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LOL, it's crazy how our stats are A MATCH! We even have the same goal weight! I hope to be as successful as you are, in 10 months! I'm one of those "pretty face" fatties, and it always angered me how people told me I didn't *need* to lose weight as if having the full package was somehow not permitted.

There are also cardiovascular risks that you need to discuss with your doctor. You need to be aware of ALL of the risks with a hysterectomy. I am not saying NOT to have it done. I just like for all of my patients to be aware of all of the risks and benefits of a surgery and then they can make the best educated decision the is right for the individual. My doctor and I discussed it when I was 30 and we thought that it would be best to wait as long as I could. I continued to get ultrasounds every few months for 10 years until I finally said "enough is enough". Like I said, I have never felt better sinice I had everything removed.

I too had a hysterectomy at a fairly young age (32) and have never regretted it. Mine was done laproscopically (yes, I have at least 10 little incisions on my belly these days, after lap band! :thumbup:), and I have never ever regretted it. When I think of the pain and suffering I endured I wish I had only had it done earlier. I did keep my ovaries, which you probably would not, so I can't speak to the instant menopause thing, but I seriously think it was the best surgery I ever had -- up to and including lap band. The sheer secession of pain, bleeding and generally being out of commission 5-9 days a month, so worth it. Hysterectomy is not for everyone, but I truly believe it is was the best choice for me. You'll be able to get on with the rest of your life!

I am at a loss. I am trying to keep this as brief as possible, so forgive me if you get lost in the muck and the mire. 1. Decide in August to have lap band done w/ Dr. Liu. 2. UHC rep says won't be authroized b/c Dr. Liu doesn't accept insurance. 3. Confirmed by rep 2. 4. Rep 4 says no way. Will be covered at 90% of what's eligible. Must turn in predetermination request. 5. Ask reps 4 & 5 and coordinate w/ Dr. Liu staff what is required (just paperwork from his office. Submitted. 6. Denied. Not a covered benefit. 7. What? That's not what reps 4 & 5 said! 8. Oops. You're right. Denied because no proof of morbid obesity for last 5 years. 9. Submit proof. 10. Denied for not submitting proof of morbid obesity. Argue with Reps 6 & 7 for 45 minutes on the definition of "proof." They say HEIGHT AND WEIGHT IS NOT PROOF. :smile2: Must be a ICD-9 diagnosis from a chart. I said YOU CAN'T GET AN ICD-9 DIAGNOSIS OF MORBID OBESITY W/O THE HEIGHT AND WEIGHT! 11. Get transfered to medical review unit. She tells me I was denied because I failed to submit proof I participated in medically supervised weight loss programs and do not have high blood pressure, heart disease, Diabetes, or obstructive sleep apnea. WHEN WAS ANYONE GOING TO TELL ME THE REQUIREMENTS OF MY OWN PLAN? I've participated in countless weight loss programs (medically supervised ones, too), but the closest thing I have to any of the above is insulin resistance. I feel like I am getting the run around, and no matter how many hoops I jump through, they will find a reason to deny it. Anyone get lapband approved with a situation similar to mine?

I love this site, I am not alone I was banded on 12/19 samething 18 pds off right away and now I just keep bouncing with in a 2pd up and down. I called today and go this friday for my first fill hope it helps. I to have been exercising more then I ever have 1-2 miles a day. So sounds like we are all in the same boat ,we can do it. patience patience,never been my best friend lol

I finally got my approval. My date is Sept 10. I start my pre-op diet on August 25 or so. I am relieved, excited and scared to death. This site has been so much help to me during my journey even if no body ever talks back:smile2:

My surgery is scheduled for 10/29 and I am feeling the same way. My pre-op diet starts on Monday and trying to figure out everything is getting very overwhelming. I am excited and nervous all at the same time.

So it’s been 3 weeks since my VSG surgery. And can I tell you, WHAT a 3 weeks it’s been. I feel like a completely new person!!! I have energy, I willingly take my kids swimming (in a bathing suit… gasp!) and I look forward to the gym. Now for the (impressive, if I do say so myself) weight loss stats: I have lost a total of 22 lbs in 3 weeks!! I have stalled for the last week or so, but I’ve lost inches, so I’m not super concerned. In fact, I’ve more than 4 INCHES off of my waist in 3 weeks. So yeah, awesome to say the least!!! And I've experienced literally ZERO hunger since surgery. food just isn't exciting to me anymore. I did the 2 week pre-op diet, had surgery and had to modify my eating after surgery and I had to deal with my husband and other family members. I’ll go ahead and describe each of those items in a bit of detail. First, the pre-op diet: I had a strict 3-4 Protein shake menu, plus 1 small “Lean Cuisine” type meal per day. All in all, my diet is less than 1,000 calories per day. Since I had done the HMR diet in years past, which was surprisingly easy for me, I just went ahead and did that diet again – 5 shakes and 1 small pre-packaged meal. Very easy. I’m not saying that I never got hungry or had cravings, but with the volume of protein that I was ingesting, it was hard to stay hungry for long. And I had a big goal in mind – my surgery date of 8/8/11. Right after starting the pre-op diet, I attended the pre-op class. It was ALL DAY and went through blood tests, hospital check in, the post-diet surgery, the hospital stay and all post-op prescriptions. It was very thorough and thankfully they gave me a binder with all the info in it, because there was a guy in my class who (I kid you not) was the most annoying person on earth. He interrupted the doctor and nurse about every other minute with some personal concern (I knew his entire life history after this class), and he asked the same question multiple times. Now, I GET wanting to get your questions answered, but I made sure that I had asked all my personal questions ALONE with my doctor during my individual appointment. Anyway, it was hard to listen to what they were saying when that guy kept talking – I sort of stopped listening. But when I got home, I made sure to review the binder in detail. The day before surgery, I was allowed to eat a REAL Breakfast but only liquids after that. I was too nervous to eat honestly, so I just had my normal Protein Shake day but I skipped the “real food” dinner that night. I also had to shower the night before with Hibicleanse antibacterial soap, sleep on clean (washed in super hot water) sheets and PJ’s, and then take another Hibicleanse shower the next morning. They weren’t taking any chances with infections, thank goodness. I was scheduled for surgery at 8 am the following morning and I had to arrive at the hospital at 5:30 am. I ended up having a coworker drive me to the hospital and drop me off (she’s totally awesome, like an older sister that I never had). My husband had to get our 2 little girls ready for preschool that morning, so he was going to come to the hospital when I was still in surgery. So, I arrive at the Sharp Memorial Hospital at 5:30 am and I’m called back to the “S.P.A.” area to get prepped. Basically, I took off my clothing, they made me take another pregnancy test and they hooked up my IV. Then I sat and waiting for another hour or 2. The anesthesiologist came in to talk to me. Now, the one thing I made SURE to do was to tell him that during my last (and only) other surgery, I felt awful for about a day afterward because the anesthesia had made me so nauseated. Like I couldn’t walk without barfing – think seasickness or morning sickness times a thousand. And with a surgery on my stomach, I imagined that throwing up was NOT a good thing. And thank goodness I did that – no nausea at ALL after surgery. It was night and day different from my last surgical experience! Then my doctor came in, made sure I had no questions, and we were off to the operating room. I then moved over to the new bed in the room and the doctor told me he was giving me something to make me calm down a bit. Boy did it ever! I felt a bit drunk for about 2 minutes…. Then I woke up in recovery! Recovery: Now this was weird. I knew where I was and what was going on, I could hear everyone talking (nurses and doctors) and my brain felt like it was working OK… but I couldn’t open my eyes. Very weird! I lay like that for a few minutes before I was finally able to open my eyes. Then I got some pain medication, even though I wasn’t in pain, and fell asleep again. I woke up while being moved to my new room. And let me tell you, my room was AWESOME! Totally private and in the new wing of the hospital, and it was a corner room with ceiling to floor windows that overlooked pretty much all of San Diego. I totally lucked out with the room! My nurses were great, too. I was up and walking within an hour or so of getting to my room, and I had little to no pain. It was very surprising and, like I said before, a completely different experience from when I had my gallbladder removed 2 years prior. I had 5 very small incisions that really didn’t hurt. I was able to suck on ice chips for the first day with no problems, and then I was moved to Propel Water the next day. I did manage to disconnect my IV line (there was a connection in the middle of the line from the bag to the needle in my arm) while in the bathroom. I didn’t notice until I saw blood everywhere on the floor. That was a bit scary! But the nurse came right away (like within 10 seconds) reconnected me without having to run a new IV and I was as good as new. I was discharged the next day. OK, now for the family drama. I didn’t tell anyone about the surgery with the exception of a few people – my husband, my awesome coworker, my boss and my Aunt who has gastric bypass a year ago. That was it. I didn’t tell people because of my husband’s reaction. He was 100% completely and TOTALLY against the surgery. We fought about it for over 6 months, and he went so far as to schedule a shoulder surgery the WEEK before my surgery in an attempt to get me to cancel. (A side note, he’s needed shoulder surgery for years, but he decided to do it right before mine at the very last minute). Poor guy – not only did I not cancel, but he was left taking care of 2 preschool girls with one arm in a sling. That backfired for him badly. Anyway, now that the surgery is over and I’m not dead (that was his big concern obviously) and he can now see how great I feel, how much more energy I have (especially for certain “things” that I didn’t have much interest in before.. wink, wink) and how much better that I look, he’s much better about the whole thing. He’s turned from 100% NOT supportive, to completely supportive. Thank GOD! The other family drama that I had was with my Aunt. She knew I wasn’t telling anyone – I made it a point to tell her right off the bat that I wasn’t sharing with ANYONE until I was ready- but what does she do?? She calls my SISTER and tells her. So my sister was frantically trying to reach my husband to find out what’s going on with me, how I’m doing, etc. So now the cat’s out of the bag. My sister is very supportive, and I was going to tell her, but I wanted to do so on my own time, and I kinda wanted to surprise everyone in a few months with the “new” me. Now I also have to tell my parents because they would be devastated if they found out second hand. But, whatever… nothing I can do about it now. Anyway, that’s my story in a nutshell. I really can’t believe I’ve done it, and it was SO incredibly easy for me. I was expecting some problem, some complication or lots of pain, but I got nothing. No energy loss, pain, nausea, nothing. I was back to work a week early (after only a week) and I actually worked from home starting on the Thursday after my Monday surgery (I was bored and I’m a bit of a workaholic). This whole process has been a dream. I just wish that this DAMN 3 week stall would let up!!!

I was sleeved 5 months ago and have lost 70 pounds so far, going from a "tight" 18 to a 10 in 5 months!! I shop almost exclusively at thrift shops because I am losing weight so fast I can't justify the retail purchases (that will come later...when I am at goal). I am finding all kinds of great brands and I am having the best time and feel good about not breaking the bank!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

one other thing i will tell you. if you order a dress from china (which i did by accident) an XL is apparently a size 10 there. smh. and even then it's tight! also the quality sucks. like i literally brought a whole nother change of clothes just in case this dress ripped down the middle seam. just an fyi.

Hi everyone! I just started a NEW Youtube Channel for Bariatric Beauty and Fashion Tips and Tricks. I'm a professional makeup artist with 17 years experience in the industry and also a Gastric Bypass 10 year post op! Let me know if you're interested in other videos!!

Personally, I wouldn't do the band due to the complications it can cause; and it causes many and some are major. My surgeon said they are trying to get rid of them due to all the complications. I'm having my sleeve on 12/19 and feel it's the perfect choice for me. My advise to you is to do a ton of research, go to obesityhelp.com and you can read forums on each of the different surgeries to see how people do with them. There are hundreds of people that have gone from lapband to sleeve due to complications; so why have 2 surgeries when you can just have one Good luck!

I'm 10 days out and it was not that bad. The people in the hospital I went to were just great to me. From the people that signed me in to all the pple in the OR. There are a lot of pple in the OR so be prepared for that. A lot more than I would have thought. You will do just fine. I have already lost 25 lbs since pre-op. Keep your mind on that.

Ladies, PLEASE don't let discouraging words of others make you doubt yourselves. You must be hanging out in a different area or board than I am. I rarely see negative! And, what little I see, I don't internalize as part of my journey. I researched this for a couple of years before I had mine done. I'm sure you have, too. From all of those I know personally who have done lap-band (4), 2 have been successful. The other 2 are both over 300 lbs right now. It is not difficult for the band to fail. One reason is slippage, medical complications that warrant retreat, etc. another is when the person manipulates the situation intentionally and self-sabotages. With the sleeve, it's a LOT harder to sabotage yourself. Your body just won't let you that easily. And, unlike the band, you can't change your mind and reverse it. You REALLY are committed. Let me share one more interesting piece of info rarely shared. I asked for the sleeve. My surgeon asked me why I selected that option. Then, we discussed my medical history and he said I would never be a candidate for the bypass surgery anyway. I'm excluded from it. Why? Because I am EXPECTING to need a liver transplant in about 10 years (hoping never...) and when a person gets the full bypass there is critical tissue removed that MUST be in place to have a liver transplant. Forgive me. I don't recall the name of that tissue, but it gets removed with bypass surgery. So, I told my Dr, NO-ONE should EVER get a bypass, then! What if, through illness or injury, they need a liver transplant someday? He said they factor that risk in when deciding to do bypass. It is usually reserved for those who are at highest risk to die from obesity soon. So, please set your sights on a positive goal with the sleeve and don't consider bypass unless it is your only hope. And surround yourself with people who will lift you up and encourage you. I personally try to balance the elements of my life with 30% Receive influence from people with more knowledge and experience than me (LEARN) 40% Surround myself with positive thinkers on a similar path (GROW) 30% Be there for those who are starting out and could benefit from my journey (HELP) Nothing in excess.

I have had T2 for about 15 years and was on oral meds. May of 2012, I was put on injected insulin because things got out of control. I was sleeved on Sept. 20 - my numbers are technically still high and I will probably end up back on oral meds, but my surgeon said not to worry about it until 6 months out. If I get too high, I'm to take fast acting insulin on a sliding scale as needed. I've lost about 50 lbs since surgery and notice the side effects of diabeties have all but gone away - thirst, frequent urination, etc... If I could do the sleeve over again, I would 10 more times! There are other things to consider with each of your options - not just diabeties. With the RNY, you don't absorb calories, but you don't absorb nutrients either. The weight loss will happen very quickly, but if you're not careful, you could have long term problems other than diabeties. With the sleeve, the weight comes of slower. You still need to make sure you're extremely careful with what and how you eat, but there's less problems. As far as the diabeties, I'm fully prepared to go back on oral meds. Hoping I won't have to, but preparing myself for it nonetheless. Not sure if anything I'm saying will help... It's just my opinion.

I had my surgery 12/31/07, I came home on 01/01/08. I have layed in a recliner since I got home. I get up to go to the bathroom, and I walk to end of the driveway each day. I haven't taken any pain meds since I have been home, but I feel like a horse has kicked me in the abdomen. Other than that I feel okay. I got really weak after my first shower. I am not able to eat more than 3 ounces at a time. I am doing soupy grits, Carnation instant breakfast, jello, juice, and apple sauce. Taking my daily meds, Celexa and Addrall sucks. Crushing them in apple sauce still doesn't cover that terrible taste. Am I suppose to be still having this pain in the abdomen?

i was out of the hospital after an eight hour stay. stayed with a girlfriend. since i have a 10 year old daughter, she was a big help!!! girlfriend take all the time you need but i do agree, get to moving around.

Yes, walking starts almost as soon as you wake up from surgery. You'll be on some level of restriction for a while, I couldn't lift more than 10 lbs for 6 weeks. Afterwards I was cleared for certain levels of exercise, and then more shortly thereafter. It's subjective and personal based on a number of factors. But always listen to your doctors!

Caffeine is a diuretic... Be careful, especially right after surgery when it's so hard to stay hydrated. Jess...Surgiversary 9/19/12

I am 10 weeks out from surgery also. The others are right, you need to see your Dr. The sooner the better.

I have a tentative date of 10/5. I have been walking between 3-5 miles a day, and cut out the starches and soda. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am the "I have not noticed vote." I really have not - but I am not at goal yet either. I am down by 52 lbs. at this point and feel the same. But I never realized in my head that I weighted as much as I did. When I see pics of me I can't believe I weighed that much. Now I look "normal" to me in pictures and such but I have almost always hovered around a size 12 or 14. We will see what the world looks like at a 8 or 10.

I've been working with a bariatric clinic since mid 2020 and completed my 6 month supervised diet with them, however, I've decided to move to a more robust and supportive program somewhere else. I have my first visit with the new place on 1/28 and am hopeful that everything will transfer over and they will simply need to resubmit the authorization to my insurance. (I had already received my authorization letter for the initial clinic) The person I spoke with at the new program made the comment that it would "help a lot if I could lose some weight and weigh less than my last appointment with the old program". This is not a requirement of my insurance, so, I'm thinking this is more a requirement they have set. Anyone have any pointers on how to lose several pounds over the next 10 days? I have an immensely hard time losing weight. I have been able to maintain the weight I had at my last appointment, but, my scale has not consistently gone down. I'm lucky to lose and keep off a pound a month and my scale has crazy fluctuations from day to day. I already do the following: - carbs at or under 100g a day - 128-152ozs of water a day - only eat 3 meals a day with no snacking Appreciate any advice or guidance.

I NEVER EVER want to experience this again! My husband had made an absolutely delicious ham bean soup. I scooped out 1/2 a cup, and decided I would just puree it. While it didn't exactly look appealing, it was genuinely delicious. But then, stupid me, thought I would just try 2-3 ham pieces, and without thinking, ate them. I must not have chewed them very well, and BAM, they were stuck! Forgive me french, but holy shi*. I could feel it just stuck in the middle of my breast bone. I walked around, and around the house, tapping my chest. My poor 10 yr old kept asking are you OK. I replied, I will be. But, I wasn't, not right away. Within minutes, I had tears, and eventually I threw it up. It was that lovely slime everyone has talked about, along with a little of the soup. Sorry for the details guys. I was so scared. This isn't anything I want to visit ANY TIME again. Oh my God! I was so upset with myself, and scared. Mind you, I'm allowed to eat solids as I'm 1+ month post op with 1 fill. Lessson learned? You bet...... CHEW CHEW CHEW CHEW CHEW CHEW CHEW CHEW CHEW CHEW CHEW CHEW Have I made myself clear?