Diana_in_Philly

When I went into notifications to check them after the update, I saw that I could not completely opt out of emails. I don't want a weekly email. I don't want any email. If I want to see what's happening here, I'll come by and look, but I don't want emails. Also, I want to be able to change or remove my email address and can't find how I would do that because if you aren't going to stop emailing me, I'll just set up a spam email address I never use so you can send the email there. Thanks.

Please remember that every insurance policy is different. 2 people can have UHC and have very different coverage. Read your information from the carrier and talk to the reps on the phones. Make notes of dates, times and names of who you talk to so you have a record.

New Balance come in a variety of widths. I have worn them for years pre-surgery and still wear them now. Surgery was 8/23 and in December had to buy a new pair because my 8.5 D was too wide and my foot was slipping. Now those are my knock around the house sneakers. New workout shoes are regular width. I love them.

It really depends on your personal health. I had labwork, chest x-ray, barium swallow and upper GI endoscopy done, but that was because of my personal issues. Of course, there was the psych screen too, but that's required of everyone treated in my group. Your profile doesn't indicate your age -- if you are young and relatively healthy (other than obesity) (s)he may not feel the need to do anything else. I'm 55 with a history of a variety of medical conditions.

August 23 surgery. HW 271.5 SW 246.9 CW 196.3 So that's 75 pounds from high weight and 50 pounds from surgery weight. Loss has slowed, but I haven't been to the gym as much as before. I think I need to up my calories. I'm still sitting around 900 a day. My goal is near 150, but I won't know until I get closer -- I don't want to look ridiculous.

Hey there! I'm 55. HW 271.5. SW 246.9. CW 196.3. 75 pounds down. I'm 5'3" so I'd like to get into the 150 range so about another 40 or so to go. As I get closer I'll see where things stand. I was sleeved on August 23, so I'm coming up on 6 months. Work the plan and the plan works for you. Don't be afraid to ask your team questions. My knees still hurt (they need to be replaced) but not nearly as bad - I don't need narcotics for the pain anymore. My asthma has gotten so much better.

How bout responding by asking if they had sex last night? Their question to you is just as intrusive. I'm sure if you do it once, they'll never ask you if you are getting too thin again. It's what I used to do to people who would ask my husband and I when we were going to have kids. Make sure you smile when you say it -- and when they look shocked tell them what they are asking is not a matter of public discussion but between you and your MD.

Six months out and from time to time my stomach sounds like Chewbacca. Just sayin'. It doesn't mean anything. It's just doing its job.

The doctor can say nothing to your father unless the HIPPA disclosure form you sign says so. You'll be in the hospital overnight. He doesn't need to see you in the hospital. No one does. You aren't going to want to see anyone. You are going to want to walk when you can to get rid of the gas and sleep. You don't want anyone around when you are walking around farting all the time. Trust me on this. I did not tell my mother or my sister, who are local. My husband and two teen daughters knew. that was it. I still haven't told my mom or my sister because I knew they would pass judgment. I am six months out. You are a fully grown person. You have to decide how you want to live your life and what drama you do or don't want in it. If, afterwards, your father asks why you didn't say anything, tell him because you didn't want your step mother to know and ask him to man up and get her to shut her trap about your appearance. Sorry to be brusque about it, but at 55, I don't have time unnecessary drama in my life. And most of the drama is unnecessary.

April 2016 - 5'3" - 271.5 lb. Surgery August 23, 2016 - 246.5. CW 196.3. Goal weight 150 ish. I'll be six month out on Feb. 23 and I'm 55 years old with 2 teenage kids and a husband. I had a sleeve done.

If your instincts are telling you not to say anything to her because she has strong opinions, there is a reason. Don't say anything. Once you are out, feeling better and more comfortable in your new routine, think about it, but your mind already knows how she's going to react. If you don't think she's going to be supportive, then don't say anything. I didn't tell my mother or my sister. I'm 6 months out. They still don't know. Most people in my life don't. My husband and two teen daughters do, but other than that maybe 2 or 3 friends. That's it.

I'm 6 months out and still have issues with straws -- too much air in my tummy and makes me uncomfortable. I drink unsweetened iced tea everywhere or black coffee. I was out recently at a place where I couldn't get anything that was not carbonated so I nursed a Diet Coke for about 2 hours. Really didn't like it, either. Funny how our taste buds change.

I have no idea how the science works, but I can tell you my experience. There are weeks were the scale doesn't budge but my body changes. E.g. two weeks ago I was frustrated and in a stall - the scale wasn't moving, but my pants started falling off. So I have no idea what the science is, but it does happen. I'm almost 6 months out, about 75 pounds down and have gone from size 20 pants to size 12 pants, with some 12s getting big.

I burned out two FitBit products - something in my skin and them did not agree -- also they really don't like Water -- like don't wash the dishes with one on. I went with a Garmin Vivofit HR. Love it. Had it since July now and not a single problem.

You know what you need to do, so I'm not going to repeat it. My scale is my friend. However, consider giving yourself a "reboot" and do a week of liquids. That might get you back on track.

If asked how much I lost, I ask how much they weigh. That shuts that question down fast. If asked what I'm doing to lose weight I say the following which are all true: Working with a doctor and a nutritionist Using a high Protein, very low carb diet Watching my portions very carefully - weighing and measuring most things I eat recording everything I eat in my fitnesspal Working out more and working with a personal trainer Giving up sugar and added sweeteners Not allowing myself cheat days Exercising at least 30 minutes a day. I'm working very hard at losing weight. Thank you for noticing. There are members of my family (including my only sister) who do not know I have had surgery. As for people at the office asking what your surgery is, you have no obligation to tell them what is being operated on. I had a medical issue which needed attention, it's a private matter. If they ask again, ask if they had sex the night before. If they looked shocked, explain they have as much right to ask you personal medical questions as you have asking when the last time was they had sex.

Bathrobe (to do laps in without fear of flashing), slippers (I hate those socks with the strips on the bottom), EXTENSION CORD (because you don't know how far the outlet will be from your bed), headphones, toothbrush and tooth paste. I wore the same clothes home I wore in because I had to be at the hospital at 5:30 am day of surgery. I brought my phone and my tablet (they use the same charger). You don't need much more. My team does not allow gas-x strips. Oh and my notebook from my team - I had to have that with me.

I had one shake a day while I was on puree. To be honest, most days I start with a Protein shake and I'll be six months out at the end of this month.

Mix it with Water. Mix it with yogurt. I know how frustrating it was. I was allowed full liquids for three weeks after surgery - shakes, yogurt, ricotta or cottage cheese, sugar free puddings and jellos (maybe PB2 in some chocolate sugarfree Jello?) Get creative. Get on Pinterest -- make the ricotta bake -- just google bariatric ricotta bake -- it's really good and help me when I was on full liquids. Obviously, if some of the things I've listed are not on your plan as liquids, please don't eat them. Trust your plan. All I can tell you is that the scrambled egg I had at day 1 of week 4 was the best scrambled egg I've had in my life.

1100 sounds like a lot to me. I'm five months out and just went up last month from 800 to 900 calories a day. I'm not getting to the gym as much as I'd like, but I'm down 75 pounds overall and 50 since surgery. Up your fluids - Water, specifically and get rid of the Snacks if you can.

Consider doing a reset to get yourself back on track. When I found myself slipping, I found this helpful. http://www.obesitycoverage.com/the-pouch-reset-losing-weight-after-weight-regain/

There are a ton of posts on this topic, but I brought: Pajamas and a bathrobe and slippers Extension cord Charger for my phone and tablet Clean undies Headphones for my phone/tablet Toothbrush, tooth paste and a hair brush. The most important things were the extension cord (outlets are in strange places in hospitals) and the slippers. I hate those socks. So I was able to walk alot to get rid of the gas.I wore the same clothes home I wore to the hospital. I was only in 1 night.

APPEAL. And talk to your surgeon's office. If he's approved, they should have his PA approved. I'd let them know that you aren't paying a dime because they didn't get all the personnel in their office onto the roster with your carrier. They clearly knew your carrier when they accepted you as a patient and agreed to accept your insurance. Write a strong letter to them. They may withdraw the bill. (I had a similar issue with my primary doc a few years ago when one member of the practice group was not in network and treated me for a sick visit - lo and behold, I didn't have to pay beyond my co-pay.)

Weigh Protein. Measure veggies. Measure rice or Pasta. Weigh fruit. If I'm eating pre-packaged yogurt, (e.g. Oikos Triple Zero single serve) I don't bother with weighing or measuring. If I'm using bulk yogurt, I measure because that's usually what the recipe calls for.

At 100 pounds, I've been thinking about a tattoo. I'm still wavering about that. I may go with a piece of engraved jewelry that has my starting weight in Roman numerals on the back and either Fearless/Brave/ or Never Again on the front. This summer when the weather is nicer, I'll go ziplining with my kids, even though I'm scared to death of it because I'll be able to do it and not exceed the max weight. At little milestones -- every pants size - I've been treating myself to at least one pair of pants that fits. I'm also donating everything that's too big as soon as I "outgrow' it. At the end of the rainbow (125 pounds from high weight) there's a Lily Pulitzer outfit with my name on it -- and a cute pair of sandals to go with it. One year after goal, I will look into plastics to tighten up anything that's flabby.