Sandra Nuelken

If you go to the doctor that works with the WLS chances are really good you'll be approved, as they want further referrals. They are really only looking for those that think the surgery is the magic pill to fix life. It isn't you'll have other issues to face. I found my shield of invisibility was dropped and people actually saw me for the first time. People have a way of ignoring overweight people. Then there was the non-supporters the ones who aren't happy with your success

Nope, didn't have one either. Not required by my doctor.

Unfortunately, I am one of the healthiest fat people my doctor has seen. I had to self pay for my lap band, but this time I'm trying to get insurance to pay. The only thing I came up with I finally got diagnosed with apnea and I have bad knees and they can't hold up under the load they have to carry.

Good luck on your journey. I'm waiting for my last appt then I will find out my surgery date, hopefully soon! The only thing I can suggest is to make your house a clean house, without temptations. I am currently taste testing protein drinks as I did them a lot. I will also taste different soups. Drink lots as it keeps you from getting hungry, warm drinks like tea help too. Just keep in mind how great you will look and feel. Make a list of all the things you want to do when you become healthier. I want to go to Washington DC and see some museums. Walking a lot is painful now for me. Just keep your eye on the prize!

A great idea, I'm also taste testing protein drinks. They're a lot of new ones will little sugar and a lot of proteins. Ensure makes one the protein max and Boost Max. Both have 30 g. protein with 1 g. sugar. Watch out for the Ensure max cafe mocha. Not only does it have the flavor but it also has a lot of caffine. I'm from the south so we live on ice tea so as a replacement I make my own decaf tea in a gallon and put a slice of lemon in it. I haven't had a soda or carbonated beverage since 2009 when I had my band on. Some of the high protein premade drinks taste better with ice in them it tends to thin them a bit. Initially I will get my protein from these drinks as many of the protein powders give me horrible stomach cramps. The vegan one is the only one I can add to stuff and I can't drink sugar substitutes as I get a migrane from them. I am now down to 900 - 1000 calories a day with 60 g. protein, much like I was on the band and no sugar. Getting ready for the big day. I've had 9 years practice with this way of eating so it an easy pattern for me.

I had the lap band and now I'm waiting for my last appointment. The number one thing to remember is food is not everything. I lost over 100 pounds by making food only about nutrition. If the bad stuff is not in the house you won't eat it. If you feel like an indulgence break a small piece and suck it to death. Eat slowly I mean really slow. If you can't get up and walk around between bites. Only put in your mouth something worthy of the privilege of making you happy. Most of the stuff I used to eat is what I refer to throw-away food. Do not be hard on yourself, you will have slips. Now, something I had to happen is when I tripped I fell. I think it was because my new body had a different balance. My stomach growled forever it seemed. That did not mean I was hungry, it was just rebelling. If you think you are hungry, drink water and say if I really am hungry I'll eat in 30 minutes. Usually, I didn't eat. Good luck and keep us updated!

Someone suggested L Lysine. I used it for cold sores, it makes them go away and it is cheap. You can Google it apparently it enhances calcium too.

I am waiting for the sleeve surgery after having the lap band removed. I was successful with the band until it failed. The first several months you eat very little and take this opportunity to clear your system of carbs, sugar, and sodas. Then when I started eating I realized it is the first 2 mouthfuls that taste the best the rest is mindless eating. So I only ate quality food and only the first 2 mouthfuls. Fortunately, with the band about every several months after a fill, you started over again. Did I miss bread, sure, but only the really good stuff and if I really wanted it I took a pinch and savored it. Learning to eat slowly is the hardest part. As I lost the weight I had more in life than food. I became busy and did things, food was not the center of my life anymore, travel was. If it was so terribly awful I wouldn't be waiting to do it again. Good luck, but be honest with yourself. It is a committment and a life long journey.

I found if I was slipping I went on the pre-surgery and post-surgery diet for a month. You need to cleanse your system of carbs, sugars and the other junk. Then you buy only healthy food, and you learn to respect your body and only allow good food to enter. Another trick is to eat half and pour water over the rest. Don't take it home. Just a few facts.

I know that surgery causes hair loss. Just for a short time and it happens no matter the type of surgery. I have not heard of hair loss of this amount. I would go into your doctor before you lose more.

I agree the DGAF attitude is best. If you wait for perfection then you miss life. Anyway, have you see some of the men they don't worry! Every year my big concern is will I be able to get up the ladder onto the boat or will I have to swim home.

I used to teach so I had protein drinks in the frig to drink during the day, as it took so long to drink them, and Campbells Soup in the Hand for lunches. Single serving small soups.

I'm from the south so I'm making decaf ice tea. I could drink that all day and usually do. I have taste tested the recommended protein drinks. I bought one that said cafe mocha, wow it had caffeine, lots. I can't take sugar substitutes so they said drink low sugar protein drinks. There are several really good ones with 30 g of protein each. I was going to order some clear protein drinks. I remember when I had the band, I don't think I touched chicRemembken broth for years after that. Remember liquids in, liquids out so don't move slow.

Good luck! My last appointment is in June. Then I will have met the requirements.

I live on the lake, I have a suit every year. Most have skirts, as I'm an old lady. The only one you have to please is yourself. Go and have fun!

I have my final visit with the dietician in the middle of June. The last time I was in we talked about our moves in the military. She mentioned finding a different protein drink but that was all we talked about. I had a lap band put on in 2009 and went from 330 to 210 which is really good for a lap band, but as they do it failed. Now I'm working the program for a sleeve. I gained some of the weight back and now I need to get it off as my knees just can't take it. I know what to eat and how to work the program. I learned on my last journey that I was special so everything I put into my mouth had to be the Cadillac of food. If I wanted chocolate it had to be good dark chocolate and I would put a small piece in and suck it slowly until it melted and enjoy every savory bite. The first bite of food is the best after that it is just eating. You have been through a lot this past year and you need to care for yourself too. It is alright to feel sad and angry about it all, but it is alright too for you to take care of yourself, and become the person you want to be. Be kind to yourself. When life hands me more than I think I can handle, I say to myself that an elephant can only be eaten one spoonful at a time, just handle what is now and the other stuff later. We will get through this together. I'm having trouble being patient, as I know everything that they teach in the classes, but the insurance requires it. After this last class, they get the insurance approval then it is down the road. Right now I'm trying different protein drinks, the Ensure Max is alright and I have a few more to taste test. I hate cooking, blending and mashing. I'd rather just open a premade protein drink. Keep in touch, here I am just rambling on. Sandy

You've had two 10's under the stress ratings, I am happy your husband is doing great, but you need to get help with the stress of the diagnosis. Maybe they have a support group you can go to. I'm sorry to hear about your dog, we too lost one last year and every time you lose a pet it is a hardship. I'm hoping that the longer you live with your husband's diagnosis it will become easier. You can cry it is ok, and you can be excited about the future at the same time. Good luck with your journey and keep us posted. I have one more visit then will start on the final journey. I am scared and excited at the same time. I've been down this road before with the band. I can tell you losing the weight is wonderful. Keep your eye on the prize. We are here to support you.

I had the band, and do not tolerate artificial sweeteners so I just did plain ice tea with a touch of lemon. I also have Boost plus with only 1gm of sugar and 30 gm of protein. I just did the diet with a smaller amount of sugar rather than using artificial sugars. I was successful and it worked for me.

Keep moving and remember liquids in liquids out. The more you move the more the gas will leave. Good luck with your recovery! Keep us posted.

Simple plain food makes sense. Will keep all of your suggestions in mind. I love salmon and tuna.

If you're talking about a gain of 30 pounds try to return to good eating, maybe join WW for some help and support, just don't throw in the towel and give in. I had a band and lost 100, with the expectation of gaining about 15 when all settled out, but gained more due to slippage. Just reset your mind and eat clean.

The band I called "Lola" was really good for about 5 years then nothing but problems for about 3. When I went in to have it removed the nurse said I had it longer than anyone else. Not comforting. Now going through the steps to get the sleeve. I'm struggling with the weight.

You look just beautiful as you are! I had a tummy tuck after losing about 120 pounds and did not realize that having that done you lose all sensitivity in your stomach as the nerves are severed. I was not happy and I almost died when I threw 3 blood clots from the procedure. It is not minor surgery. Just a word from someone that has been there done that.

I was told when I got the band on, liquid in liquid out.

Great work and a real inspiration!