ElaineB

Can you change PCP's? Even if you have to pay more to see someone out of network it seems like it would be better. A good relationship with a primary is the key to optimal health. Mine is honest, will do research on things if he doesn't know a lot about something and is someone who really listens to me. I found him when I moved back 2.5 years ago. However, I've always found one like this. I just occasionally had to kiss a few frogs first;). I say fire him!!.

Thanks! That's sounds awesome.

I sent invites on my fitness pal to a few I saw on here. I'm sure I missed a lot. Please friend me on there. I want to see what others are eating on a daily basis and I want support from those in the same situation. I am Kelaelaine on fitness pal. Thanks.

I'm 3 weeks post-op. With this surgery, I have given up my stomach and so much more!!! I have given up 29.5 pounds and counting. I have given up being controlled by food, feeling like a loser and a failure, plus the resulting shame. I am giving up my beloved size 22 tents, I mean shorts. I am close to giving up sleep apnea, borderline high cholesterol, being the embarrassing fat mom, the high risk for stroke, HTN, diabetes and early death or worse. I work in a nursing home, so I know for a fact there are worse things. This surgery is scary. Life is scary. But it's worth getting in there, taking some risks, getting your hands dirty and living. This surgery isn't for everyone. It's not easy and it requires huge changes. However, for me, it is the best thing I have ever done for myself and I only wish I had done it sooner. I am loving my life and loving my sleeve. Don't jump into this. Weigh the risks and the benefits, get lots of information,like you are doing, and pray about it. Be wise, but never let fear keep you from having the life you want. You only get one and none of us are getting out of this alive anyway:). Good luck with whatever you decide!! Keep me posted. I'd love to know what happens.

It seems weird to me that you are the paying customer, but have to kiss up to these people and try to convince them to allow you to make a personal medical decision. If you and your physician agree you need it, then I would have a real problem with someone trying to play games with me. I had a 40 minute session and that was it. If you aren't a danger to yourself or others, then how can they force you into therapy? Being a little nutty or dysfunctional is my right as an American:). If it were me, I am way too assertive to just simper around and try to talk them into it. I would go right to my primary care doctor (who knows me, was in agreement with me pursuing WLS, and manages my total health). I would tell him what was going on, say that I think this therapist is full of crap, and get him to call her himself. I can't imagine most therapists are going to tell a physician that has an ongoing relationship with you that, after one meeting, they are going to delay a medically necessary procedure. My PCP would put a stop to it. Unless of course I did have an eating disorder or that therapist could convince him I was a danger to myself. You need some back up here. Talk to your doctor that knows you and get their help. The surgeon is great, but he just does his thing. He can't really help, because, for all he knows, you really are a nut job who will binge and kill yourself 3 weeks later. Good luck and don't be afraid to stand up for yourself. She's not God and she's not your mother.

Good luck August sleevers. I'm 3weeks post and i will tell you, stay strong on the pre-op diet. It was hard and depressing and I kept freaking out that I was never going to be able to eat or enjoy food again. Not so. The pre-op is the hardest part. Wish I hadn't stressed so much during it. You all are going to be so happy in a few weeks!!! I'm excited for you. Hang in there. The good stuff is coming.

How do you make the baked ricotta?

RJ, you are taking away all the fun. No bacon, no gum and no soda!! Good Lord. That's 3 food groups! Twins Mama, I haven't had gum even once and I've had enough gas come up from my stomach to full a Good Year blimp. So I don't know. As for the date, you should have gone. Maybe hubby will be a little more careful about ordering out in the future!!! That's so darn funny.

I can drink normally, and have no trouble with a straw. I can take a big sip or even multiple sips. If I do too much, like I would have before when really thirsty, maybe 4 swallows or more, then it will hurt and remind me. Otherwise, I find it is not much different to drink than before. Thank goodness. I don't have time to drink by teaspoon.

You know, a couple years ago for Christmas, one of my cousins bought gave another guy cousin a "bacon box". It had bacon things in it I've never dreamed of. Like bacon gum. That's an idea that seems safe on liquids;)

Thanks Jen. My brother told me about egg protein and when I went to GNC I found and bought soy protein and the brown rice one. I haven't tried the rice one yet. It's good to know there are alternatives.

Thanks Mrs. Anders. I don't know this stuff because I'm old. What's your excuse?

I suggest you call your insurance company yourself and ask them exactly what their requirements for approval are. For example, my insurance company told me I needed a BMI of either 35 plus, with at least one co-morbidity, or a BMI OF 40 plus without. Then they require 6 months of doctor visits and various tests and clearances. I knew that the tests and clearances were a non-issue. They are simple hoops. I knew my BMI was around 37, so I needed an allowable co-morbidity. The insurance company will list them. I also knew I didn't have the obvious ones like high blood pressure or diabetes, so my one hope was sleep apnea. While I started the 6 months of doctor visits, I asked my doctor to refer me for a sleep study right off the bat, so I could find out sooner, rather than later, if I qualified. Thank God, I had sleep apnea:). Once I knew I met the insurance company's written requirements, I didn't worry about it that much. It's normal to obsess over it, but realistically, they cannot write out their requirements, and then deny the claims of subscribers who meet them. It is good to speak with your surgeons office, because they know the ins and outs and do this all the time. However, it's your insurance, you are paying for a service they provide and it's your health. Don't hesitate to call them directly. They work for you. They are not doing you a favor.

I'm embarrassed to ask, but what is a PAWG?!!!!!! Why am I so unhip?!.

Nice.

I don't have any idea about 5 months out. I'm just saying that I think 18 pounds in 3 weeks is incredible. I know you said it was in the 10 days and now nothing for a few days. I just think that there's probably a maximum a human can lose, say in a month. You may lose it like some, who lose several all at once, then stay the same (or "stall") for a while, then lose another chunk. Others may lose every week. At the end, though, it will all even out, based on certain factors, likely metabolism, intake and exercise. This is based o n no facts or information, just my gut opinion. I see a lot of people getting disappointed by losing "only" 25 pounds in a month, or "only" 18 pounds in 3 weeks and it seems like it's just being to hard on yourself:). You are averaging 6 pounds a week, even with the stall. That's awesome. Sometimes you just need perspective to say, wow, I am kicking butt and taking names:)

You look amazing!!!! I cannot believe the transformation in 3 months!!! Please God, let me look half that hot at 3 months:)

I think you are doing well. Maybe your expectations are unrealistic. I've lost 18 pounds post op. my date was July 23rd. I'm thrilled. You have lost 18 in 20 days, right? I don't think it can much better than that!! Hang in there. It will happen.

I say it a lot. I mean it, I do it, and I'm not trying to convert you. That's God's job. It really is said, in my opinion, as a loving, caring statement. And, the great thing is, you don't have to believe for it to make a difference, or for it to work.

Are you saying unexpected because its so fast? 32 pounds in a month is more than a pound a day. I can't imagine that it would be possible to lose any faster than that unless you cut off a part of your body. A large part, like a leg:)

I'm happy for you Cindy. I love it so much, you'd think I get a kickback for each person that does it. I want to tell every overweight person I see:). Of course I don't. I haven't even told many of my friends, family.

Am I crazy? OK, I know the answer to that! I am 3 weeks out today. I've had some problems (can't tolerate whey, lactose or fat), can't eat much at all, either quantity or variety, I was so heavy to begin with (huge belly) that you can't really even tell I've lost weight, I have severe anemia, hemoglobin 7.4, I've broken up with my boyfriend. BUT, I don't care!!! I am giddy. Did I mention I'm off my anti-depressants because I can't stand the thought of crushing another pill. I know this has I be the honeymoon phase or something, but I am beside myself with joy. I've been losing weight for 5 weeks, practically a lifetime record for me. I don't feel controlled by food, which has been a source of shame, pain, frustration and despair for 20 years. That's gone. I feel strong, brave, empowered and in control of my life and my future. I have had no second thoughts, no buyers remorse, no angst about food. I've gone out to eat and had a tablespoon of something while my kids, siblings or friends chowed down on my old favorites and I just feel like a rock star because I don't care and can control myself for a change. So. I want to hear from others who feel like they are so blessed by this. This surgery has changed my brain as much as my stomach. I didn't predict it, but thank you God!!! It's only been 3 weeks and I cannot wait to see what positive things are in store for me. I am laughing more, talking to strangers, making my kids jam out to my (according to them) very unhip music. I love my life. Anyone else feeling this way?

Pixie, I am sorry you have those moments of mourning food. I have had a few instances of pause. For example, this weekend my sister went to Makoto's, the best Japanese steakhouse on the planet. For just a second I was jealous. The next second, I thought, whatever. Next year at this time she'll be sorry when her MUCH older sister is a thin little hottie;). Then I crack myself up and can't stay sad. So, when you areas sing your pasta and wanting to strangle your husband for enjoying a mixing bowl of it, and you are reduced to 2 strands, keep thinking about things like those clothes you want to get back into AND, buying new, cute clothes at regular thin people stores. Just because its stylish, cute and flattering on you. Not because that dumpy, frumpy piece of crap was the only thing that you could zip up. We are saying goodbye to all of those inconveniences, humiliations and indignities. And you will eat more than one strand of angel hair again:)