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I am sorry that you are having a difficult time. I am only 3 days post op so I am not an expert but my experience does not match yours. Pre surgery on the pre-op diet , I was hungry physical and head hunger and they connected. My head hunger fed my physical hunger. Now I get some head hunger, like food pops into my head but it doesn't connect to my stomach, my stomach has no reaction, and even the head hunger fades very quikcly. My preop diet was 10 days all liquids. I would finish a shake, down 302 oz of Water and still be hungry or not satisfied, and my head hunger was driving me insane I lost all concentration and could barely owrk. I am satisfied now with just a few sips. I know most people are dying for and looking forward to being on foods again but after the feeling of swallowing a few pills, I am not interested in rushing back to food. I think it is important for people like you to tell your story and for other people. I paid closer attention to the people with bad outcomes and negative experiences before I had surgery. It sucks because it seems like the positive experience people run the people with negative experiences off of every board/forum. I read those experiences and thought seriously about them pre-surgery. It took me several years to reach this decision, even though once I decided it all went very quickly. I decided that even a bad outcome was better than the path I was headed down with my health. My health went from good to starting to slide at a rapid pace. I decided it was better to take a chance on this than to suffer a long slow death over the next 10-15 years (still too young for someone like me), or worst disability. So don't stop telling your truth even if it isn't popular or positive, you are still helping someone.

Sleeved June 3rd starting weight 280 current weight 209. 71lbs:) 460 was my highest calorie intake and i was eating all day long and was not drinking enough and am dehydrated all the time and I have been quite sick since surgery in and out of the ER for kidney stones twice and once for potassium being way to low I was in the hospital for a week for c-diff(a colon disease) which I assume I picked up from the ER... And this morning I had my gallbladder removed... Hoping I'm on the mend and can start exercising!!! I'm going back to the basics liquids for a week bc of the surgery and going to do protein shakes again(if I can tolerate).

I am also 2 years out, started at 266, now 190. I am 5'8 female. My goal is 170. I am stuck. Not gaining, but also not losing. I have been stuck for about 8 months. My food intake is still tiny, and my sleeve has never stretched. To be honest, I get fed up with my sleeve, and I hate eating out. I can barely fit in a side salad as a main. I get terrible symptoms of dumping eating steak, chicken or fish. That's exhausting and not very social! I am wondering if I am actually not eating enough, and I am in starvation mode. I am going to go back on to my Optifast shakes to up my protein. Maybe you should do the same? Get your metabolism fired up again?

Hey Darci! Welcome to the 'losing team'. I sure hope you can join us on Dec 20th at the Perkins in Fridley. I am one-month post-op this week. I have an appt. with my NUT and nurse on Friday for diet review and weigh-in. I don't feel any different but my pants are a little looser. That's a good sign. Hope you can make it. You can find me on FB (Lori Feltl). It is easier up connect there - on the November Sleevers (private group page). I like it better bc the info is better organized than this site. No offense b-pal.

Yes Tibbie!!!! I've already got our bikinis picked out! Do u want the pink or the purple one? JK , but I am looking forward to not tugging at my clothes self-consciously bc I'm so low on self esteem. Those days will soon be over

Well folks I still need prayers... I have yet to get my return and the IRS can not give me a reason... This is BS... I call every other day and nothing after the initial 30 days they send a message to a different dept. and say to give it another 30 days... That was on 3/25 so I am in waiting... I have talked to Sandy and She is waiting until 4/8 to hear back from me... I just really need prayers.. This has gotten me so down that I am not wanting to get out of the bed.. I am a mother of 3 (son is 15 and twin girls 10) also 1 of my daughters has Down Syndrome and needs extra care.. I have got to get healthy so I can take care of her.. My mother in law lives with us and takes care of the things I can't.. helping her bath and stuff... But that is my job.. PLEASE KEEP ME IN YOUR PRAYERS.. Angela

Nicole, I've said it before, but it bears repeating... "People" (like this Nurse friend of yours) suck... For the record, none of what you repeated from him is true at all. I'm -- I believe -- 13-14 weeks out now. I've stopped counting.. Eating: I eat what I want, but strongly make every effort to eat right. I just eat very small bits of it, so if I go to Ford's Fish Shack and order a Smoked Salmon dinner, I already know I'll get 3 to 4 meals out of it for the same price I was paying before. Most economical, and most incorrect on his part. Shots: Ok.. A given. For most of us, there are about 2 weeks (14 days) post surgery where we have to give ourselves injections of Lovenox, which is a blood thinner. I'm TERRIFIED of needles, but they made me do the first one in the hospital and I realized that the needles they use now are so incredibly tiny that you don't even feel them... I'm really a big wimpy baby where pain and shots are concerned, so please believe me when I say that for *me* to be able to do it, absolutely anyone can do it. "it messes up your entire gastric system": K? Say Wha?!? What a declarative BS, idiotic, non-statement... It's like the WLS equivalent of "bringing up Hitler in a forum debate".. WLS surgery is a big deal. You may only see the 5 little cuts, but your body takes several months to adjust. That being said, nothing is "messed up". If anything, your gastric system is put to right, where you are then restricted from eating badly. food also becomes like the number one focus of your life for a while as you learn how to eat right. Something that most of us NEVER knew how to do pre-op. The benefits of WLS for "people of size" are extremely well documented. Major, MAJOR benefits which -- depending on your surgery -- are usually long-lasting. Otherwise, the number crunchers at the insurance companies would fight you tooth and nail before spending a dime of the money they've already taken from you... The end result, and I mean this very sincerely is that your "friend" is an idiot. At least where Weight Loss Surgery is concerned. While I absolutely understand your hesitance to share your intent with others, as you've discovered, not everyone is an idiot... My "learn to be quiet" moment came during the 6-month mandated insurance wait when I told a co-worker who instantly said "oh, you'll never qualify for that, you don't need that, I'd never approve you for something like that", etcetera... Now I'm 60 pounds lighter than when I started this process and I have absolutely no regrets... The funniest thing happened though. Ever since my bypass, my aforementioned co-worker has become like the first one in the room who "notices" and compliments me on my progress, so there's hope.. Anyone that gives you negative? "Show them the hand" and just truck on with your bad self. We're here for you, Wayne

I don't have a Ga plan, but I have Blue Choice from BC/BS in Maryland. They took 4 weeks from submission of paperwork to approval. I had to do a 6 month supervised diet prior to submission, so you could say they took 7 months, but I had very little out of pocket expense, though they don't pay for fills once you are out of the 90 day post surgery period. All in all, after reading some of the nightmares posted here, my approval process wasn't bad at all. I even used an out of network dietician and psych evaluator (paid them myself), since they were on the team that was doing my surgery. I feel for those getting an insurance runaround.

I have BC/bs Ohio but it's an employee plan.

I am 5 weeks post op and doing well... 32 lbs down. I was what I guess is considered a lightweight, 232 being my highest. With that being said, I suffered from sleep apnea, used cpap, have osteoarthritis in both knees , GERD with Barrets Esophagus and my A1C was creeping up each time it was checked. I am 45 years old and a nurse, a nurse who has a weight requirement for her job and I couldn't make the weight anymore..... I have crash dieted, done everything from programs to HCG to cutting weight like an MMA fighter... 6 yrs ago I lost 60# and have gained back 70...I have always struggled. Nearly everyone who I shared my intention to have a gastric bypass had either some horror story ( I get it.. the only RNY pts I took care of had something that had gone terribly wrong) or people would tell me that I didn't need it, I didn't look "that big" you carry your weight so well! I was open with folks bc I am off work for over a month and will look a little more slender when I return.... Since my surgery, I have heard no negative comments, and preop someone even shared with me that they were jealous... they wanted a more sure bet in the weight loss arena... My point is, I feel better, physically and emotionally and I no longer snore ( husband is very grateful for that.) This has not been the easiest, I have felt nauseous sometimes, sad sometimes and even a little remorse....but, I think back to how I felt everyday when I woke up and looked in the mirror, how my knees hurt, how I worried about my long term health, not to mention my job! I hated me. Now, I don't. I am hopeful, I am happier, I am more confident. Let the naysayers talk, smile and nod, make your decision because you know it is right for you and when it is all said an done, you'll find peace. -sorry if I ramble a bit!

Well 40 BMI which is no problem...my bmi is 41.6 and I have PCOS with Insulin resistance....but other than what Dr. Steward requires my insurance just says 40 bmi or over. I have Anthem BC/BS of VA but I live here in KS....hubby gets insurance through working on post through a contractor as a mechanic and that is who they go through for insurance.

Is anyone going to the 1st fill seminar on July 23? Thats my first fill. I have soo much time to wait. Also were people sneaking things here and there before their first fill bc they knew once the fill started it was a done deal?

Mj did you get the revision bc of acid reflux or weight gain? How long did it take to get approved? If it was due to Gerd, did you have to do a lot of tests to get approved? I was told I would have to do like 3 tests; scope, swallow test and another test where a device is attracted to my esophagus , I wear a device around my waist and everytime I experience acid reflux I press a button and it takes a pic and measures the amt of acid

Hi Melissa, I have a surgeon in mind. My husband was laid off and is starting a new job. Once I know what our new insurance plan is I'll go from there. I'd prefer to use Park Nicollet because it's closer and the wait isn't as long. But if insurance doesn't pan out I'll go to Mexico. It's good to hear BC/BS covers things now. They weren't covering it last year. Now I'm hopeful that whatever plan we're one covers it now too.

I voted for Obama and think hes doing well for what was handed to him and I voted for him because of healthcare, Im just mad we wont get a gov option. So dont hand me the bs about how I just dont like Obama. And I will vote for him in 2012 . Again, I will make a generalization here which I believe to be true. Your one of those "we brought it all on ourselves, Its Israels fault that they get bombed every other day"! Israel contrbutes more to us and the world than all mid-east countries cimbined. These poor middle easterners, who stone women for infidelity, who consider women to be at the bottom of "the Totem Poll". You act like we go around killing at will because we feel like doing so! If you lived in the 30s-40s Im sure you would have been upset with our actions toward Hitler. We where attacked on our own soil, wake up! Your going in circles. Your opinion is fine, its what you believe and I respect that. I just dont understand what your opinion is. You preach about peace then post a Quote like that which contradicts everything youve said. Who was the wise person anyway?

I learned real quick to just keep it to myself and not tell anyone that doesnt' absolutely have to know. I was originally surprised by that response also. It's shocking to them, bc they havent been thinking about it for years like we have.

I'm 4 days post op and I have the largest most painful incision to the right of my belly button. This is where they fed multiple instruments through. Im wearing a binding waist sincher that I got at the hospital and that seems to help.

It is great to connect with you both! This will allow us to stay in touch and compare notes I wish the best of luck to you both! I am feeling a little anxious! I spoke to a friend of mine who did this last year and she also said that I should go ahead and eat today to my hearts content because it is my last meal! I am afraid to go off of the liquid diet bc I don't know what could happen to me!!! @ Laragarza, who is your doctor?

Hello Connie. I'm 52 I just started my Journey. My first appointment was Fed 9 2017, I go back March 9. I am having the Roux En- York Gastric Bypass. Hope fully sometimes in Aug. Congrats to you.

Thanks for answering back. I have only been walking on the treadmill. I feel weak and want to start machines for some strength again. Im glad im not the only one who cant eat a cup of yogurt. The doctors pushed me to eat pureed foods earlier then recommend bc I was losing weight to fast. Anyone have any suggestions on how to increase liquids im lucky if I can consume 30 ounces. Yesterday was only 22

My BMI was 39.9 and I was on the fence but it. The end I decided I was done with the yoyo bc I was constantly losing and then gaining it all back + some . I am 5'2.5 and was 234 at my highest right before my husband deployed in 2011 I went on a diet while he was gone and lost 22 pounds while he was gone for 6 months but after 3 months of him being back I put 14 lbs back on and would have continued going up if I hadn't had the surgery in Nov of 2012. I had some issues but none were terrible yet but I felt it was only a matter of time. I was 32 with high blood pressure and sleep apnea and I was pre diabetic. I also have hypothyroidism so I was already at a disadvantage. I really just felt that if I didnt get into a Bariatric Program at 226 I would end up doing it at 286 later on. I am happy I made that decision my BMI is 29.3 now and I hope to be under 25 when all is said and done:) *editted to correct my BMI

Thank you for your response. Prior to surgery i had a Hiatal Hernia, and now when i tell him i feel its back... he says "well i repaired that during srugery." and when i ask .. "well can they come back??" He says, they can but i dont feel as though you have one. " Its almost as if he is in denial. Bc everytime i go in... which has been... 4-5 times he unfills me. I had to demand a barrium swallow. He said the band looked fine, but he could see i had acid reflux and put me on protonix. WHich worked great for the 1st 3 weeks. Now... im back to this. Im miserable. Protonix doesnt help ANYTHING now. Nothing helps to be honest... throwing up seems to be my best option.

It's was a long day. Spent a little more time than expected in recovery bc of my O2 stats post op. (4hrs vs 1), at first the pain was NOT BEARABLE, and I have a pretty decent pain tolerance but then again...no morphine drip here. A dose a dilauldid (sp?), before I woke up and liquid hydro. My gas is still stuck in my abdomen, can't walk very well yet for the pain but my stats are good. I slept on and off throughout the day so I'm wide awake now grrr

I apologize if this is the wrong area to post, please point me in the right direction if there's a better one. I've completed all my requirements for sleeve surgery under AETNA. The doc was ready to go ahead with my paperwork for pre-authorization, when my husband quit his job and started a new one. New insurance is Capitol BC/BS of Harrisburg. I know they cover bariatric surgery, but for the life of me, I cannot find the exact requirements. Our new insurance doesn't kick in until he's at the job for a month, so that will be Feb. 11. I am trying to decide if I should just pay another month of COBRA and get the surgery done under AETNA, or wait until Feb. 11 and try to get approved with the new insurance. I hate to have to start all over again. I am a mess with this decision. My fear is that the new insurance will make me wait another 3 months or so. I only had to do 3 months with AETNA. Thanks!

Hang on u may not like me after this LOL... Pros: my clothes are cheaper bc I can shop in the kids aisle. I sit better in chairs My feet no longer have plantar fascitis Goodbye insulin shots My feet shrank from a 8.5 to 7 Guys notice me now which is honestly annoying Ppl who don't know think I've been like this my whole life lol Ppl who do know me from school that bullied me were preppy are now my use to be size lol I can booty dance to the floor Lmao The final last precious one..my kids can wrap their arms around me. Cons: (potential could apply to u) You develop complications which require several surgeries You need blood-from a total stranger You can't sleep bc ur bones hurt against the mattress Ur hair falls out U stay lethargic U vomit..sometimes a lot U catch more colds U constantly freeze Ur body hurts everywhere bc its use to carrying loads of weight. U may continue to keep a few co morbidities U stay scared bc at anytime a food can cause dumping U get sad bc now u don't know how to cope like u use too. Alone u wonder why did I do this Intimately you feel ugly and unwanted bc your stomach is full of scars U don't tell anyone bc u don't want to hear how cruel and harsh ppl can be even if u are a size 4. What I've learned in this is u can 300lbs or 100lbs either way somebody somewhere is out there ready to berate u. One thing I urge u to do. Come to honest grips as to why and how u became obese. Lots of luck and love on ur journey.