a bit more time. When do you see your doctor? Early next week? If so, just get in what you can tolerate. If it's later next week, you may want to call today & see if they can offer suggestions.

First of all ... congratulations! I know you must feel better with that much weight off already. Stay focused on that good feeling. My suggestion for eating would be to go back to basics. Look at your food plan for what you were "allowed" to eat once you got back to solid foods. Protein first, then veggies, and then some (healthy) carbs. Walking is probably the best thing to do. Gets your heart rate up & is a physical reminder of what you are trying to accomplish - getting healthier. Another thing is to read these forums and develop a support group. We can help keep you accountable and offer advice when you hit those ups and downs. Remember ... this is a journey ... it doesn't have to be fast ... it has to be what is right for you and sustainable the rest of your life. GOOD LUCK! YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!

I work in the health insurance industry and what I've highlighted above is not accurate. Since the surgeon is out of network, he does not have to write off the difference in allowance and billed. He can expect to be paid what he billed. I do agree that calling and finding out the amounts is the best way to give yourself some peace of mind about the amount you owe. Best of luck!

Glad you made it home safely. Take it easy - and rest up this weekend.

AWESOME NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm having trouble with my scanner right now ... if I can figure it out, I will post. Thanks!