ahappycamper

I've actually been making a point to think about these things the last few days. I'd been feeling discouraged from the six month waiting period. Things felt real and exciting and immediate when I decided to get sleeved, but the waiting period sucked the excitement and immediacy out of it. In an attempt to boost myself, I've been making a (long) mental list of NSV I'm looking forward to. - Not being too embarrassed by my size to fly for fear I might be kicked off. - Not needing a seat belt extender on flights. - Being able to keep up with my niece and nephew. - No knee pain when going up stairs. - Being pain free enough to properly work out. I've always been fat, but I was a small-fat before (not a death-fat like I am now (my phrasing here is tongue-in-cheek, referencing the "morbidly obese" title many are given and popular among the fat acceptance crowd who taught me to lose most of my body shame, so yay! Also, I'm blunt and a have an odd sense of humor), and when I was a small-fat, I still had the energy to work out the way I like. Until I'm half-dead on the floor with wobbly legs and as red as a tomato. I miss pushing my physical limits. - To walk up 4 flights of stairs without being winded for 15 minutes after. - To see what my body shape really is beyond "cute blob". I've been overweight since I was 9 years old, so I don't know what I look like. - To keep the arm rest at the movie theater down comfortably. - When I'm ready, to be able to get pregnant more easily and have a successful and safe pregnancy. - To go sky diving. - To go parasailing. - To go zip lining. - To run marathons in honor of those I love who are no longer here. - So I don't have to wonder if someone complimenting me or asking me for my number while I'm out is only doing so to make fun of me. - So I can live. Live longer, but actually LIVE instead of just exist. - So I can shed the old me that was built out of shame and trauma and find the real me, someone outgoing, warm, and optimistic hidden inside. - So I can stop buying wide calf boots and finally buy boots I like. Sent From BariatricPal App

My surgeon does the drug testing. I thought it was weird but I don't do any drugs, so whatever. Wow, they really put you through the wringer! Do you have some pre-existing health problems or something? Huh. That is odd, but I likely wouldn't care much either. Haha, yeah, you can definitely say that! My insurance (United Healthcare Community Plan) requires all these tests. What's even more fun is that for each doctor I see, I have to get a referral from my primary care physician. I've never been a big fan of going to the doctors for that reason -- paperwork and phone calls that feel like they go nowhere. Thankfully, I know for sure there will be a reward at the end for all the time I've spent in Dr's offices this year. Sent From BariatricPal App

Today is the 26th! Is today the day? Sent From BariatricPal App

@@missdeeAus Have you ever heard of the app Postmark? It's for selling clothes/buying gently used or new items at a cheaper than retail price. They have everything from jewelry to swimsuits to coats to shoes. It's a great app with SO many options, and since prices are cheaper than in the store, it's not too pricey to buy two or three items. I usually search by brand name, like Lane Bryant or Torrid. Sent From BariatricPal App

Congratulations!! Your hard work has definitely paid off! You look great -- and much happier! Sent From BariatricPal App

@@Christinamo7 I'm still pre-op, but had to ditch the soda, too. My Diet Coke habit was out of control. Much to my surprise, giving it up wasn't that difficult. Though, I did have a short time after ditching the DC that I went full-speed ahead into Sprite territory. I wanted the sweetness and carbonation but not the super syrupy-ness. Had to let go of the sprite, too. I use those little bottles of flavoring to add to Water. Some are made by Skinny Girl, some by Crystal Light, others by Mio, etc. These are life savers. They can be a little pricey at 3 bucks and some change, but occasionally they're on sale or there are coupons out for them. My favorites are the Mio Energy Tropical fusion and the Mio Blackberry Pomegranate. Definitely worth a try!! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G928A using the BariatricPal App

Que lindo! Congratulations!! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G928A using the BariatricPal App

@ They require you to do a drug test? Is it your insurance that requires it or your surgeon? I've never heard of that before. I've had to/will have to do many tests. I've had: -Venus doppler of legs -Chest x-ray -Stomach ultrasound -Endoscopy -sleep study and extra overnight to get cpap programmed for me -Psych Evaluation -Blood work -Echocardiogram -Stress Test for the Cardiologist -Not sure what it'll involve yet, but I also have to have clearance from the pulmonologist. It's been a lot, but it'll be worth it in the end. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G928A using the BariatricPal App

I'm in Maryland and will likely be having mine in October. My last appointment is at the end of September, so I will probably have mine at the end of October. Cannot wait to get there! The six month waiting period for my insurance has gone by very slowly. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G928A using the BariatricPal App

Hi there! Just joined bariatric pal & was so happy to see posts from fellow Marylanders! I go to school in Catonsville, but I live in Frederick & am being sleeved by Dr. Stephen McKenna sometime in October. I've done most of my pre-op clearance stuff. Only the pulmonologist and cardiologist left! I go for a stress test this coming Monday, but I'm not really worried about any of it. My insurance required a six month waiting period, so I've been at this for a few months now. I'll have my clearance appointment at the end of September and I can't wait! Nice to meet all of you! Wishing you all the best luck! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G928A using the BariatricPal App