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the asterisks were the acronym for Health Maintenance Organization -- lol!

At a very basic level, a "Health Plan" is defined as an ***, a PPO, an employer-sponsored health plan (which I believe Fed Ex has? but they aren't one--they contract with one), and soon, Health Insurance Exchanges mandated by PPACA. So that's what that first line refers to.

You're misunderstanding. Fed Ex may have an employer-sponsored health plan as many large companies do, but legally they cannot administer the plan themselves. They contract with a company to do that, and that entity is the one that is subject to HIPAA regulations. I have worked in the medical communications field for 20 years and have been covering these issues for physicians and health plans for over a decade--so this is based on professional experience in this area as well as the clarification from my attorney friend who specializes in this area. I'm not trying to get into an argument about it, I just want people to have the correct information, because if someone did want to submit a complaint, it wouldn't do any good to file a HIPAA complaint against a company that isn't a covered entity. I'm sure there are other ways to let concerns be known, though. I feel badly this happened to the OP.

Fyre, check out this test to see if a company is a covered HIPAA entity. Fed Ex would not qualify. This is from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services which helps administer HIPAA: http://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/HIPAA-Administrative-Simplification/HIPAAGenInfo/AreYouaCoveredEntity.html Are You a Covered Entity? The Administrative Simplification standards adopted by Health and Human Services (HHS) under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) apply to any entity that is a health care provider that conducts certain transactions in electronic form (called here a "covered health care provider"). a health care clearinghouse. a health plan. An entity that is one or more of these types of entities is referred to as a "covered entity" in the Administrative Simplification regulations.

Fyre, see link above. Your HR rep is misinformed, or did not communicate the info very well. I thought this was the case as well at one time, and I asked an attorney friend about it who specializes in HIPAA and other healthcare regulatory issues. I was actually shocked when he told me--but I trust his expertise, and then I double-checked it on the HHS Web site and it's correct (see link above). There is of course the whole other issue of HR respecting your privacy and being professional, but that's different than a HIPAA violation.

Here's a list of healthcare covered entities that have to comply with HIPAA--basically healthcare providers, insurance companies, and companies that deal with healthcare data. Only specific health information is protected. http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/coveredentities/index.html

HIPAA does not apply to employers, unless you work at a hospital or other covered healthcare-related entity and are also a patient there. I completely understand your need for privacy. I'm sure your boss and coworkers needed to know something--eg, that you would be out on medical leave. I would leave it at that...they really don't need to know anything else. If someone pries more, either change the subject or use the old Dear Abbey retort of: "Why do you ask?" Most people don't have a good response.

My surgeon requires us to crush meds (or break apart capsules or take liquid) for 6 weeks post-op. Time released/extended release meds cannot be crushed.

Definitely needs to be monitored/addressed by your doctor--I think dehydration can contribute to this.

Amazing transformation, inside and out--heartfelt congratulations! thanks so much for sharing your inspiring story.

I didn't feel any restriction with liquids are purees either. Now that I am on soft transitional foods, I'm definitely feeling it. Especially when I have some protein and then a fibrous veggie (still cooked to death and mashed) like cauliflower. WHOA! Big difference. When I'm on full solids, I'm sure this will be even more pronounced.

Once you can eat yogurt, you can mix it with sugar-free syrups and maybe some PB2 (powdered peanut butter that you can find online). It tastes sort of like pudding but has lots of protein and is very filling and satisfying.

My feeling of fullness is sort of the same as it was pre-op--except it can happen a lot more quickly. One bite can make a big difference between being satisfied and feeling Thanksgiving-stuffed or actually uncomfortable. So I really try to follow my surgeon's recommendations on food volume, eat really slowly, and pay attention to my body. For example, I can eat 2.5 Morningstar meal starter vegetarian "meat"balls. If I eat 3, I am uncomfortable. (I give my dog half of one, and she is very happy!)

I can't see them either! I have a laptop that is less than a year old set on the normal color settings.

congratulations! I would check with your surgeon, dietitian, and/or ob/gyn.

Thanks for the great advice, Tamara! Have your losses continued at a good clip since you posted this? Also, do you drink plain water only--no flavorings such as Mio or Crystal Lite? Thanks again!

WOW! Sending you positive thoughts for good news at your follow-up.

it's way better than gallbladder surgery though, so I'm being careful about taking it since I'm pretty sure I had a gallstone that was stuck last week. Today I found a good way to take the Ursodiol--I sprinkled it on a two bites of lite applesauce--very small amount of carbs and calories helped the medicine go down, medicine go down....

You should definitely take it! It may inhibit your weight loss if you don't and get your whole system out of whack. Can you get a pill crusher at the pharmacy? They are really inexpensive and easy to use.

Thanks for checking on this, Maalleh! The 1 min 40 seconds for the hot cocoa in our high-power microwave seems to be perfect. Temp doesn't get above 140 degrees so the hot cocoa is nice and smooth. I don't think I would have survived full liquids so well without this one up my sleeve!

My surgeon had us strain cream of anything soup during the full liquid period to get out any chunks or solids--even pureed soups.

I think it's normal too. I'm 4 weeks out but my PA said I won't feel 100 percent normal until 6 weeks out. Things that used to be routine are very tiring even now (big shopping trip, entertaining, etc.). Just trying to pace myself, along with keeping very busy at work. Try to break things up as much as possible. I had a couple days last week, when I may have been having GB issues, where I would work 1 hour, sleep 1 hour--etc. Didn't expect that 3 weeks out, but wanted to listen to my body.

sending good thoughts!

Does your surgeon's office assign you a patient advocate who works with the insurance company to get your approval? I would ask him/her for suggestions, and/or you could call the insurance company yourself. Could your PCP write a letter stating that your current weight is consistent/close to your weight over the past two years (if it is?).

Fyre Storm, you have some magic power to get people to post what they consider to be their worst photos!! LOL! I have to say that I don't think that any of these photos are really that bad--some of them are actually kind of cute photos. But I can see in everyone's profile pics and after pics what a long way you have come. I'm sure it's a great feeling to have pics taken now and actually like them! So congratulations to all!!