StacieM

I felt like I could share here my horrific story that still haunts me. About 5 years ago my boyfriend (now ex) gave me a wonderful birthday present of taking my sky diving, since it was what I always wanted to do. When I went online to do out reservations I started reading and found out i was about 10-15 pounds too heavy to go. I really wanted to go with an instructor tandem (much safer) and well I just couldn't. I was so glad when a few weeks later I broke my foot and could not go. He was 6'6" and weighed all of 169 pounds. He was a runner who could eat everything and not gain a pound. HE is now with a girl who can sky dive... makes me sad. Needless to say seem to be still in the same situation, in a boot cast for a messed up foot just like that time almost 5 years ago. Makes it hard to loose the weight all on your own when you can't excercise on your foot. Got my fingers crossed that insurance says yes and that next year I will be not only skydiving tandem but be so damn good that I go all by myself!:tongue:

I know this may not make sense for you, but your post inpsired me. When we are over weight, an not always a low self esteem, we settle for what we think we can get. It sounds like you love this man, but that you now know that he is not right for you. Nothing to do with the lap band, just loosing the weight has changed your priorities for you. Embrace your new prospects. Yes moving on is always scary, but you feel good about yourself and look great so you deserve a chance to have men interested in you for more than just your personality. Maybe this boyfriend is really meant to just be your bestfriend. Sounds like a great guy who just have different goals, which makes him a just a friend. Either way, I wish you the best. Expect good days and bad days. Don't blame the band and stay positive. Children are not out of reach and neither is the perfect mate. Congrats on the weight loss.

Hi Vivian.... type his name in on the search... you will find LOTS on him. Most people love him, a few don't. He wrote a really good book to read too.

I was wondering if you ever got anywhere with Medi-cal? I gave up for a while (depressed) but am trying to get it started again. So how did it go? Any luck getting them to do the surgery?

Just by curiosity, what did you get your degre in? Wonder if we ever crossed paths? Keep up the good work....

Congrats on your date and GO WILDCATS!!!! (Class of 1995)

So may I ask... how did your DH's surgery go? How is he doing? And why did you choose a different doctor?

Ok so bad news... my ex husband (who provided my health insurance) got fired, I loose my insurance at the end of the month. I am trying to figure out if I might get approved and if I should pay the COBRA (self pay the insurance but it wil be $$$$).... life sucks now...

Bel for so young you are so wise. Thanks for making me laugh, yes I imagined my boobs choking me.. yikes. I have always been large chested (and its not my weight, mom was stacked and really thin...lol) but I am excited at thwm being big and me thinner... It may not ever be a "hot body" but it will me beautiful and make someone else very happy!

Bel.... thanks for saying the slow thing isn't is always true. I know when i lost even 20 or 30 pounds before my boobs just hung farther down... lol... for me I definitely plan on a reduction/lift before anything else.

The skin... if you don't loose weight too rapidly your body can adjust to the excess skin and "absorb" it. Depending on how much and how fast there is a possibility that one will need plastic surgery to remove the excess skin and fat. As for the 2 weeks of liquids... it takes a few days (maybe 2-3) and you get over the need to eat or cheat. I promise you (I did my pre-op diet before cancelling my surgery before) it gets easier. I am still alive it doesn't kill you. Hang in there and know it does get easier and it will all be worth it. God luck.

Congrats to both of you. I was changed insurance and am starting this process all over. Was wondering since I have UHC Choice Plus as well and was wondering what you had to have to submit? Thanks ahead of time for your repsonses.

Not sure if you ever got your answer but yes under strict guidelines they do. Good luck.

Ok see I am jealous over the not beign constipated. I can't stand not going and hate to sit in there bathroom any longer than aboslutely needed! I am with you on the vegies!

Sounds very encouraging... get some rest so that you aren't hurting. Good luck!

My best advice for the diet... make your own protein shakes. I like the chocolate whey... add different flavors (especially with plain protein powder). My doc had me get imitiation flavors (just like buying vanilla for baking) and start mixing. I will type up and email you the recipes from my doc.. .he lets me make shakes with diet sodas or diet drinks... I even mix one up with a sugar free mocha coffee mix... yummy! as for names... I beleive the group is already called the Crazy Ates....

BUT YOU DID IT! Congrats.... get that rest for now it will hep with pain and soreness!

Hang in there I am on day 10 and it does get easier. I too though have some energy problems especially in the evening, but going to bed early keeps me from getting hungry. As for bathroom problems, gotta be frank here.. are you constipated? I was and had to start adding Fiber to my shakes... or at least take an OTC stool stoftner.... GOOD LUCK! Hang in there.... oh I amnot sure if this is allowed but I ended up buying sugar free gum... needed some better flavor in my mouth! It helps!

Things will be just fine for you. We will wait for news that you are doing great!

Welcome Michelle!

While I am having surgery in TJ I am not using any of those since I am using a US doc... BUT... I can tell you 2 nurses that work with my cousin at the local hospital just had surgery with Dr. Ortiz and said he's the best! I usually trust nurses opinion! GOod luck choosing!

Ok so I am just over two weeks away and supposed to start full liquids tomorrow. I have started protein shakes but keep finding myself saying well elt me get rid of all the cravings, or one last "real" meal. SO tonight is it... I am so scared that I won't stick to it. I have been trying to get rid of the temptations in the house... I want to succeed. Has anyone else freaked out with starting the pre-op liquid diet?? :help::cry:wacko::heh:

I don't think the hernia is a bad thing, I think its gonna make my insurance cover the Lap Band since obesity is number one cause of hernia (hiatel) and they can fix it when they do lap band... it might mean another liquid diet but that is just more weight lost right? At least I hope so. I am liking your ideas on the shakes... I have hit a point where I only like the chocolate whey Protein poweder with non fat milk and half a banana. ALl of it turns me off so now i am taking in less shakes though too... not sure if thats good or bad! Anyone know?

Hi guys I just received info from the local doctor I have been looking into. Dr Owens is local to me, which makes fills much easier and a doctor local for any problems. I cant afford his local rate of $17,000 but the info sent to me says he has a Dr. Lopez in MX who he teams with and you have surgery there and all fills in the local office (fills included for one year) for $9000. I am considerling Dr Ortiz, but with a local doctor to follow me I like the sound of this. Any stories of the good ol Dr Lopez??? Any suggestions or nifo would be great! Thanks