MINI-Me

What type of issues are you having with your band. If you can show that it is causing serious physical issues, you may have a case for them covering the removal. Since WLS is not covered by your current plan (a choice made by your husband's company, not the insurance company) you will have to pay for the sleeve yourself. However, since there is already OR and surgical time for the band removal, etc, you can negotiate with your surgeon for a much lower cost on the sleeve. Best of luck!

LOL David - I can so relate to that feeling! Congratulations on your decision.

April - They have a term for us with a lower BMI called "lightweights". Makes me laugh every time I hear that since I felt like a beached whale!!! But, this surgery has really given me a second chance at life. Not sure what part of WA you are from, but there are quite a few of us Washingtonians out here. Feel free to ask for any advice you need. And, PM me if you'd like to talk on the phone, etc. I agree with the idea of taking your husband with you to a seminar - they are very eye opening for those who have never struggled with their weight. ESPECIALLY when they hear of the dangers of continued excess weight. Best of luck to you!

Hi all! I know it is MUCH easier said than done when I'm on one side of the ticker & many of you are just starting. But, it is important not to stress over so many small things. Just follow your plan and you will be successful. I too had my moments of "what if I change this" or "what if I do that". But, I'm here because I follow my plan 90% of the time. That means 10% of the time, I'm "bad". I have wine, beer, and (oh no! :ohmy:) diet soda. I eat a spoonful of mashed potatoes here and there and sometimes a cookie :eek:. Don't think of this as a diet. It is a new way of living and a new relationship with food. Diets fail ... learning to eat healthy cannot fail you. So, please relax ... know that stalls will happen (and they are sooooooo frustrating) ... but the good news is that you will normally see a big changes in measurements and a large whoosh of pounds when the stall is over. Now my disclaimer ... trust this post. Don't look at my prior posts where I was questioning myself, mad at a stall, and thinking I would never make it! :001_smile:

I don't know of anything in the legislature that limits WLS. I think it might be a scare tactic. Plus, with the upcoming election, who knows what the law will look like in 2014 (when most of the mandates take effect).

F R E A K I N ' F A B U L O U S ! ! ! You really are living the goodlife. Congratulations!

Let us know what you find out!

I was also self-pay, so I cannot answer the insurance questions, but I may be able to help with the rest. First of all - bravo for you for taking control of your health! Second - glad to hear that you are considering VSG. For me, it's been a life changer. If you've read many of my posts, I am not very good about the formal exercise. What I have found is that I lose weight, I find myself being more active in my day to day life. It used to be a trip to costco, loading the car, unloading the car, and putting the items away would do me in for the entire day. The other day, I found myself doing just that, going around the house and cleaning up, starting dinner & then realizing that I might want to slow down a bit. When I pointed it out to my husband (the naturally thin, trim and fit guy), he laughed and said I was wearing him out just watching me. My BMI was 32.8, but my skin is doing well. I had really bad bat arms at first, but they are starting to shape up nicely. I even found that there was some muscles in there! :confused: The only excess skin issues I have right now are my tummy (lots of jell-o skin there) and some in the inside of my thighs (I have lost about 10 inches on each thigh in 7 months). I'm really trying to get myself into more cardio and strength training exercises - I know those will help with my problem areas. It won't fix the loose skin issues, but it will make them look better & long shorts work wonders! Best of luck with your decision and welcome.

It could be nothing or it could be something. I believe Dr. Aceves has a coordinator that you can contact to get information. I would call them immediately so you can put your mind at ease or know your next steps.

Carrie, You definitely need a big hug. I wish I could give it to you in person. But, just know that we are here for you. Those first weeks after surgery are an emotional and physical roller coaster. Some people are fortunate to breeze right through it, but most don't. Your body is recovering from major trauma and your homones are raging. Just tell your husband that you honestly don't know what is wrong, but you just need his support. A hug when you ask for it and space when you need it. And, come out here and rant, scream, cry, and get it out of your system. We are here for you & we've been there/done that & know exactly what you are going through. And goodlife is right ... in a few months, you will be so glad you made this decision!!!!!!

Welcome Dave! My husband grew up in the same little town you live in - small world! What practice are you working through for your surgery?

Best of luck! You will do great! Keep us posted on your progress.

Best of luck!

Angie - congratulations on the weightloss and size 12. WAY TO GO!!!!!!!!!

Who is your surgeon?

Glad to hear that you are feeling better ... recovery seems to be going well. I know you know this, but be careful with the icecream. The first months are a time to re-learn proper eating behaviors and establish lifelong patterns. If you are concerned about losing too quickly, talk to your surgeon or nutritionist and get their advice. If they are ok with the ice cream, then go for it.

I haven't found that I need to workout to meet my goals. Now, if I had been better at working out and strength training, my body might look better. I'm trying to get into a routine of walking on the treadmill and doing leg/arm exercises. As soon as my ribs heal, I will do it!!! I think your thoughts are normal. Just take it a day at time. Dr. Umbach is great and will help answer all your questions. Remember, take deep breaths and keep reading this board. We are here to help!

Yeah!!!! So glad they helped out.

Let's go for the envy ... helps enhance my new self image of being a "Sex Kitten"!

My husband said the same thing "I broke you!". Too funy. I guess we both get badges of honor.

So glad to hear that you were able to talk with them and they are supportive. I'm sure there will be questions and concerns, but it's great that you were able to put it out there, explain your reasons, and help them understand your choice. NICE JOB!

I was one of the unfortunate ones to have a lot of pain - much more than I was expecting reading people's experiences on this board. That being said, you really should check in with your surgeon. The pain may not be "normal" and they should know what you are experiecing. If nothing else, they may be able to recommend new medication or sleeping positions for you. Best of luck. Sorry to hear of your pain.

No worry about flames. The thing is ... I've been eating like this since about 3 months out. I think it's just because I'm so close to goal that things are slowing down so much. I'm plugging along thought - goal is right in front of me!

Yes, Dr. Umbach did my sleeve on 1/27/10 as outpatient. He is a great surgeon & you will like him a lot. He really made me feel comfortable with my decision and very confident in his skills. Feel free to send me a PM if you have any specific questions.

My dream outfit would be a pair of short shorts and a white tank top. I know it's not very fancy, but if I could wear those and look good, I think I could wear anything with confidence.