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My paperwork was officially submitted to Aetna yesterday, so while I am twiddling my thumbs waiting to hear something (an approval, HOPE-HOPE-HOPE!), please share your Aetna experience! How long did it take for you to get an answer once your paperwork was submitted? Has anyone with a high BMI and co-morbidities been denied? If so, why? Do your ears hang low, do they wobble to and fro? <g>

(I created a group for single parents and posted this question there also, but thought this would be a good forum to post the question.) I am a single parent and have a 7 year old daughter. I'm trying to plan ahead (surgery in 3 weeks!!!) to have meals on-hand for my kiddo while I'm doing the pre and post-op diet. I want this to be a new, healthy beginning for both of us because, let's face it, I didn't just make bad food choices for myself and she's developed bad eating habits as well! I have talked openly with her about the surgery and she is all excited and wants to eat healthier too (what can I say, I have a great kid!!!) Sooo... I'm trying to think of healthy food I can prep in advance and have in the freezer to easily re-heat for her dinners. Does anyone have suggestions or experience doing this? What worked well for your kids and family?

You are rocking size 16's... and those knee-high boots as well! Great job!!!

My fav is pureed refried Beans (whiz them in blender til smooth), then add a teaspoon of cheese whiz and heat in microwave. I add a dab of light sour cream and a dash of Tabasco. (i have a sleeve of steel so far so spicy doesn't bother me, but YMMV) I've also tried canned chicken, pureed, and added a bit of BBQ sauce. Pop in the microwave to warm up. Add shredded cheese if you like. Scrambled eggs are another fav (add a bit of Water to make them fluffy and soft). Try it scrambled with a Laughing Cow cheese wedge! Oh, if you like pudding... Try adding unflavored Protein powder to sugar free pudding! Have you tried greek yogurt? Get plain greek yogurt and mix in a few pumps of your favorite sugar-free syrup! Or, if you're cleared to have pureed fruits, mix that in with the greek yogurt and add splenda or truvia, etc. to sweeten.

Awesome job!! What an inspiration!

I'm in Plano and had my surgery on Oct. 22, 2012 at Baylor Trophy Club - had to go there because of insurance requirements. I had a 3 week stall after surgery but the scale has finally started moving again this week. I've lost 31 pounds total, including weight lost pre-op.

Not scientific evidence, but in most of the before & after pics I've seen, people always look 10 years younger in the after pic

I have Wii Fit Plus but haven't been on it in months... I got tired of hearing the animated board thingy say "oOOooooo that's OBESE!!!" every time I got on to check my weight! LOL!! I'm going to get on tonight to see what she says after losing 30 lbs!

Eggface has lots of great pizza recipes on her blog using those tortillas I can't wait to try them in a couple months! http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2010/02/spinach-artichoke-tortilla-pizza.html

Before you read my post understand that I am a cynic when it comes to relationships. After being cheated on multiple times in the past 2 major relationships I've had, it's to be expected. Now, for my opinion. Your husband refuses to tell you about his business dealings and belittles you by calling you stupid and ignorant when you inquire about them. He is being defensive for a reason. What is that reason? Could be a number of reasons... My guess is he is either: a.) failing miserably at the business venture and doesn't want to own up to it, b.) he is involved in something that may not be 100% legal and doesn't want to own up to it or, c.) there is no business venture and he may be seeing someone else while he is claiming he is working. Why would he not want you to know what is going on if everything is on the up-and-up? Unless he is just being a jerk for no good reason... In which case, why would you want to stay with someone like that? Why would you want to stay with someone who calls you names? In your mind's eye, when you picture what true love is, do you picture someone calling you stupid and ignorant? Do you want your kids to have a father who calls their mother stupid and ignorant? Again, I am a total cynic and I tend to expect the worst out of people, so keep that in mind... Just some food for thought. I hope I'm 100% wrong and you can work things out. But, honestly, please don't be one of those people who sticks it out "for the kids' sake". You're not doing your children any favors staying in an emotionally abusive relationship. And finally, most importantly, trust your instincts. In my experience they are right 100% of the time.

Hi, great idea, but there is already a Thanksgiving Day challenge posted here: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/56033-thanksgiving-day-challenge/

Congratulations!!! Great job!

I had my surgery the same day!!! I've had moments of being weepy for no reason, but it's normal as hormones are out of whack! I'm also in total agreement about being sick of sweet stuff. I can have strained cream Soups, but they just don't cut it for me. I am craving MEAT! Would totally love some refried Beans and cheese right now, but that's still another week away :/ I also feel generally run down and feel like I could sleep all day long. However, I feel MUCH better once I get myself up and out the door in the morning. Exercise and staying active will help with the blahs!!! Get some sunshine and emjoy the fall weather!

Who says you have to eat breakfast food for breakfast!? If there's something you've been craving (healthy choice, obviously) maybe try it for breakfast to get your appetite on track! I'm still on full liquids post-op but I'll tell ya right now, the first day I'm on puree I'm definitely NOT having oatmeal for breakfast or a shake... Refried beans and melted cheese is first up on my menu! LOL

Yes, I am the same way! I am usually nauseous until I can get some liquids down... I usually sip water while my daughter is eating breakfast and start to feel a bit better by the time she's done!

I'm in! I was sleeved on 10/22 Pre-surgery weight: 296 Weight at surgery: 281 Current weight: 268 Goal weight: 240

Totally with you on this..... Let's start a club and call it SOS (sick of shakes)

Amazing!!!!!!!! You look so happy too!

I meant to say cappuccino, not mocha, btw!!!

I didn't care for the fruity juice flavors much myself! I think the only one I liked was the cherry and the lemonade was doable. I think those would probably taste better if you made an icee out of them with a blender! The creamy flavors like mocha, chocolate and vanilla are really good!

Honestly, can't tell you about the others - haven't tried 'em! The Protein powder I use is Syntrax nectar. They have a plethora of favors.... (Jefe, do you know what a plethora is!? - Sorry Three Amigos humor!) Anywho, you can get Syntrax at The Vitamin Shoppe or order online. Amazon carries it or if you want to try flavors first go to bjsbariatrics.com and you can order a sample pack!

FYI - you shouldn't crush any meds that are extended-release as it will ruin their efficacy. I'm a week post-op and only have one med that is extended-release (Prilosec). I open that one up, pour it on my tongue and take with a sip of water.

Have". to stay an extra night in hospital due to extreme nausea yesterday and this morning. I feel 100%better this afternoon and am keeping fluids down, no nausea and just did 3 laps around my floor!