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I have another email into the patient advocate to see when she submitted it. I am sooo impatient! LOL Mommy2girls - I have done the 6 mo diet/exercise, cardio (with nuclear stress test & echo), pulmonologist (with sleep study), tsh bloodwork, weight history, etc. All the ducks are in a row...now it is up to Aetna. (it is private ins so it really is up to Aetna)

Thank you! I have looked into as much as I can without calling...checked my insurance packet and info on my portal and know that my insurance does cover it and the surgeon I'm going with is in network, but I haven't called for the details and requirements. I definitely need to get on that! There are definitely many that you listed that I haven't heard of before! ...and that's with what research I've done (which I thought was a lot, but apparently not, lol). I do know that the website of the surgeon I'm going with mostly gives general info about the lap band, gastric bypass and the sleeve gastrectomy. I personally know two of his patients and both had the sleeve gastrectomy. There have been a lot of things that I have been considering, but some that I hadn't thought of, like divorce. My husband knows and while he's not a fan of weight loss surgery as a general rule, he has seen all of the work in the healthy lifestyle I have been living with little results and is supportive of me in this because he understands the frustration and knows that this will be a tool for me. As of right now, I've only talked to a very select few...and probably more than I really want to know already, at least at this stage. I just don't want the static of everyone's opinions. I don't think I mind those closest to me knowing eventually, but not yet. We'll see. I'm sorry to hear about the divorce. I actually have some of his videos saved on my watch list! I will definitely be sure to get started on those! Thanks again for all of the wonderful info! I sincerely appreciate it!

Happy birthday honey. Your weight loss is incredible. I'm sorry to hear about your problems. Maybe the dr can figure something out so your "body" can catch up with your mind. Have a great day. :-)

I been eating nuts since 2 months post op and I chew them well,so far is the only thing that has been working for my constipation YES I make my own trail mix with almonds and organic raisins and I eat 1/4 cup a day and it gives the energy I need to go for runs,walks or the gym =) Not everybody tolerates them well after surgery. Almonds are my favorites. I do a little peanut butter as well here and there but I limited myself to the serving size 2 tsp. They are a great source of protein and healthy fats as well as fiber but is small quantities ,for what I read,is also good to gain a couple pounds if you eat a lot. I love me some nuts lol

OKAY SO HERE YOU GO... 1: sugar free Fruit Popsicles... A lot of them 2: Crystal Light, Mio or Something you can add your Protein too so that they are not all shakes. 3: Heating Pad for sure. This is a hidden gem. 4. Make protein popsicles using sugar free pudding and 1 scoop protein. Helps get your protein in. 5. Gas X and Hydrocortisone Cream to help your scars from itching 6. Some savory broths you love. Or miso / egg drop Soup help a lot too. 7. Rent Movies... don't watch a lot of TV. Too many food commercials to add to "Mind Hunger" 8. A scale to watch your weight come off and keep you focused on getting your liquids in. 9. A pre marked cup with 4oz at each spot so you know you are getting your fluids in. For GAS pain after..... WALK AS MUCH AS YOU CAN. sleep propped up with 1 arm over your head. Normally the left side will have more pain due to more work being on that side of your body. Try to take deep breaths with your left arm bent over your head. Everyday gets better and better. And sleep with a Crazy amount of pillows. Cheers to your Success and You are going to do great. Cheers future Banster

Gas-x, heating pad, Soups, a good blender, Protein drinks- Preimer Protien form costco, I eat alot out of papercups and bowls heips in portion control, Water bottles, decaff tea, coffee, sugerfree flavored drinks and powders. I hope this helps. Also the first week is the worst but each days gets better. Watching the scale drop is a great reward. But during your healing the weight might be slow at first but you will see results it you follow the DR's orders. Good Luck and God Bless

Well, you can still do all the upper body exercises you want! I will have to have a knee replacement (MRI last week) but am going to hold off as long as possible with cortisone shots every few months. And I LOVE to work out at the YMCA--so I've adjusted my routine around my knee. For your lower body: You may be able to do the leg extensions, allowing your other knee to take up the slack, but the leg curl and leg press will be out of the question for you. You should still be able to do the inner/outer thigh machine and the calf raises (on a seated machine) without too much difficulty--but no squats whatsoever! For aerobic exercise, you may be able to use the recumbent (seated) bike -- or a rowing machine, but I think the eliptical bike and the treadmill are probably out for you. Don't give up, though--exercise the very best thing for you, regardless of what it is you're able to do! It just makes you feel great! :thumbup: P.S. I will say, though, that I was not able to go back to Curves for five weeks post-op and the YMCA was seven weeks post op, with adjusting my weights downward for a few weeks after that. It's too soon for you to begin lifting anything heavy--so just be patient!

I lost more weight in the first two weeks also but now since my third fill I am more restricted and scared to eat the wrong thing cause the sickness and vomiting ain't no joke.....

Ok I have Sleep apnea, and am a respiratory therapist. The issues with sleep apnea and any Bariatric Surgery is bigger than it will go away after we lose weight. Yes most people's sleep apnea is atributed to weight but a great deal of people who are thin have it too. When you are sedated and have pain medications this also induces sleep which can be hazardous to your post op recovery if your sleep apnea is not treated. It can cause increased abdominal pressure and put you at greater risk for leaks. Sleep apnea often causes your oxygen levels to decrease to dangerous levels, this prevents your tissues from getting the much needed oxygen to heal. Yes, many people go through surgery without a CPAP and do fine, but many do not. I know I am not willing to risk it. My machine will go with me to the hospital and I will gladly wear it until the weight comes off. I sleep great with or without the machine, never had a complaint about being tired all day or stopping breathing or anything else. Mine was found accidentaly 3 years ago when we where testing new equipment at work and I was 60 lbs less then than I am now. Not meaning to scare or preach, just wanted you to know it's more important than people often realize. Good luck on your journey and much success. Tracey

Hi Shauna! Welcome! I'm 8 months out and could not be happier, feel better or be more certain that this was the best choice for me. I don't presume this is the optimal route for everyone. I have been incredibly fortunate that I had a very smooth recovery and steady loss since my surgery. In my mind, I am a slow loser, but that really is just in my mind. I've been averaging about 10lbs a month since surgery. I no longer turn to food every time I'm having a bad day or weak moment. Not to say I haven't thought about it, I just don't want to derail myself. I want to suck every ouce out of this honeymoon phase for as long as I can. It is not the easiest thing I've ever done (gaining the weight was) It took some restructuring, some patience and a lot of support from my family/friends and the good folks here at VST. They have been my greatest advocates, cheerleaders and butt kickers when called upon. I read everything I could get my hands on to prepare myself and feel I went into this fully prepared. I agree that making the decision was probably the hardest for me. Only in the sense that I had to be honest about my needing help to finally be successful. And committing to the life-long changes I needed to make. It's never fun thinking you can't do something on your own. But I keep reminding myself that the sleeve is only a tool. I AM doing the work. I'm making the choices, I alone am accountable for my success. Boy to I feel like a motivational speaker rep. . I decided to take this year for me.. Focus on me, my health and my commitment to this process. the first few months I purposfully avoided situations where it would be harder to stay the course. We all have those in our life that say "just one pices of cheesecake won't hurt"... Those tend to be those that can stop at one piece, in my experience. 8 months into it, I'm stronger than I thought and enjoy events /dinners out as much as I ever did. With my choices in place, and my home stocked with those good choices, I am finding this to be the "easiest" way I have lost weight. I am lucky that I do not feel hunger, though I expect it may return and I am ready for it. I know that if I am struggling I have this forum full of those that came before me that know exactly how I am feeling and can be of tremendous help. The restriction for me is key, I still portion my food, mostly just not to waste. I now have a blast running around with and after my young neice. Something that was much harder for me a year ago. No regrets at all, unless you cound wishing I had done it sooner a regret. I wish you as smooth a journey as I have been fortunate to have. Good luck!!

Hello, Everyone I'd gotten so depressed because I can't afford to pay for WLS nor either an Insurance Company in my state that covers it. I decided to hire and Nutritionist/Personal Trainer, at a price I can afford. I've cut out sugar and carbs, and as a result, I've lost 12 pounds, in six days!!! I pray that I will have success in trying to lose weight. I pray that everyone reaches their goals!!!!! I want to lose a total of 115 pounds!!! Please share your thoughts.

NO weights!!!! This early. I was back to the treadmill day four, elliptical day 11, swimming day 15.

Hi, Thanks for your replies. I am no the Optifast 800, which is an 800 calorie a day intake. It consists of three Protein drinks and two Protein Bars a day. I could have chosen the Soups instead of the bars, but I don't think I would like them. I can have limited amounts of cucumbers or celery, raw with no dressing or one serving of SF Jello per day or a SF popcicle. I have heard of people actually only doing the Optifast to lose weight, in fact my doctor said that some people do it for months. I just keep the end in sight and so far I have done ok. My husband is not as on board as he could be. This past weekend, we went to to parties on Saturday and then was invited to one on Sunday and I just had to say no. The ones on Saturday had GREAT food and I made it through, but the one on Sunday night was a pizza party and just the smell of pizza gets to me. He really doesn't understand why I could not just go and be social, but two parties in one weekend without food was my social limit ! lol. Are there any ideas out there to spice up the Optifast. So far, mixing it with Decaf coffee is the only thing I have tried. Thanks, Michelle

Hello all, long time reader, first time poster. This has been a long road for me as it has been for most of us I am sure with the attempts to loose the same pounds many times over the years. I don't know how many times I have told myself that "I can do anything I put my mind to" and to some extend I have, since I have probably lost approximately 60-70lbs during a relatively short time period several times over the years. The problem is that my life would get busy, and the extreme measures that I was doing would fall by the wayside and my old habits would come back. I simply wasn't able to sustain the weight loss long enough for me to turn it into a sustainable habit. Finally I found myself last November at 5'9" and 381bs, the heaviest I have ever been, I finally decided to make a decision to pursue the investigation to determine if weight loss surgery was right for me. For my insurance, it required a 6 month time period where you needed to meet with a series of nutritionists to help learn about the surgery and to go through a series of trainings and a psychological exam, decided I needed to loose more weight around March to help make the surgery more safe. My original BMI was around 57, today's weight I am down to 316 so around the 46-47 range. Part of me says, hey, you have already 65 pounds, you can loose the additional 100 that you want to, but part of me understands that is unlikely and has matured and knows his limitations and what I am great at and what I need help at and this is one area that I am not ashamed that I think that I need help at to make sure that it sticks this time around. Especially since my wife and I had another addition to our family the prior year that had started me thinking about making a long term set of changes around my weight. Making the decision to choose weight loss surgery was not an easy one but I think that the reply to my mother when she asked the question if I thought I could lose the weight without surgery has summed up my reasoning . My reply was "I can do anything I put my mind to, but unfortunately after a time my mind wanders.". My hope is that this surgery will help me have the tools to keep the weight off during the times that my mind wanders or at least allow me to get to the point where the weight loss is significant amount that the new lifestyle becomes the new habits as I want to enjoy the rest of my children's childhoods as an physically active participant instead of only intellictually participant one. Sincerely, Arcyne

So glad i read this!!! Everyone seems to be losing so much more weight than me, and its frustrating for me to see the scale barely move. But now I feel a new sense of hope Ant thank god the scale keeps moving in the right direction (albeit slowly)

The only that helps even a little is weight strengthening. But even then, there's no guarantee you won't have loose skin.. Whether or not you have excess is decided by a lot of factors. Genetics, age, how long you've been overweight and how overweight you are, hydration, whether or not you smoke, and even where you carry the weight. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, if you're going to have excess skin there is absolutely nothing you can do to stop it.

One of the things that I have learned from my orthopedic adventures is that the connective tissues to our muscles, which includes the fascia part of the abdominal wall that helps to hold our guts in, have relatively little blood flow, which means that they heal a lot slower than the associated musculature. So you may feel healed and strong enough to lift more, your connective tissues may disagree. Incisional hernias are fairly common after abdominal surgery such as ours, and can sometimes be triggered by something as innocuous as a sharp sneeze or cough. I resumed some lifting fairly early, but kept the weights low, on the order of half or less than what I had been doing, and used the machines to specifically avoid compound lifts and to isolate the core so that it could heal. It was more of a range of motion and stretching exercise than muscle building at that time. My doc is more conservative than most in this regard and recommended avoiding things like crunches and sit ups for 12 weeks, and arguably that is not conservative enough (the plastics guy detected an umbilical hernia when I went for a consult, which was not notable to me, but was to him). OTOH, an incisional hernia can be a ticket to a subsidized tummy tuck if you need it!

Hi, Good luck tomorrow. My surgery is a week from tomorrow (27th). I'm a little nervous, but VERY anxious. I was wanting to cheat on my liquid diet, but I went to another website, obesityhelp.com and looked at the before and after pictures. They were very encouraging, and kept me on task. I have fought with my weight for 20 years now. My husband and I are separated, not because of my weight but because of lack of communication. So, my support group is my 20 year old daugther, who seems to think that I can do it myself without surgery, but I can't. Have tried. Ready for the NEW ME!

Take those multivitamins...religiously. That is the most powerful defense against both minor stuff (hair loss, broken nails) as well as against serious threats to our immune system, etc...We do not become immune to any non-weight related illness, but following the directions keeps us on par.

I think the meditation is a good idea, and I know it was helpful to me. Even though you do not want to lose weight during this period so that you can qualify for surgery (assuming you have a borderline BMI), you could also take this time to really practice mindful eating, which will help after you have surgery, and focus on any other behavioral or mental blocks to eating well and taking very good care of yourself. I wish you good luck!

I was grumpy a bit but not like that.sorry to hear you're having troubles. I thank God mine is working out great so far. Down 30 in three weeks. It may be more because i only weight at Dr office. God luck how things get better!

Sorry cardio plus weights. Using my kindle it hiccups sometimes

Thanks for the info. Yes had thyroid checked. Just keep gaining every year. Band didn't work so revision to sleeve. Can lose it but comes right back. Thanx guys

Oh my god that's exactly how I felt I was sleeved November 13 Tuesday and i was just like you I went in and And before I knew it I was out with regret I couldn't believe what I'd had done to myself I was thinking .. god had made me perfect and I just ruined my system... ...eating wasn't so bad I really didn't hate the treadmill so much that I would never feel the same I was in so much pain. I can go on and on but today I feel better not only mentally but physically my back doesn't hurt as much I've only lost 7 pounds but I'm looking forward to feeling better as I lose more weight ... I know eventually I'm not going to regret doing this <3