Malin

I can relate to everything you're saying here @mrssoupmix my cholesterol issues are also genetic (not to mention the obesity). I developed Plantar Fascitis in the Army, and with the weight gain I've become queen of the frumpy shoes. And I completely agree--the procedures have come a long way. That's the first thing the surgeon told me after I shared the story of my father. I feel like this surgery isn't just about the weight, it's about EVERYTHING--the apnea, cholesterol, arthritis, PF, you name it. Thanks for sharing!

The proverbial straw that broke the fat camel's back was ...when I got back from NewYork City ComiCon and I absolutely HATED the way I looked...despite the fact I had spent so long working on that costume. And I even had to cut out the LARGEST size in the pattern. Ugh.

That shirt is the story of my life. HAHA! And Congrats!

Congrats! It's actually very reassuring to see someone posting so quickly after their surgery!

I was born in Oklahoma! My dad went to OSU, but I grew up near Norman so I'm a Sooner fan. Good luck with your surgery!

I'm December 5th! Most people expect to gain around the holidays. Not us crazy people.

oh HEY! I'm relatively close to you. My doctor is Dr. Suggs. Hope all is going well with you and looking forward to chatting with you!

Hey y'all! @@vsg4kristin I'm in Alabama! I'm scheduled for December 5th. I'm very excited!

I understand about the mental health wasteland. We had one of our children on a 'waiting list' --long story there. It was only after that child had to be hospitalized were we able to get help. Please don't get to the point of needing to be hospitalized if you can.

I completely understand. I'm self-pay--I don't have a 6mth waiting period. I'm not self-pay for that reason tho--I don't have 'bad enough' co-morbidities and I haven't been this big for over 3 years. That said--I don't want to wait any longer..but the holidays are coming up. I don't want to impede family holiday and travel plans just for my surgery. But I don't want to live another minute like THIS. I should wait longer to build up some leave and comp time I suppose. I don't know if I'm going to miss the mountains of food...namely b/c I'm the one who has to COOK all those mountains of food...and dang it, I'm tired.

I am a self-pay too. I'm not waiting another two years at this weight for insurance! I'm in Alabama. One surgeon in town was 14500. I did a little more digging and found another surgeon across town for 9800--that covers gastric sleeve surgery, anesthesia, and 1.5 days in hospital. Not bad!

Good luck!!!!

welcome!! I'm relatively new too. I'm nervous myself--my dad died in 1982 after having a gastric bypass. LONG story there. But my mom had sleeve a few years ago and looks and feels so much better. I'm sick and tired of the up and downs. I'm doing this now as an investment in myself. I haven't got a surgery date yet, but I've already been to my initial consult with surgeon and I'm meeting nutritionist on Thursday. Good luck to you!

I'm looking at self-pay...for many reasons, one of them is the scenario you described. I'm at a 36 BMI, also sleep apnea BUT it's not a high-enough score on sleep test for insurance to pay. My cholesterol is HIGH but that's not a factor my insurance considers. Arthritis too, again insurance doesn't consider it. My BMI was 32 for the past 3 years, so I can't prove 35 BMI for the past 3 years to get my insurance to pay for it. I found a very affordable surgeon here in the States (right here in Alabama) so I'm going for it. I think the 6 mths of 'playing diet' is ridiculous. I know people have to do it. I guess I'm just impatient and want it NOW. My luck I WOULD lose weight during those 6 months (because my body loves messing me!) and I'd be S.O.L. Good luck with your journey!

Hi! I somehow found this post through a google search...are you all still around? Was your experience with Dr. Suggs good? I am self paying, and he is MUCH cheaper than the doctor here in Huntsville. I am meeting with nutritionist next week. Hope all is going well for you all!

Too funny! I was thinking the same thing about WLS survivors! Makes foraging for food easier! But, ALL THE FEELS! I knew both characters die in the graphic novels/comic books...and Stephen Yeun is a voice actor in the new Voltron series (yeah, I watch cartoons! Norman Reedus did a voice for the new Voltron series too!) so I had a feeling Glen was going to go. I keep saying "I can't take anymore of this!" in terms of the emotional rollercoaster TWD deals out each season, but I keep coming back. If Darryl dies, we riot.

BAHAHAHA! Right? Fried okra...waffle fries....or one trip to New Orleans would probably do the trick! I can eat my way around that city. I swear I gained 7 pounds over one weekend there this summer. Beignets, fried gator tail...

QUICK! Somebody get me a marie calendar's coconut cream pie and a fork!

You're a dear, Kathy. And I think "gaining to lose" might be a good strategy @@bayougirlmrsc

I can COMPLETELY relate @TJ1257 This has been consuming my thoughts the past two weeks. I am like you, my BMI is 38. I do have diagnosed sleep apnea but it's not bad enough for my insurance AL BC/BS to cover it. I also have horrible cholesterol levels (I'm on meds for that) and osteoarthritis (under the care of a rheumatologist). My insurance will STILL not cover it. I guess I gotta gain weight to get this surgery covered. I am seriously considering self-pay...but wow it would be so much better if insurance would cover it.

Alabama BCBS isn't going to pay for mine, at the moment. My sleep apnea is not BAD ENOUGH...they don't care about high cholesterol and osteoarthritis. pfffffttt.

thanks Kathy! actually I'm 43 married and with kids of my own. I'm a big kid at heart. Her results were so amazing that my boys did not recognize her when they saw her 6mths after her procedure. Her snoring is practically gone (our family superpower is ripping the roof off with our snoring!) and she's had so many other benefits too. Thanks for your advice.

@@recreatingcate I can relate. but you have your own insurance and your own life. Like Fredbear said, you don't your family an explanation now. Not judging your dad, but he sounds like a type A-control freak who needs to realize you're an adult. Do whatchagottado. Thanks @@xoxococojay for starting this topic. I NEEDED to see these stories. My mom isn't supporting me on getting a gastric sleeve...and she's HAD a gastric sleeve. My general practitioner has suggested I go to local weight loss clinic instead...but what happens when I'm not taking their expensive Vitamins and shakes? When your body is VERY happy at being 210 and you're only 5'3.....ugh, this sucks.

Thanks for replying! Ya know, she really should. I think she wants to blame all that on the sleeve. And I know her, she likely pushes the proper eating limits. I'd hate to think she's talking me out of it b/c she likes being smaller than me. I suspect that--again I know how she is. I know this is something that is an investment in ME and my family, and I'm looking forward to it.