Ruth1ess

@@songsmith How are you feeling?

Honestly, now that I have my date I'm a lot calmer now. I have so much to do to prepare (work, school projects, finals, trip this weekend, my birthday, my side business), that I think I will be content these next two weeks. I am a planner! Sent from my Nexus 5X using the BariatricPal App

@@KELLIEDN I know it wasn't actually that long, not for a life-altering process. But it still seemed so to me

April 14!!!

That's very thoughtful! I'm glad you are feeling better Sent from my Nexus 5X using the BariatricPal App

Well, that was fast. I see Dr. Elli tomorrow and we pick a date!!

I am not Vegan, but I am sensitive to Splenda of all things, which is in just about everything "diet", especially ready made Protein shakes. Gives me a horrible, classic migraine. I also really hate the taste of whey protein. I stumbled upon the vanilla Orgain pre-made shakes at Native Sun, and they're not only tolerable, but they don't put too much stevia in it so it's not super sweet. They're the only premade shake I'll drink. Sent from my Nexus 5X using the BariatricPal App

Panda express! Steamed veggies instead of noodles or rice. Several Protein entree options under 200 calories, and no guesswork. They post the calorie count right there on the wall. https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=panda+express+menu+nutrition

"As long as it's not Lane Bryant" Amen, sister.

Look at this blazer!! I want to wear it to work http://www.modcloth.com/shop/blazers-vests/i-glam-hardly-believe-it-blazer-in-white

A lot of people swear by the Gas X strips post-surgery. I think that will help the gas trapped inside your stomach and intestines, but no so much with the gas in your thoracic cavity.

@@Sammysmiles I was told he was new to the program and awesome.. and that appointments with him are readily available. I'm thinking of asking for him.

APPROVED TODAY!!! It took forever for the office to send off for insurance approval, but I got it. Now, just waiting for them to schedule a consult with the physician. @@Sammysmiles How did you like Dr. Elli?

@@Changed2016 I'm in Atlantic Beach, I live on the intracoastal off of Mayport Rd, not too far from Dutton Island Dr. Lynch (bariatrician) gives you the run down on surgeries, talks about if surgery is right for you and which is right for you, answers any questions early on in the game. For me, it was a bit different.. again, because I went through the program not wanting surgery, then decided halfway in that I was in (at Mayo, they put you through the bariatric program for weight loss, too, until very recently. They stopped medically-supervised replacement shake diets because they don't really work long term). So, I met with Dr. Lynch twice.. the first time, he told me how surgery could benefit me. I imagine it's a little different with patients seeking surgery. I thought I could speed things along, too (being an employee), but unfortunately there aren't many times that they do the classes. You're at the mercy of their scheduling. You won't have to wait for insurance approval, though, so that may speed things up considerably! I would talk to Karen as soon as you're done with your last class, and ask that they book the consult with the surgeon ASAP. That will move things along for you. I'm also told there is very little wait once you're good to go, because they have surgery spots open all the time. It may be sooner than June depending on when your classes let out and how long you need to do the pre-op diet.

Yes, my last class was on 3/9. Dr. Ames is pretty wonderful, she is my favorite part of the team which is really saying something...my first run in with her wasn't the best (I was adamantly against surgery and she gave me some much-needrd tough love). Honestly with the classes, I learned a lot more on this forums reading back through a lot of threads. They're good for caregivers, though, if you have someone in your life who isn't really quite on board with surgery. It's also a good day to connect with others in your situation. I would love to stay in touch! I actually work here at Mayo Clinic (in Cannaday) so I'm always here. Are you local? I'm hoping to have my surgery late April, just after finals at school. Sent from my Nexus 5X using the BariatricPal App

Awesome story!! Sent from my Nexus 5X using the BariatricPal App

I was talking to a cute/fashionable coworker and asked her where I should be shopping when I get down to a normal size. I mentioned I like an Anthropologie style but for less price. She mentioned Urban Outfitters. So, I have a new goal!! They have some really cute dresses! Sent from my Nexus 5X using the BariatricPal App

My surgeon will be Dr. Steven Bowers. Sent from my Nexus 5X using the BariatricPal App

Hi there! I'm going through the process there now. I just got insurance approval!

ohh yes.. vintage thrift stores!!! Something i've always wanted to do, but haven't had the body for., yay!

I hear Forever 21 has some cute stuff

You'll feel like a new person after the thoracentesis. I don't have personal experience, but as a nursing student I did a rotation in the ER and witnessed this procedure.

I'm not Canadian, but I'm in Toronto on a monthly basis. I'm dating someone there. Hi all!

Great to hear Mico!

1. Traveling and exploration, my first love. If I'm not jumping on a plane at least once a month, I get.. itchy. 2. Ingress. Check it out. Really! It goes nicely along with #1 3. Meeting new people 4. Entrepreneurial type things. I love trying new things and learning the market. I am currently running a side business alongside my full time job and it's very exciting. 5. Homesteading.. fascinated by this, but I don't have the resources (aka my own home, a piece of land, etc). But I love things like brewing my own kombucha, making soap, candles, etc.