almosthome

Just found this today! It explains which states currently plan to offer bariatric and/or weight loss coverage on their Obamacare plans: http://asmbs.mediaroom.com/download/State+Exchanges++5-6-13.xlsx

There is no legal requirement that these new policies cover weight loss surgery, and it has been rumored that very few insurance companies will actually participate in the exchange. Sadly, we won't really know anything until around October 1. Hopefully, though, they will figure out they are stuck with us forever and are better off covering WLS than paying out on triple bypass, joint replacements, and diabetic care!

Hope you feel better soon! Thanks for keeping us posted.

I saved a long (15") ponytail from my last haircut and should be able to get another before surgery. Did you make a wig out of your hair in anticipation of hair loss? What is the best way? Or is it even worth the trouble?

I've read about people going back to work just a few days after surgery, but if missing 2 days could result in dismissal from the program it would be kinda risky. You can't predict how you will feel after surgery, and minor/moderate post-op ills are relatively common during the first few weeks after surgery. If possible, I would recommend scheduling surgery during a longer break.

I'm in Stevens Point until May, then returning to Racine.

Calcium might interfere with Iron absorption (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1600930) but *not* with Vitamin D absorption. As another poster shared, vitamin D actually helps the body absorb calcium (http://jn.nutrition.org/content/134/11/3137.full). Anyway, here is that study about vitamin D and obesity: http://www.plosmedicine.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pmed.1001383

Just so you aren't surprised, vitamin D deficiency can take a very long time to correct. I was on 10,000iu a day for more than a year, and although my levels were higher, they still hadn't gotten back up to normal. For a while I was on weekly super-doses (50,000iu) too, but they gave me diarrhea :/

Yes! Her husband will come with us, too, to attend to our every need. Poor guy.

First week of July for sis 'n' me!

I actually read some research on this the other day, though not specific to WLS. The study found that D deficiency is not causally related to weight retention or gain, just that higher weight can lead to lower vitamin D levels. I'm on my phone so don't have a link; you might google it?

There ARE tasty protein drinks out there without a chalky feel. I've only found two so far, though, and they aren't ideal options. One is protein only and unsubstantial (Bariwise fruit drink mixes), and the other has twice as many carbs as protein (Naked Protein Zone Chocolate Banana). EAS Soy Protein powder, WonderSlim shake/pudding powder, and Naked Protein Zone Mango all felt like sand on my tongue. I tried making the powders various ways (water, milk, yogurt, etc.) but they still had a gritty feel. Which protein drinks or powders do you find smoothest?

Cheer up! You are doing great! It's weird you can't even have chicken broth... did they say why?

Fletcherette, I would also like to hear your story. If you aren't comfortable posting publicly, would you be okay sending a PM? Thanks.

For a nutritious meal, you can turn it into sushi. Or toss it on salad if you can tolerate it.

You can eat it out of the bag, heated, or however you like! It's cooked fish.

I completely agree that you should visit these people anyway. As food addicts, we are way more conscious of and judgmental about our eating than other people. You can always order tea or juice as an alternative and say you ate a big breakfast/lunch but still wanted to enjoy their company. When it comes to Easter, you can say you cancelled your trip but had a bit of an upset stomach the day before and aren't ready to eat again yet. DON'T isolate yourself! Let others love and enjoy you in person <3

Hey! Did you go on a voluntary pre-op-esque diet well in advance of surgery? Do you feel it was worth it, in terms of challenge and reward? Or did it just make you frustrated and dread the real pre-op diet?... I'm trying to decide whether I should maintain my weight for now (easy) or try to reduce my BMI a couple points (difficult!). I know a lower BMI is associated with greater success post-op but dieting with a full-size stomach is so freaking hard!

Oh, I found it, whew! http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/user/51503-lifesaveremt/

8 years ago I tried to sell a big-ticket item on the internet. Someone contacted me saying their lawyer would mail me a cashier's check (drawn from an American bank) and that I should wire something like $1500 to London for the shipper's expenses. Their check cleared, so I wired the money. WELL, Western Union called me because it seemed suspicious to them. They told me that most banks will automatically clear checks after two business days but can take 10 days to discover fraud. By that time, the fraudsters have scored and the bank comes after the account owner to pay back the cleared deposit. Western Union returned all the money (the scammers were pretty mad, called me twice from Nigeria!), but my bank froze my account for two weeks and I had to pay for several bounced checks. It was a mess. Beware!

This is quite sad. Peace be with his family. Is it customary for a member's presence to be deleted when they pass away? I wanted to read his past posts but can't find his profile.

My sister and I plan to be sleeved in TJ the first week of July!

I'll have to try these suggestions! Thank you.

Well, that makes me feel a little better. Thank you!

It has been a while since I last flew on a plane. The last time, I weighed probably 50 pounds less and was able to stuff myself into the seat, but it was definitely uncomfortable. My hips are now 59" and the average coach seat is only 17" wide. Have any of you similarly-sized people flown recently? It would be especially helpful to hear from people who flew soon after surgery. What was it like for you? Do aisle seats help? Anything else? Thank you!