Leaderboard

Decided to have something different for breakfast today. A bit eclectic I know, but it used up some leftovers. BTW, the toast is from some of my homemade sourdough.

Rotisserie chicken and couscous (lunch and dinner)

Hi all, my name is Kevin, and I'm new to this board. I just signed up because, for the first time, I think I have a story to share. I've been reading on this board for months as I've been weighing surgical possibilities, and now it's weird being on the other side. I did my gastric sleeve with Renew Bariatics in Tijuana about 4 months back, and I'm at -82 lbs to date. If you're undecided or on the fence—believe me, I'm there. I wasted YEARS jumping around, attempting every diet, every exercise craze, every miracle pill. Nothing held. I'd lose 20 lbs and gain 30. I was at my all-time high last year at 312 lbs, and it started affecting every area of my life—my knees hurt all the time, my energy level was zero, and quite frankly, I just didn't know who I was anymore. I eventually made the decision after my first doctor quite kindly suggested WLS. Insurance here in the US would take an eternity with all the pre-reqs, so I investigated Mexico (fairly skeptically at first). But Renew Bariatrics would keep coming up in every search, and I started watching videos, reading testimonials, even stalking threads here. I ended up deciding to go for it. The Tijuana experience was much better than I expected. The hospital was clean, the staff were nice and genuinely professional, and they were very organized. I went alone (which intimidated me), but I never at any point felt in danger. My coordinator was responsive and the time to prepare me ahead of time, like what to bring and how the day would go every time. Surgery day was actually a blur. I was terrified of heck, but the surgical team made me feel comfortable and at ease. I had no severe complications—only some expected gas pain for a couple of days. The hardest part? The adjustment in my mind afterward. Eating slowly, learning to stop when full, and knowing that food wasn't going to be my crutch anymore took work. Still does. But here's the thing—I got my life back. I can move again. I sleep better at night. I walk into rooms upright. I've still got a long way to go, but this has made such an amazing difference, and I'm glad that I pushed the limits and gave it a try. If you're considering Renew or just need to talk to someone who's gone through it, go ahead and comment or contact me. I recall how valuable it was reading actual people's posts when I was still on the fence. Happy to return the favor. Thanks for reading my long tale—I'm happy to be here!

Hello my friends! (Admin please delete if not allowed) I am in a life coaching training program and am in need of practice clients for my certification. If you are interested in a free coaching session please comment or message me. I’d love to chat with you. 🩷 I am hoping to specialize in working with bariatric patients when I am certified. (I am 15 months PO from RNY) For those who aren’t familiar - coaching is not therapy and I do not diagnose or treat any mental illness. Coaching is future-focused strategic facilitation. Examples of things we can talk about: - goal setting - confidence building - mindfulness - accountability - decision making skills - anything else! 😊 Sessions are 30 minutes and done virtually. Let me know if you are interested or if you have questions!

So sorry you're struggling right now. I think if we're all being honest, we're ALL been there. I've said this before, but I strongly believe anyone that is or was obese has an eating disorder or at least suffers from disordered eating. You simply don't get that big unless you have an unhealthy relationship with food. The thing is, none of us magically got better by having bariatric surgery. If you think you need it, please reachout to a mental health professional to help you get back on track. If you don't feel ready for therapy, that's okay too. You have to do what's right for you. Just know that there is help out there if you need it. I want you to know that I personally have faith in you, even if you don't right now. You are an inspiration to many people here, me included. You've already shown how strong you are and how hard you're willing to work for your goals. I know this is just a temporary setback, and I'm guessing a lot of it was brought on by extra stress due to surgery and your routine being thrown off. As they say, this too will pass. I know you can get your mojo back, so please give yourself some grace. We're often our worst critics. I'm honestly just guessing based on your previous posts, but I'd think you're a very goal-oriented person. It might be beneficial to stop thinking "I need to get back on track". That's just too nebulous. Instead set yourself small, time-bound concrete goals. Only you can decide what those should be, but it might be as simple as "get at least 120 grams of lean protein tomorrow". Forget everything else that part of your personal idea about what "back on track" means and just work on that one small goal until it's become habitual. Only then, add in a new goal to work on. Just keep them small, easily attainable based on where you're at today, and make sure they have a time component such as my goal for tomorrow is..., or my goal this week is... you get the idea. If you need any help with diet or exercise as you work through this, please feel free to PM me and I'll do my best to help. Wishing you all the success in the world!

@Mspretty86 damn! that's awesome!! I need a 360 body lift. I literally have no fat on my body but my skin is not the biz! Working out can only do so much! Thats the next thing on my agenda!

Starting the journey on April 13th 8am..I am in the parking lot of my local Bariatrics surgeon office waiting for it to open. Today is the initial seminar. Today is the beginning of my journey. Will insurance cover? Will I have 6 month waiting period? Stay tuned...

When I was fat I would have to go hunting in my wardrobe for clothes that fit. I would usually find nothing and need to buy new. It was so frustrating because I usually couldn't find what I needed and was never totally comfortable in my clothes Now I can always fit in all my clothes, shoes and boots. I decide in bed in the morning which outfit to wear. Its a stress free joy.

Your PCP probably needs to request a referral through the insurance. Call Member Services for your plan and get exact details of what's needed. BTW - your Surgeon's office should have been more specific and more helpful!