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Found 17,501 results

  1. klariade

    A Necessary Evil...

    These ladies are correct in that the band does not keep you from making bad choices. However, I disagree that it will not help you with your eating disorder. I am a compulsive overeater/food addict. I have been for many many years, and have tried all sorts of diets that didn't work. I've even been to Overeaters Anonymous (which I do recommend if you are suffering from the same disorder), which helped but I needed more. I was banded in August 2009, and have since lost almost 160 pounds. Because I could not physically eat as much, the band forced me to find other ways to deal with my emotions. It is only recently that my compulsions have returned, but now I know how to deal with them and will not relapse as badly as I would have pre-band. Yes, you will have to learn how to control your addiction and compulsions, otherwise you will be in a tremendous pain. And the band is not full-proof and it will take a while to get to good restriction. After surgery you will probably be very motivated and will follow the rules to a T, which will help while you are in "bandster hell" (not having full restriction yet). I am a firm believer that the band can help you overcome compulsive overeating/food addiction. It is a disease you will live with the rest of your life (just like being an alcoholic or drug addict...our drug of choice is food), but if you have the right tools you can learn to live without food controlling you. As long as you stay focused and follow your doctor's directions, the band WILL work for you. It is very freeing when food no longer controls your life!
  2. dathvick

    Alcohol and RNY

    I have 1 drink a night usually about 5 nights a week. It is usually Fireball Whiskey, Peppermint Schnapps, Coconut Rum or Wine. I don't get drunk, just a little tipsy. I am aware of the empty calories and the sugar content but I have never had an alcohol problem and never have more than 1.
  3. B-52

    What is it like getting a fill?

    Had my 3rd fill yesterday. I now prop myself up on my elbows instead of laying flat, and watch the whole thing while carrying on a conversation about the weather, sports, etc.. He uses a very large bore needle, that has a open/shut valve between it and the syringe. He sticks it in the port, and pulls all the saline out of the band. Turns the little valve closing the needle off, then removes the syringe from the needle. I'm laying there as he examines the saline in the syringe with the needle sticking out of me like a pin cushion. He's basically measureing the volume taken from the band. He then replaces all the saline with fresh, plus a little more. Yesterday was 2 cc's more making a total of 8. He then re-attaches the syringe to the needle, opens the little petcock, and re-fills my band. After he pulls the needle out I hold pressure on the point with the alcohol swap, and walk down the hall to the Water cooler. I then have to drink the water in front of him to show him I'm fine. Then I'm on my way home. I have to say that mu port is right there under the skin. Not only can I feel/see the port, but also the small tube that runs from it for a few inches until it goes deep.
  4. Luu2008

    BC/BS... bunch of idiots!!!!!!

    This is word for word what my policy requirements are. I would think they would be the same (I'm central NY) but I could be wrong. POLICY STATEMENT: I. Based upon our criteria and assessment of the peer-reviewed literature, the surgical treatment of morbid obesity by open or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and duodenal switch procedure (biliopancreatic diversion) have been medically proven to improve health outcomes and are therefore medically appropriate for selected patients. Patients must meet all of the following criteria: A. Patients must be morbidly obese; which is defined as a BMI greater than or equal to 40 kg/m2. B. If comorbid condition(s) exist (e.g., hypertensive cardiovascular disease, pulmonary hypoventilation, coronary heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, degenerative arthritis of weight-bearing joints, or metabolic syndrome) patients must have a BMI greater than or equal to 35 kg/m2. Documentation of the level of severity of the comorbid existing medical condition(s) must be submitted by the primary care physician. C. The condition of morbid obesity must be of at least 5 years duration. D. Documentation, from either the bariatric surgeon or primary care physician, of one or more rigorous attempts at weight reduction, totaling a minimum of six months. Documentation should include the name of each weight loss program, length of participation in the weight loss program (including any physician supervised program) and any weight loss achieved. A letter of support from the physician currently providing primary care to the member and who is familiar with his/her attempts at weight reduction, medical history and current health status (including obesity issues) is also necessary for the review process. E. There should be no significant liver, kidney, or gastrointestinal disease present. The presence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or “fatty liver”, which is associated with morbidly obese patients, would not be considered significant liver disease in this instance. F. Treatable metabolic causes for obesity (e.g., adrenal or thyroid disorders) have been addressed. G. Patients with a history of alcohol or substance abuse will not be considered unless there is a record of at least six months of abstinence. If there has been six months of abstinence, this condition must be addressed in a psychiatric consultation. H. Patients must be screened by their physician for major psychopathology. All patients who have current symptoms which concern the physician, or who have had a psychiatric hospitalization must have a psychiatric evaluation. The psychiatric evaluation should be performed by a psychiatrist familiar with the implications of weight reduction surgery. If psychiatrists with this expertise are not available, an evaluation by a clinical psychologist familiar with the implications of weight reduction surgery is also acceptable. A psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who is providing ongoing care for the patient may also provide this evaluation. Psychological testing as screening tool or as part of the psychological evaluation prior to bariatric surgery is considered not medically necessary. II. Based upon our criteria and assessment of peer-reviewed literature, the surgical management of morbid obesity by laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (e.g., LAP BAND, RealizeTM) is considered medically appropriate in the following circumstances: A. The patient must meet all the requirements listed above in A-H; and SUBJECT: SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF OBESITY POLICY NUMBER: 7.01.29 CATEGORY: Technology Assessment EFFECTIVE DATE: 05/18/00 REVISED DATE: 03/21/02, 02/20/03, 10/15/03, 11/18/04, 08/18/05, 04/20/06, 11/16/06, 11/15/07 PAGE: 2 OF: 14 Proprietary Information of Excellus Health Plan, Inc. A nonprofit independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. B. The dietary history does not include a large consumption of high caloric liquids (e.g., milk shakes) or sweets; and C. The patient has no significant history of esophageal or gastric disease (please note contraindications to adjustable gastric banding listed in the rationale section); and D. The patient must participate in a pre-operative bariatric program that requires a 5% weight loss to demonstrate commitment to behavioral and dietary changes. The 5% weight loss will be measured from the date of the patient’s initial visit to the bariatric surgeon to the date of the request for pre-authorization of the adjustable gastric banding procedure.
  5. Well, cigarettes have chemicals in them that cause a bona fide physical addiction, whilst food causes a psychological addiction at best. So quitting them both is possible, but definitely psychologically very difficult. I quit smoking prior to surgery, though it's not required where I am -- I just wanted to do so. I have been lucky to have found quitting to be relatively easy, I know others go through a hell of a time with it. Have you tried the e-cigarette? I have a friend here who absolutely swears by it (and you can 'smoke' it indoors as well, so no freezing required LOL). That said, in my opinion it's not at all irresponsible to ask people to quit smoking before having surgery, to break the physical and psychological addiction all at one go. And also to help with a safer surgery and easier recovery, as cigarette smoking hinders both (and increases the risk for clots significantly). Yes, it's very difficult for sure -- and not everyone does it, which I understand. However, saying that people need to be gently enabled in one addiction so that they can 'cure' their other one strikes me as fairly absurd. "Transfer addictions" are a big danger indeed -- but one doesn't go ahead and provide or mollycoddle a transfer addiction for people to slide into. I think the real issue isn't giving up multiple problematic/compulsive behaviours, I think the issue is addressing the addictive personality or underlying need that is being met by addictive behaviours so that the person finds *healthy* coping mechanisms rather than easy transfers. That ALL said, I am not one to tell people to quit smoking, never have been. I know full well that people only quit when they are *ready* to do so. But I'm not a surgeon -- and when they ask people to quit smoking, I think they are perfectly justified in doing so in order to try for the least risk and best outcome from surgery. I would never consider it irresponsible of *anyone* to encourage people to quit smoking when it's appropriate to do so -- though it's absolutely useless to bug smokers about quitting, which is why I don't do so. Annoying and a waste of time, yes. Irresponsible, no, not at all. When people are in rehab for drug or alcohol addiction, smoking is the last thing I'd bother about -- so in that sense I agree with you. But there is no rehab for food -- and there are good reasons for that. It's really apples and oranges IMO.
  6. Looks like there are many things to consider and reconsider from everything I read in here... was hoping it could be a quick one but looks like I'm gonna have to keep it till December (my next leave for Christmas) and just keep dieting until then. I've already been dieting for a week now btw since last Saturday until date. As for my regular lifestyle diet, I'm vegetarian and I don't smoke at all (quit in 2006) and I don't drink alcohol at all (also since 2006) and I don't have any medical issues so far neither diabetes nor cholesterol nor blood or heart pressure thankfully nothing as such... my initial Dr's visit is planned for sometime next week during my leave and will see what he will advise then on the preparations and the recovery part too. Oh and btw no my work doesn't involve any lifting I'm a "fat banker" lol I sit on my desk all day and boss around a team of 33 people lol. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
  7. CMTurner

    Liver Shrink Diet

    Here is the Liver Shrink Diet my Surgeon and Nutritionist gave me to follow pre-op: Liver Shrink Diet Remember: Vegetables ar unlimited on this diet. (except potatoes, corn, beans, and peas. Breakfast Protein Shake or Protein Bar (You may use any shake as long as it has 220 or less calories and 10g or less fat/serving) Mid Morning Snack 1 small piece of fruit (if you have Diabetes add 4 oz low-fat yogurt) Lunch Protein Bar (220 calories of less and 10g or less of fat) or Shake Mid Afternoon Snack 1 small piece of fruit (add 4 oz low-fat yogurt if you have Diabetes) Dinner 3 oz meat (lean) - The size of a deck of cards steamed vegetables or salad with Fat-free salad dressing 6 unsalted crackers or 2 slices low calorie bread or 1 small baked potato 1/2 c fruit or 1 small piece of fruit Evening Snack 1 small piece of fruit (add 4 oz low-fat yogurt if you are Diabetic) (You may have non-caloric beverages on this diet) NO ALCOHOL!!!!!!!! Examples: Decaf. Tea, Crystal Light, Sugar-free Kool-Aid, Water Follow This 1 Day Prior To Surgery: Clear liquids only including Jello, broth, juice, and any beverages listed above. Jello can be congealed, but do not put fruit in it it. (NO RED JELLO) & NOTHING TO EAT PAST MIDNIGHT (of course). This is just what my surgeon and nutritionist gave me. Of course everyone's seems different but I just thought I would give you something to go on.
  8. I'm not doing a thing since NYE is so centered around good food and alcohol. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
  9. CapGal26

    Any teachers?

    Hey, so glad to have an educator friend who has a similar situation to mine! Kaiser has a very clear pre-op diet that everyone is supposed to follow, and I've been sticking to it pretty religiously. If you'd like, I can take pictures of those pages of the binder! Basically it is: - No alcohol - No caffeine - No carbonated drinks - Breakfast: roughly 3 oz. protein, eaten first. Then fruit and a starch and fat. (There are very specific serving sizes depending on what food you're eating.) - Lunch & dinner: roughly 3 oz. protein, eaten first. Then veggies and a starch and fat. (Again, serving sizes in the binder. The result is that you're consuming roughly 1200 calories per day. No snacking allowed -- they really impressed upon us that the people who struggle to lose weight (or gain weight) after surgery are the people who snack. Happy to take pictures of the serving sizes for you if you want! It's basically my bible right now. I just went to the orientation a week ago and I've lost about 5 pounds already.
  10. Martha78

    Sex? Wine?

    I was told to wait at least six months before i consume any alcohol. And from what I understand you have to wait possibly at least two weeks after surgery before sex. I am exactly one week post op and my f/u appt is not until 8/31/2011 to ask my doctor about the sex thing. I plan to ask my doctor at my appt. Hang in there
  11. MrsHTX

    Booze!!

    Im kind of worried about being able to drink also. I know two people that had wls several years ago and both of their alcohol tolerance is very low to this day. If I have to give it up I will but I sure hope not.
  12. leebick

    Booze!!

    About 3 months post-op, I had a small glass of white wine at my Cousins' Reunion. I've also had beer a couple of times. We drink at local microbreweries, so I can order brews that have low carbonation. I can't drink a whole beer, so usually order a 4oz. "taster." One taster is enough- then I'm full. I used to drink a lot- maybe 3 or 4 pints, once a week- so this is a big difference for me! I have been out more frequently than this, but usually don't choose to have anything alcoholic to drink. I don't find the alcohol hits me any differently, but I'm not drinking very much when I do choose to imbibe, which I am sure makes a difference.
  13. newme1962

    Any teachers?

    I've been eating definitely eating more than 1,200 calories a day and need to reduce my food intake. I have cut out soda and alcohol, but not my morning coffee. It's definitely a challenge for me to think I will need to give it up for a stretch post surgery and I know I should start now. Thanks for sharing those guidelines and helping me focus. I am terrible at dieting and hence why all the excess weight has crept up on me over the last 15 years.
  14. Hello ~ This is my first posting but I've been reading all of your wonderful posts for a few weeks now. Just a little background about me...I've been heavy my whole life. A few years ago I got myself in the low 200's and to my that was thin! Unfortunately, I've let myself seriously go and I'm up to 350. Last year, I went to my PCP and told him that I wanted the RNY. He was supportive and gave me the referral. Well, I ended up chickening out and tried one last ditch effort with WW. I ended up losing about 40 pounds but successfully put back every pound and then some. I gave up on WLS surgery and dieting all together. A few months back I discovered the VSG and thought to myself that it is definitely a surgery that I be comfortable with and worth exploring. This past week, I got the courage to see my PCP and asked for another referral to a surgeon who does the VSG. Well, my PCP did not tip toe around my feelings. He definitely voiced his disappointment about me not having WLS. He said that he can't help me if I don't take his advice and is STRONGLY encouraging me to have the surgery. Which he is probably right. He gave me the referral and said that he would take care of the necessary paperwork. I definitely got the tough love treatment. I trying to find the right time to tell my family that this is all happening. By the way, I'm single and 30 years old. I know they will be totally supportive but I feel bad for them to see their daughter have to go through this. I've let myself go so bad that my only saving grace is surgery. Ok, the concerns..... 1) Lactose Intolerance, does this happen to everyone? If it should happen, does it go away or am I stuck with it? 2) The hair loss ?...I'm expecting it to happen but my hair is the only thing I get compliments on. Will it grow back? Will it be like it used to be? 3) Bowel issues...as a child I had lots of bowel issues and I can still remember the horrible experiences. Will constipation always be a problem after VSG? 4) Alcohol...I do enjoy a drink now and then. Will I be able to enjoy a glass of wine or a vodka drink? I would not attempt this until way further out. Thank you all so much for letting me get this off my chest. You are all a great comfort and full of advice and knowledge. I look forward to getting to know you. Thanks for your insights. :thumbup1:
  15. I’ll try and keep this as brief as possible. Sorry if I rant on and on. As I went from 240 lbs to 390 lbs between 2009-2019 I slowly hid myself away from friends and family. The truth is I was in denial about how bad things were getting and I was embarrassed. I was ashamed of how I couldn’t keep up with my friends just walking around the city or fitting into booths at restaurants for family milestones. I was out of breath walking into work from the parking lot. I felt like if I could avoid these things in front of other people, if other people couldn’t confirm how limited I had become, it somehow made it less true. I have missed SO many adventures and huge important events in my loved ones lives simply because I was physically unable. This hurts my heart. In 2018 I ditched a good friend’s bachelorette weekend out of town because I was so anxious about how I wouldn’t be able to keep up with everyone. Like literally I could not walk around and I felt ridiculous going to clubs with girls wearing their best outfits and me in an oversized T-shirt. By that point I couldn’t stand for 5 mins without my lower back screaming. Our friendship has not been the same since. I have always thought that was the turning point in our friendship. Now fast forward to late 2019. I happened to be invited to another good friend’s bachelorette weekend. This is a friend I met in college and we were so close we lived together for a couple of years. This is also when my depression/weight gain really got bad. I did my best to hide it, but I’m sure it was obvious. Over the last 7 years I have make excuses to avoid meeting up with her because she is so active. I even prayed she wouldn’t ask me to be a bridesmaid. How sad is that? I really didn’t think I could make it through the dress shopping bit. Pre-surgery I was 390 lbs and a size 26. This friend has run the NYC marathon and I was at least 220 lbs heavier than any other girl in her friend circle. When I was invited on the bachelorette weekend I immediately thought of ways to get out of it. I told one of the maids of honor that I didn’t think it would be a good idea since it was still early after surgery and I wasn’t sure how I’d feel. Well it’s been almost 5 months and I’ve been so lucky to have zero complications. My mobility is much better too. I am also sober by choice. I was never a big drinker anyways. I partied pretty hard as a teen so by the time I got to college I was somewhat past that phase. It doesn’t make me feel good and now with a sleeve I feel like alcohol serves me no purpose. Anyways what I am looking for is real honest advice. I feel immense guilt over declining this invite. I have thought about how I would feel if I was my friend. I could see how she would be upset or disappointed. Am I wrong to not go? I don’t drink and I’m trying so hard to stick to my diet. I know if I really wanted to I could make it work. I don’t want people to tell me what I want to hear. I guess I just want someone to say they understand what I’m saying and feeling. I don’t have anyone in my family or friends that are even overweight. I feel like no one can relate. Has anyone else been through this? Did things get better as you lost weight?
  16. 1. How long should I expect to be off from work after surgery? I know that it is up to the doctor, but I just want an estimated idea. I work a very low physical job. So, there will be barely, if any, physical duties. Plan on a couple of weeks. Might be more, might be less, but about 2 weeks is a good starting point to plan for. 2. Will I have to avoid carbonated drinks for the rest of my life? I'm not a huge soda drinker, but I do drink it from time-to-time. I know that I'll have to avoid anything carbonated 6 months post-OP. But does that mean for the rest of my life, as well? It's ok if I have to. I'm just curious. Some surgeons do recommend avoiding carbonated drinks for the rest of your life. Some don't. It may also depend on what your new, tiny stomach can tolerate. I can't have anything carbonated without discomfort, so I avoid it. IMO it's important that you be willing to stick to whatever your surgeon/dietitian recommends. Being committed to being compliant is a big part of the battle to be successful post-op. 3. Are Protein drinks, like Muscle Milk, the type of Protein Drinks that I'll be able to drink, or will they have to be made? You should be able to drink either pre-made or ones you make yourself, as long as they meet your dietitian's nutritional rules. For example, I could not drink regular Muscle Milk because it is too high calorie and high carb for my plan -- but I could drink Muscle Milk Light, if I wanted to (I don't, to me it tastes like industrial waste water). 4. Will I have to stop drinking alcohol completely? I rarely drink, but when I get around my childhood friends, they love to drink, and sometimes I'll drink a little. Again, this is up to your individual surgeon/dietitian. I think it is rare that any of them require you give alcohol up for life though. 5. Has anyone with PCOS had any improvement with their symptoms? If so, please explain. N/A 6. What would you say is an emotional eater? 1. Find a cognitive behavioral therapist who specializes in bariatric surgery patients (your surgeon should be able to refer you to someone good; and 2. Start developing activities and hobbies you like to do in place of eating. 7. Will I still be able to take Adderall after the surgery? Adderall helps my OCD. My OCD causes me to lose concentration on important things, so Adderall helps keep me focused. Probably, but discuss with your surgeon and possibly a pharmacist. You may need to adjust dosages, but most people continue taking their meds without any problems. 8. Is there any long-term pain after the surgery? No. 9. Will I be able to have kids? I'm only 24 years old (25 in about 2 weeks) and I have no kids. I want kids in my future. You will be more likely to get pregnant and to have healthy babies and children when you are no longer morbidly obese. It takes far fewer calories than most people think to nourish a healthy fetus, or a growing baby if you are breastfeeding. So if you plan your food intake carefully you don't have to worry that you will have an underweight baby or anything like that. There is probably not much you could do more beneficial to your future of having children than get yourself to a healthy weight. 10. Will I really have to drink 6-8 cups of Water a day? I barely drink 3 cups a day because a lot of water makes me feel sick. No. You will have to drink 8 cups of some sort of liquid in your liquid phase after surgery, but you gradually shift that over so you are getting more fluids from food. You will have to drink more than 3 cups a day though. I hardly ever drink water and I am perfectly healthy! 11. Is it true that laying down after eating should be avoided? If you have acid reflux, yes. Gastric sleeve can cause or exacerbate acid reflux so this is a rule that a lot of people find it helpful to follow.
  17. CanCan1791

    Advice...

    In the early stages of pregnancy there is not a lot of weight gain. Most women can stay in normal clothes until after the first trimester. If the pregnancy tests are coming out negative, you are probably not pregnant . Worrying about being pregnant can make your period not come. I would advise just relaxing and waiting to see if you get your period in the next week or two. During that time don't drink alcohol or smoke. If you are pregnant, the waiting doesn't hurt anything. You may be stalled in weight loss because you are in a happy relationship. When I met my husband (preband) I gained 20 pounds in a very short time. And absolutely use some form of birth control. Babies need to be planned.
  18. joatsaint

    Then the fear sets in....

    The beef broth and protein shakes are for the pre-op diet and the 1st week post op. Some people continue to drink the protein shakes to get in the recommended daily protein. I rarely drink the shakes after the 2nd week post-op. I moved onto creamy soups and and a lot of chicken run through my food processor until very very finely chopped. I believe anyone that has 85% of their stomach removed will lose weight. You can't help but lose, if you are limited to 4oz of food every few hours. Now the big question is, where is your hunger coming from? Only you can figure that part out. Is it from emotional eating, boredome, stress, or is it because you have hunger pangs caused by the hormone ghrelin? From my own experience, I knew that my hunger was real (even though I had eaten 2 hours earlier, I'd be hungry again). It wasn't until I talked to my surgeon that he told me that I had an excess of the hormone ghrelin (produced by the stomach). The bigger the stomach, the more of the hormone produced. The surgery stopped my hunger pangs. I have not had that nagging sense of hunger (other than my stomach growling) since surgery 7 weeks ago. And 4 or 5 oz of food keeps me satisfied, whereas before, I could eat 1 lb of steak and know I'd be raiding the fridge in 2 hours. And I don't have any cravings anymore for certain flavors. Whereas before, I'd think about something that would taste good and I couldn't get the thought out of my head until I ate it. Don't get me wrong, you can sabotage yourself after surgery. There are foods, called slider foods, that are calorie dense (ice cream, peanut butter) that pass through the stomach quickly, so it's possible to eat more. And it is possible to just graze all day on snacks that are high in calories. The sleeve gave me the control over my eating that I needed. I really think of it as an addiction that you can't quit and never touch again. Other addictions can be quit and never touched again. But what if a heroine addict, smoker or alcoholic knew they had to take some every day or their body would die? What if they had 75 TV channels that ran commericals for cigarrets every 10 minutes during their favorite programs? Or had reality programs (like the best places to pig out or the food challenges) devoted to the best places to get their fix and showed people taking drugs and loving it? Could they just reduce the amount they took? Ok, rant over. :-)
  19. Orchids&Dragons

    Head Hunger is REAL!!

    Yes, head hunger is a major b!tch. But, even though you're losing weight now, you're setting yourself up for major regain once the "honeymoon" is over. You sound like you may be getting pretty dehydrated. Everything that you listed is a diuretic. (Coffee, alcohol) Are you getting other liquids in? Dehydration can mimic hunger. You need to get those non-calorienon-caffeinated drinks into you. Maybe try a decaf coffee with 1/3 of a protein shake for the sweetener/creamer? Many on here love to add the Premier Protein caramel or chocolate to their decaf. I love vanilla in my decaf chai tea for a chai latte (grocery stores or online for the decaf chai tea bags.) Acid also mimics hunger. The next time you're hungry, try chewing a Tums. If the hunger subsides, check with your doctor about an acid-reducing medicine. Above all else, if you can't get this under control yourself, please reach out to your team or to a therapist. You've gone through too much to not give yourself your best shot at success. Good luck!
  20. I used to drink nothing but soda morning, noon & night ... NEVER drank water, couldn't stand the stuff ... when I started researching the band and found out that I had to give up my beloved Dr. Pepper, a tiny part of me said no way in hell am I getting that damn surgery and giving up soda! I don't drink alcohol, I've never smoked ... soda was my one & only addiction. Well, I decided to go ahead with the surgery and a month prior to it I cut out the soda completely. It was alot easier than I thought it would be as I haven't thought about it, craved it or even missed it. Last week I took a tiny sip of my son's soda and it actually tasted disgusting! These days I am perfectly content with my water & Crystal Light and for me, that in itself is a huge accomplishment!
  21. I begin the real part of my journey on Monday December 30, 2013 with my Roux-N-Y. I started looking into the surgical answer to my struggles with weight maintenance a year ago. At 5' 1.5 I weighed 120 in my teens, one year at 140 after dieting, and never close again. As with us all, I have tried every diet that has been suggested, advertised, and failed at keeping the weight off. In the last six years the weight has been slowly creeping up. Since then, I've developed PCOS, degeneration of joints in knees, back and neck. I've had a hysterectomy, and I think it's been worse since then three years ago. I am exhausted... So incredibly tired of the disappointment of not being able to lose it or keep it off it's like climbing up a steep icy hill and sliding back down continually... I need a little assist I think. The straw that broke the camels back was being diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus this month. Being further restricted from coffee, hot food, spicy, fried, chocolate, alcohol etc. I just could not imagine holding up. I've done my research and continue to do so, but still am anxious about altering my digestive system and the repercussions of that. I'm trying to think logically that I am having issues now that in time will do damage more intense than what the changes I make to my stomach will do. It's hard to be at complete peace with the idea I guess. So that my Barifriends, is my story...
  22. I don't tell people at work because of exactly that. I've gotten to the point where I also can't trust myself to hold my tongue. I'm not going to take comments about what I eat and not respond with questions like "Are you sure that alcohol fueled orgy you told everyone about was good for your health". "Has the doctor checked your liver lately becuase with your level of drinking I'm sure it's got problems." People should mind there own business! Very rarely do people say things because they want to be helpful. They say it to be superior.
  23. My favorites for TOM are cocoa almonds.. almost like chocolate covered almonds but with only 5 carbs per 1/4 cup and these delicious "Supreme Protein" Protein bars. Specifically the caramel nut chocolate flavor, you have a chocolate outer coating with little crisp rice (like krackle), nougat and real caramel. 15g protein, and 5 sugars, (15 sugar alcohols). They are crazy good and fake low carb pretty well. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001RD6L98/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=solacefarm-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B001RD6L98&adid=1S7GY74BPCPYDT2DCPQH& Walmart has them too, looks like GNC as well.
  24. oh also, my nurse said that they tell people you cant drink alcohol for 6-12 months after, but in reality by 3 months you can. You'll just get drunk quicker, sober quicker, but it stays in your bloodstream longer (so no driving or you'll get a dui), something to do with your liver processing the alcohol...
  25. Thanks everyone. Your responses are greatly appreciated. I should probably say that I'm afraid of these questions because I'm afraid of being denied! I have heard of folks "failing" their psych evaluations for various reasons including the possibility of crossover addictions and alcoholism. I feel like this is my last best chance to get this done. My work insurance won't cover so I bought an exchange plan and want to get this all approved as quickly as possible.

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