Miss Mac

My adult healthiest was size 8-10, in my early thirties. I had been thinner but was anorexic and don't want to go there again. So, I want to be heathy and curvy, not skinny.

My bariatric team recommended two years post-op before plastics, to give adequate time to reach goal and find a healthy stable maintenance weight. My insurance only covers the panni with a certain amount of overlap and infection in the crease. Nothing cosmetic. I would be spending retirement funds for that. Oh well, I guess I will just buy a really good bra and extra spanx, then at bedtime just let it all hang out!

When I woke up after my first c-section, the nurse said I was making sounds along with the one of the monitors. Dit Dit Dit Dit..........

Funny. I needed a giggle today.

I am the one who is changing. Even though I am just at halfway to goal, I feel spicier and friskier. I am more able to go places with him, like to the grocery store. He used to do all of the marketing because my mobility issues were substantial. Now I can go out hanging onto his arm or using a cane. It gives us more to talk about, plus I am getting better exercise by walking. I approach him more because I feel more loveable. See, that is kinda sad, because he has loved me "as is" right from the start. The issues have all been mine because of my own body dismorphia. The weight loss impacts a lot more than just pounds. I have to also dump the negative self-talk....that junky stuff that rattles around in my head. If anything, my sleeve is bringing us even closer.

Since you are still eating regular food, you could try an apple at bedtime. Also, even though it has carbs and calories, you could try prune juice at bedtime. That's a little hard for me to drink, so I dilute it with warm Water and throw one sweetener in it. Another natural thing that has worked for me is Smooth Move Herbal Teas. I bought several flavors online. My favorite is the chocolate. Go figure - a chocolate tea bag. Then I take my hot chocolate flavored smooth move tea and put a packet of sugar free cocoa mix in it. All of these are great at bedtime. Then when you wake up in the morning, you should be ready to get a move on!

Your lettter has a lot of good content. I particularly like the next to last paragraph about the insurance company itself discriminating against you. I did not have to write a letter, but I included one in my packet anyway, just for extra justification. In it I mention the family history of obesity and how it affects my life and all of my medical conditions that have resulted from being overweight. Feel free to use some of this content if you want to. I wish you good luck and good health. Here is my letter. I Xd out proper names for this post. This letter is a heartfelt request for BCBS to approve bariatric surgery to help me lose a significant amount of excess weight that has caused me many chronic health issues and has seriously affected my quality of life. My adult life started at 108 pounds at graduation, at a time when I was both anorexic and anemic. The reason for that was deliberate. I did not want to be morbidly obese like the rest of my family, many of whom weighed over 300 pounds. My oldest brother died of a heart attack at the age of 47 – at a weight of 420 pounds. My mother died at the age of 67 because of an abdominal aortic aneurism. She was 5’2” and weighed 320 pounds. My father survived two heart attacks and eventually died from a stroke. Two of my sisters have been large from childhood and currently weigh over 300 pounds as do many of my cousins. Since my late 20’s I began having problems controlling my weight and I consequently yo-yo dieted for three decades. Boy-oh-boy, I feel like I tried everything that came along, from South Beach, Sugar Busters, food Combining, Weight Watchers, Richard Simmons, even the Dolly Parton Diet, among many others. Remarkably, I did have 50 pounds of success with the Atkins Diet twice, and gained it all back much quicker than I lost it. For about 15 years I have been taking medication for chronic high blood pressure while working physically demanding jobs. On 9/11/2010, I suffered a Cardio Vascular Accident. Due to outstanding care at Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx Hospital in Xxx Xxxx, Illinois (where I met Dr. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx and changed to his medical practice), damage was minimized. The most significant lasting effect was loss of balance and altered proprioception. This has rendered me to be a moderate fall risk and forced me into an early retirement from federal service. I am unable to leave my home unassisted and can no longer drive because even though I can see, people and curbs and cars are not where I think they are. In 2007 my right knee had to be replaced. At that time, my weight was around 180 pounds. I gained even more weight during recovery and eventually had to have a partial replacement of my left knee on 11/7/2012. Osteoarthritis is another issue that has hijacked my health. My vertebrae have degenerative disc disease and my body is failing to support my current weight which fluctuates from 220-235. On 2/14/2013 I had a three level ACDF. I also am being treated by the Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx Pain Clinic for thoracic radiculopathy, sciatica in my left leg, and femoral nerve impingement in my right leg (which is exaserbated by my overhanging 53” belly). In order to get around, I must use a cane, my walker, or someone to assist me because I cannot stand for more than a couple of minutes without high levels of pain in my back, sides, hips and legs. Also, this belly has affected my posture so much that standing up straight, although it can be done, is painful in its self. Turning over in bed is painful because my weight is difficult to maneuver with this pendulous belly. The skin under the overlap gets red and irritated, so I am using medicated powder per doctor’s orders. At the time of the CVA, I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes, another condition than not surprisingly runs in the family. I am still taking meds for this condition to prevent transfer to full-on diabetes. My cholesterol is chronically high, so I am taking Lipitor for that. Due to chronic digestive troubles and reflux, my primary care physician, Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, ordered an EGD on 2/22/2012. The findings then were: Irregular GE junction, Hiatal hernia, Acute gastritis, and Reflux esophagitis. The attending physician, Xxxxx Xxxxx, prescribed Omeprazole to relieve the reflux. Since the stroke, Dr. Xxxxxxx has had me on a 1200 calorie USDA Pyramid diet (allowing for a Mediterranean chef in the house). Dr. Xxxxx asked me to follow a 1000 calorie diet with adjustments for preventing reflux (i.e. no soda, citrus juices, caffeine, fried foods, etc . In spite of my best efforts at diet and exercise, my weight continues to rise. I am in pain every day, and my home has become my prison. I am taking Bupropion to battle depression and anxiety as I tend to have much worry about becoming a wheelchair-bound invalid. My weight issues have not been resolved even under my doctors’ care and concern, and I fear that I am becoming my mother and facing a premature death like hers. Surgical intervention will certainly produce positive outcomes for me. I am not big-boned, but a naturally petite person who is carrying another person around her waist. I will follow my doctors’ orders and be the best patient ever. Your consideration is appreciated and I look forward to being a much healthier me in the future. Thank you so much - you are saving my life.

II don't know if I can encourage you, but I can definitely comiserate with you. I am five months out and down 57 pounds, but have been on a plateau at 178 for many weeks. Seems like it doesn't matter if I exercise or not, or eat 700 calories or 1,000. Nothing is changing. I am at 80 grams of Protein, less than 30 carbs, and 80 ounces of Water. I wonder what is going on. Before the surgery, I lost 50 pounds several times and then reached this point and the weight went back up. The only encouragement I have for ourselves right now is that at some point soon, somethings got to give and the weight will break and go down some more. My team says I am doing everything right and that is is common to lose a lot quickly, then our body must level out and adjust. I am quite through with all of this adjusting. The next phase needs to come to the front door and get me soon. I am ready to rock and roll with the next 50 pounds. Geeze Louize already! I wish you good luck and good health.

On Friday, when I was at my daughter's house, I was able to slide off the sofa to the floor and play with my grandchildren. I was so happy, I nearly cried. Usually I would just sit on the sofa and hold them on my lap from there. But since I have lost some significant weight due to my sleeve, I was able to crawl on my hands a knees, get into the little living room tent and play with blocks and legos and dollys. The kids are 5, 3, and 1. That was the first time the five year old has seen me off the sofa. I had to have help getting up because of othopedic issues, but boy oh boy I had fun. This sleeve has been so worth the incovenience of some lifestyle changes. I'll get over it.

Not only do I put Milk of Magnesia in my beverages, I take a magnesium tablet twice a day. Also, I keep prune juice in the fridge. I try to sneak in at least a tablespoon of veggies (usually broccoli, green Beans, or tomato) with every meal and have a couple bites of fruit every day...I prefer fresh apple slices at bedtime.

Just saying.....I am not a doctor.......just sharing my experience with pain under the ribs on the right side. There are two possibilities I can think of: One: I had my gallbladder out at the age of 21, in 1973 - back when they cut you half in two. I remember the pain like it was yesterday.........a sharp pain on my right side, under the ribs. Sometimes it would hit me in my back, like someone was stabbing me with a butcher knife and grinding it around, just under my shoulder blade. The only thing that helped was lying on the cold tile floor on my bare back. One night while I was laying on the floor, the pain was sooooooo bad I thought I was going to die. After ending up in th E.R., they misdiagnosed my pain as an ulcer and gave me something creamy to drink. Almost immediately, my gallbladder cramped up and burst. During emergency surgery, the surgeon had to "go fishing" all around my abdominal cavity to clean up the mess. I was in the hospital eleven days with a bad recovery experience. Like Jess9395 suggested, pay attention to what you ate most recently before the pain attacks. A sore gallbladder reacts painfully to foods that are creamy, rich, or spicy. That being the case....do not let it ride. Get that thing out if a doctor or E R says so. You can get along quite well without one. Two: In 2009, I began having sharp burning pains under my ribs on the right side. It would hit suddenly like lightening, without warning. It took me down to the ground several times. After some testing, it was determined to be thoracic radiculopathy caused by a herniated disc. Neuropathies are nerve pains that feel sometimes like you are being tazed in the area that hurts. It's kind of rare, but one of my sisters has it, too. This also was a very real clue that my weight was causing my spine to collapse. 14 of my discs are herniated, now. Anywho, that condition is being medicated with Lyrica and epidural steroids to postpone inevitable surgical reconstruction of my spine as long as possible. Getting my sleeve has helped tremendously with getting the weight (and the pressure and gravity it creates) off my spine. Since you asked for opinions, here is mine: Get a second professional opinion. Do not minimize the importance of pain. Your body is trying to tell you that something is wrong. "Google-itis" (the instict to look things up on the internet) will get you nowhere and just confuse and worry you. Call a doctor ASAP. If the pain takes you down.....please go to the E R.

Marfar7, my 6th grade teacher (1963), Geneva Corder, was a retired army nurse. Go figure.

No alarm clock, no schedule...that's the best thing about being retired. Thanks for you service.

Used to be I was a soda guzzler, too, but looking back, I am sure that was the major cause of my gastric reflux and swollen belly. So, do I miss it? Not so much. I missed bread, bun, cake, Pasta, etc...until I read Wheat Belly. Everything else has just been a matter of adjustments. Really, food doesn't taste the same anymore, and everthing doesn't have to be sweet or salty.

When I reach goal, I am going to buy some nice jewelry. I have only ever had Walmart costume pieces, and ready for something that fits my soon to be small hands - something with a jewel of sort in it. Right now, I give myself a non-food reward every five pounds down.

Same for me...one week.

I have always loved the circus!

LittleMissDivaIrene..........so close. I am a retired Environmental Services Area Manager.

Them: Looks like you have lost some weight. You: Yes, I have. Would you like a piece of my tapeworm??????

I like this thread. Guess me, guess me!!!!! Here's a hint: I am from Chicago, but that is Lake Tahoe from the Nevada side, in my background.

You'll live to tell about it. I like the idea of a couple of days quasi head start, and taking a couple of protein drinks with you, since they will be a little more filling.

I don't know why you have that particular insurance carrier, but could you change to one that does provide the coverage you need? Even if the process takes a year, a year is going to pass whether you are pro-active or not. Yes, international travel for healthcare is quite common. Also, while you are waiting and regrouping your efforts, you could get a headstart by adopting the principles that are common among our bariatric teams around the world: Eat Protein and plenty of it. Most of us are between 60g to 80 g per day. That's roughly 20g per meal with two Snacks. This also means not breaded or swimming in gravy. Besides, it's summer now and grilled steak, chicken, and veggies are awesome. Fuit in it's fresh natural state (not pie) is good - veggies (not breaded and deep fried) are better, even with some cheese on them (extra protein for you). Drink Water until your eyeballs float. Ditch the soda and any beverages with sugar, high fructose corn syrup....you know the drill. Seems like there is a canyon between sides on the subject of artificial sweeteners. I use them, but many people don't. I guess sweeteners are my cigarettes. I've cut back, from over a dozen a day to 3 or 4. That's my demon and I am working on it. Exercise some way some how. If all you can do is sit in bed and wave your arms, then do that. Walking is absolutely the best exercise you can do. I go out in the back yard early in the morning and just do laps for 20 minutes. The grass is less tiring for me than the sidewalk. The general concept is to at least get up and move around every hour or so. If you need to shut the door, crank up any music you like and dance like nobody's watching, then do that. Pretend like carbs cost you $10 cash up front...each. The fewer carbs the better. Yeah, I know, that means bye bye to bread, Pasta, rice, cream gravy, donuts.......or at best just wean yourself off slowly but reducing the amount as you can. Weigh and measure your food. I found out with my first nutrition visit, that a serving was not nearly what I thought it was. Take smaller bites and chew until your jaws hurt. This takes you longer to get through your meal and helps your tummy to feel fuller sooner. The kitchen is CLOSED after dinner. Another one of my own personal demons was night eating. I could go downstairs to the kitchen and have a whole 'nother meal at 2:00 in the morning. Now, if I feel like I have to have something or I will surely die, I make a cup of sugar free cocoa with sugar free whip cream. Go to My Fitness Pal (myfitnesspal.com) and set up a free account. On there you can customize what nutritional values you want to follow and add data every day. You can record what you eat and it will tell you how you are doing based on calories, carbs, protein, sodium, etc. It is a great tool of accountability so that you can be aware of what you are actually eating in a days time. Also, I would recommend a website called Mark's Daily Apple. It is a web community for people who want knowledge about the Paleo/Primal lifestyle. One of the best things about Paleo/Primal is that the food choices are very similar to what gastric patients are already doing such as low carb - high protein eating, and get up and move around some. So, see??? If you can do all of this, then by the time you get your surgery done, you will be a pro at this and able to encourage someone else down the line. Plus it's sure to knock off a few pounds to give you a head start. Does your insurance cover anything like nutrition counselling or exercise physiology????? I hope that you can stay strong and come back to visit us often on Bariatric Pal. This is an awesome community for support and encouragement. I wish you good luck and good health.

Me too! I lost the first 55 pounds real fast. Now that I have hit 177, my weight keeps bouncing back and forth to 180. If I gain anything overnight, it takes two weeks to lose it again. I am doing all the right stuff: logging, measuring, exercising, very low carb, Water til my eyeballs float, Protein at 70-80. Oh well.......I will hang in there. One of my sisters had a lap band this time last year, and she has done so well that she is unrecognizable now. I would love to get to that point where if I run into one of my former haters and they would not know me. Just for that one evil experience I will stay with the plan. I can't wait!

Not for my sleeve, because I was on fluids for two weeks, but I did have to take it for a colonoscopy. Be very near a bathroom that you can have to yourself for several hours. You can apply the same principal post op to prevent or relieve constipation. Milk of magnesia is an effective laxative for most people. For myself, I take a magnesium supplement twice a day in addition to a stool softener twice a day. I have M O M on hand, prune juice in the fridge, and Haribo sugar free Gummy Bears if things get desperate. You can read the Amazon review for the gummy bears if you need a smile break. It is hilarious. Out of curiosity, I bought a five pound bag from an on-line candy wholesaler. Not officially recommending them as a laxative........just sayin'.

My bariatric team prepared me to expect that, but it's still aggravating when it happens. This is as normal as normal gets, and you are doing great. Oh, BTW, it won't be your last stall, so just know that if you drink Water until your eyeballs float, eat your Proteins first (and plenty of them), and pretend that carbs cost ten dollars cash up front (each!), you will do just fine. I wish you good luck and good health.