1Day1Life4Now

I know what you mean. My insurance has been submitted but I haven't heard a word. I am on the pre-op diet and very ansy to hear something. You're right... it seems like an eternity to hear something. One thing about this entire process ... one must have lots of PATIENCE. Any day now we will be hearing the word "approval" from our doctors' offices and then we will be on our way to a new and thinner life. Stay focused. We'll be there soon.

Sorry to hear you are going through these frustrations. Remember that you will be dealing with a culture that is not time driven so they will not understand your frustration with them being late. Try to remain calm and be patient, you won't help yourself if you are all wound up. Take a deep breath and tell yourself this is all for a good cause. Keep your eye on the prize and you will be home in a few days where you will again be in charge of what goes on around you.

Don't be nervous... it's probably the easiest test you will have to do. When you wake up you won't even know you have had it. The fact that you are having the scope now means your surgery date is getting closer... that is a good thing. I wish you lots of luck.

Kathy, Happy Birthday to you and congratulations on everything you have done to achieve your weight loss and your healthy state of being. You are an inspiration. I am 5'4" and want to get to 130... I think that is probably the ideal weight for my height as well. Keep making your posts. I need to know that I can do it too. Congratulations again and happy birthday on your awesome 60 years of being fabulous. Janet

I always pray for my fellow sleevers. I am scheduled for Jan. 27th now...moved up from Feb. 11th. I'll keep you in my prayers for a safe and successful surgery with wonderful and glorious weight loss afterwards. Please keep me in your prayers as well since we will be going through this around the same time. Put all your financial worries in God's hand and he will always make a way for things to happen. Good luck.

Dublinwoman, I know how you feel. I was originally scheduled for Feb 11th but now they have moved my date up to Jan 27th. What once seemed so far away is now looming at our immediate future. It is so exciting to think that life changes are right on the horizon and we will once again fit in to regular society and no one will be able to tell by looking at us that we have had to have surgery to control our addictions to food. Good luck to you and safe travels. Hope to see you on the boards post surgery.

It is understandable to be nervous, this is major surgery, it will change how we eat for the rest of our lives and then make major changes in how we look. Wow, if you were not a bit nervous I would be a little worried about you. As far as going through with the surgery.... that is something each one of us has to decide for ourselves. It isn't right for everyone but if you are willing to make the changes in your life then you might be right for the surgery. Good luck to you.

If you are not telling your family members about your surgery, they will certainly think something is amiss when you are only eating 2 oz of food. Why don't you suggest that for your 30th birthday, you want it to be about you and make a spa day out of it. Either with massages, or facials. Something that healthy and not focused on food. Let them know you are dieting and that you prefer the focus be on making you feel fabulous. Good luck and hope it all turns out well.

Congratulations on the reversal!!! Hope your surgery will be soon and you have great success. Keep us updated.

Hi MrsRRn. you've done well on your weight loss, congratulations. I live in Jackson, MS. I had skin cancer removed from a surgeon in Baton Rouge but can't for the life of me remember his name. He wouldn't be the one you need to see anyway as I know you will want a specialist for whatever PS you are having done. You are in the medical field, maybe one of your physician friends can recommend somebody. Wishing you lots of luck.

Rather than putting olive oil on the pita bread, you can slice each pita bread into 6 or 8 triangles. Spray non stick cooking spray on each side and lightly sprinkle fine Kosher or sea salt on the triangles. Bake in a 250 degree oven until crispy. Lower calorie and easier than getting out the grill.

Chris, can you give us some tips on what foods to eat, how to prepare them and how to stay focused on the program? Any help will be appreciated. Thanks

Adaisey, Do not waste your time trying to convince others. Spend your time focusing on what you need to do to get yourself healthy. Once you have started your journey and you are on your way to better health, and they all see how much happier you are.... they will all jump on the band wagon. You are an adult and you can make your own decisions regarding your health so you don't need their approval. Yes it would be much easier and more pleasant if everyone agreed with us and everyone supported our decision to have WLS but the fact is... you will never get everyone to agree with you or support you . Just do what needs to get done and those that care about you will start to support you . Good luck to you.

I have a friend who went to dr. Ponce de leon in November. She had a good experience with the doctor but the medical staff spoke no English. If you have an IPad you might want to download a translation AP to help you to communicate. I have always found it to be better to have someone with you in any hospital, American or otherwise. Everyone needs an advocate that will take care of their needs. Will the company facilitator be with you ? Good luck and hope you have a quick recovery to the surgery. Enjoy the sunshine and warm temps. I've heard some of the hospitals take you on day trips to the mall and to a few other places. Oh, someone did say the GasX was most important after surgery and the lip moisturizer helped a lot too. Again good luck to you.

Hi CB I also have fed BCBS. I'm still waiting on approval. Did they give you any reasons for the initial denials? What was the difference in what you submitted for your appeal and what the doctor submitted? I am concerned that they won't approve mine and I've been waiting for the last 3 months.

100 Kudos to you Lipstick Lady. That is an awesome accomplishment and you should be proud. Do the happy dance!!

Hi CK. wow, that was some experience. As they say... there is no place like home. I'm glad the overall experience was positive but hate you had to endure the personal and intimate mistreatment by the staff. I've heard the same at some of the other clinics down there but then there are others that had totally different experiences. I think it is more a cultural thing than anything else. I am hoping my insurance approves my surgery. If not I may be going to Mexico as well. I hope you have a quick recovery and a successful weight loss. Keep us updated on your progress.

Hi Liiarod, I haven't had my sleeve surgery yet but I have had numerous surgeries. Just stay calm and do what your medical team tells you do. they know what is best. Good luck to you and may you have a quick and easy recovery.

Mathboo, I hope it will be a speedy process for you. We could very well be having surgery at approximately the same time period if they are able to rush you through. You will have to do the psyche evaluation, nutrition visits, cardio visit, gastro, and sleep study so you should be able to get all of that done in January. Do you have two weeks for spring break? That would give you a good start on your healing process. I will definitely keep you apprised of everything. My surgery date is still tentative since we're still waiting insurance approval. I have federal BCBS and when I talked with them they said it would not be a problem if I completed all of the preliminary stuff. It seemed so far out but the time is going very quickly. I can't wait to get it over and start the losing process.

Hello MathBoo, I'm from Madison, Ms. I was in Oxford this past week. Are you having your surgery at North Ms Medical Center? Good luck on your first consultation. I am scheduled for Feb 11 in Jackson. Good luck to you.

LOL, Lipstick Lady... that would sure do it for me.

Hi Simpley_Ke, I am still pre-op so I don't know if I can help too much. I wanted to send you hugs. From all the research I've done and the folks I've chatted with, maybe its too early to force the Protein. Concentrate on getting the Water down these first few days so you don't get dehydrated. You may need some G2 Gatorade, that will add some fluids and electrolites. If you have the runs, give your tummy a rest... don't force that protein. I know some of the post sleevers will weigh in but I wish you lots of luck.

I'm no genealogist but the 2nd degree, 3rd degree etc just means how many generations removed they are from you in the family line. I don't know why anyone would use those terms in general conversation. A cousin is a cousin and if they are too far away in the lineage... they're just a distant relative. I say just keep it simple and move on.

Hi SLK248, I am from Mississippi and would love to share journeys with you. I am a professional woman, married with 2 adult children and scheduled for the Sleeve Feb. 11th. My highest weight was 260 and my current weight is 250 but I hope to lost 10 or 15 more pounds by surgery date. I am 5'4" and hoping to get down to 130. I am not too concerned about the numbers, just very motivated to get to a healthy weight and be able to buy clothes in a smaller cuter size. Good luck to everyone.

Congratulations. I have to say, I was crying happy tears for you just imagining the possibilities for myself. Keep up the good work and work those size 14 jeans!!!!