kliichow

If all else fails, drink some, swish it around for the taste and spit it out without swallowing. It sounds silly, but may help the craving pass.

I'm pre-surgery, but I already miss egg rolls, fried wontons, chicken tempura, and cheesecake.

We all know we should not worry about what others think and make decisions based on what is best for us, but that isn't always easy to do. It just irritates me, because the ignorance from that thread is exactly the type of thinking that keeps people who could greatly benefit from WLS from considering it as an option.

I'm way up in the Florida Panhandle, so I'm not close by. But I am glad I read your post, because I hadn't even considered bowling as an exercise option. It's enjoyable and doesn't feel like exercise. So, thanks for the idea.

When you're overweight and unhappy with your appearance, you go to extreme measures to ensure your photo is not inadvertently taken. You miss out on a lot of memories with friends and family, because you don't want a reminder of what you look like. So, it's only natural that when you start losing weight and becoming happier with the way you look and feel, you want a reminder of it. Embrace your new found confidence. You've earned it.

Knowing my history, I will be opting out of the "Last Rites Meal." One of my biggest issues is allowing myself or someone else to justify my mistakes. If I do something 'one last time' it may not be the last time. I am one of those people who can resist anything but temptation. At this point, I just can't risk it. But I know a lot of people who have had one last indulgent meal and been just fine. A lot depends on you and your willpower. MY willpower is a timid little thing that is afraid to argue with me, even when I'm wrong.

I have not had the surgery yet. I have had a lengthy battle with my PCP sending the appropriate documentation; she is a wonderful doctor and very supportive of my decision, but the office is a bit disorganized. I should also mention that my BMI is 67, so I am on the higher end of the spectrum, but that has not dampened my enthusiasm. That said, I was fairly lucky in that I work at the only hospital in my area that performs bariatric surgery. So, my surgeon, Dr. Wilson, offers seminars, education classes and other helpful tools on a regular basis. When I first started my journey to have the surgery, I quickly learned that my insurance would absolutely not cover it. The hospital offers 2 insurance options and I had unwittingly chosen the wrong one. It was a big disappointment to learn that I would have to wait at least another year before I could even consider having surgery, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise because that time allowed me to do a great deal of research and make an educated decision. I will say that you are going to need to find a PCP ASAP, because with most any insurance these days you will have to submit proof of supervised weight loss attempts, lab work, physician's progress notes, and other documentation that you cannot get otherwise. To find a surgeon in your area, start with your insurance. Go to their website and search their provider look-up for surgeons. Another avenue you can explore is the search function here on BariatricPal. Good Luck.