mstratto

Surgery is in less than 18 hours (Jan 21 @ 8am)! Lots of ups and downs since I started this long journey in 2008. I joined this group April 2012 when I originally thought I was "approved" but later found out I was actually denied (insurance mix-up). After some hard work and determination, my appeal to the insurance companies (primary/secondary) was approved! If it wasn't for this online support group and MyFitnessPal, along with some very close friends, family, and my partner, I'm not sure how I would have made it so far. Achieving my weight loss goal will be easier than maintaining. That's my longterm focus - staying at or closely around my goal weight. I struggled ever since college - 10 years of undergrad, grad, and doctoral studies came with a sedentary, stressed life with nothing but carbs and fat, and the occasional up-and-down dieting. Patterns learned long ago in childhood and adolescence were reinforced as I continued down a path of self-destruction. That continued through adulthood... Lots of learning has occurred in the past years, but now I'm REALLY learning and DOING... "Knowledge is no guarantee of good behavior, but ignorance is a virtual guarantee of bad behavior" (Martha Nussbaum, 2010). I will need to continue learning, but also recognize that knowledge (while important) needs to coincide with consistent, reflective action. For me, I believe exercise is going to be key along with therapy and conscious, healthy eating. RNYTALK.COM and MFP are going to be there every step of the way. I'll post tomorrow morning my pre-surgery weight and some pics from the journey

best of luck to you!

Jan 21!!! One more week...excited about the future. It'll be a challenging road ahead, but all the hard work in the coming months (and to maintain in the years ahead) will be worth it!

‎...anyone have a Vita-Mix? thoughts/reviews? I'm also looking at the magic bullet, but it has mixed reviews (though I do like the small size for travel). just looking for something to make smoothies with protein powder, ice and select/few veggies/fruit.

Bought the vitamix...already loving on day 5 of liquid preop thanks for ALL of the suggestions!

thanks for the heads-up and advice just wondering if I could add Protein Powder to the juice (e.g., with kale, tomatoes, lemon). On my pre-post op food list, I'm allowed to have low sodium V8 juice with protein powder. I'll have to ask my doc to see.

Excellent point about post-op and sugar. Was thinking protein powder combined with kale and other veggies (maybe an orange) might be ok. I'll talk with my nutritionist and doctor...and let ya know

Jan 21 revision date

Hi all, I was originally told by my surgeon's office that the insurance "approved" the band-to-bypass revision, but unfortunately there were some miscommunications on their end and the insurance company actually denied (they are saying that it's not sufficient enough to approve this surgery because the band is still technically in place and hasn't "failed" even though medically it has failed in terms of WL success and more than occasional vomiting). Talk about a roller-coaster - - excitement and hope followed by sadness and dispare... but I want this badly (and NEED it), so I'm about to draft an appeal letter. Do any of you have advice on what I should state in the appeal letter? Any other suggestions? Thanks, ~Micheal

Yep! Scheduled for Jan 21 surgery date!!!

Great news everyone my surgery was approved! Two appeals through my insurance company, but letters from my therapist, primary care physician and my bariatric surgeon all worked. I too wrote a really thoughtful letter. I was denied twice because my surgeon and I could not make the case for the band-to-bypass revision surgery but... finally the insurance company re-examined all the letters and the evidence and came to a decision that it's actually medically necessary. Wahoo!! Just found out today the surgery is scheduled for January 21, 2013!!! Wahoo

I had my gall bladder taken out when I had the lapband procedure in 2008; it didn't add any time to the stay. I'm sure you'll be in great hands! warm wishes to you!

Your loss is amazing and a big congratulations to you!!! I can only imagine how challenging this has been, but it sounds like you are doing everything correctly (based on what I've read at least). I'm sure it is exercise that will be key to get to your final goal. Have you thought about going liquid to jump start? I've heard that works sometimes. I'm scheduled for RNY on Jan 21, 2013, so you're a true inspiration!!!!! Thank you.

sounds about right. I'm sure it all depends on your insurance policy. Does your surgeon have an insurance coordinator or advocate? If so, you might want to call him/her to double-check. Best of luck to you!

had the band since 2008 and saw minimal results even though compliance. my surgeon said it just didn't provide enough restriction or offer enough negative feedback for me. so, we'll try the bypass in hopes it helps me down my long journey... i've been working out regularly for about 2 months, so that habit is stuck now couple that with the bypass, I can't wait to be healthier in 2013. thanks for your well-wishes and support.

thanks so much!

Hi friends! Question...anyone know of a really effective food journal app for the iPhone/iPad? I downloaded the "clarity health journal" app. Didn't know if there's a bypass-specific journal. I'd like to be able to track protein, water, carbs, vitamins and alike. Thoughts? Thx

Well... hopes have been defeated, so hopefully you all have some advice/suggestions. As some know from previous posts/profile, I was scheduled for July 9 revision from band to bypass given that the surgeon determined the band was no longer effective. While I was initially told that my insurance approved the revision procedure from lapband to bypass, I was informed late today by my surgeon's office that the insurance company only approved the lapband removal and NOT the bypass. Things are at a standstill at the moment trying to see if there's anything that can be done by my surgeon to convince the insurance company that it is indeed medically necessary. However, it's not looking good and there's a very strong probability that the bypass procedure will not happen. I hope to see my surgeon next week. I'll keep you updated as it goes. Things may change, but I will move forward with healthy eating and exercise regardless...based on research and from the evidence on this forum I know the bypass would have been the most effective tool to help me reach my goals. But...as my sister said to me today, "never say die and keep trying." Thanks for ALL of your support. Any advice/suggestions, please let me know.

Hot vamp! Sookie from tru blood?

...I will let you know after my surgery

yeah, I'm sold on "my fitness pal" - so cool!!

looking awesome!!!!!!!! inspiration. thank you!

YAY!! Can't wait to hear your stories about recovery and success!