pinksjo1

My surgery date was July 26, 2013 and I am down 86 lbs. Starting weight 310, so I am very happy! Can't wait for the 100 lb lost, it is so very close.

I had BCBS of IL, no waiting.

My weekends are for preparing different dishes and freezing them. I like to have a good variety in the freezer. During the week, I open the freezer and pick something out and let it thaw in the fridge, when I get home from work, I just pop it in the microwave. My fav dish is a zuchhini lasagna. YUMMERS!

I would suggest if you are covered, to take as much time off as you can. This is a completely new way of life and there are a few things you will need to get used to. The first couple of weeks are trying, but so worth it!

Yahoo!! Congrats!

I agree with Bufflehead. If I had to do this surgery every year I would. I still can't believe how it has changed my life! I don't regret not doing it earlier as I was still in the state of "its my fault I can't keep the weight off" thinking. Now, that my hunger hormone is reduced, I finally understand what eating enough to maintain life instead of maintaining life in order to eat is all about. Good luck!

I watched the SUPERSIZED episode on Tuesday night. I would imagine it will run for some time as TLC does marathons.

I wish my insurance would have asked for the test because I found out after surgery I had H pylori and was not able to treat it because my surgeon said I couldn't do anitbotics for at least a month. OMG, it was really difficult doing the antibotics as they were pill form and HUGE. Had to cut the suckers in half and take - YUCK. 2 Weeks of antibotics. Not fun.

Yeah, its really tough to make that call for someone else. You need to do your homework, talk to your doctor (ask for statistics on success rates). I was in your shoes 8 months ago. I was convinced I was going to get the lap band. I thought well if it doesn't work I can always have it removed...WRONG! Upon doing more research, I chose VSG and I LOVE IT!! Best decision I have ever made! I am down 82 lbs! My production of the evil hunger hormone is close to nill! Good luck on your decision.

I know what you mean. My last check-up I wasn't able to see my surgeon, but his co-worker. He did come see me when I was scheduling my next appointment because he wanted to see my progress. When we did speak for a minute or two he mentioned that I was an exception, and others were not doing as well. I was shocked because I thought everyone was doing well...Just goes to show that it is a committment and there are no easy ways.

Try counting (in your head) your chews...30 per bite helps slow you down and you really get to taste the food. Now that I do this, I know I have never really enjoyed what I was eating because I never chewed it. Good luck!

Are you sure its hunger and not dehydration?

Completely normal. Everyone has some fear. The night before my surgery I didn't sleep, I was up all night long. So I know what you are going through. Luckily, once you are in the hospital you have people there that talk to you and understand what you are going through. It makes it easier. It will be over before you know it. Good Luck!

When I first starting looking into surgery - it was going to be the lap-band or the sleeve. I was way too scared of by-pass. After doing research, the lap-band was out of the question. My pre-op class had 50% of the attendees having the lap-band taken out. Just confirmed to me that the sleeve was the way to go. I have not doubted this decision for an instant. Best thing I ever did. Good luck!

I say the more the merrier! I hope everyone who wants the surgery will have it. It has changed my life and I can't imagine where I would be right now without it. So Rosie and I had our surgeries around the same time...she didn't let me know Rosie - good for you!

Welcome! I was very pro-active during the stage that you are in now. I called/emailed the center at least once a week to see if they needed anything else from me, how the process was going, etc. I basically did all the leg work myself as my assigned person wasn't that great. Also, nothing wrong with checking with your insurance company - mine was extremely helpful (BCBSIL)when you have questions. I started at one hospital, stuck with them until I got my approval and switched to another as I never felt comfortable with the first hospital. Also, post questions, this is a great group and a lot of very useful information. Good luck! Joan

Check with Aetna. Find out what hospitals they will cover and call another hospital. That seems way too much for a consultation. Mine was covered except for the $20 co-pay. Good luck!

Hi - Got my call from the nurse today. I will need to have another blood draw as my copper levels are low. My zinc levels are too high - so she told me not to take my multi for 2 weeks. I take the Bariatric Advantage multi. My Protein levels are a little low so I need to track my protein so I am sure to get the right amount of grams. So, back to the hospital to get blood drawn again... Oh, almost forgot. The dr said that I should set my goal weight at 180 lbs. And I can use the big bone excuse as she said its true in my case! YEAH!

Just got a call from the hospital, my copper levels are showing normal. So, I have 1 more week of not taking my BA Multi and I have to go back to get blood work in 3 mos to check levels.

I have been on Medifast along with countless other diets. It is just a temporary fix...as we all know. It kind of breaks my heart because I know of people still believing if they had just been stronger, had more will power, blame themselves for their failures on diets - just like I used to do! Surgery is the answer - and I have been seeing a lot more commercials for hospitals that do bariatric surgeries.

When I first began this journey - I looked into the lap band and the sleeve. I went with the sleeve. My decision was confirmed when I was at my pre-surgery class and 2 ladies there were having the lap band removed because of complications. There were only 4 people in the pre-surgery class - 2 of us getting the sleeve and the other 2 were revisions from lap band to bypass. I had no doubts after that and have LOVED being sleeved!

I just got back to work after having another blood test. Since this is a re-test, I haven't been told anything about why my copper level is low. I guess if this test comes back low, they will tell me something. I'll keep you posted.