heycrystal2052

Right on, I feel you on that one!

My mother just told me about Gweenie, I need to take a look at their site. I started out as a size 34/36 and I'm now at a 14/16, I kid you not, I'm still holding on to all of my clothes. I have bags of clothes just sitting in the closet, but not anymore. I'm fully ready to let go. I will do what you did and hold on to only one pair of pants. Where I was and where I am, such a great idea you had Jess!

I've become a fan of lettuce wraps, I'm close to my goal so I've added a bit more into my diet. If I eat bread, I'll have it once or twice a month. The rounds that you're speaking of, take a look at the carbs, I believe per one round, you're taking in over 20 grams of carbs.

I had a huge issue w/ letting go of my clothes, but you're so right. I've decided to take my clothes to the Mission this weekend, it's time to let go. Thank you for this, today was my day to see your words!

I love Swap.com! I wish I knew about them when I first started losing weight. Buying clothes just to grow out of them in several weeks, was really a chore. Prior to the surgery, I never would have visited a site like that, but now, I'm more than thankful for it.

Luckily, I work for BCBS, so I had a heads up about some of the "must haves". I didn't go through my PCP, I went through my Bariatric Dr. and my plastic surgeon. When applying for any type of PA, it is always best to have it submitted by the specialist and not your MD. The surgeon submitted everything to the insurance.

I've never had any children, it makes me wonder how that would have changed things when it came to the approval. I didn't have to show any documentation in rf to back problems, I'm assuming the weight lost and the ridiculous amount of sagging, was enough to get it approved. But again, I don't know exactly what the surgeon submitted. I'm sure you'll be okay, once you get close to your goal weight. Time for another surgery, once you get there!

My insurance did because it was due to the weight lost, for breast feeding and having children, that's more cosmetic. You never know, if you don't try. Give it a shot!

We tried the abdominal skin removal, but there's not enough skin there. I'm more than okay with that, I was more concerned with the breasts. Two more weeks of looking at the sag and those days will be, OVER!

Thank you for responding, I really appreciate that. Right now, I'm a 40DDD and of course after losing 200+ pounds, you can only imagine how far south they went. I'm looking forward to this and like you, I'm sure after the bit of discomfort from the surgery, I'll be forever thankful.

Sadly, there is a high level of narcissism on this thread from certain people, and that's okay. The gist of what I was saying, let people believe what makes them happy. Encourage them to stay on track, not belittle them on what you believe to be true. I did look for carbonation and the sleeve and I actually found several sources that said it can stretch and some that said the opposite. You are not worthy of the battle, but like before, I will wish you a beautiful evening. Now, onto better things, the cheese crackers were amazing. I haven't had them since the surgery, enjoy one for me!

Kk. Have a beautiful day

Lol, okay. Have a beautiful day

To be honest, I still can't let go of my old clothes. Started at 34/36 and am now at a 16/14-, I know I need to let go and I will, but when that time comes, I'm going to donate to the mission in my city. Check out Swap.com, it's an online consignment store, those types of stores will become your best friend.

Like the others have said, hang in there. I had the surgery, then ended up w/ a crappy and very insecure ex-boyfriend. Who I was before and who I am now, completely different people. I kicked him to the curb and a year and a half later, I'm so freaking happy on all levels and am in love w/ something and someone I never would have imagined, two years ago. Things will be okay, my thoughts are w/ you. Also, the husband, we'll help you box up his things and kick him to the curb too.

True, but that wasn't my point. My point was simply, let people believe what they must. Just as everyone on this thread did, they did their own research and came to a conclusion. It's more about respect and not feeling as though you have to "teach the truth". Your truth, may not be the truth for others. I, personally don't drink it because it gives me horrible gas that just sits in my stomach. Gas expands, I'm sure that goes into some of the thoughts shared on this post. Either way, the days are beautiful!

Since losing 200 pounds, what I look for in men is completely different. When I first met my boyfriend, in the process of getting to know each other, we spoke about my surgery and fitness. He completely understands and has lost a lot of weight on his own. I looked for someone who was very outgoing, but a homebody at the same time. I love being spontaneous and being out on the go. Heck, since I don't always need to sit down and an catch my breath, being on the go has become my new love. Life is so much more enjoyable now, and sharing plates is a win win!

You should still be okay, my approval was done in less than 24 hours and my surgery was scheduled two weeks after. Keep in mind, when we review PA's (I'm w/ BCBS) towards the end of the year, our TAT (turn around time) is a bit longer than usual. Ask the MD to send it in as a STAT, due to the end of the ear urgency. Depending on your review team, if it is not life threatening, it may be downgraded to a standard. Make sure your medical team submits everything, so it does not pend for additional information, that can extend the time significantly. Crossing my fingers for you, congrats!

I'm not going to say anything about those who live my drinking carbonation, they are entitled to live as they may. Just as those of us, who'd rather not take any chances w/ soda or carbonation. I work w/ several women who chose to get the Sleeve and I've seen them drink soda often, in the same gulp, they speak about gaining a lot of their weight back. They eat and drink things I've been told, I needed to stay away from. So, with that being said, I'll stay away from carbonation and many other things. What we do is our choice at the end of the day, we all may not agree or may view it as a "myth", who cares. Be kind and respect what works best for others, just as for yourself. Now, I'm super excited!! My insurance just approved my skin removal surgery!!

I'm sorry, I'm just getting back to you on this. The weekend has been a busy one, but the responses are great. I can say, based on what you mentioned, that's not enough for an instant approval. Did your Dr., request a P2P? Sometimes, w/ additional documentation, a P2P (Peer to Peer) can be successful, although it is rare to have our denial overturned. Some policies will allow our denial to be overturned w/ the outside Medical Director. W/ your appeal, make sure you are diagnosed w/ these ailments and not just "having problems", w/ certain ailments. Have you been diagnosed and if so, were you diagnosed by a specialist or just a PCP? Over the last three years, how has your weight been and was it noted? To be honest, you're on the fence here, I can't find a reason to approve your PA. There has to be more. As someone noted before, most Dr's, know what needs to be done to get an approval. Not saying they'll lie, they just know what needs to be focused on and they go for those key components.

I will admit, I tried to drink a sparkling Bai, but I was miserable right after a few sips. No carbonation for this girl, oh the memories.

I know w/ us, we will deny you several times , after that, you can not submit a PA for a year or until a policy change. Make sure you're aware of how many times a PA can be submitted on your behalf, I'd hate to see you run into that.

I was so heavy (BMI 68) , I met all of my employers (BCBS) criteria w/out needing to have additional issues. If I may ask, do you have a group policy or Marketplace?

I felt the same way and actually, ended up in the ER after passing out. My issue wasn't protein, I was getting plenty of that. I was really stressed out and very dehydrated, are you getting in your daily liquid intake or more than? I've tried the Isopure and ended up taking it back to GNC, it was horrid! I am now able to eat the majority of my protein's, but every now and then when wanting to do a pouch reset, I'll go back to liquids. I hope you feel better, I believe at one point, we all have been where you are.