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get started !!! Blog
 

I Need Help!! How Do I Get Started??

Hello, Im 35 yesrs old i live on longisland NY, Im ready! I dont know how to get started or who to turn to for help.. I have a huge fear of the unknown.. I came across this web site and i, hoping for help and support!!!! Im hoping for some advice on how i can start this process....
balloffear

balloffear

2
Ready2BFit's Blog
 

First Appointment With Surgeron

On this morning, I had my first appointment with Dr. A. Cribbins. The staff was exceptional and made me feel real comfortable. Upon seeing Dr. Cribbins, I was informed I weighted 260 pounds at my height of 5'4" and indeed morbid obese. For a second my heart drop, but I knew my main reason for starting this process. The best news of all was that due to my prior supervised medical weight lost, that I wouldn't have to wait the six months. So I was overly excited from that point. Dr. Cribbins came in and provided a very detailed explanation of everything and even answered my 15 questions which so much detail.   Today really showed me that after years of dropping this weight, that i am finally make a right decision for me and my family.
Ready2BFit

Ready2BFit

4
beckyp's Blog
 

1St Fill

Well I got my first fill yesterday. I was happy to be down 24 lbs in 4 weeks. I worried all morning that the fill would hurt and that was a waste of time. I barely felt anything. I have been on liquids since yesterday and now I am nervous to eat anything. Anyone have any suggestions on what they ate after their first fill....?????
beckyp

beckyp

2
Tracy Bloodgood's Blog
 

First Post Op Dr Appointment Today

I have my first Dr appointment later today. I am interested to see if I lost any more weight since the surgery, but nervous also. I have actually had more issues from being allergic to the steri strips they put over my incisions than from the incisions themselves. I have never had to use them before and therefore did not know I was allergic to them. Now my tummy itches all the time. Not fun. At this point I haven't had any issues eating anything as long as I make sure to chew very well. Stomach still growls very loudly every 3 hours or so. I am trying to make healthy choices for snacks and meals. I need to go grocery shopping though, not much left in the house that is even close to healthy. You go through food much faster when you aren't eating out all the time, lol.
Tracy Bloodgood

Tracy Bloodgood

0
shues138's Journal
 

Do Not Screw Up My Schedule!

Okay I'm really annoyed this morning. First of all, my after work schedule was screwed up yesterday and it will be today. Granted it is for important reasons (well today is). But I have just realized I have to go with the flow for some things.   Yesterday, the dbf wanted to come over after he got out of work. I think he knew I was a little annoyed that he didn't do anything for V-day. I still went to the gym, and instead of my usual 40 minutes on Wednesday I only did 30. But I tried out an app for my phone for the c25k program just to see how it works, so I was SWEATING after that workout but still. Then I finish with the gym, send him a text to see where he is no response, so I'm like "screw it I'm making dinner". No sooner do I pull dinner out of the microwave, he shows up. I'm one of those people who find it rude to eat in front of someone if they didn't make something for the other person. So I asked "do you want dinner?" of course he doesn't so I put my dinner back in the kitchen and he's like "you have to eat!". Ugh, whatever. Also, he brought me roses, only 10 of them, not a dozen. I miss the days of getting a dozen long stemmed roses in the big white box from my ex-boyfriend......   Today is a different story. I have to go to a wake for my big boss he died unexpectantly this weekend and he was young. I'm going with a girl that I take the train with who works in the same department as me. We decided to go around 7 ish since the wake will be winding down by then, so once again no gym!   I'm going to try to make it up this weekend, but if I don't I'm not stressing it.   I'm such a control freak! LOL.
shues138

shues138

1
sweetsoutherngirl's Blog
 

Almost One Day Post-Op

I am awake for a bit and hoping to get back to sleep soon. Surgery went well. I didn't go in until 11:00 tor my surgery at ten. I was out at 12:15 and woke up about two in recovery. Turns out I had a hiatal hernia, so it was repaired. I was sent for my x-ray a short while later. The tech confused me with another patient and asked me why my surgeon did a sleeve instead of a band????!!? I was so confused, but she realized her error and quickly cleared it up. I got to my room and my hubby wad there. I ass given pain meds and things to sip. I was discharged around five and got home shortly after. I did over exert myself walking and getting in and out of the car too much. I also have quite a big of gas pains and I cant lie on my back.. which is not too bad since I am a side sleeper. But overall I am doing well.
sweetsoutherngirl

sweetsoutherngirl

11
Dig It Dog
 

A Tough, Hard Week And Its Only Wed.

So my Granny died this past weekend. My dad's Mom. She had been in the hospital for two weeks with pneumonia and bronchitis. We found out she had lung caner on my dad's birthday (2/7) She had to wear a breathing mask for a week after, until she passed on Sat (2/11) (Aunts B-day)   I've been so stressed and tired from school, not eating enough, worrying about my dad's heart, having so many bills and not being able to pay them or find a job. Now to deal with her death, family stress, and on top of everything else, I find out that the burial costs is close to $25,000 cash.   Weight wise, I've gained two pounds but I've also been menstruating for two and a half weeks so a lot of it is bloat (I hope) Still having pain when eating or drinking thick fluids Though dark chocolate has no issues going down (Weird eh?)   I was supposed to go on vacation this coming week to El Salvador for my cousin's wedding. Had to cancel though since the money had to be relocated.   Humbug! This week sucks. So did last week. And next week doesn't look any better.   The burial will be on my mom's 50th Birthday! and she was so excited for this one, but again, it will have to be postponed.   I feel like such a Debby-downer A hungry downer.   And i find i'm now scared of bread and all bread like substances. I have phantom pains when i see hamburger commercials on TV.   Told my dad that the only black sweaters i have are faded to grey with holes in them, so they'll fit it at the burial since they're so sad looking. He just cracked up laughing, since its true!
Tanya_cotto

Tanya_cotto

4
Sandfluffymama's Blog
 

Fears And Consultations...in The Desert.

Well,   I'm here, in Dubai, teaching, living, married with a beautiful baby girl and waiting...until Saturday at 7pm when I meet with a potential surgeon. He comes highly recommended from a colleague and friend who went to him six months ago and has gone from a size 20 to a size 8...I dont even think I was ever that size...maybe when I was 6????   I have always struggled with my weight - since the age of 4...and then used food as comfort and a form of escapism from my despotic stepfather and his incessant obsession with my size...then he decided to shove me off to boarding school, where I was bullied yet again for being different (raised in Hong Kong and not with all the English middle class twits, and also for being more rotund than the rest of them). But we digress...bitching over.   So, I go through all the psychological nonsense that I am sure most of us go through - food relationships, fear of lying on the slab, the release of living to eat...I choose not to sit on the fence for too long. Once I see this consultatant, I will make my decision. It is either for me or it isn't. But so far, I think it is - granted I am FULL OF FEAR and dread, but I think I will do it.   I am scared of telling my mum - and the fact that I may not be able to lift my baby Safia for a while. I am trying to dissipate my 'need of approval' - such a nasty little disease. I am doing well with my weight so far - I have gone from 129kg to 115kg by controlled portions and exercise alone. So I know that my mum will be like "...but you are doing so well without the surgery!" Yes, I am doing well...but I feel the need to do more, to make it more permanent. Granted I know that my stomach can re-stretch but after spending such a HEEEYOOOGE amount of money on this project, I would not dare it to!   I have so much going on right now - I am a wife, mother, teacher, department head and I am also doing my dissertation to complete my masters...it is tough. Also, being married to a non Brit has its challenges. I love my husband very much but he hates it here and sometimes it affects us. Still, we both have jobs and our lifestyle isnt too bad.   I am fed up of feeling hungry - not for food, for life! I want to be able to dance again properly - I used to be **** hot! I want to be able have sex and not struggle with positions and climaxes! I want to be able to shop in normal stores for beautiful, petite things and not have to find the plus size section. I want to live a long time for my daughter (this of course comes before ANYTHING ELSE).   So, lets see what happens on Saturday. Pray for me as I will pray for all of you. Questions? Comments? Go right ahead! Sending love and light to everyone xx
Sandfluffymama

Sandfluffymama

6
Blog 97014
 

New Found Food Obsession!

So about a week ago we all found out one of my dear friends has ovarian cancer. While watching "The Revolution" last week, a woman who has beaten thyroid cancer came on and shared her recipe for a juice that she attributes her wellness and cancer free body to. My son got a juicer for Christmas (his favorite present!), and he said "Mom, we can make her that juice every day". My son has known my friend for his entire life, saw my stress and sadness for her, and found a way to to feel useful in an uncontrollable situation. So off to the store we went! I have been bringing her this juice for a few days now and figured I could probably benefit myself from this green goop I was making her drink. I'm not sure if my friend (who had a complete hysterectomy and is preparing for chemo) is feeling the benefits - but I bet her body is responding. What I wasn't expecting was the way my body would respond to this concoction! Day 4 of drinking this juice and I feel like a new woman!!! Since day 2, I awake alert & perky, not sluggish and without energy. Today I had the BEST workout I have had in 10 years! It's like a fog haze has been chased from my head and the old me (me in my 40's) has returned. Now granted, it's just day 4 and my body might just be in shock from all the good stuff I am pumping into it, but who cares! Even if this feeling goes away in a week, I am going to keep up with my magic juice! What will be interesting is if it has any effect on the scale....I will keep you all posted!
Seanamw

Seanamw

11
Heather1976's Blog
 

1 Day Post Op

Well, my surgery went well. Happy Valentine's Day to me!! I didn't have any problems with nausea. Yesterday, it didn't hurt too bad, today I have more pain and swelling in my stomach. It's hard to get comfortable. I'm back on the clear liquids and can start protein shakes tomorrow. Overall, the experience was better than I anticipated. I go back to my doctor and to work on Tuesday.   Oh, almost forgot that yesterday afternoon they did an upper GI test. I had to swallow some barium, but the doctor let me watch it go down to my stomach and through the band. It was kind of cool!   I'm at home now, after one night in the hospital. Already picked up meds from the pharmacy and took a shower as soon as I got home. Just trying to rest at this point. Hoping each day feels better.
Heather1976

Heather1976

5
Maddy's Blog
 

Delish Low Fat Cranberry Muffins...soooo Good

Low fat muffins can be light and tender. Just be sure you spoon the flour gently into the measuring cups and level with the back of a knife.. These delicious cranberry orange muffins have just the right balance of sweetness and tartness. So pour that coffe and enjoy your 1/2 of muffin.(102 calories)   •2 cups all-purpose flour •1 tsp baking powder •1/2 tsp baking soda ... •1/2 tsp salt •1 cup sugar •1 large egg, lightly beaten •1/4 cup canola oil •2/3 cup orange juice •2 tsp grated orange zest •2 cups fresh cranberries, chopped Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line muffin pan with paper muffin cups. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar. Combine with a whisk. In a small bowl, add beaten egg, oil, orange juice and zest. Stir well. Make a well in the flour mixture and add wet ingredients. Stir until just moist, being careful not to overmix. Fold in chopped cranberries. Spoon batter into prepared muffin pan. Bake for 16-18 minutes, until muffins are golden and spring back when touched. Calories 204, Calories from Fat 47, Total Fat 5.1g (sat 0.4g), Cholesterol 18mg, Sodium 196mg, Carbohydrate 36.4g, Fiber 1.4g, Protein 2.9g
Maddy

Maddy

1
Magic Mini Mushroom
 

Two Weeks Well

Things are still going really well in BandLand. Today marks 2 weeks since surgery--no pain, soreness at the large incision (port site) is barely noticeable anymore, no gas pain (Although I am burping waaaaaaaay more than I ever did before surgery. Is that weird, or has anyone else noticed that? Before surgery, a burp was a rare and embarrassing event for me. Now, several times a day, I end up sounding like a drunken frat boy. Thankfully, my housemate is merely amused by this.). I'm happily eating my mushies and incorporating some very finely minced meats, my favorites so far being black bean soup with salsa and sour cream garnish, and chili. Yum.   The one food issue I worry about at the moment is getting my veggies; not because I'm afraid of getting stuck (so far, I can eat anything, and I do mean anything) but because I get so full just getting in my protein that I don't have room for any! I guess that's why my surgeon wants me taking a multivitamin, but I'd still rather eat fresh vegetables. I like veggies! I know I'm getting some between the salsas and the veggies in the chili and such, but sometimes I still crave some plain steamed broccoli, or a pile of sugar snap peas!   Tonight* is my weigh in, and I'm a little nervous about having gained in the past week since transitioning off of liquids. Even though I've been keeping count of my calories (Wow! I am sooooo addicted to MyFitnessPal on my iPad!!!) and staying at around 1000/day, I know from past experience that my body can hang onto weight on nothing but saltines and water! But, fingers crossed. I keep telling myself that this is a journey, and I've barely finished buttoning my coat and stepping out the front door. Maybe that will help me remember to be patient and let the band help me toward my goals.           * Yes, I weigh at night. I know most people weigh in the morning and that morning weight tends to be lower than night weight, but my morning schedule is much less consistent than my nights, so if I weigh in the morning, I NEVER end up weighing in at the same time two weeks in a row. Plus, the difference in day and night weights seems to also compensate for the difference between my scale and the doctor's scale.
morelgirl

morelgirl

6
ready for my journey to be's Blog
 

Diet ???

i get it i do we all need to make better choices when it comes to food ..however if i bought fat-free,sugar-free tasteless foods i would not have needed this surgery to begin with about 9yrs ago i lost 85lbs on my own,got pregnant,had my thyroid removed and wham its back, i joined a gym back in may and have lost very little weight...guess what i like food so as far as a diet they dont work for me will i make better food choices for the most part yes i will .. will i always make the right or best choice prob not but because of the band i will stop at one slice of pizza and not eat 4 or 5,and as far as a diet not for me...so i dont understand when some people say diet,low fat, sugar free yap.yap,yap !!!! thanks for letting me get this off my chest ....
shues138's Journal
 

Weirdest Day Yesterday

Can't even begin to tell you! It was like ex-boyfriend palooza crazy!   Anyway, Valentine's Day came and went with nothing from my dbf. Granted we are doing something Saturday night, but it still would've been nice to have gotten something yesterday.   On a good note, my torani syrups came in to add to my chobani! I ordered them right from the website (torani.com). And got three sugar free flavors: Chocolate chip cookie dough, White chocolate and coconut. I also have vanilla and hazelnut at home that I bought at Christmas Tree Shops.   Weighed myself in this morning for the Valentine's Day Challenge, down 4.6 lbs, still have a way to go to reach my goal.   March 1st I'm officially starting my c25k challenge. I found an app that has the timer and will tell you when to walk/job/not die, etc... I'm excited to start. I even made a playlist on my mp3 player to get me pumped up.   I also saw on the forums talk about fitbit, I'm so getting one of those for my 50 lb loss goal. Screw the rings, the fitbit looks so much more fun!   Have a good day, thanks for reading and commenting, it means so much to me
shues138

shues138

3
tasherie's Blog
 

Appeal Letter

This is my appeal letter that was sent out February 15, 2012 after initial denial for Sleeve Gastrectomy. I was denied because my BMI is not over 50. If this can help you in any way feel free to pull from my references or my letter.         February 14, 2012 Carefirst BlueCross BlueShield C/o Member Services 10455 Mill Run Circle Owings Mills, MD 21117-5559 Case ID: Member Name: Member Number: [000] Re: Grievance with the Plan following ‘Adverse Decision’ for primary service code 43775 – Laparoscopy, Surgical, Gastric Restrictive Procedure; Longitudinal Gastrectomy (IE, Sleeve Gastrectomy)   To whom it may concern:   In accordance with the Internal Grievance Process of Carefirst BlueChoice Inc. (hereafter the “Plan”), I received a written notice of an Adverse Decision regarding the above identified health care services based on a review of the request for benefits. It was determined that the health service requested was not medically necessary, appropriate, or efficient. I am writing this letter to request redetermination of approval based on research provided. I will also show that I meet the Plan standard for treatment of morbid obesity, that it IS medically necessary, appropriate, and efficient; Sleeve Gastrectomy is a covered and appropriate stand-alone procedure to treat obesity, current body of evidence iterates the need for the procedure and other forms of treatment for obesity are not for me.   According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), research has shown that as weight increases to levels of “overweight” and “obesity”, the risks for the following conditions increase (3):   - Coronary heart disease - Type 2 diabetes - Cancers (endometrial, breast, colon) - Hypertension - Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides) - Stroke - Liver and Gallbladder disease - Sleep Apnea and respiratory problems - Osteoarthritis (a degradation of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint) - Gynecological problems (abnormal menses, infertility)   At a current weight of 248 (247.8 rounded to the nearest whole number), and height of 66 inches, my BMI is 40.0. This puts me at MORBIDLY OBESE and at HIGH-RISK. As written in your medical policy “Patients with morbid obesity generally have at least a body mass index (BMI) of 40 (35 with certain co-morbid conditions).”(1) Sleeve gastrectomy is also listed in your medical policy as a proposed laparoscopic procedure to treat morbid obesity. Your policy deems it APPROPRIATE and EFFICIENT by listing it as a proposed procedure to treat morbid obesity. My medical doctor and surgeon have deemed weight loss surgery as MEDICALLY NECESSARY for treatment of my morbid obesity. The National Institute of Health Consensus Conference on obesity surgery recommends that surgery be considered for individuals who meet the following criteria: - Individuals with a BMI of 40 kg/m(2) or greater - Individuals with a BMI of 35 kg/m(2) or greater who also have serious medical conditions that would improve with weight loss.(6)   As previously stated, at a BMI of 40 I meet these criteria.   Also, you reference a position paper by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) from June of 2007. Your update reads as:   - “Sleeve Gastrectomy, Update 2008, January: - Sleeve gastrectomy has been proposed both as a stand-alone gastric restrictive procedure, and as a first stage operation for the extremely morbidly obese patients, e.g. those with body mass index (BMI) exceeding 50, or for those with serious comorbid conditions that would increase risk for morbidity and mortality with the initial use of a malabsorptive procedure such as gastric bypass with Roux-en-Y anastamosis or duodenal switch. Bariatric specialists believe that with the initial weight loss and improvement of comorbid conditions following the sleeve gastrectomy, the malabsorptive procedure can be performed at a later time if necessary with greater safety. In June of 2007, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) published a position statement on sleeve gastrectomy as a bariatric procedure. The paper states that sleeve gastrectomy may be an option for carefully selected patients, particularly those who are at high risk or super-obese, and that the concept of staging bariatric surgery may have value as a risk reduction strategy in high-risk patients. The paper also suggests that surgeons performing sleeve gastrectomy inform their patients regarding the lack of published evidence for sustained weight loss and provide information regarding alternative procedures with published long-term (>5years) data confirming sustained weight loss and comorbity resolution.”(1)   The update as states for this procedure was last done in 2008. As most medical professionals know policy and opinions change as more research is done and more studies published. The ASMBS recently released an updated position statement on Sleeve Gastrectomy (October 28, 2011) which supports the growing body of evidence that sleeve gastrectomy has value as a stand-alone procedure for the effective treatment of morbid obesity, and falls somewhere between the lap-band and the gastric bypass in results. Your update is NON-CURRENT. The ASMBS is the largest organization for bariatric surgeons in the world. It is a non-profit organization in whom you reference substantially in your own medical policy. I have included a copy of their current and updated position statement, along with tables displaying randomized trials evaluating sleeve gastrectomy and long-term follow-up after sleeve gastrectomy. I will also provide excerpts that support my argument that sleeve gastrectomy is an appropriate, effective, and efficient way to treat my morbid obesity.   In the summary and recommendation portion of the position statement it says: “substantial comparative and long-term data are now published in the peer reviewed literature demonstrating durable weight loss, improved medical comorbities, long-term patient satisfaction, and improved quality of life after Sleeve Gastrectomy. The ASMBS therefore recognizes Sleeve Gastrectomy as an acceptable option as a primary bariatric procedure and as a first stage procedure in high risk patients as part of a planned staged approach. Based on the current published literature, Sleeve Gastrectomy has a risk/benefit profile that lies between the laparoscopic adjustable band and the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.” (9)   The position statement also supports my argument that the number of 50 (BMI) in your guidelines is arbitrary. In the studies referenced, patients had a BMI of >35 with comorbities or 40> without. There were no studies done that were referenced where all patients had a BMI of 50 or greater as a stand-alone procedure (Shown in the tables provided). There were those kind of patients INCLUDED, which shows some success, but not exclusive. In fact, Mercy Health Partners published a study in August 2011 proposing that laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a safe and effective bariatric procedure for the lower BMI (35.0-43.0 kg/m2) population. The study was a nonrandomized retrospective analysis of 204 patients from a single surgeon operated between July 2006 and April 2010. The study was comprised of 155 women and 49 men with a mean age of 45 years (range 19-70 years), a mean preoperative weight of 126.6 kg, and a body mass index (BMI) of 45.7 kg/m(2). Coming to the conclusion that Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) yields excellent outcomes with low complication rates for morbidly obese patients and advocate LSG as a safe and effective stand-alone procedure, especially with the lower BMI population. (5) There is NO evidence showing reason that Sleeve gastrectomy should be restricted as a stand-alone procedure for patients with a BMI of 50 or greater. There is no evidence showing that this procedure would NOT help me, but to the contrary showing that it would. There are no studies analyzing patients with a BMI of 50 or greater exclusively. Patients with a BMI of 40 or greater (35 or greater with comorbities) are analyzed along with these patients showing SUCCESS. This should mean that with my BMI of 40, I would have success with the Sleeve gastrectomy in bringing me to my surgeon’s goal of 60% EWL and with commitment and work, bring me to my personal goal of a normal BMI.   I have tried to lose weight all kinds of ways (Diet pills, medically supervised diets and exercise, South beach diet, Atkins diet, 1000 calorie diet, Low Carb/high fiber diet). I go to the gym and workout whether I lose weight or not. I have even bought fitness games to do in my free time at home to burn calories and stay active. I FAIL to lose weight despite my efforts. I take in too many calories despite my efforts, and have a sedentary job where I work long hours. Surgery is necessary due to my ever growing weight. I recognize that I am severely overweight with a weight of 248 and 66 inches tall. My surgeon have clearly explained to me that this level of obesity has been shown to be unhealthy and that many scientific studies show that persons of this level of obesity are at increased risks of respiratory disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, clotting problems, cancer and death. Most of these risks already run in my family and put me at even further risk. I DO NOT WANT TO DIE. I believe with a Sleeve Gastrectomy providing me restriction, and my current gym schedule and commitment to be more active, I can lose a significant amount of my excess weight and become a normal, active, healthy person.   By your own medical policy guidelines, I easily meet your requirements for surgery as an option to help battle my morbid obesity. The evidence and research provided and referenced shows that Sleeve gastrectomy is recommended as a stand-alone procedure, and can help me with a BMI of 40. Sleeve Gastrectomy should be provided as an option for those of us who are morbidly obese, but cannot have gastric bypass, and are not comfortable with a foreign mass being placed inside their body.   I cannot have gastric bypass because with my diagnosis of osteoarthritis, I will probably have to take some form of N-SAID all my life for pain. With the gastric bypass my new ‘pouch’ would not be able to handle them, and I would be at risk for ulcers. I am a 27 year old single female, who at some point in the future would love to have children (multiple if possible). With the malabsorptive qualities of the bypass, I would have a high risk pregnancy. I do not wish to put me or my future children at risk. Gastric bypass also leaves you with what essentially is called a ‘remnant stomach’, a non-functioning portion of stomach that if ulcers or cancer comes about CANNOT be endoscopied. I am not comfortable with this procedure. I prefer the Sleeve gastrectomy because my system is NOT being rerouted. What I eat, as little as it could be, will be absorbed. Nutrients and minerals my body needs can be absorbed with no problem. Vitamin deficiency after gastric bypass surgery is a known complication, according to the University of Alabama, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery in Birmingham, Alabama. (4) Compared to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has higher nutrient deficiencies in a prospective study done by Department of Surgery, St. Claraspital, Kleinriehenstrasse 30, Basel, Switzerland. (2)   In summary, I meet the policy requirements for bariatric surgery for treatment of my morbid obesity. I meet NIH requirements for bariatric surgery for treatment of my morbid obesity. Surgery has been deemed medically necessary by my medical doctor, and surgeon. The ASMBS position paper Carefirst references in the plan is non-current, and with the research provided and CURRENT position statement recognizes Sleeve Gastrectomy as a stand- alone procedure. There is no evidence that Sleeve Gastrectomy as a stand-alone procedure should be reserved for patients over 50 BMI. There is no evidence showing problems performing sleeve gastrectomy for patients with a BMI of 40 or greater. On the contrary, there is evidence and studies referenced in this letter showing the benefits of performing sleeve gastrectomy as a stand-alone procedure for patients with a BMI of 40 or greater; or 35 or greater with comorbities that would improve with weight loss. Gastric bypass is NOT a viable option for me, with my need to take n-saids for pain.   I hope you take my research and references into consideration. I know that this is not an emotional decision, but I hope that you can understand why I would fight for a procedure I have researched and read about extensively enough to be comfortable with. I do not take surgery lightly, but I believe that this surgery will save both the insurer and I great cost down the road. Bibliography included if further review of references are needed.     Thoughtfully,     Me   Works Cited "Carefirst Medical Policy 7.01.036." Carefirst BlueCross BlueShield. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Jan. 2012. <notesnet.carefirst.com/ecommerce/medicalpolicy.nsf/vwwebtablex/4dd2d4d2d0b090>. "Fewer nutrient deficiencies after laparoscopic sle... [Obes Surg. 2010] - PubMed - NCBI." National Center for Biotechnology Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Jan. 2012. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20101473>. "Healthy Weight: Effects of Overweight | DNPAO | CDC." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Feb. 2012. <http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/effects/index.html>. "Incidence of vitamin deficiency after laparoscopic R... [Am Surg. 2006] - PubMed - NCBI." National Center for Biotechnology Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Jan. 2012. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17216818>. "Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a safe and effe... [Obes Surg. 2011] - PubMed - NCBI." National Center for Biotechnology Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Feb. 2012. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21128003>. "Medscape: Medscape Access." Medscape: Medscape Access. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Feb. 2012. <http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/734500_print>. "Results of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a prospe... [surgery. 2009] - PubMed - NCBI." National Center for Biotechnology Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Jan. 2012. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19081482>. "Third International Summit: Curr... [surg Obes Relat Dis. 2011 Nov-Dec] - PubMed - NCBI." National Center for Biotechnology Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Jan. 2012. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21945699>. nonegiven. "Updated Position Statement on Sleeve Gastrectomy as a Bariatric Procedure." ASMBS 3 (2011): 17. Print. MLA formatting by BibMe.org.
tasherie

tasherie

6
Becoming the me I see through VSG
 

1 Week Surgaversary - The Good, The Bad, The Ugly.

Happy 1 week to me. Wow. It has been a long week. The first day post op - I just laid in the hospital bed, out of it, immobile, sore, tired. I thought "What in the hell have I done to myself!". The pain meds were good for about 12 hours then the "real me" stepped in and was like - what in the heck are you doing? Nausea set in. They switched me out to something else that worked much better, started with a T. On day two, I did the swallow test. They said, one big swallow. I did. Then they took pics. They said ok, one tiny sip. I did. More pics. I passed. They wheeled me out to the hall for "transport" and somehow forgot me there for about 20 minutes. An orderly was nice enough to notice and then wheeled me back to my room. Day two, no bed, only chair. So the orderly puts me in the chair, and in his attempt to be helpful, he was placing the foot rest up - but did it in a sudden jerky motion. That was all she wrote - up chuck city. Note to self - sudden moves make me puke. Oh the discomfort. All I could think or say was I don't want to do that ever again. Puke, that is. I began my Physical Therapy day 2 - several rounds around the hospital floor. The discomfort was less, but still I felt like I had been doing sit-ups for 24 hours with no rest. Day 3, drain removed, catheter removed, and I passed gas. Yes, I just typed that. I had know Idea how important farting was to gain release from the hospital. Thank God I was alone when it happened. I thought it was gas, but in reality, it was an accident. I gambled, and lost. I was humiliated - but the nursing staff was amazing and so proud of me for having gas. Weird. I was released on Day 3 before noon. Very tender, excited to go home. The shock - I weighed 319 when I went in for surgery, I got home I was 328. WHAT? How could that be? My friend who is a nurse said it was the IV they pumped me up with and that it was water weight. Man - prepare yourself for that uptick and don't panic. I decided to set my weight loss goal to 160 - a respectable weight. I remember those days. I created my tickertracker - but really don't know how to make it show up on stuff, like this blog. I downloaded a food diary ap, my nutritionist said it was a good idea to keep one up to the post op appointment so that when I go in, I can be advanced to the next stage of the diet. I have found a routine - Isopure is with me all day - sip sip away to ensure i get my protein grams in. I have Vanilla, Chocolate, Latte, Chocolate Carmel whey, and a ton of sugar free jello and popsicles. The easiest for me is the popsicles. Don't know why - but I'm having 4 or 5 a day - they help with the hydration plan. I'm able to have my 3-4 oz meals of shake or broth with unflavored whey. Day 6 - I started craving cheese. I don't know why - but I felt like cheese would be so nice to have. It will have to wait. So, today - I'm feeling about 75% or better, still a bit sore, but mild sore. My incisions itch. As of yesterday I was down to 316. I've had 2-3 emotional melt downs. Where my face just starts leaking for no reason. I also notice that there is a party going on in my abdomen. Fire works, rumbly in my tumbly, lots of noises. I am painfully aware that boredom eating and stress eating were bad habits. I have to find a way to occupy my mind and hands when I feel bored or stressed. I don't feel hunger pains. But I feel the pattern of bad behavior. So, major milestone for me - who has never had a surgery before, lived to see the other end of it. One week out, a few pounds down, new patters and behaviors forming, and I'm feeling better each day. Friday is my post op visit with Dr. Rosenthal and my nutritionist. I'm ready for Friday to be here so I can celebrate another milestone. :biggrin2:  
stogger

stogger

6
LovetheNewMe's Blog
 

Valentine's Day

Well bandster family, I hope many of you took the time yesterday to spend Valentines Day with someone you love and who has supported you. I got up early yesterday, 5am and baked Valentine's for my wonderful Husband, Son and staff. I made vanilla cupcakes with marshmallow cream center, butter cream frosting and decorated with edible glitter and hearts and kisses. Now I know my friends here are saying, WTF is wrong with Diane, she is suppose to be making better choices. I love to bake and I believe it is OK for me to have a taste of something sinful like a cupcake once in a while. It is only a problem if I bake and eat the whole recipe. Actually I enjoyed less than a quarter of a cupcake and I was very satisfied. Tonight I want to share what a wonderful Valentine's Day I had with my hubby, we got all dressed up and went out to dinner and a comedy show at a place here in our local town of Greenville, SC. "Café and then Some" and saw a show called "Life after Oprah" I have never laughed so hard. We joined our best friends, my girl friend had a gastric sleeve about 6 months after my lap band surgery so we are the perfect friends who can share a meal. The night did not start out to well for me, I had two bites of salad and it got stuck, it took about 3 trips to the bath room to get it unstuck but than I was able to enjoy a wonderful appetizer of 3 succulent broiled scallops wrapped in Bacon with a Hollandaise sauce. I left the bacon but the scallops were delicious and so moist and juicy. I had one small glass of Pino Noir and a strawberry dipped in chocolate for desert. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. It was a wonderful evening, I enjoyed my meal the company and we looked smashing if I do say so myself. I am attaching a couple of pic's one from 2 years ago when I was as my hubby puts it Large and in charge and one from tonight. Life and living with Lap Band is possible and we can all do this if we believe in ourselves.         Now you tell me, does lap band work. I say, oh hell yes it does. I think I look pretty good for a 56 year old lady. Remember Lap Band Friends and Family this is a journey!   All of us can do this, with time, dedication and support of the ones we love.
♥LovetheNewMe♥

♥LovetheNewMe♥

5
I'm in control now.
 

Oh Beef, Where Art Thou?

I'm anxious to get back to beef. I miss eating steak. I know a big reason that beef is a later food is because its harder to digest, however, because i eat my beef/bison/venison pittsburgh rare, It does digest much easier. BUT I'm following instructions - Its just hard to live on chicken alone!   I'm a carnivore, dangit! haha   Looking forward to that sirloin
circa

circa

5
Caribear's Blog
 

Eating Stuff I Don't Like And Positive Changes In Our Household!

I've been doing a lot of thinking about one particular habit that dies awfully hard - eating what's on your plate whether you like it or not. I know that there are times when we should choose to eat certain things because they are good for us, but if they're bad for our health and we don't like them, why should we be eating them? And by we, I mean me. Does anybody else do this, or is it just me?   I really started to think about this a few weeks ago at dinner. Every Wednesday, the church down the street from us holds a community meal that is free to everyone. We always get it, because it is a nice break from cooking for me and something different every time. That day it was spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, and fruit. I was eating the spaghetti when I suddenly realized, hey, this doesn't taste good at all. It was greasy and salty and not at all the way I would choose to have it. But I kind of mentally shrugged and thought, oh well, it's free (well, we did put money in the donation jar, but it's not like we went out to a restaurant.) But here's the thing - even though it was unpleasant, and I knew it was bad for me, I still continued to eat it. In fact, I finished it. Then I sat there staring at the grease at the bottom of the styrofoam container and thought, now why did I just do that?   It was then that it occurred to me that all those years of my grandparents constantly scolding me to finish what was on my plate has really ingrained itself more deeply than I imagined. Between that and the years of mindless eating, I had stopped being picky about what I put in my mouth. I realized at that moment that it was something I had to change.   Over the next few days, I watched how my son ate his dinner. If he liked it, he would put a bite in his mouth, put down his silverware, chew it thoroughly, talk a little bit, and then eat another bite. If he didn't like it, he would refuse to eat it. On those days I would push him to eat at least three bites, and sometimes that was all he would eat. So I have decided that from now on, I will try to eat more like my son. After all, those are the habits I will need after I am banded anyway, so why not start learning them now? I will make my best attempt to do all of the following at every meal: pay attention to the flavor of the food I am eating
put down my fork and have some conversation between bites
chew thoroughly
if I don't like it, I won't eat it (within reason)
I hope that by doing these things, I can start to develop those good eating habits that I will need to be successful in losing and maintaining my weight.   Things have been changing quite a bit here over the past week or so. I haven't been blogging nearly as much because my boyfriend has been on the computer every night. He had quit his job driving the Amish construction crews because they weren't paying him (yes, the Amish can be jerks too, lol) and things were pretty tight here for a while. But last week, his dad bought a local business and has hired him as the general manager (woohoo!) so he has been pretty busy. It's going to be crazy for a while until we get settled into a routine again. And another super bonus is that I will be doing some cleaning on their closed days, so I can finally have some income of my own and have a reason to get out of the house! I would be doing cartwheels with excitement if I weren't so achy and, well, 360-pounds-y. (lol)   I hope you all had a great Valentine's day! <3
Caribear

Caribear

3
bbbanded chronicles
 

Update

After dissappointing ( pretty sure thats spelled wrong), news that my insurance denied my surgery I kinda fell off the band wagon. But got right back on, I determined if I could'nt get assistance I'd try AGAIN to do it myself. Then spoke to my health center again, and they started me on a 1500 cal, supervised diet with exercise 3-4 times a week, 2-3 miles w/ weigh ins bi weekly. I havent been doing my best on that either, but I get my tax return tomorrow, and I whole heartedly intend to renew my gym membership. I loved the gym and I love losing weight! ha   So as of 2/7/11 I was 324.9. I think I'll take it! I think thats all.
bbbanded

bbbanded

2

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