armywife79

I actually just saw her today. She had some good advice for sure. The meds really work well but, they aren't a magic pill, I still have some issues I struggle with but, nothing like before the medication.

Hey PinkP, I'm so glad to hear your on your way and your not going to be hassled by insurance anymore! I wish I had known about the advocates much earlier on in my situation too but, they really came through in a big way for me! I would use them again in a heartbeat if I ever get another denial. You never know what I may need down the road. If I ever ask for revision I have the feeling I would be in the same boat again. When it comes to WLS, these companies seem to have no issues being out right discriminatory towards us. Lindstrom is really involved with lobbying for new laws regarding our surgical needs. Since obesity is such a nation wide issue, they really do need to amend the laws. Bobbe, let us all know how it goes, I have my fingers crossed for you!

I had the band and had a horrible time controlling my eating. I finally went to a psychiatrist and saw him regularly. After a some therapy he put me on medication they give to people fighting drug addiction called Topimax. Its used to control compulsive behaviors in addicts. The drug has really given me control over eating that I never had before but, I do still struggle with leaning towards foods with high carbs. Nothing is a fix all I suppose but, the medication has really helped. After being in counseling for years trying to deal with my food issues, I am grateful that someone finally helped me.

Oh that dumb port! I have such a large scar from that removal and it tool FOREVER to stop being sore! I think because it's embedded in our muscle wall it's just so hard to wrestle out after being there so long. I have a really good GI that I saw after my obstruction and he says not to worry about recurrence anytime soon so, I think your ok! Also, your a nurse (my parents are nurse pract's) so, you would know FOR SURE if you were having symptoms of a bowel adhesion. I unfortunately never even considered that and ended up in the ER vomiting and doubled over! It was the PITS! I had five incisions including the port site for bypass. They were able to go back through most of my old sites so, I only have two new small scars now. I was really close to your weight when I had the bypass and also pre diabetic but, it goes away fast after surgery and the rapid initial weight loss. The only other thing that was a concern were my liver levels but, they attribute that to the C-diff and also the super fast weight loss being processed.

Thanks again, I will try something like that. As for the Military, he has the hard job! I just keep the house and kids from imploding! lol He is one of those who really feels it is his job to protect all of America and those who can't protect themselves, he happily does his job with that in mind. He makes me very proud. Thank you for thinking of him and all his brothers!

Thank you Rustbel, I am just so fed up with me right now! My son is a total Gym rat, I guess I could commit to going with him so I have to or he will know I didn't. My husband is an ARMY Ranger so, I could so the same there. My family DOES want to do some of those fun runs with the colored cornstarch being thrown, you know? I could promise we will do one and sign us up for a future event. I just wish I wanted to do this because I wanted this so bad and know I should! You know? I'm just so disappointed with me. I hired an ATTORNEY to sue my insurance for this, it took a YEAR! I had band removal, then this! I mean, why don't I care more?? That's why I say, there is just something wrong with my brain. Who would do all that just to be lax about it after?? IT CRAZY! I know almost all of us here feel like this in some way but, it's exhausting!

Hey Dream, yes, I have had minor issues. I had C-diff right out of surgery but, being a nurse, you know that's unfortunately not uncommon these days. I did have surgery for a bowel obstruction BUT, I have had lots of abdominal surgery so, it's not necessarily related to my Bypass. The scar tissue could be even from my C-section 13 years ago! I did have a hernia that they found during my endoscopy but, as you know we ex banders tend to get them and it was NBD to fix during the Bypass. I have a sister who had the Sleeve and I had Bypass and honestly, she wishes she did my surgery. Ours is more radical but, it's the only way currently known to actually reset a persons metabolism. The band and Sleeve don't do that. That being said, my sister HAS lost most of her weight but, worries about long term more than I do. I think you made a good choice and I felt the same about getting that dammed band off! It was like being let out of jail! Also, don't worry if at first this feels like the band, I was freaking out because of that STUCK feeling every time I ate at first. IT GOES AWAY! YAY! Just have to work that new pouch out a bit and you wont even know it's there after a short while, it's just like a stomach! After having band, you can really appreciate how awesome this surgery is! No chest pain, no reflux and ACTUAL WEIGHT LOSS RESULTS! Although, I was certain that I was such a WLS pro and the Bypass would just be so easy for me...look out! It's actually pretty emotional all over again! I was shocked by that but, I'm all settled in again now. GOOD LUCK!

Hey Lena, Just wanted to make you aware that there are some grant programs out there for By pass patients having trouble meeting their surgical financial needs. I will Def like your go fund me but I would look them up too. I know they have wait lists and conditions but, google them and give it a try. Good luck!

The endoscopy was sure not fun, but I'm glad I had it because they found a hernia when they did mine. So, my doctor was all ready to fix that during surgery before I ever got there. Also, they did the test then also but, I have heard of the breath test and that's a nice easy way of doing it and putting your mind at ease.

Thanks guys for all the advice! And @@Dream4tc, I had my lap band in March 2010, out December 2014 and Bypass March 2015. I think you will be amazed at the results! It feels almost like the band right away because us Ex banders tend to be tight at first but now, it just feels like a tiny stomach. No more regurgitation after almost every meal, horrible pressure in your chest and the dreaded FILLS! I wish you all the best!

I was tested during my upper GI, my doctor required both before surgery. I have only heard of a few cases on this board or anyone at my doctors office. I believe your fine but, if it stresses you, ask to have the test to ease your mind.

NP, don't worry, all these new weird annoyances go away pretty fast. Hang in there!

Yes! I had this big time right after my surgery. I eventually used hard sugar free candies to help my dry mouth. The best were the Walgreens store brand called nice. That really helped, I just kept a bunch in my pocket and at My desk . This does go away, mine did around month 3.

I agree with Dj, it definitely wasn't fun but, I think the diet we both followed is the norm and the best way to go. You have to think, there are fresh wounds in there. You wouldn't rub sandpaper on a brand new skin graft or fresh stiches, that's essentially what rough textured food is to your new delicate belly right now. Stick to pureed then graduate to soft. If the doctors don't recommend that, ask us, we'll tell you how our doctors had us do it.

Hi Nikki, You REALLY shouldn't be eating anything that solid right now. You need to be really careful while your little pouch is healing up. Even once your cleared you'll have to take it slow. Call your doctor and speak to the nurse, you probably just made a mistake and you'll be fine but, I would let them know. Please be careful and take care of yourself! I know all the stages kinda suck, but they are what will keep you safe and healthy. Take care !

So what is C25K? I see a few of you are really into it. Also, I know this is off topic but, are any of you still using the Protein shakes as meals? I'm about 5 months out and am struggling with carbs, considering going back to square one again. Maybe doing our liver shrink thing for a bit until I get under control again you know?

Hi! I'm a bit far away from you in Daytona but, I had mine in March also. My weight loss is slowing down some too and it's hard to stay on task sometimes. I know we both can do it, we have come this far right? Cant give up now! I hope you let me know how your doing, your doing great so far! We have to give it up for ourselves a little, not everybody is brave enough to take the step we have, it's no easy road. I think in the end, it's worth it though! Keep doing what your doing, its working!

Thanks for the advice guys, I'm still just hitting the old elliptical and weight circuit. When you start reading about workouts, you never feel like your doing enough. Definitely stay off Pintrest! I was so bummed out after looking at all the work out inspiration on there! These girls on there must be super human and Def not employed! They spend their entire life working out it seems!

Hello! Congrats! It's such an intense time isn't it?? Like your on the precipice of the rest of your life! What an exciting time in your life, its all about to change and get really awesome! You will have SO many new firsts in the next six months, I'm really happy for you! In the first four months after my surgery, I did at least five things I hadn't done in 18 years! This can be like being let out of jail at times and you can't believe it's you this is all happening to! Just wait, the best is yet to come...just so happy to hear that your on your way! BIG HUGS!! AND KEEP IN TOUCH!

Hello ALL! I know only Stern fans will giggle at my PEOPLE OF EARTH thing but, it makes me laugh! lol SO..I finally see a number 1 in front of my number on the scale! Can't believe it really! I have not seen that since I was 17 (pretty sad, I know). I just feel so hopeful that I will really beat this obesity thing that I have wrestled all my life and never ever look back again! I hope your all doing great too, thanks for lettin me brag!

Thank you guys, and I do plan on some twerking very soon, just have to dress my husband up like Beetlejuice! One is Def better than the twos!

Thank you! Peace and love PEACE AND LUUUVE!

Yes no BOBO! thank you for the congrats...ACK Ack and okwatensenwan!

I do agree with gb, mouth hugs can make a man forget, maybe forgive a lot! However, I do think if he is a keeper, you should be able to be open. I know you don't think so now but, as your body changes, you will feel more sexy and probably more sexually open so, you should feel totally comfortable with the person who will experience your sexual Renaissance! Lol you may be underestimaging this dude, he may be totally on board. If not, you really need to know that now, don't waste anymore time on toxic crap that will hold you back, this journey is all about moving on and up ! You need to just throw it out there , the worst that could happen is he turns out to be an non supportive ass hat! In Wich case, he'll be doing you a favor by showing his true colors, if not...get makin with the love! Lol

Yes! I'm sorta ashamed to say, I did the food funeral! Mine took place the day before my post op diet began and was held at an amazing brazzilian steak house, ended with a chocolate souffle all to myself! After that, I made a list of things I will do for myself at each 10lb loss and things I avoided for years that I would tackle as soon as I was medically clear. Like, wear a bathing suit, go to a water park, wear real shorts to Disney, wear a dress with no sleeves and so on. All things I had been hiding and not doing for many years like someone in witness protection! I vowed I would push my limit's and stop saying. ..I'll do it when...and I really have. I'm living life and pretty happy with how I feel and how others seem to react differently to me as well. I hope you do something special too, it's been a long time coming I'm sure!