Inner Surfer Girl

I found it by searching online and making some phone calls. It was serendipity that I talked to someone who knew someone who had one for sale.

Can you get an extension on your time off?

Going to a seminar is a great next step. Take lots of notes and ask lots of questions. You will also want to read these boards. There is a great deal of great information and experience on here. Best of luck.

I feel your pain! I can easily see me getting trapped (and I'm 5' 6"). And, once I need to go, I NEED to GO! It's pretty aggravating but there must be a solution. Obviously, this isn't an unusual problem.

If your policy doesn't cover WLS, there are other options. Don't give up until you explore all options. If you go the self-pay route you can use: savings, borrow from a bank, borrow from family, borrow from a 401k, etc . You may be able to find an insurance policy that does cover WLS. I found that my state covers WLS through vocational rehab. Some self-pay people go out of state or out of the country. If this is something you want to do start exploring and do your research. Best of luck.

Awesome! I have never heard of this race. I am in central Kentucky so maybe I can try it someday.

My sister-in-law is Chinese and she had to clean her plate, too.

I had a friend who gave units of weight in Backstreet Boys, as in "she lost one and a half Backstreet Boys". (Can you tell I'm old?)

Read these boards and take lots of notes. This forum has a wealth of information from people at all stages of the process.

My surgeon requires self-pay folks to buy an insurance for complications (Blis). Your regular insurance may cover things like pneumonia (you will need to check your policy). Check with your surgeon's office for specific guidance.

This is my understanding based on research and observation/logic. Different goals and constraints influence dietary guidelines. Before surgery: lose weight with a large stomach (need to fill it up with bulk--veggies, whole grains, etc in addition to protein). No problem staying hydrated and is a good time to ween off of caffeine, sugar, etc. Immediately before surgery: shrink liver (low carb, high Protein but still need nutrition for surgery so Meal Replacement shakes). Still need a lot of Water. Surgery: clear liquids (clear out digestive tract) and then nothing. Post surgery: very small and traumatized body and digestive tract (need water and protein with very limited room and capacity to take it in. Healing: see post surgery plus need to worry about texture to facilitate healing Ongoing: smaller stomach (although larger than immediately post surgery) so limited room to get nutrition so focus on water, protein Sorry for the short notes (I'm on my phone).

I agree with the therapy idea. My former church had a great grief counseling program that was very helpful. In addition to food issues you might want to consider grief counseling.

While working on my MBA, I worked on a project to help a gentleman package and sell his chili. Sounds like an interesting project. I'd be happy to help explore this idea.

I would think that squash would have too many carbs. My Dr. specified green leafy veggies only.

I got one of the peddlers (the kind people put under their desks and peddle with their feet) and peddle with my hands when I watch TV. I was doing water aerobics until early this month when the weather changed.

Never mess with people who handle your food!

Thanks so much for sharing your journey! I started reading your blog and I want to be you when I grow up ! I am 50, pre-op, on the verge of getting my surgery date and eager to get my life back.

I'd take up the friend's offer if I were in your shoes!

I wonder how many people who freak out about Ebola don't get flu shots? We need to keep things in perspective.

It sounds to me like he is scared and manipulative. Take care of yourself .

You might want to ask the insurance coordinator at your surgeon's office. I am using Georgetown Bariatric and the coordinator there is very helpful and know a lot about the process .

Sounds like a great evening! This reminds me of the book title "Do What You Love and the Money Will Follow". You can change this to do what you love and love (or friendship, or happiness, or whatever you want) will follow. I can't wait to get my life back . In the meantime I'll live vicariously through your adventures! Thank you for so honestly sharing your breakthroughs and challenges.

There is this great new invention called a swim cap!

You will be so glad you did this!

Did you call your insurance? Do they have a case manager who can help you communicate with your surgeons office?