WhoozisAnyway

I am sure you will like him a lot. He seems like a very compassionate and positive person. Do you still have to have a psych eval? SMSWC has a couple of psychologists they can refer you to, or you can pick your own. I went to a psychologist that a good friend of mine had used before his surgery. If you decide for any reason not to use one of their referrals, let me know and I'll message you the info.

Yep, I was able to move my surgery date up almost two months! Now scheduled for April 9th. I have BCBSIL. Sent from my iPad using VST

You look great! Congrats! Sent from my iPad using VST

In January, the third month of my pre-approval WL waiting period, I horribly re-injured my lower back. Was unable to walk for about a month and even now I cannot walk any distance or do any exercise without my hip seizing up. I was terribly afraid that this would derail my program, but I started a 1200 calorie, low carb hi Protein eating plan and logged EVERY SINGLE BITE onto myfitnesspal. Even without being able to exercise, I've lost 16 lbs since then. I concur with trying the low carb diet - it is working for me! My 2 week pre-surgery diet starts Monday and I don't think I'll have much trouble since I've already been practicing. Hang in there!

We have a new Target - and their plus section consists of a rack of tshirts, some sweatpants and leftover sweaters, all mixed in with maternity wear. The entire section would fit in the back of my small SUV. I love their clothes, but they don't love me!

You have BCBSIL? As of Feb 1 they are no longer requiring a six month wait. I was approved for surgery four months into my six month wait because of the policy change. Do a search for "BCBSIL" on the insurance forum for more ino. Sent from my iPad using VST

Don't be nervous about the psych eval. I was apprehensive too but it was a positive experience. Check my earlier posts for a thread about the process. Sent from my iPad using VST

Dr. Avara (pronounced Avery, go figure) seems like a very calm and positive person and really made me feel comfortable. My insurance had a six month wait when I started, but they changed halfway thru my program to no wait and I was able to bump up the date a little. Valerie has been awesome to work with, as well as Kim for preop. One of my best friends was sleeved about six months ago by Dr. Avara's partner Dr. Jenkins. He has done fantastically and is down about 120 lbs. I'm getting excited now! Let us know how you are progressing! Sent from my iPad using VST

I'm scheduled for surgery with Dr, Avara on 4/9. I like him a lot. Have you been to an orientation meeting or preop appt with him yet? The center will give you a binder with the info you need. They do require a two week mostly liquid diet beforehand, which I'll start on Monday. I've already been on a semi-liquid diet for the past three weeks in preparation. It's not bad after the first couple of days. Sent from my iPad using VST

You should be fine. Gum gets digested just like food, although because of the consistency it can take a little longer. The whole thing about gum staying in your stomach for 7 years (or forever) is just an old wives' tale.

FYI . . . I was downloading coupons at coupons.com and noticed a coupon offer for $5.00 off one bottle of OptiSource Chewable Vitamin & Mineral Supplements at Walgreens. I haven't tried this brand and can offer absolutely no opinion on the taste, value, etc. Just throwin' the info out there.

April 9th surgery date here. Haven't really been scared or second guessing myself, just anxious to get it DONE! I am concerned that I won't be dedicated to exercise like so many people on this site. I've never liked exercise, I'm one of those goofs who doesn't feel energized from working out, just tired and cranky. In addition, I'm recovering from a terrible flare-up of an old back injury and it will be after surgery before I can even take a long walk. Boy oh boy, I am SO ready to not have my unhappiness about how I look take up so much space in my thoughts! I feel like this is my chance to wipe the slate clean and start fresh.

I've been dealing with hair and nail issues for over a year already, due to hypothyroid. My stick straight, thick hair is now curly and fine, and a lot of it fell out. My nails became paper thin and broke constantly. I've learned to just live with the changes in my hair, and now I try to rock the curls. I use a sea salt styling spray to give my hair some oomph, found a great nail product and now can't get my nails to stop growing. If my hair changes again, I'll just deal with it. I'm glad I have a very short haircut! Sent from my iPad using VST

Hi! My surgery is 4/9, I'm 260 right now and my goal is 150 as well. Glad you were able to get the insurance squared away and you feel comfortable with your surgeon. Are you on a preop diet yet? Sent from my iPad using VST

I had my preop last week and it included an upper GI. I'm not sure if it's a standard test or if it was because I have reflux. Anyhoo, it was no biggie. I had to swallow some tiny little pellets with a barium chaser and the doctor had to watch the stuff as it moved thru my esophagus. The barium is blech, but bearable. Sent from my iPad using VST

I have BCBSIL with a $300 deductible and $1000 OOP. Sent from my iPad using VST

Hamanyq8. Sent from my iPad using VST

Haha Dooter, true! I also keep thinking they are leaving out the follow up "Too bad the rest of you looks so fat!" Sent from my iPad using VST

Yay! Me too, I can't wait! Sent from my iPad using VST

I'm set for surgery on April 9th with Dr. Avara. I liked him immediately the first time I saw him. How is everyone in So. MS doing now that it's been several months? Sent from my iPad using VST

How are you MS ladies doing? I'm in Biloxi, scheduled for surgery on April 9th with Dr. Avara out of Ocean Springs. I see it's been a few months since anyone posted on this thread. Anyone still around? Sent from my iPad using VST

OMG Krissy20, you sure hit the nail on the head with that one! I cringe when I get that "compliment"! Sent from my iPad using VST

My GP has been 150% supportive. She flat out said with my hypothyroid and screwy metabolism, a restrictive procedure is the only thing that will work for me. I hope you find an understanding and supportive GP. I recommend internists. Sent from my iPad using VST

Vitamin D deficiency is related to hypothyroid, obesity and/or lack of sunlight. The whys behind that haven't been figured out completely, but I guarantee all three reasons are related to my D deficiency. I stopped "sunning" a few years ago after my obgyn fussed at me for having a slight tan (we had just returned from a Caribbean cruise, darn right I'd been in sunlight). I then gained more weight which made me too hot to sit in the sun. Finally I developed hypothyroid. A perfect storm, really. Sent from my iPad using VST

Congrats! Mine is set for April 9th, it's been such a big help to find the supportive people on this board. Good luck to you! Sent from my iPad using VST