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"mommy Are You Smaller Yet?"

So I had my blood work done yesterday and my gallbladder ultrasound. Tomorrow I start my pre op diet. Friday I meet with the nutritionist. I'm so excited but also super nervous. I'm so ready for this.   I've been telling my daughter who is three that I'll be having surgery and I'm going to get smaller/Skinny. So on a daily basis she asks "mommy are you skinny yet" lol.. I say no not yet and try to explain to her that I will be normal size or the size of her aunt or my mom (who are both average size) then I will be "skinny".. she looks at me all sweet and concerned and says "but I don't want you to be a skinny mommy I can't love you if your skinny". She is so confused I say I'm going to be smaller/ healthier and she says "but where is the rest of you going to go? I will miss you".. I just keep telling her she will be able to love me more and longer because I will be healthy and alive alot longer now. It makes me happy that she loves me no matter what but also sad that she has no idea how much more fun we could have if I wasnt so big now.   I am even more sure that this is the right choice for me.

Merydia710

Merydia710

 

Another Day Gone By

Feeling even better today. Mid mornings I get fairly tired - trying to find my groove of calorie intake while i'm still in this liquid stage. Today was the first day that I was truly hungry several times throughout the day. The broth and jello was quite fulfilling. Its amazing. I HATED chicken noodle soup and brothy ANYTHING before my surgery, but I really do like this chicken broth from Noodles and Company. Funny how things change   Went to the grocery store and got some stuff to finish out this week and to start my full liquids on Friday. Picked up some stuff for dinner for hubby too. He doesn't need to keep eating out - Lord knows he's not gonna cook!   He's finally getting better about eating in the same room as me. It doesn't bother me, but it does bother him. Its not a big deal to me. I'm able to satisfy my hunger with my allowed foods now. If I wasn't able to, that might be another story. As the diet progresses, we'll be eating much of the same things - other than I'll never eat rice and he wants red beans and rice for dinner - so no problem making that for him

circa

circa

 

Having A Rough Time

It's times like these past few days that make me question whether I can actually do this or not.   The past several days have been really rough. Thursday through Sunday were high pain days, the kind of days where I really didn't want to do anything but curl up on the couch and cry. I have tramadol to take for the pain, so I went ahead and took it for the last two days. Then Sunday I woke up with a migraine so bad that I couldn't keep anything down, including water. After throwing up for six hours, I decided to go to the emergency room. I really dislike going in there for pain, but I didn't want to end up getting dehydrated and become really sick. They gave me fluids and a few shots, and I came home feeling halfway human again.   Yesterday I laid on the couch for most of the day, being harassed by my three-year-old. I don't usually do that, so he just assumed that I was doing it for his own personal enjoyment and tried to use me as a jungle gym. To help me feel better, he put his praise CD on his radio and turned it up really loud so I could hear it. He danced and sang for me for a little while, but then he got bored and went to play on the computer with his dad, leaving me to listen to the music on repeat. It was very sweet of him to try and help, but let me tell you that one can only listen to the Veggie Tales cast sing "This Little Light Of Mine" before one seriously considers chucking the CD out the window.   Of course, with all this pain competing for attention in my head, my healthy eating plan backslid quite a bit. We had takeout twice, and the other days were mostly high-carb convenience foods. I know that it probably didn't help me feel better, but when I'm in pain I don't care too much about healthy - it's all about what I can make with the least amount of effort. It's this very thing that makes me wonder how I will do this after being banded. I try very hard to keep fairly healthy stuff around that I can make quickly, but when that runs out I'm willing to get almost anything as long as it's not ridiculously unhealthy. And sending my boyfriend to the store to get "something good" for supper is not necessarily a good idea either. I guess next time I need to specify "good" as in "healthy," and definitely NOT pizza rolls. I guess this is something I will have to talk to my nutritionist about when I see her next week; maybe she will have some ideas that I can use for the next time.   I am proud to say that I won the battle with the leftover chocolate cake in the refrigerator, though. My boyfriend ate most of it, and left the last slice for me. I was determined not to eat any more of it, so I just ignored it until it went stale and then I actually threw it away!!!

Caribear

Caribear

 

Top 10 Things I've Learned So Far...

I was thinking today about what I've learned so far on this journey. Shockingly, it was a great deal. Here are the top 10:   10. Know yourself. There is a ton of advice all over the net and in our own circles.. but we have to be wise enough to know how to "eat the meat and throw away the bones." Not everything that others do will work for you. We've invested in our bodies and now we have to make sure we get a ROI (return on investment)!! Don't sabotage yourself by trying to stick with the regimen of someone else. If you're not sure, speak with your doctor or nutritionist/fitness expert. Your medical team created a plan specifically for YOU! So while it's always good to get ideas and advice, we have to make sure we are first and foremost doing what is best for us.   9. Goals. Look to the future always. Don't get complacent w/the amount of weight you've lost or frustrated with the amount of weight you haven't lost..but always keep reaching for your goal. Set small goals in the interim and reward yourself. We're busting our asses and deserve to be kind and sweet to ourselves every now and then.   8. Excuses, excuses! While we are our worst critics, we also tend to go easy on ourselves at the least opportune times. "I've been working hard..I deserve that slab of chocolate cake." "The kids wore me out, and now I can't exercise." Don't get me wrong, I think we all need a break and need to reward ourselves every once in a while..just be careful not to let it snowball. I made this decision because I needed a lifestyle change.. not to continue to give myself "outs."   7. Positivity. Stress causes the secretion of Cortisol.. which leads to weight gain in many people. Thinking positive and generally finding the good in your situations creates what I like to call, "Happy Juice." Aka: Endorphins! Also created when you work out! Endorphins crush Cortisol and can result in weight loss! So stay positive and encouraged..even if that doesn't cause you to lose weight, you'll be a happier person!   6. Kindness. Be kind to yourself. I have a very swift tongue and can cut someone down like a hot knife through butter... unfortunately, I can do the same thing to myself just as easily. Remember it takes time to see results..but if we keep placing one foot in front of the other and keep pushing we'll all get to where we want to be.   5. Do something! Move your feet and your ass will follow!! Everyone works at their own pace. They lose weight at their own pace and that's OK. If you want to see results (possibly faster) and reduce your risk of other complications that come along w/being overweight, get moving!! Even if it's 30mins a day..some of us spend more time than that on the phone, watching a movie, talking to a friend, reading a book.. etc. The good thing about those activities is they can all be done in conjunction w/exercise.   4. No Magic Bullet. This band is not a "fix all" ..after you get banded you will still have taste buds that crave certain foods.. you will still be a jerk or a prima donna..or a sweetheart.. you'll still have money problems if you had them before.. you'll still have personal life issues to deal with. The world doesn't stop just because we've gotten banded. As we're taking the steps to lose the weight, we must take the steps to improve ourselves to be more well-rounded and level people. Don't neglect the rest of your life..the band, while pivotal, is only a small portion of it!   3. Support. Surround yourself with like-minded people, with common goals..not just for the band, but for life. This is such a life altering experience and you find yourself not only wanting to do better health-wise, but improve all the aspects of it. Make sure you have people in your life that will add to it, and not deduct from it.   2. Keep it simple stupid! Don't major in the minors!! The band is hard...but it's not complicated. Follow the rules and listen to your body (the good stuff) and you will succeed. Don't make the band something it's not or try to complicate it. It's a simple tool.. work it and it works!!   1. Prepare to wait! Patience is KEY in losing weight this way. As the saying goes, "We didn't put this weight on overnight.. we won't lose it overnight."     I'm learning a ton about myself..but the most important thing I'm really starting to grasp is that I'm worth it!! =)   -Mary-

SumthinsGottaGive

SumthinsGottaGive

 

Half Marathon Training

Last night I attended the introduction seminar for a running group to train for a half marathon to be held on July 4th. It was pretty exciting, I have to say. There were over 150 people there. We got a cool tech shirt and socks and a brief intoduction to the program. We will get together twice a week, Wednesdays at a track to work on speed and strength and on Saturday mornings for a long run. These runs will be all over town and in Vancouver as well, each week somewhere new with varying distances going up to a max of 12 miles.   I bought a Garmin 405 GPS watch today which has a heart rate monitor. Last weekend, I bonked after 4 miles going at a 8:15/mile pace, so this morning, I slowed it down to a 9:00/mile and ran just shy of 5 miles and felt fine. One of my struggles is pace, so, instead of trying to pace based on time, I am going to pace based on heart rate. We'll give this a try so I can try to get a basic feel for a pace.   Nutrition is also going to be one of my struggles. I am finding it difficult to eat enough. 1,200 calories isn't going to cut it running 4/5 miles per day. Just think when I am running 8/10/12 miles. I tried an energy gel this morning before my run, so that could be why I was able to do this morning bonk-less. It is going to be an experiment, for sure. I have some whole wheat spaghetti with chicken for lunch, so we'll see how I feel and recover.   Also, I am running in the Valentine's Run on the 12th. I signed up for the 8K, which is 5 miles, so I should be OK with that since I am running that distance in training, now.   I will continue to post on my training over the next 20 weeks or so leading up to the half marathon, so click on the Follow just above to the left if you want to stay tuned. I will post everything I learn about this training as it relates to me and my sleeve.

PdxMan

PdxMan

 

Awkward

Today I went to lunch with co workers for the first time since being sleeved. Its the first time eating in front of anyone besides family and close friends. We went to this swanky, high end place in a very pricey and exclusive part of town. (Think mid-west Beverly Hills type scene). Lots of noses in the air and foods with no prices next to them. I would have been more comfortable at Chili's   *sidebar* Last week we had a meeting at work with a taco bar and I was able to eat my half taco unnoticed. There were like 20 people in the room. THIS lunch, however, was very intimate. There were 7 of us at a table in this mood-lit room. I was being very quiet (which is SO not me) because 1- I was freeezing cold and 2- I knew what was coming. There were 2 people there whom I am sure do not know about my sleeve. Anyone who knows me, though, knows that I don't mind sharing. The other people who knew (one was my boss and one my best work friend and one who is getting R N Y) had told the secretary (who was at the table as well). Keeping up? That's 4. One of the 2 who did not know...I don't really like her so I had no interest in speaking to her at all...and the other (who sat right across from me) I don't really mind so much. BUT he is a loud, gaudy guy so...make your own inferences.   So...We all sit and ponder what to order. I noticed that there were many foods on the menu that I am allergic to AND that I just can't have yet (raw fruits and veggies). What happens? I was forced to order the most expensive menu item AND ask for a substitution! Now, my co workers all look at each other like "Uhm hum...HERE goes Mrs. Prisses...BOUGIE!" But I really had to order the best thing for my sleeve. It doesn't help that I am the only...ethnic one...at the table (of maybe 4 in the whole establishment). Mind you, I am not so bothered by this...I am very secure in myself and can hang with any crowd. Here comes the part that bothers me...   Everyone orders dessert first (none for me, thanks)...Then orders the meals. They SCARFED down their food...FAST! I mean these people didn't conversate between bits or anything. They ate like some starving Ethiopians! So...here's me with my filet and roasted asparagus with wild mushrooms...looking around like "Uhm...stop watching me eat!" And here is the guy across from me like "Oh you don't like your food?" Then the waitress "Oh, is there a problem?" and me again "No, its wonderful thank you." And I have to tell the guy all about my sleeve just to keep him from going on and on. Now...I didn't HAVE to tell him but I felt so awkward and icky...   What I did learn; 1- no pressure or situation will MAKE me over eat again (YAY) 2- nothing can embarrass me more than having attention drawn to BAD eating habits, so its fine to get looks and comments on "eating like a bird" (but weird because I am STILL fat so it just ends up looking precocious.) 3- Always order off the appetizer menu 4- Thank GOD for giving me the visual of what it looks like to eat like a wild animal...and that I will never do it again! 5- There are going to be many awkward moments, and that's okay. I am doing this for me...not ANYONE ELSE!

Mrs.Prisses

Mrs.Prisses

 

7 Weeks Post Op

I can't believe it has only been 7 weeks since VSG and still feeling good. I have lost 48 lbs and my inches have been changing every where on my body. I had appointment with prime doctor this morning and not real happy about the results. He wants me to start taking some of my meds again, and I don't think I really want to. I feel great with out them. I have been called a Biatch more lately and my moods do swing quite a bit but all in all I feel much better. He is sending to me to the heart doc because heart rate was high today (107) and he wants me to take the plavix, guess I'll have to wait and see. He also wants me to start back on lexapro (liquid form) (antidepressant) not sure about that, scares me a little. Oh well people will just have to deal with the REAL me (biatchy) and HEALTHY heheheheheh.   The gym will soon be open and I can work out with my daughter after she gets off work, I am looking forward to this. It has been along time since we have had mother daughter time it should be a hoot. Walking is good I'm up to a block and a half now and punching bag is still 20 minutes every other day. I have noticed the more I work out the more sleep I get. I was averaging about 4 hours or less a night, now I get any where from 6-8 hours of good sleep so awesome.   I don't really have a lot to complain about, but I do have a lot to be Happy about.   Thank God for all His love and care that He put into this body, now I just need to get it back into that shape and keep it healthy for the rest of my life.   Thank you all for your support and well needed advice I truly do appreciate each and everyone of you.   My wish for each and everyone of you is Happy Journeys and Great losses.

Charlotte

Charlotte

 

6 Lbs Down In Two Weeks!

Went to the MD yesterday afternoon, and I lost 6 lbs from my last visit there on 1/16. So proud of myself! Sometime I feel like I'm not working "hard enough" at losing weight, but I guess I am because the scales don't lie!   Signed up for the February weight loss challenge, my goal is to lose ten pounds, let's see how it goes.   The MD yesterday put 2.5 ccs in a 4 cc band this is the most I've ever had in this band, and she told me I have plenty of room left to be filled, which felt wonderful. The last time the APRN put 2 ccs in and said "there's not much left from here, if you don't lose weight I'm going to have to have an RX written out for diet pills" so I think who you are working with makes a great difference. The MD is definetly more positive than the APRN (isn't how that always goes?)   So today, I'm on a liquid diet, Wednesday and Thursday "mushies" and Friday back to normal eating. I'm hoping I hit my sweet spot, but I won't get impatient if I don't.   Went to the gym last night as well, 30 minutes on the elliptical, going tonight for 35 minutes.   Also booked my trip to Key West we are going March 24-31, and flying directly into Key West, which I'm nervous about since I don't like to fly in the first place and the flight into Key West is going to be on a small plane!!!!! Wish me luck!   Have a good day everyone!

shues138

shues138

 

Pre-Op Diet Day Two

Today was super busy. I stayed on plan even with my favorite spinach Alfredo pizza being ordered in during our lunch and learn. I had my shake and lots of water. For dinner I had grilled fish,green beans and pineapple chunks. I travel tomorrow to Dallas for my uncles funeral, so I will keep my shakes in my mini cooler before we leave. Once we get there I should be fine.

sweetsoutherngirl

sweetsoutherngirl

 

Still Here And Still Losing

I am now down 34 pounds!! so it has been 3 months and two weeks, but it is steady! Slow is ok as long it is steady. Just think if I continue at this pace in another three months and two weeks, I should be down 68 That would be incredible!! I am so hopeful!!

Joyce Real

Joyce Real

 

7 Weeks Post Op--- Ups And Downs (Progress Pics)

alright so here is the skinny..lol no pun intended.. my stats as of today 5'7'' hw: 265lbs gfs:250 dos:238.1 cw:202.9 gw:150   As of today I am 53 lbs from goal. I had my first post op meeting with my surgeon a few days ago everything went well.. doc said im on track and infact that i have lost something equivalent to those on bypass surgery, which i took as a good thing. She said that im healing nicely and that i can return to full workouts...YAY!!!!! THAT MADE ME HAPPY. Im gonna really start working my abs now cuz i want to have a 6 pack.. or at least something that resembles a 6 pack.   So i have to admit.. lately i have been slackin on hitting the gym, but its cuz ive been really tired lately, i think a lot of it is due to the fact that i am NOT getting in my required amount of food and i keep forgetting to take my vitamins.. I know i know.. not good.. so im trying to get back on the horse and remember to take my vitamins and eat right.   I am gonna keep this blog short as i decided to slice my hand open and its kind of hard to type.. but ive added progress photos for you to see!   ITS A NEW YEAR!!! TIME FOR A NEW ME!

blackanese25

blackanese25

 

9 Month Measurements

9 Month Measurements   StartWeight: 273 lbs. **Goal Weight: 157lbs. Pre-op:--- 6 lbs. lost Surgery Weight: 267 1 month: 247 -- -- bmi 39.0 -- -- 20 lbs lost 2 month: 238 -- -- bmi 37.3 -- -- 9 lbs lost 3 month: 229 -- -- bmi 35.9 -- -- 9 lbs lost 4 month: 220 -- -- bmi 34.5 -- -- 9 lbs lost 5 month: 212 -- -- bmi 33.2 -- -- 8 lbs lost 6 month: 207 -- -- bmi 32.4 -- -- 5 lbs lost 7 month: 201 -- -- bmi 31.5 -- -- 6 lbs lost 8 month: 198 -- -- bmi 31.0 -- -- 3 lbs lost   9 month: 192 -- -- bmi 30.1 -- -- 6 lbs lost   Lost since surgery: -75 Lost Total: -81 lbs.     Overall Goal     Weekly Break Down, lbs. lost pre-op week: 6 lbs week 1 -- 8 lbs. 2 - -5 3 - -3 4 - -2 5 - -2 6 - -3 ~2 months 7 - -3 8 - -1 9 - -2 10 - -6 ~3 months 11 - -0 12 - -2 13 - -1 14 - -3 ~4 months 15 - -0 16 - -4 17 - -2 18 - -1 ~5 months 19 - -1 20 - -3 21 - -3 22 - +1 ~6 months 23 - -0 24 - -3 25 - -2 26 - -1 27 - -2 ~ 7 months 28 - -0 29 - -0 30 - -4 31 - -0 ~ 8 months 32 - -0 33 - -3 34 - -0 35 - -0 36 - -1 ~ 9 months 37 - -2 38 - -1 39 - -2 40 - - ~ 10 months 41 - - 42 - - 43 - - 44 - - 45 - - 46 - - 47 - - 48 - - 49 - - 50 - - 51 - - 52 - -   StartJean size: 24/22 Current Jean size: 14/12   Start Shirt size: 3x/2x Current Shirt size: xl/L   Inches:   Neck Start: 16 Last: 14 Recent: 13.5 Loss: -0.5 Total Loss: -2.5   Upper Arm Start: 15 Last: 12.5 Recent: 12.5 Loss: 0 Total Loss: -2.5   Forearm Start: 11.5 Last: 10 Recent: 10 Loss: 0 Total Loss: -1.5   Waist Start: 49 Last: 37.5 Recent: 37 Loss: -0.5 Total Loss: -12   Abdomen (belly button) Start: 55 Last: 43.5 Recent: 43.5 Loss: 0 Total Loss: -11.5   Hips Start: 55 Last: 45 Recent: 45 Loss: 0 Total Loss: -10   Bust Start: 54 Last: 44 Recent: 44 Loss: 0 Total Loss: -10   Chest Start: 44 Last: 36 Recent: 36 Loss: 0 Total Loss: -8   Thigh Start: 30.5 Last: 24 Recent: 24 Loss: 0 Total Loss: -6.5   Calf Start: 17.5 Last: 15.5 Recent: 15 Loss: -0.5 Total Loss: -2.5     1st month loss: -19.5 in 2nd month loss: -9 in 3rd month loss: -13.5 in 4th month loss: -6 in 5th month loss: -2 in 6th month loss: -6 in   7th month loss: -4.5 in   8th month loss: -5.0 in   9th month loss: -1.5 in       Total Lost: -67 inches   Valentines Goal:   Start weight 198   Goal weight 190   7 weeks – 8 lbs.  

Nichelle

Nichelle

 

Home!

Got home last night - felt great after getting off the plane. The walk through the airport was another story - the airport is under construction so the signs don't actually send you in the right direction - must have literally walked a mile to get out of there to get to the shuttle to get to the car. I was pretty tired by then and getting irritable.   Once we got outside though , the cool air reinvigorated me and I felt pretty good. I drove us home from the airport and my doggies were very happy to see us. Hubby did a good job keeping them from jumping up on me. Usually they sit in the recliner with me on my lap, which can't happen right now, so they're bummed and frankly, so am I about that Ah well, soon enough   I showered today and cleaned my inscisions and recovered the one that my bra touches and also the one with the drain - I'll steri strip that one in a day or two - but it still has a little bit of drainage from it. Everything seems to look good - only one inscision is tender and that's the biggest one. I'm minding that.   I take my temp regularly to ensure i don't have a fever and I'm good to go.   Things are going very well

circa

circa

 

Back To Work Today - Day 13 Post-Op...

I am back at work. I was looking forward to it and now that I'm here...happy to be here, but...it seems like I never left. Some people didn't even know I was out, but those that did are happy I am well and back (which always feels good). Keep in mind...I have not told anyone at work that I had vsg surgery, just that I had 'female surgery' (I'm a female and had surgery!).   About an hour ago a friend/colleague presented me with one of her to-die-for homemade carrot cakes to celebrate my return to work (my once-upon-a-time favorite favorite sweet ever!). I thanked her profusely and we put it in our interaction area with plates and forks and a sign for whoever wants some, come get it - in a matter of seconds it was gone. My friend had cut me a piece. I said thank you and that I would enjoy it a bit later with a cup of tea. Well, once my friend was back in her office and working away, I took my yummy looking piece of carrot cake to my receptionist and it is now gone. Whew! In the past I would have gobbled it and gotten a second piece.   I went through most of my clothes last evening and purged all the clothes that currently do not fit, those in larger sizes. I will never go back to that size again and I hate all those clothes anyway. I did keep one nice shirt and pair of jeans - so I can post one of those 'look-at-me-now' photos when I reach my goal weight. I can not wait for that day, but just knowing it will really happen brings me much joy.   Looking forward to tomorrow, and the next day, and the next and so on.....

CAsleeve

CAsleeve

 

There's No Traffic In The Extra Mile

So this past weekend we had a sort-of reunion. My family is VERY large (my dad had eight brothers/sisters) and we're all really close. We also all (most of us anyway) have had weight issues. Thinking back as a child, any gathering we had together, ALWAYS focused and centered around food. This weekend was no different. There was ham, pasta, roast beef, cheese, potato casseroles, deviled eggs, brownies, turtle cakes, you name it! I'm proud to say that I had 1 deviled egg, 2 small meatballs, 1 slice cheese, and I couldn't help myself but I had the corn casserole. I went slow- got my protein in first and had NO, nada, zilch for dessert. I'm committed to this and if that means I'm missing out a little bit, well then so be it. Today I also discovered myfitnesspal.com! I've been seeing everyone with their weightloss tickers and that website rocks! Its so easy for me to pop the info into my computer or my phone. I also have to thank my co-worker for walking with me on lunch today. I wanted to stop at three laps, but she made me do six laps. She said, "theres no traffic in the extra mile". I said, huh? She said if you push yourself, you'll feel better and theres nothing stopping you to go the extra mile. No wonder she is also my business partner- what a smart girl!   Mags

mags2u

mags2u

 

Boring Is Goood

I am so thrilled that I have begun to have boring mealtimes. Usually, they are full of excitement. Well, at least after the meal. I would have to dramatically over chew and swallow just so that I make myself aware of what's happening in my body. And that drinking thing? Aye! I would have pains over just the smallest sip of water. Today, though, I had a steak sandwich (without the fixings or bread). I had myself 3 NORMAL size bites and felt nothing but SATISFACTION! No weird neck pains or stomach gurgglies...This is the first uneventful meal I have had since being sleeved. 30 minutes later, I had some water without incident. No cramps or pains (which usually occur after drinking). Yep, just a boring, boring, lunch. YiPpIe! *sidebar* I worked out extra today...maybe there is a connection...hmmmm.

Mrs.Prisses

Mrs.Prisses

 

Playing The Waiting Game...

Alright, so who has done everyrthing that they needed to do in order to get the surgery, and are just waiting on that pesky approval...THIS GIRL RIGHT HERE!!! I have Kaiser Permanente and there is 6 months worth of nutritionist appointments, information sessions, and weight loss classes, and now I have to wait on my approval. I'm so nervous but excited at the same time, and I'm not even sure that I am getting approved...Although I'm pretty sure that I'm getting approved. Think positive thoughts Janelle. Good Luck to anyone that is in the same boat!

nelle1230

nelle1230

 

The Truth About Medicaid And Weight Loss Surgery

There are many myths about Medicaid and Medicare when it comes to weight loss surgery. For more than 10 years I put off surgery because I had Medicaid and then Kaiser. When asking the insurance company if weight loss surgery is covered, they will always tell you no. The best place to start is reviewing your 'what's covered' excerpt in your manual. Many health insurance companies will cover your surgery as long as it is medically necessary. A medical necessity is these three things: 1) BMI over 40 2) Two Morbidity (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, heart condition, etc.) 3) Pre-op weight loss.   These are the guidelines for most insurance companies, but I really wanted to discuss Medicaid/Medicare. Medicaid in most states will cover your surgery as long as you meet their guidelines for medical necessity. The first place to start is with your PCP. If you make your PCP aware that you are considering weight loss surgery, they will be able to refer to you to a surgeon that accepts your insurance. The surgeons are familiar with the procedure and will get the surgery approved as long as you qualify.   Depending on your state, Medicaid will allow certain procedures. In Ohio the Gastric Sleeve is not accepted for the weight loss surgery, but Lapband and Bypass are. This is the step that you stay in constant contact with your surgeon and they will have a specialist that handles all insurance questions that knows these companies in and out.   The surgery will not happen quickly, the normal wait time for Medicaid/Medicare is nine (9) months. You report to your surgeons office once per month for weigh ins and follow-up with dietitian and the surgeon. There are also several tests are required. I would suggest doing them as soon as possible, this way if there are any additional tests that need to be conducted, you have time to get them done.   Because most states have opted to provide their Medicaid/Medicare in *** form, it actually works a lot better than if it were strictly run by the State. My insurance is Molina of Ohio (Ohio Medicaid), I was approved for surgery after the 1st request. My surgery was paid for 100% without complication. The nine month waiting period gives you time to make sure that this is the right choice for you , and also begin changing you lifestyle. So if someone tells you that weight loss surgery is out of the question because you receive Medicaid/Medicare, this is not at all true. Check your manual and with your PCP, if you have any questions I may be able to assist. I hope that this blog helps people understand that there is hope for those that struggle with their weight and receive public health benefits.

Lady S.

Lady S.

 

Xbox And Exercise - Kickboxing

Good Afternoon everyone. Thank you all for reading my XBOX Exercise blog. I am hoping to add videos soon. If there are any games that you may have a question about please let me know. I am a 'hardcore' gamer, so I have played just about anything and everything.   Today I am posting about 'Uncaged', this is one of the first games for Kinect that was targeted for 'hardcore' gamers. I really enjoyed this game because it was a simulation game that offered the player a chance to work through challenges and gain skill levels. This game is not for the skirmish, there is some blood that is displayed when you are playing, the game is based on fighting, UFC, kickboxing styles.   The reason that this game is a successful exercise game is because you are utilizing all of your body muscles with the game. While you are in training, the game teaches you the proper way to kick, punch and dodge. In one match you will have worked every muscle in your body. The game is challenging because since you are using so many muscles, you must become mentally tough to continue and get the workout that you desire. There is no tracking method with this game, but you don't need one, you will feel the burn after your first match.   I believe that Kinect has done a wonderful job incorporating full body control with their games. I had a WII and attempted their weight loss games, but did not feel as if I was getting the full effect. The entire workout session, I was pulling up the controller you put on your leg. With Kinect, you do not have to worry about any controllers and you get the full benefit of the workout.   The next game I will be reviewing will be Zumba. I have played, but am getting my skill level up to really be able to talk about it. It is very fun, but a little different than I expected. So stayed tuned for the next review!!! AND KEEP MOVING!!!   @lonnilon33

Lady S.

Lady S.

 

Amazing! No More Double Digits.....

In my last blog I was complaining about not having clothes that fit due to my new weight loss, well God heard me and I was sitting in church not even two days later and I get a text that says " Hey got some clothes for you come and get them". I could hear the church bells ringing... LOL . Well I got there as soon as the Preacher said Amen and needless to say, she had a variety of clothing that went from size 14 to size 4. Suits, dresses, jeans, dress pants, shoes, boots. I had hit paydirt. I got home and began to try on the clothes and to my suprise I am a fit size 8. No more double digits for me!!!!!!. I have been strutting my stuff ever since then. I thank God and my girlfriend who has outgrown her clothes... LOL I love my sleeve and all the new sizes that come along with it.

smiley2604

smiley2604

 

Negative Calorie Food

I just found out about Negative Carolie foods this weekend. If you don't know what these are, they are foods that contain less calories than it takes your body to digest them. I was amazed to find this out! I rushed to the store and got some of these.   I know some of them, but was wondering if anyone knew of anyothers?   Here are some I know of: Berries of any kind Kiwi Apples Pomaganets Kale Celery Carrots   Any one know of some others?

SecondChance

SecondChance

PatchAid Vitamin Patches

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