emadden

Hey y'all! I'm new here... Just happened to stumble upon this app and I can't wait to check it all out. I've been looking for a post-surgery support group in my area, but can't make meetings with my work schedule. A little of my story: My name is Erin. I'm married, 24, and August 16 I will be 18 months post-op. I've had an unbelievable success story and am getting ready to speak at my surgeon's pre-op presentations. Although I've not had any complications due to my surgery, the emotional journey has been one heck of a roller coaster! Becoming an entirely different person at 22 is the scariest thing I've ever experienced. At that age most people are just beginning to figure themselves out, but here I am learning to leave parts of my old self in the past and beginning to build an entirely new life. My mom is about to have her 8 year surgi-versary. Luckily I have my mom to lean on, but I think going through this huge life-changing event at 40 vs 20 is an entirely different ballgame. I'm looking to meet some amazing people here, gain some support, and hopefully be able to be a source of support for others as well.

I'm in love with Truvia. I find it's more like sugar than Splenda or anything else. I've cooked with it and use it in my coffee each morning. It's derived from a leaf vs being man made from chemicals. Maybe give it a try and see if it behaves more like natural sugar for you. I've also heard great things about agave nectar, but I've never tried it myself. Looking at the nutrition facts it's full of sugar, but it's natural sugars. I haven't ventured it to try it yet. I can tell you that honey doesn't bother me at all. Granted I'm not eating the whole jar at a time, but a little on a biscuit or a pb & honey sandwich doesn't bother me. Sent from my Verizon Wireless phone using RNYTalk.

I had to go through 6 months of supervised weight loss for BC/BS of Alabama. It stinks! I was stressing, "What of I gain... Will they deny me?!" My surgery coordinator told me that wouldn't happen. She explained to me that the insurance company looks at the 6 months as more of a test of your sincerity than the actual weight loss. It made sense to me... People that aren't that determined aren't going to put themselves through 6 months of that crap. She told me that gaining weight wouldn't affect my chances, and that of I did lose weight I just didn't need to let my bmi drop below the qualifications (which I was in no danger of, haha). I wish you tons of luck. Hang in there... I know these are the longest 6 months of your life! It's well worth it in the end.

We discovered I have a hiatal hernia during my egd, but I haven't have any problems out of it. I didn't even know it was there.

Thanks! Idk how open you guys are about discussing numbers, but I forgot to include mine. I was 5"1' 250 lbs before surgery (I count my highest weight as pre-surgery.), and am now sitting comfortably between 130-133, depending on the time of the month and all that fun stuff. So I'm typically at a total loss of 120 lbs. I need to get some pictures up for you guys!

I had horrible gas pains in my upper back and the tops of my shoulders. Staying active and moving helped, but the constant pressure was still annoying. It will get better!

I can promise you it gets better! Much, much better! I'm currently 17 months post-op. My first few weeks were a little rough, but for me the pre-op diet was pure torture. I cried and was a complete emotional wreck those whole 2 weeks. Directly after surgery that beef broth tasted like liquid gold. Mashed sweet potatoes with a but of butter and splenda became my best friend when I got to thicker solids. Keep your head up! Those few weeks of a limited diet will be behind you before you know it! You now have your entire new and exciting life ahead of you.