MINI-Me

Mommy2Girls - First of all - kudos to you for your exercise. That is still a stumbling block for me & honestly, will always be. It is so encouraging to see people who can make the lifetime committment to exercise. I would like to ask you about the "I don't eat tons and tons" ... Have you ever tracked your food intake? I thought I knew what I was putting in my mouth, but was SHOCKED when I really tracked it. :crying: If you've never tracked, try going to myfitnesspal.com and track what you put in your mouth over the course of a few days. Don't try to diet or "be good" - just track what you are eating. You may be in for a surprise. If it's not excess calories, you may seen some spikes like carbs that are causing you to hold onto the weight. It's also good practice for post surgery. While not everyone is asked to count calories and carbs, you will need to track your Water and Protein intake. Welcome and best of luck with your journey!

Welcome to the group. Sounds like you are well on your way with your appointments and such. One thing I learned pre-surgery was how much my emotions would fluctuate. One day I was totally pumped and the next I was like "what am I thinking". It's totally normal and many of us have been there/done that. Feel free to post questions, vent, freak out, Celebrate with us at any time.

I would call back and insist that you be granted an appointment with the surgeon or the insurance coordinator. If they are that confident of the appeal, they may be able to instill that confidence in you. For other BC/BS patients out here - can you provide information on what state you are from & how you were approved? That may be good information for the surgeon to include in his appeal. While BC/BS are independent of each other - have similiar "franchise" coverage information in addition to medical support for the sleeve could be very beneficial in this appeal.

I have no explanation why, but plain water is tough for some of us those first few months. Anything with Crystal Light, Decaf tea, etc went down fine (after initial surgery healing was over) but plain water? no way! It does get better.

Sounds like the tool is definitely failing you. The sleeve has been wonderful - no fills, no over/under restriction issues. It will work for you - just follow the program. I have 3 friends with bands and the tool has failed them all. 3 with sleeves and we have all been successful. You WILL too!

Hello from one Virginia girl to another (I'm a transplant to the West Coast, but will always be a VA girl)! S0 excited for you. You actually won't need a lot at the hospital. Besides things like your toothbrush, you can wear their gowns or take your own. I found a heating pad to be my best friend the first few days, but you may want to ask if they will have those there. Good luck! Keep us updated.

Sorry no one has responded yet. I am not a revision, the sleeve was my one and only procedure. Can you share a little more about what has gone wrong with the band? Has it slipped, just can't find the "sweet spot", etc. Knowing what is happening there may be an indication of what you can expect with the sleeve. If it's simply tool failure, then I would say, go with the sleeve. It has been remarkable for me. Best of luck!

Glad to hear that you are doing so well.

Congratulations!!!

So awesome to hear how well you are both doing. Welcome to the Loser's Bench and your new life. Woohoo!!!!

First of all ... Take a deep breath. Next, realize that what you are feeling is VERY normal. We all had our moments - either fleeting or major freak out session(s). You have come to the right place - we are here to support you. Yes, there are risks, but the odds are soooooo in your favor. Keep your chin up and come out here often!

So glad you were able to talk wuth your doctor. It really helos to have expert care and advice. Keep us posted.

I have no idea what's going on with the nausea and throwing up - you should definitely talk with your surgeon about those symptoms. It may be nothing, but it should would bring peace of mind to know for sure. As far as the mood swings - you are just about on par with many people. I think it's just a combination of your body healing and going through the "what have I done phase". I was told that a large percentage of WLS patients have some depression after surgery ranging from mild to severe. Fortunately, mine was short-lived. But, if you are very concerned, talk to your doctor. Your support system can be a good judge as well - are they noticing new behaviors that concern them? You can also use us for vent sessions. Sometimes it just helps to write it all out. While we can't "answer" all your questions and concerns, we can definitely offer a sympathetic ear. GOOD LUCK - hopefully you will be feeling MUCH better VERY soon!

I absolutely love reading threads like this ... puts it all in perspective and reminds me of how far we've all come. Congratulations on your new life!

What a wonderful gift you have been given ... the support and love of your family. MAJOR NSV if you ask me.

I drink up to the first bite & then wait 30 minutes after my last bite.

I admit that I drink it. Started in April ~ 3 months out from surgery. It's my one "vice" and it hasn't been a problem. If I drink from a can or plastic bottle, there is more carbonation & it lasts quite a while. Fountain drinks? Well, they just go right down. I do stick to diet though & non-caffeine when I can - just no point putting calories or caffeine to make me need to add more Water for hydration. That being said ... everyone should follow their surgeon's guidelines. Just because I do it, doesn't mean you should. You know?

Great job!!!!

Jane c- Next time I am in Yakima or you are around the Everett area, you are on!

I was a 32.8 BMI when I started - 203 pounds. I am now 136.4 pounds after 7.5 months. I'm still deciding between a goal weight of 125-135 pounds. My husband and I don't believe I look sickly, but definitely thinner than when I started. I don't believe I would have had this surgery for 40 pounds. What BMI do you want to be after surgery?

Redmond is about 20 minutes away from where I work in Mountlake Terrace.

Carrie - Are you in Redmond, WA now? If so, I live somewhat close to you. I would be glad to meet with you face to face. It may help to have someone a little further along to talk to and discuss issues. If you'd like to arrange something, please send me a PM.

That is so awesome. Congratulations!!!!

I wouldn't have wanted that at my hose that short out. Everyone is different with their pain levels and fatigue. But 12 little girls is a lot to take on when 100%. Would you have the option of having 1 or 2 other moms helping out at the sleepover?

Probably not ... 2 weeks out is about the time I started feeling like me again. I am very happy for you.