silverthreads

You're an inspiration @@Nycatt ! Did you get the Sleeve or Bypass? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Yes--the mask makes all the difference and it takes some getting used to. I find something like the ResMed Swift FX (a "nasal pillow" device) really works for me. Wear it a little every night and eventually you will sleep through the night. You can do this! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

One thing to keep in mind... Many years ago my friend (now my wife) had WLS. She did great but after she had lost quite a lot I started being approached by people who had known her for years but weren't close friends. They were worried that she had cancer or something. I used to tell them that she was fine, but had been watching her weight. They were always relieved and never asked more. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Anytime!

Yes, you can do this. Another diet won't fix this--you'll work just as hard only to gain it back like we all have before. Look at all the posts from guys about their one regret: universally it is that they waited so long to do this. After the VSG you won't have so many cravings, so much hunger. You'll find other things you enjoy once you feel better! Doubts are human nature but so to is the desire to improve your lot. You said in your original post that you can do this. Keep the faith!

@@MrsKarenC2008 you just described every man's nightmare. ...and for you women out there who have ever wondered why men don't comment on their obvious pregnancy? Once we've made the horrible faux pas of asking about a baby that isn't there we go out of our way to ignore the obvious until there is no doubt. You've really got to let us off the hook and give us a hint before we'll congratulate you about the baby...

We guys can be slow on the uptake. Remind him that it's very difficult for you to see and smell that food--and if he has to eat it then do it outside the house. Hopefully he'll see the light! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Hi Tom: It sounds like we could be peas in a pod--our stats are almost an exact match and I've had the same experience with losing the weight three times just to gain it all back--faster each time. I was ready to opt for Mexico myself but was able to get approved for surgery here in San Francisco. Going under the knife April 28 and can't wait. Maybe we should keep in touch! Best wishes on your journey. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Absolutely you should appeal the denied claims, and you might consider filing a complaint with your state department of insurance. It's worth a try and you just might win. Humana does record many of their calls for this very reason. Ask to hear the recording. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

@@FreeTheSkinny66 you need to look at UHC's Evidence of Coverage document. You should be able to download it online--most likely through the benefits website from your husband's employer. Every employer has slightly different benefits so you have to get theirs. The UHC call center is notorious for giving out inaccurate info so don't rely on that. That being said you also need to look at their coordination of benefits policy. Oftentimes the secondary won't pay much if the primary insurance has already paid as much as they would. I know it's infuriating but that's the game... Good luck and don't give up! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Thanks, I'll give it a try!

@@Stevehud what the heck is mugcake? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

There are some online calculators that will give you a rough estimate, such as: http://www.obesitycoverage.com/weight-loss-surgeries/gastric-sleeve/gastric-sleeves-how-much-weight-will-i-lose They're based on averages of course -- about 60% of excess weight loss (one hopes this comes from clinical studies). Given your age and gender I would think you're a prime candidate to beat that average. If I recall correctly men tend to lose a greater percentage on average (probably because they have more muscle mass). Also if you look at the typical ages on this board (I'm 58) I'll bet the average age is well beyond yours so you should have some metabolic advantage there too. (We grey-haired types don't make progress at the gym as fast as you do!). Just remember that first year is your time to shine, so make the most of it. Enough of my speculation. I'll have my surgery the end of April and will try to keep up with you! Best of luck.

So sorry to hear about your diagnosis but never give up hope! My best friend had thyroid cancer and had it removed. That was about 10 years ago and she's doing just great. Didn't need any chemo or radiation. She said she had a little bit of discomfort (felt cold) while they were getting the hormones dialed in correctly but after that she's just been completely unaffected. In fact she started teaching yoga, kept up her running, etc. -- and she just turned 65 so she's not a kid! You can get past this! My thoughts and prayers will be with you -- but you don't need 'em. Keep your spirits up and you're going to be just fine...