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Well, it's been a week since my first appointment with the surgeon (March 27th) and I've called a couple of times to see where they are in the submittal process. On Friday (March 30th) they said they didn't have my diet history done (which the nurse I befriended told me she'd do on Wednesday). I had taken every little thing they would need, it was totally organized, cross-referenced and color coded (No, I'm NOT kidding). So I anticipated this would go quickly, and was TOLD this would go quickly. Well this morning the person who answered the phone said they were still waiting on the dictation from the surgeon (the nurse had told me that he dictates the next day). I got a little teensy bit annoyed and asked why on earth does it take a week to dictate? And after a week, what are the chances the dictation will be fully accurate (he wasn't taking notes when he saw me, three hours and fifteen minutes late...). So the first person transferred me to the voice mail for the office manager. The office manager calls me back (Janet) and tells me that it was dictated the next day, but it takes a week for the trascriptionist to type it a inter-office mail it back to them. Pffffft!! Ridiculous. And Janet assured me that I was a rare case who came in with everything done, she said usually they have a few weeks to get their stuff taken care of. I was not pleased. So anyhoos, she said she's thinking it will be submitted today. My case manager, Lynn (I love her), from my insurance company also called and spoke with the insurance lady (Lynne) at the surgeon's office to ask about it and she was also told they will submit this afternoon. Woohoo! Keep your fingers crossed!

I have not had my surgery yet but its fast approaching, May 3rd. There is only 1 person who knows, my husband. I have older kids and younger kids (2 are still at home). Like others have said in their posts, I do not find it to be anyone's business that I have a sleeve. My kids I have not told because the older ones do not come around enough anyway to visit and Ill probably be on regular food by the time they do lol. My younger 2 children that are still at home (girl 17, boy 11) I have not told because my youngest son would be worried like crazy on surgery day. I do not want to cause any undue stress for him. As for my coworkers, no one knows from there either. I do believe most would be supportive because I had 3 coworkers who had gastric bypass. Two of which is on a fast track of gaining their weight back post surgery 4 yrs. At current I am still working from home and only go to the office 1 week a month. I was just there last week and one coworker said I looked like I have lost weight since she last saw me (Ive lost 17 lbs in the last few months) but I didnt think it was noticeable. Obviously we cannot dodge the looks and questions post surgery because we are losing weight, but at least I dont have to be judged or questioned why I would go down this road ahead of surgery. I kindof view it this way its my health, my decision. Once its done its done. My hubby is from (W Yorkshire) England and he left his family, friends and country because he loves me. He is very supportive of me. He doesnt necessarily agree with the surgical aspect of things but I know he will be there for me and will help me through the mood swings, the pain and he knows if I go down a dark path of thoughts to give me his hand and help me back to where I need to be (I hear some ppl become depressed post op) I have never experienced that but if I do he will be there to help me. He always has been. You will tell ppl in due time as you feel more comfortable (as will I perhaps) and I agree with what blackcatsandbaddecisions said If brought up we dont have to talk about it especially if its from a judgmental person/family member!

I started Zumba before surgery but resumed classes about 8 weeks out.

I could barely walk for the first year or so - my weight was just too high and my joints/back too damaged. I still have never went to a class but I go do go to the gym twice a week. Today I did 35 minutes on the incline setting on the treadmill going very briskly. Almost needed oxygen but this is my commitment. Most of us eventually do give in and do something about getting physically fit. The weight loss stops being a passive process after a while.

Hi I am 7 weeks post op & have been walking for exercise up to now. I got cleared to start with 10 lb weights & increase as tolerated. I am wondering when did anyone start any workout classes in their local gym classes? I really want to pick up some classes too. Thank you

I remember that my first egg salad was absolutely delicious! Just a tip. I mixed the egg with 1/2 lowfat miracle whipand 1/2 Fage unflavored greek yogurt for more Protein. I think I made this with either egg or tuna every day for a week. Marie

Im in the Kaiser program now too, It's actually a great resource to learn everything you will need to know before the surgery (mind you some of the stuff they talk about is just repetitive and overkill for anyone who has ever tried to lose weight ). My program is 24 weeks as opposed to 12, but it has gone by pretty quick so far (6 weeks in). I know I have to start getting on track to lose my 10%, but I also kind figure that I can lose it in the 4 months of classes that I have after the first of the year...good luck to you!!

I know this might sound silly, but yesterday I went to the store and almost had a breakdown. Lol I'm one week in to my two week pre op diet. I had no idea how hard walking through the store would be! All my old fave Snacks calling me, and everything looked so yummy. I made it through without buying anything off list and it felt like a huge victory. I just wonder if it will get easier. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Yep! It really takes awhile. It took me almost 3 1/2 weeks to really start to feel better. Others are luckier.

Congratulations!!! Super close! How is your pre op diet going? My pre-op diet did not go so well. I really only got a good week in instead of two. When I buckled down, I felt sick. But I got through it! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I know this has been posted before but I really want to get the word out. I was approved yesterday for two Protein shakes a day, every day, for 11 months. How's that for some math!! Plus my Vitamins, scar reducer, l-glutamine!!! For free through insurance. Apply as soon as you have a date, it takes 2 weeks approval and then they send over for a prescription from your doctor and ship it off. http://www.insurenutrition.com that's it Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I lost 25 pounds in my first two weeks. Since then I haven't lost ANY weight. In fact I've gained 2 to 3 pounds. Is this normal? I have been following the diet, walking everyday, and doing evertying i was told. I was banded on may 5th. Please someone help me! I want to lose a few more pounds before my first fill. Am I doing something wrong? What can I DO?

Okay! Well I am on the road to getting banded. Well... a long road to getting banded... See My appointment with my surgeon..was back in March.. yes MARCH.. So far I've gone to the preop-wellness, white light screening, and got my psych eval... Yupp that's it. I honestly do not mean to be dragging my heels... I have a 16 month old who keeps my hands full and I also have a husband who has not been here all summer to help out with my son because he is in the Navy and they are deploying this week. I really want to get this surgery done.. I'm not kidding but I just don't know how I have let time slip away like this. Anyways.. I know I need to go to a pre-op support group meeting..and I was hoping I could get a baby sitter and go to the next one so I can get things back on track... So I grab my note book with all my lapband info in it... and I find... MY blood test script... you know , the one I was SUPPOSED to take to labcorp, or somewhere to get my blood drawn and tested? Yea, best part? It was supposed to be done no later than 2 weeks after my first surgeons visit. = Thing is, I could have sworn I went and did it... but I am also a diabetic and I switched PCP twice since March...sooo now I'm thinking I must have gone and done it for one of them and not the lapband surgeon. = Now I'm feeling kind of like a complete idiot... I mean it's no joke I have a lot on my hands right now and I feel like I am juggling everything at once. HOW could I forget the easiest thing on my list?! Looks like I will be making a few phone calls come Monday. I really DO want this surgery. It just seems like everything happens one after another and doing things that I need to do for myself have to be put on hold = Has anyone else felt this way? Or had a similar experience? = I honestly feel like I need to just stop for a day and do this one thing for myself.

After various seminars, a bit of resistance on my side, and the scale going up...I committed to finally take control. I live on Long Island and found a surgeon and program that is perfect for me. It's taken three solid months of doctors, tests, and follow-ups but I am scheduled for April 14. The ONLY thing that stands in my way is that I did not yet lose the requested 30 lbs. I'm down 10 and have only a week & a half. If my surgeon who I see on 4/9 tells me to post-pone for more weight loss, then I will do so. he is a very cautious doctor and that's why I chose him. Either way I'm on my way to a better life. I've been on liquids for nearly two weeks and I'm already feeling more energetic. That's my short story and looking forward to finding support with this group. Kas-e

I am 3 weeks post-op. I eat Greek yogurt or cottage cheese with applesauce. I plan to try egg salad next. These are all easy. You can buy the eggs already hard-boiled to make your own, or find a good deli. Are you a Pinner? I have found many good recipes on Pinterest. Good Luck!!

Hi everybody, I've been lurking on the boards for so long that I felt it was time to come out of hiding and say how much inspiration you've all given to me without knowing it. You are a great source of information, comfort, and camaraderie -- it feels wonderful to know that I'm not alone. My real name is Michele. I'm originally from St. Louis, MO but I've been living in the Houston area (The Woodlands to be more exact) for 14 years. I'm 49 years old and I have a host of problems that I hope are going to be greatly improved by the surgery -- diabetes, high blood pressure, low thyroid, high cholesterol. Diabetes is the main one. My mom was about 100 lbs. overweight and died when she was 62 from the complications of diabetes. It's taken several of my friends too, and I just don't want to go out that way if I can help it. It's funny, I'm a conservative Republican but I tell everyone "Thank you President Obama!" If it weren't for Obamacare I don't know where I'd be. Because of the PCIP program which is part of the Affordable Care Act, I am able to get insurance and I couldn't afford it previously. I was turned down for other insurance and the Texas Risk Pool insurance was twice as expensive as what I pay for deductibles now. Anyway, my insurance covers bariatric surgery. I had to be on medically supervised weight loss for 6 months, then they approved me. Because of previous surgery I had on my ears this year, I've already met my out of pocket maximum so this surgery is free for me. I have been truly blessed. This past year has been an epic saga trying to get to this point. After doing everything I needed to do for six months and gaining approval for the surgery on the first try, I found out my surgeon was out of network because the medical group he was a part of fell apart and he joined with a new group and my insurance couldn't find him on their network anymore. Finally my insurance suggested that I find a different surgeon so I looked around and found one who has a lot of good reviews online -- and this is going to be my hero - Dr. Dexter Turnquest. My surgery is scheduled for Monday the 19th at 1:00 pm. I'm so excited that it's finally happening yet I'm feeling more nervous and I have more trepidation than I thought I would. My surgeon allows only Clear Liquids for the first week (yep the week of thanksgiving - maybe i can find some turkey broth). Then after that I go on the soft diet. He said he wants his patients eating their Protein, not drinking Liquid Protein, so I'm glad I won't have to be on the Protein Shakes -- I'm sorry, they're mostly awful. I worry what it's going to be like to be at home and not chowing down. I wonder what it's going to be like not to eat certain things, not to eat as much as I used to eat. I wonder if I'll get really depressed because that's been my coping source all these years. But I know that God is on my side and He has brought me to this and He'll help me get through it. But I can't help wondering and worrying a little if it's going to be really hard. Can anyone recommend things I should have on hand for that first week when I'm home that I would regret if I didn't get? My friend is going to spend the night with me the night I come home (which will be Tuesday afteroon) but after that I'm mostly going to be on my own sitting in my little apartment. Please let me know if there were things, medicines, food items, that you were really glad you had around. Anyone else live in The Woodlands area? I would love to go to a support group and make some new friends. I think it would help me get out of myself and help me take the focus off ME. There's so much more I could say so I'll just leave it at that for right now -- thanks again to all of you for being here!

I am scheduled for surgery on October 28. I'm self pay (in US, not in Mexico) and have my second appointment with my surgeon in a few days. The problem is that I have been gorging on food because I feel like I'm saying goodbye to a lifelong friend and habit. I'm so ashamed that I've gained at least 5 pounds and maybe more in a month and feel like the surgeon is going to be upset. Did any of you have any weight gain in the weeks before you started your pre-op diet?

Hi my name is Anica I have been having weight problem since high school. The older I am getting it is harder to lose weight the traditional way. I work out 3-4 time a week and watch what I eat. Still the weight doesn't come off. I have tried weight watcher, paleo, doctor approve weight loss program, and evening juicing. Nothing has work may have lose 10lbs and then gain it all back and even more. 2011 I wanted the weight loss surgery so I schedule an appt. to find out that the insurance I had didn't cover it so I cancelled the surgery. As of Jan 1, 2014 the insurance I have now covers it so I made up in my mind that I will get the surgery to help me with the weight loss. I am using this as a tool knowing I will need to work to keep it off. When I tell people how much I way they look at me like I am joking because I don't look like I am that big, but the scale says I am. I am in a size 18 some 16 depending on how it is maded. The doctor I am using I have heard great things about. I already did the seminar online and pass the test that is at the end of the seminar. I had file out paper work online which ask question like how long have you been over weight and what type of plan have you been on to lose weight. Also asked about the insurance once I done this about two day later I received a call from the office stating they called the insurance company and got approved that this was a cover surgery. I got so excited. My consulation is Feb 13, 2014 for the sleeve. Once I go for all the other preop stuff. I can have a surgery date sometime in the end of March. While I am waiting I am still going to watch the things I eat and still do my workout.

Its weird how when you lose weight you evoke such emotions in people.. most are delighted for you especially if you haven't seen them for a while. I've been 'dieting' for over 20 yrs, never reached my goal (not yet anyway!!) I lost 56lbs 3 yrs ago for our wedding and regained at least 28lbs.... Anyway.... we were out socialising with a neighbour last week who commented on my weightloss and said how great i looked, don't lose too much etc..... We also saw her last night, and boy did I suffer at her tongue. We've been invited as part of a party for a paella.... I accepted the invitation from the host saying we'd love to come but at the moment I am on a liquid diet to kickstart my weight loss again ( I'm not telling them about the surgery.....). The host replied she could do me a salad..... I politely declined saying no, honestly don't worry about me, I'd love to come but I'll sort myself out before we arrive and hubby would love the paella. Word has got round to the other woman who is going (as it does!) and she laid into me last night saying I was crazy being on a liquid diet... why did I want to lose any more.... I gave her my practised speech about the fact I'd like to be at the higher end of my recommended BMI of 147lbs. Also if I get there my husband added in an incentive that he would give up smoking. ( I actually want to get to 140lbs but wasn't telling her that) She replied well you'll never get there, she was 5ft 10 and wasn't 147lbs so how did I think I was getting there. (Shes not overweight IMO). I said well I've battled with my weight for the past 20 yrs... she said well if its not worked then why will it work this time.....(in a really bitter sort of way) She then started to go onto the fact I have a lovely face (WHY is that ALWAYS the pity comment they give...???) and then luckily we were interrupted by someone else which diffused it... but I was getting SO angry with her. The good news (?!) is that she said, don't worry we can finish the conversation on Tuesday when we meet up for Paella........ OH JOY!! The long and short of it kinda sums up why I'm not telling people about my decision for having the surgery.... most people just don't get it. Unless you've struggled with your weight, been bullied etc thru the years then you cannot grasp how desperatly unhappy it makes you inside. They don't see 'fat ' people as having problems, they see them as greedy. They don't realise there are eating disorders which make you over weight... they only know about the 'slim' ones..... I can tell I'm in for an emotional time when we do meet up, andthat I will tell her to butt out if she gets to me too much, its my life and my decision to lose the weight, if I'm not happy with myself then I have the right to do whatever I want to make me happy. What else is strange is that her husband told me I look 10 yrs younger already!! Phew.... sorry for the long post but it insensed me that she was really having a go at me for what she thought was fad dieting.... blimey if only she knew the truth I'd be hung, drawn and quartered over it!! Kathy

Has anyones insurance required their weight after 6 weeks to be above 40 for approval?

I start my pre-op diet today. Technically I am suppose to start it tomorrow. I prepped a thermos of broth to bring to work with me, I have premier Protein shakes, sugar free Jello and Crystal Light. I can and will do this! Surgery is next week. I can't believe that it is finally here. I'm afraid that I am going to turn into an emotional mess and scared for the people around me! LOL. Every statement I make will come with a disclaimer, I am on a liquid diet this week so this may hurt, ........! Hopefully I won't be that bad but who knows.

I’m feeling the same, I’m a year and a month out and lost 140 pounds but it has stalled, I’m feeling a little lack of energy, a little more hungry, and am making poor choices of food. Here to talk if needed.

ugh... i remember the pureed stage. that usually means baby food consistancy which usually means using a blender. the thought of eating pureed chicken or beef or veggies made me want to gag so i chose to extend my full liquids a week and skipped the pureed foods all together. i did 1 week Clear Liquids, 2 weeks full liquids, 1 week mushies... then had my first fill so had to go back to 1 day clear liquids, 1 day full liquids, 1 day mushy and FINALLY real food! it was a rough month but something i highly encourage everyone to follow right after surgery. cheat all you want before surgery but always follow the post-op instructions from your surgeon!!

Kind of depends on what the doctor has ordered. Mine had two weeks of mushies. The first was cottage cheese and ricotta, The second week I could add canned tuna and/or chicken. I would ask for clarification. As for week one I made an italian bake low/fat free cottage, ricotta, some parmesian, some smooth spagetti sause baked in the oven. In week two I could also add egg whites. I would make the eggwhites and and at the very end add fat free cottage cheese. So yummy. For canned chicken I added low fat laughing cow cheese (each wedge is 35 calories). Also because it's cheese you can heat it up in the microwave.

Yes, it is normal, both immediately after surgery, and during TOM. Many people retain fluids monthly, so that is why you may see slight stalls during PMS, that should resolve once your period starts.