MamaRhea

Ooooh fun! Will do! Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

I was thinking maybe we could arrange a day where we all meet up to go for a walk! Maybe hike the Golden Gate Bridge together, or take a walk in the Redwood National Forest, go to the beach or something? I think it would be pretty cool to meet the people we are journeying with! Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

It is 2:30am and I have just spent the last few hours reading every single post in this thread and I am just floored. You all look so amazing. I'm still pre-op, but I just can't wait until I can past an "after". Good job you sexy beasts

Well definitely let us know what you discover! It's always very interesting to me to see the wide variety of hoops that different insurance companies come up with to make us jump through lol Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Oh, and I meant requirements like, do you have to see a nutritionist for a certain period of time? I have to be supervised for 3 months Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

It's different for everyone, but my experience with surgery (c-section) was that the first day or so was pretty rough, but after that things improved pretty quickly. From what I've read, most people say that c-section is much worse than getting a sleeve, so if that truly is the case then it shouldn't be too bad. No idea if that helps or not haha. Even knowing that, going under is still always a little scary. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

I have to be honest, I CANNOT WAIT to have that problem lol. I agree with the other posters. They probably aren't sure what the appropriate thing to say is so they just blurt the first thing that pops into their head. Just bless their little hearts and move on Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Soooo how did it go!? Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Hi! Nice to meet you! Looks like we will be going through this together! Do you know what your insurance requirements are? I totally get the nervous and excited bit. I fluctuate between totally giddy and completely terrified. I still can barely believe that this is real and I'm actually going through with it Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Alright! I am just going to use this thread as a progress blog, because why not. The ball is officially rolling. I have Appointment 0 scheduled for 4/20 (apparently my appointment on 4/12 wasn't one of the required NUT appointments, grr). So, with appointment number 0 in April... Appt #1 May Appt #2 June Appt #3 July Surgery! August This is exciting. Scary, but so exciting. I have been working for the last few days to get the multitude of various texts and exams scheduled. Which has thus far proven pretty difficult. I seem to be leaving voicemails all over the place that just disappear into black holes lol. My list of needed exams thus far are... Chest X-Ray Upper GI (if anyone can give me some insight as to how long this exam lasts that would be awesome) PAP Smear Psych Eval Stool Sample (um eww and don't wanna) Blood tests: complete metabolic panel, lipid panel, CBC w/ differential, Ferritin, Hemoglobin A1c, insulin, Iron, magnesium, prolactin (because apparently the fact that I only stopped breastfeeding a year ago is not a good enough reason for me to still be lactating ), TSH, uric acid, vit B12, vit D, RBC folate, vit B1 whole blood, zinc, intact PTH, chloride, Protein total, sodium, and HDL cholesterol. Holy hell. I feel like they are going to have to take a freaking gallon to do all those tests! Did anyone else have to do such extensive blood work? So far I really like the team of people I am working with. Both the surgeon and the MD seem knowledgeable and supportive. Can't wait to meet my NUT on 4/20! Sadly, even though he is about 95% of the reason I am doing this, my husband has been far less supportive than I was hoping for. So in addition to the normal stresses of preparing for this procedure, I am also dealing with the emotional fallout of wondering if my marriage is going to survive this incredibly rocky period. One thing I know for certain, is that I need to rely on myself right now. I can't count on him being there for me with this. On the other hand, I am so happy I found this community! You are pretty much the only support system I have in place and I am so grateful to have you all in my life now.

Here's rooting for you guys! I can't imagine how hard that is, I won't have to worry about that for a few more months. All I can say to encourage you is that in the long run, 14 days of hungry/tired/cranky must be worth it for a lifetime of health! Just keep whiteknuckling it until you get there! (I am sure I will be singing your same tune when I get there myself, haha) Just think how great you are going to feel a year from now when you hit your goal weight. You will look back at this liquid purgatory with such a sense of accomplishment. Keep going! We are all here for you!!

Hi everyone! My name is Jessica (despite my username, story for another time). I am 25 years old, married for 3 years. We have a 2 year old daughter who is just the light of my life. Currently at my all-time high weight of a shocking 317. Just beginning the Sleeve process and anxiously awaiting the day I can put my very own weight-loss ticker in my signature! I am a voracious reader. I plow through anywhere from 10-15 full novels every month and I have several books/series that I re-read every year. Reading is by far my favorite indoor past-time. I also love adult coloring books. I am not sure why but there is something very calming and therapeutic about it. I also am an avid gardener. The soil is a nasty clay where I live now, so I garden in big pots. This year I have 4 varieties of heirloom tomatoes, various squash, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, lettuce, potatoes, and various herbs. They are all growing beautifully and I am a happy girl! I enjoy swimming, running (before I destroyed my knees), and cooking. I don't like to toot my own horn, but my husband will tell you I am an incredible cook. I am currently a call center supervisor for a major financial institution. My department helps customer's get home equity loans. Definitely not my dream job, but it pays the bills. I hope to someday go back to school and get my degree in animal medicine. I also have self employment aspirations. I am currently in the patent process for home-made shampoos, conditioners, soaps etc. I can't share my recipe's but if you would like a free sample just send me a message! I am a big dog person, but ironically all I have is a cat (whom I suspect is part demon) and several fish. Hubby doesn't want dogs I used to have a flock of over 100 chickens. Believe it or not I could tell them all apart and they all had their own names. Fun fact: farm fresh chicken and eggs taste NOTHING like what you buy from the store. Nothing. If you haven't ever had it, you haven't lived. I like to doll myself up (not so much since I have gotten so ... we'll call it jolly, yeah jolly), but I am still not afraid to get dirty. I love camping, fishing, hunting, and just being outdoors. I have no qualms about gutting fish, slaughtering livestock (sorry vegans, they lived happy lives I promise), and getting mud under my nails. I decided to sleeve myself after exhausting every other option available to me. I have struggled all my life with weight. Over the years I have tried just about everything weight loss trick there is, from Slim Fast, to Weight Watchers, to keto diets, to calorie restriction, to various pills of questionable safety, not to mention gym memberships, and other special weight loss exercise programs. Sometimes I'd lose a little, sometimes I would lose a lot, but in the end I gained it all back and then some. I have had mixed reactions from my loved ones. Most are concerned that I am so young, and the ones who have never struggled with weight seem to believe that I just haven't ever tried hard enough. There is definitely a stigma out there that says that this is the easy way out. But truthfully, if my research is any indication, this is going to be the hardest thing I have ever done. Not an easy way out at all. I am currently in the beginning stages, and looking at a surgery in August some time. Looking forward to a happier healthier me!

Hi Robin! I completely feel the struggle. Constant dieting for years and years really takes it's toll. Hopefully you will be able to avoid all those replacements! What a wonderful reward! Hi Mom2! I, like you, CANNOT WAIT to end the constant yoyo cycle! I haven't been told the specifics of the diet yet (didn't go to an orientation, just jumped in feet first lol) so I am not yet familiar with all the restrictions that are to come yet. But no diet coke would be a bummer for sure haha. BUT, totally worth it if it means that I can be 100lbs lighter or more this time next year. And it's always nice to see another cali dweller! We should hold a big meet-up or something. I totally get that! I have been rather shy and embarrassed about this as well. Most of my friends and family have been pretty supportive, but others have seemed almost disgusted. My father being one of them I have an immense amount of respect for him and don't want to disappoint him, but he is one of those people that has just never struggled with weight. He firmly believes that if I just tried a little harder the weight would just come off. He doesn't understand that for me it just is not that simple. It is a little discouraging to be honest, but I still believe I am making the right choice. I understand about the age thing too. I am only 25, so people generally seem to hold the opinion that I am lazy and am using surgery to "take the easy way out". *snort* AS IF this is easy in any way lol Wow! That is so inspiring! I hope you don't mind if I ask you a few questions? How did you overcome the psychological aspect of not being able eat/chew for those first few months? And what about afterwards? After the first year or so, did you ever get back to a relatively "normal" diet? Obviously I don't mean back to the same eating patterns, but for example if you wanted to eat a slice of pizza at a birthday party would you be able to? What was the recovery from the surgery like? Was there a lot of pain? Sorry for all the questions! I have more but I'll hold them back in reserve haha I am here for you! It looks like you will be having your surgery about a month ahead of me. How has the process been for you so far? Hi Sarah! Looks like we will be having our procedures at about the same time! The 20 pound weight loss requirement may seem daunting, but I am sure you can do it! From what I understand, we have to go on an all liquids diet for 2 weeks prior to surgery anyway, and if what I have read is correct, most people lose at least 20 pounds during those 2 weeks anyways. So that might make it easier for you lol.

My last appointment is in July, so I'm hoping to be scheduled some time in august Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Hmm. Don't know how or why it put my text in there 3 times? Sorry about that haha

Hi, I am new here and this is actually my first post. Kelly, I just wanted to tell you that you are by no means pathetic. There is a very real psychological effect to not eating (read: chewing). And the fact that you chewed but still had the will power to spit it back out it just amazing. I hope you realize that you are an inspiration. No one here is pathetic. We have problems with food, but we are doing something about it! I know I don't know you, but I am proud of you all the same. Keep it up Hi, I am new here and this is actually my first post. Kelly, I just wanted to tell you that you are by no means pathetic. There is a very real psychological effect to not eating (read: chewing). And the fact that you chewed but still had the will power to spit it back out it just amazing. I hope you realize that you are an inspiration. No one here is pathetic. We have problems with food, but we are doing something about it! I know I don't know you, but I am proud of you all the same. Keep it up Hi, I am new here and this is actually my first post. Kelly, I just wanted to tell you that you are by no means pathetic. There is a very real psychological effect to not eating (read: chewing). And the fact that you chewed but still had the will power to spit it back out it just amazing. I hope you realize that you are an inspiration. No one here is pathetic. We have problems with food, but we are doing something about it! I know I don't know you, but I am proud of you all the same. Keep it up