DanaInNewOrleans

I would run not walk to another psychiatrist for another opinion. Also, in my AETNA bariatric policy criteria it states that depression in and of itself is not a reason to deny the WLS. Maybe your policy states something similar. I would also send in an appeal based on the fact that your long term psychiatrist should be considered the expert on HIS PATIENT when it comes to mental status issues. And as far as the psyche labels go (" passive dependent") -- most of us walking around could be labeled something. It becomes a psyche issue when it becomes a debilitating factor in your life. Is this a current issue in your life? If so, maybe the surgery is not right AT THIS TIME. Also, being fat has been what has weighed on my life. I have always persevered but every single moment was a struggle due to self doubt and self loathing because of fat. I think it's tough not be labeled depressed when being fat filters every part of your thought process. I personally believe that depression should be considered one of the co-morbidities. How many morbidly obese people do you know who are not depressed at some level. I'm sure there are some who have healthy a self esteem and psyche but I think the majority are depressed and many who say they aren't are kidding themselves.

Hi, I'm so sorry you're feeling sad. I can imagine you're disappointed. I'm sure you were really looking forward to having someone to go through this process with. But you absolutely should not feel guilty!! You may have decided to do this together but you still had to come to your decision first. I would just let her know that you are there if she wants to talk about or if she changes her mind down the road you will be there to support and help her. I have a feeling that once you go through it and she sees your success she may very well change her mind....and then you can be her mentor!

Thanks Dez!

Hello Dana????? Of course that is the reason, I just totally drew a blank! Thank you!

Good luck Lila! When is your surgery?

You just made me laugh, I'm sure unintentionally, with "the little heffa" ! I am stealing that term! Congrats on 76lbs lost!!

One of my worst anxiety ridden fears is that someone will say something to me or the gate agent or flight attendant is going to take me out of line and tell me I need an extra seat. I've even had dreams about it.... it is one (of hundreds!) of the reasons I am doing this. I just don't want to live like this anymore. My husband and I were having a heart to heart talk a few weeks ago. I had kept the gastric sleeve thing to myself until I made a decision. When I finally told him he was very apprehensive. He said it breaks his heart that I loathe myself. I've never been and never will be the fat girl/woman who accepts herself and moves on. It is not possible for me. Fat has stolen my life. So my husband said most everyone has something they carry with them that has broken them a little ( his father was an abusive alcoholic). I started crying and said, yes, but you don't have to go through life with a giant sign wrapped around your body telling the world what your weakness is. Ok, not sure how I got off the actual subject here..... back to the subject - I dread flying - I am filled with utter terror that I will be humiliated in some way....

There are some posts that I would love to save because it has specific info...numbers of this, quantities of that, this protein shake is gross, that one is good... stuff I want to refer back to. Any way to do that?

Ok, is a protein shot an injection or an bar shot? LOL..... I would welcome a daily injection over the putrid protein stuff.

Hi Joyce, What kind of protein powder are you using? Dana

Congratulations! When was your surgery?

Thank you Dez!

Thanks! I never thought about the subscribe thing -- I was thinking about it just as notification. Easy easy!

Hi Beth, I just ordered the book! I'm trying to prepare as much a head of time as possible. I want try Protein drinks etc before so I'll know what I can stomach. I also ordered Weight Loss for Dummies on Amazon ( a adore Amazon) last week. I haven't started it yet though. I had already thought about Ruth's Chris because I was thinking OMG no more of this or that. And Ruth's Chris immediately came to mind and I thought, well hopefully I'll be able to tolerate the petite filet and creamed spinach! Definitely lets be friends -- would love to get together soon.

I would love to tag or save this thread for future reference. Is there a way to do that? I've come across a lot of posts that I would like save -- at first I was trying to cut and paste in a Word document but that got kind of tedious because everything moves fast on the board and I don't want to miss anything...

Hi Matt, Glad you're doing great! What brand and kind of gummie Vitamins is it? Also, can you mix and match the individual flavors of the Isopure? I went to the website and all I see are the packs 12. They do have a variety pack but I'd like to choose my own....

I will definitely check about which ones can be crushed. The stuff I'm on is for HTN, thyroid (my thyroid was removed due to cancer), Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis (no problem there -- it is an injection)...... it ends being about 8 in the morning and 8 at night.

Looks like my entire days will be spent trying to find some way to get those pills down my throat....

Uh oh...I'm doomed...

Hi Nanci, Looks like I'll be in the same situation as you. I take meds that I really can't stay off for more than a few days. Are the Clear liquids immediately post-opt the standard? I was thinking pudding or something like would help. Crush everything up and maybe mix it and take tiny tiny bites? But at that rate crush meds and trying eating them in pudding or something will become a full time job because I have to start the process again at night....and I get nauseous very very easily. Nausea is like a phobia for me...I think that is what I'm most worried about having the surgery because I know it is inevitable. I discussed it Thursday with my surgeon and he kind of looked at me like This is what you're worried about? I'd take pain over nausea any day ( of course I'm talking about moderate pain-- not being being burned at the stake pain!). Uh oh......

Ok, just read this great thread! It's an older thread which means there is a whole new group of Sleeve Veterans who can share the "ugly truth". Those veterans probably read this thread 8 months ago when they either pre-op or newly sleeved. So come on new veterans, inspire the Pre-Op and Newly Sleeved! Lets hear the "Ugly Truth" about your new lives.... and hopefully we can be the veterans in 8 months!

Is there a supplement we can start taking NOW to help prevent hair loss after surgery?

Have you tried Walmart? They all sell it here in New Orleans and I saw it at a Walmart in Dallas. And most of our supermarkets have it too.

Shan, just stay strong and keep thinking how wonderful it will be once you have the surgery!