DebDUtah

Ok not knowing the dynamics of your family maybe this was said out of habit. I know my mother uses food as a comfort and a way of showing us she loves us (so wrong we all know that). But just as our overeating is a habit we are changing they need to learn the comments that hurt us. They won't know unless we tell them. You have to have a tough conversation with your mom especially if this bothers you. Tell her why you are doing it and involve her in some way, perhaps they are feeling left out. I have found that ignorance can be one of the biggest reasons for resistence. I truely believe that it will work itself out especially when they start to see the results. Good Luck

I am/was addicted to pepsi, I told myself would never do WLS. Then I realized that pepsi and food we in control, and this is all about control. Well if you knew me you would laugh as I am in control in all aspects of my life, work and home yet I let food take over! Don't let it win, that is what this is about, we can have what we want, eventually, and if we can't well it's not the end of the world, you can do it, but don't make your journey longer than it has to be.

I am a few months from surgery, and I know that the more information I get the more I feel empowered. And in the same breath I am questioning myself every now and then until I think of what awaits me if I don't take this step. I am taking control of my life and this will help me do just that, take control. Stop listening to the bad take the information and YOU make the decision, no one else can only you. So if it takes you a little longer than most to get to the surgery and make that step it is ok, this is all on your time table no one elses. I have a lot more than you to lose, some would say that makes it easier for me, but I don't think so as it is the same change for whoever is doing it. And rest assured YOU will make the right decision for YOU. Best of luck

Was the sleep study something you were required to do or just needed to do?

I know where you are coming from SheetMetal. The key to your success, to everyone's success, is to take control. It is about us now, not the men in our life. Remember that.

Being able to walk into any clothing store and not worry if the sizes go large enough. But mostly to have enough energy

My suggestion would be to talk to the utilization review nurse at your insurance company that is the person who approves or denies your coverage for a procedure that needs medical review to be covered. Be up front and honest and ask why they denied your surgery. More importantly ask them what they need to make the exception. Try not to get emotional or angry it won't get you anywhere and that will be the hardest part. I have heard for several people (and know of two personally) who have gotten coverage by appealling the original decision. Do not give up. Information is power not go get the info you need.

I am sure this will seem like an overly simple question to some, but I am curious what the advantage is of choosing to go to Mexico to have your surgery is? I am anxious enough to undergo such a permanent elective surgery, that being in a country other than my home would seem to add additional stress to an otherwise already stressful situation. And when you have the surgery in Mexico, who does your follow-up visits? Thanks for any insight you can give.

Gall Bladder surgery is very common similar to appendix surgery nowadays. You will be fine and feel great relief.

Ok basically I learned this a long time ago from my personal trainer. When a body is getting good nutrition, on a regular/consistent basis, it does NOT store excess food, as it "knows" that more nutrients are coming soon. For example the surest way to lose water weight is to drink a lot of water, just ask a body builder. The more water you drink the less water weight your body carries. When you limit caloric intake (i.e one small meal) your body goes into a starvation mode so to speak. Storing everything you eat because it doesn't know when it will get food again, in turn you can gain weight! Just make sensible choices and keep up your exercise. Hope that made sense.

Ok this is making sense now, thank you everyone hope everyone has fantastic outcomes with the desired results.

I am confused, because the self pay total I have been given including hospital stays wasn't even 20k. Is the experience more and the outcomes better?

I have had genetic testing, which does not show any predispotition to cancer, however there is no guarantee (nice double talk by the doctors). However, due to my obesity and the fact that my mother had a colonoscopy less than 6 mos to the cancer being detected with NO polyps or signs of abnormalities, basically given a clean bill of health, every 2 yrs is within reason for my pre-screening. And in relation, the prep is nothing compared to chemo. I am sure once I get my BMI within normal range I can go to every 5 yrs, at least this is the plan.

I go every 2 years due to my family history, my mother was diagnosed and treated for Stage IV colon cancer (it was very aggressive and she showed no symptoms), which was found in a routine checkup by her PCP. She is not the only immediate family member with a cancer diagnosis. So my GI doc, based on my family history and risk factors, advised to go every 2 years. For me the peace of mind it provides it is not a big deal. The earlier it is caught the better the survival rate.

what did you faint from?

You know I don't know what to say. Life is hard, not fair and full of compromise to make it thru everyday. You have to take comfort in the fact that you were honest and upfront with your evaluation. I work in healthcare and I can tell you that three doctors can evaluate the same person and come up with three different diagnosis. I feel your side of this and understand completely where you are coming from. Perhaps it is the view she had taken of you at that particular moment. Don't let this stop you, be honest with yourself and keep working towards your goal.

I am pre-op, but I will tell you I have had my concerns as I have to have a colonscopy every 2 years due to family history and have been doing them for the last 8 years. The prep has come a long way, and both my GI doc and my VSG doc said that it is not a problem as long as I am healed and well post surgery. It will probably mean a day or more of Clear liquids prior but it can be done and since it isnt a gastri by-pass the procedure is the same on the GI docs part. Hope that gives you a little comfort.