SheenaRae99

I am 5'3" and started this journey at 350 lbs. I now weigh 287. I know the day I stepped on the scale and saw 299 was one of the happiest of my life. I just make a goal of 10 lbs. at a time. I already met so many goals so it is extremely motivating for me to do it that way. I do have an ultimate goal weight in mind but it is not my major focus. So, for now... my next goal is to reach 279 and as of now I'm only 8 lbs. away! 200 lbs to lose is a a lot of weight but WE CAN DO IT! Hang in there everyone.. take one pound at a time and one day at a time. :tt2:

I hate to say it but I think your biggest problem may be a lack of commitment. I weigh a whoppin' 287 lbs. and I exercise for 1 hour everyday. I do machines, stationary bike, treadmill, etc. If I can do it, then you who weighs 50 lbs. less than I do can surely do it. You've got to make a new commitment to yourself because the band is not going to make the weight just fall off. I only lose about 1-2 lbs a week but I figure as long as the number on the scale is getting smaller, I'm doing great. Snap out of it, get out there and exercise and start eating right. Do you go to a nutritionist or dietitian? If not, you may want to find one in your area who can help you get back on track with your eating. Sounds like the ball is in your court and you need to take a shot!

I have BCBS of NC. I was originally denied because they said my BMI was too high for the lapband but would approve me for the gastric bypass. My surgeon was furious and decided to appeal it for me saying they had no right to make the choice for me. The next day I was approved. I would definitely try again with your new insurance company and make sure you follow all of the guidelines. Good luck! :frown: Sheena Rae

I was on liquids and soft foods (jell-o, yogurt, pudding, creamed Soups and broths) for 2 weeks post-op. Then, my nutritionist moved me to all Protein all the time for 6 weeks. I can have one Protein shake for any meal and then I can have cheese, eggs, fish, shrimp, chicken, ground turkey, etc. for the other 2 meals. No fruit, veggies, starches, etc. until I meet with her again in January. I never realized how much I miss vegetables until I couldn't eat them for 8 weeks. I know it is a struggle but the doctors have your best interest at heart. I just found out that my surgeon is going on medical leave for several months so I will be following up with a doctor I don't know. I am pretty nervous about that too but I guess he is just as knowledgeable as my surgeon. Hang in there.. you will be eating regular food before you know it.. just a lot smaller portions. :cursing:

I have been told by many people that you may not have actually been filled at all so there wouldn't be much restriction after the initial swelling goes down. I have also been reassured by many that the first 6 weeks after surgery are for healing not so much for losing. Just make sure you are eating small amounts since that's what you will have to do once you do get restriction from a fill. Hope that helps. Good luck!

I must say I think I'm doing pretty fantastic. I go for my follow-up visit tomorrow and I am really excited. I should be getting my staples out FINALLY! I will also be seeing the nutritionist so hopefully I will be given more choices of food to eat other than soups, jello and pudding. I have virtually no pain at all right now. I am looking forward to going back to work next Monday. I miss my 20 6 year olds and can't wait to see all my friends back at work. My husband has been absolutely amazing and tremendously supportive. I am very thankful to have someone who loves me as much as he does and is so willing to take care of me day in and day out. I am thinking about all of you Notorious Novembers and will keep checking in on you to see how you are doing! :thumbup:

I would try not to weigh yourself more than once a week. Your weight is going to fluctuate daily so if you are weighing daily you are going to have lots of disappointments. It sounds like you are making good food choices and the exercise is even better. Just keep working at it and don't give up! :rolleyes2:

A lot of what you are saying is how I was feeling. I found out that the pain the shoulder and neck was the gas working its way up my body. I have had the regretful days as well. However, I know that this is exactly what I needed to change my life and no matter how frustrated I get I just have to remind myself of that. I went Christmas shopping today and did pretty well. I am looking forward to the next food phase.:tongue:

What is health wise hot chocolate? I think I may need to try that. I am so sick of the few choices I have right now. Let me know.

My doctor told me that the average weight loss is 5-8 lbs a month for the band. If you have lost 22 lbs it sounds like you are on target. I think we would all love to lose it quicker but if we really wanted that we probably would have chosen GB. Hang in there. It will come off if you follow the diet you're supposed to follow and exercise along with it.

I live in Asheboro and will be banded in Greensboro on November 11th. It took me about 2 weeks to get my denial letter from the insurance company back in August. My surgeon appealed the decision and about 2 days later I was approved with BCBS. They would have immediately approved me for GBP but not for the lapband because my BMI was over 50. They are not allowed to make that decision for you so if you get denied for that reason... fight it! Good luck and I hope you hear an approval soon!