MisforMimi

Are you African-American? Are these keloid scars? A good experienced dermatologist can help with scar revision.

Radiant!

Yup. I've been up and down. Mostly up now, but I recently maintained (by the skin of my teeth) 140 pound weight loss from 2006 to 2010. I've been slowly and steadily gaining from 2011 till now (with hypertension and arthritis). Went on a crazy juice fast 2 years ago and lost 40. I remember in the height of maintenance every one would comment on how good I looked wherever I walked around the hospital where I still work. And because I maintained it for so long, many felt like it was safe to do so. I've since learned to appreciate the people that don't mention body weight (here excluded). A how you doing and a smile can go a long way....all that to say, people are used to me carrying around liquids, watching what I eat, making green smoothies in the break room and leaving for lunchtime power walks!! When the weight loss occurs, I'll just say "I'm back on the wagon like a recovering alcoholic, I let it go too long this time." When I loss the weight before, I was excused of having WLS by a couple of jealous chicks....I do like the medically-supervised weight loss plan and doing some liquids meals for a while, too.....And at the end of the day, it's nunya d@mn business!!!

Really? I hardly believe you're the same person. Beautiful.

Girl you look good. Your shape has been preserved. Awesome!

I'm curious and I guess this is because I work in healthcare, but why didn't folks call the insurance first. I called Regence first even though my plan is PPO and doesn't require referrals. I've been working with a nurse case manager through Regence and my PCP to ensure that I meet the qualifications outlined on their website. Are people worried about denial because you don't meet qualifications? From what I'm reading on this thread, none of us have anything to worry about! We all meet the national standard greater than 40 bmi or greater than 35 with comorbitities hypertension, sleep apnea, hyper cholesterol or I forget the 4th one....

Following....

Last night I had the pleasure of hosting an old dear friend who has recently moved from Denver to Seattle. He had the RNY about a year ago lost 100 pounds and is holding steady and changing is life and getting the career he wants. I am SO happy for him and I thought this would be excellent practice for me, since I love to cook. I'm happy to accommodate any allergy etc.etc. So, I decided to make ground turkey meatloaf muffins with sauteed broccoli, no grain, no potatoes. The portion size is pre-controlled and I didn't use sugar and only a pinch of bread crumbs, lots of seasonings and I skipped the ground sausage I would normally use to keep the fat down. This is a normal dinner for us and I would have added some mashed sweet potatoes. I figured he would eat one, maybe nibble on another. I of course would not have mentioned or taken notice of it either way, but since I'm soon to have this surgery it was of interest to me. He was telling me about his experience and we had an awesome time catching up...................here's the kicker!!! He did not even finish one whole muffin...only like three quarters of the smallest one....Seriously, is that how small the stomachs will be at a year out???!!!! I didn't even offer the ramekins of baked pears with whipped cream, because was acting like that was a done deal. I was amazed, blown away, scared and I realized I have a little more grieving (not eating) to do with food and I'm sure opportunities to do that will come as this process continues, but I'm like dang! I'm really gonna have to look into some new hobbies cuz cooking and eating will not be one of them.....Sheesh!

Following....

You can do it!!!

That is so cool that you are off your BP meds so quickly, that's the one thing I'm so excited to have under control....Great job!

I'm sorry you were feeling sick. I actually think this is a common symptom of detox and fat being released around your liver and I'm glad wifey gave you a pass. And her request may not have registered to her as insensitive. But this did get me thinking about my role as personal chef in my home and what will be required without causing to much discombobulation in my home. Maybe I can switch duties or pick up some extra slack in other areas outside the kitchen because preparing food is when I typically consume the most unconscious calories.....I don't want to appear like narcissistic, that can rear it's ugly head during previous diets and weight loss attempts and my family is over me.

Besides the BGRNY being 1) considered THE gold standard for WLS with the most documented rate of weight loss and long term success rate 2) not indicated for people with GERD 3) an added bonus of malabsorption for those with serious carb/sugar craving addiction Why else would someone choose the bypass over the sleeve?? OK. Now that I put it like that, maybe I should consider the bypass a little bit more than I have.....

So proud of you! You seem to have an awesome self-concept and awareness to be 19. I would have an no way been ready for a process like this at 19, and my life would have been on an entire new trajectory. You will do well! I wish you luck on your journey!

Also, COBRA may be an option if everything else doesn't work.....Sounds like you've got options, tho. Keep us posted..

That's awesome. Congratulations on your success and coming out of the closet so to speak!

Alright, I hear ya. But, Maureen you can't put a number on misery. It can weigh in at 400 or 200. Yes ppl over 400 present with special challenges but don't go hatin, girl. We all in this together! I just had to get that out....and know that I'm supporting everybody 110%! I've been on the weight loss journey for a long time. I've lost 140# on my own in the past and still was the fat girl in yoga class! It is such a bummer! quote name="MaureenVA" post="3616224" timestamp="1412087861"]You guys hit the nail on the head. My last WLS information meeting bc every patient who stood up to tell her story talked about how awful they were at, say, 240 lbs and their life sucked. I'm starting my journey at 403lbs and dream of the day I'm 240! The lowest weight I ever remember being was 272. Though the struggle is real for us all, we "BBMI" folks have further challenges. Exercise is a challenge...bc movement is SO restricted. Machines weren't built for bodies like ours. Unless their names are Bob and Jillian, trainers have little experience with people of my size. It makes me feel like even more of an outcast. Like I'm too fat to be with the fat folks. I'm glad y'all spoke up. I feel less alone. I'm going to attempt to start a group/area just for us. If you're interested (even if you didn't/haven't replied to this post) message me and I'll invite you when it's all set up.

Wow! That is a clear example of why we need a single payor health system in the US! 9,000K difference in the same facility, same surgeon is shameful! Also, for folks that are taking advantage of flex spending accounts to cover out of pocket costs, it would be good to find out how that works out of the country. I'm waiting to the beginning of the year so I can increase my deduction to help with what I know is gonna be a stiff bill.

I think about all the crazy tactics I've used to loose weight in the past!!! I've survived on the Joe Cross juicing fad for 60 days, no solid food whatsoever! To anyone juicing, I think its good for certain things (and still juice vegetables only on occasion) but sustained weight loss is not one of them. Lost 40 pounds and gained back 80. I'm thinking I'll be well-equipped to get through whatever pre-op diet they assign. And how many people have done nutri-, opti, -slim, -fast etc etc??? and gained it all back??? I actually obese people have a lot of willpower. *

That is truly sad. I would be upset, too. Is a time frame that you have to meet? Are your eligible for other insurance plans like through a spouse's or parent's (not sure of your age) employment? Could you waive your health coverage and purchase your own? Or sign up for a healthcare exchange plan (Obamacare/Medicaid) for your state? Could take out a loan and be self-pay? You may have to start thinking out of the box...sorry.

Most surgery centers will not let you leave alone after surgery. You need an escort when leaving the same day for outpatient procedures. If you are staying a few nights inpatient its a different case. I would still think a ride would be advisable. Can you take a cab?

Brilliant idea! Cuz it'd gonna be mum's the word, except for my office mate....

Just finished my 6 month supervised diet, my insurance has sent my referral to the center of excellence that I chose....I'm hoping to go in January or sometime after the new year so my flex spending can cover out of pocket costs...

ahng in there...