MINI-Me

Congratulations. It goes fast once you start the process - especially when you are self-pay. I have found this forum to be such a valuable tool. (Both for information & keeping me calm.) Plenty of room on the Loser Bench for you. Welcome!

An external reviewer is a medical review team that is not connected with Blue Cross. They evaluate the medical submission and compare to your policy benefits & make a determination about the best course of treatment. I'm surprised they went there before the 2nd internal review. Usually that is reserved as a last step in the process & is requested by the customer. Best of luck!

What a great post Anna. You are doing so well ... very proud of you. Thanks for your enthusiasm and sweet spirit - they are contagious!

A M E N ! ! ! ! ! ! !

I was cleared for popcorn at 3 months out. It's very yummy to me - maybe even more so than before. Probably since it's such a treat. However, it is unfortunate. I am amazed at how much of the stuff I can eat. I guess once you chew it up it becomes a slider food. I've been trying to measure out what I can eat & then slowly enjoy it during a movie instead of the the old way of popping a handful at a time.

I agree about using the one that is the most accurate. But, choose one and use it each time. I weigh each morning after going to the bathroom & completely naked. (That way I can blame a meal or what I am wearing on variances.)

Stcyt - I totally understand the "10th" day thing. For me, the sleeve is like a miracle. I'm finally losing weight and feeling in control. I keep waiting for the "catch". I read articles like you cited and freak out a bit too. But, we will win this war. We have a great "weapon" and we are doing awesome!!!!!

It never hurts to talk to your surgeon just to be sure ... but, I think many of us experience this type of pain around 2 weeks out. I was told that it was due to severed nerves repairing themselves - mine was around the largest incision. Let us know how you are doing.

I watch another site, but post more on here. They have a "Lightweight Forum" just for those who are just a little bit obese (said very sarcastically :willy_nilly:) ... ]Repost of the Lightweight Creed_June 20, 2010 This is their creed: The Lightweight Creed (Created and approved by members of the OH Lightweights Forum, Jan 2008) I am a Lightweight. I am only one of many others like me. Together, we are a team. Though our journeys and choices may be different, we are bonded together by the commonality of being Lightweights and the strategies, successes and struggles that entails. It is this bond that defines this board. I began my journey with a BMI of less than 45 and/or with less than 150 lbs excess weight. My lower BMI and excess weight does in no way make me less deserving of medical intervention, and I should not be made to feel inferior or guilty. I qualified for WLS because I have co-morbidities, or because my medical history proves that my weight is diet and exercise resistant. I have worked with my healthcare team to determine the best surgical option for me. I am confident that others have done so as well, so I will refrain from passing judgments. I will freely share the most accurate information I have, as well as my own personal journey and why I chose my surgery in an informative, educational and respectful way so that others may learn from my experiences. I respect the decisions of my fellow Lightweights, regardless of the surgery they chose and the nutritional/exercise plans they follow. I will always promote health and a healthy lifestyle, whether physical or mental; and will respect alternate methods and views toward achieving good health, even if I do not espouse them personally. I will always be sensitive, honest and respectful when contributing to discussions on this board and in my PMs. I will never flame, demean, invalidate or harass others for their questions or decisions. I will remember, at all times, the difficulties and pain I went through on my own journey and be considerate of others when discussing theirs. I will always defend and unite with my fellow Lightweights against prejudice and hostility. I understand it is my responsibility to report offensive conduct to my fellow Lightweights, so that we may deal with offending parties as a united front to preserve the supportive and tolerant atmosphere of our board. I understand that if my conduct becomes offensive, I will not be welcome to participate on this board any longer.

I think we are all EXPERT losers, but not expert maintainers. I have been down that road more times than I can count. Only you know you and what you can/can't do and what you are willing/not willing to do. This is a very personal decision. Is he saying that he will not give his approval for surgery if you don't try again or just that he would like you to try again?

First of all ... good luck with your final weigh in and getting a date scheduled. Second ... glad to help. People on here were so wonderful to me when I was doing my research. Glad to know that I'm helping others as well. Plus, staying active on here keeps me accountable and moving forward. We are all such LOSERS! :thumbup1:

Maddie, I am so sorry about your frustration ... it really will get better. I totally agree with Chrissy. Sounds like you are still healing and working through that process. It's hard when you are going through one of these stages, but it will pass. The weight and increase in inches REALLY IS DUE TO Water WEIGHT ... your body is holding on to all it's resources. You will get through this. Are you able to talk with your surgeon or a nutritionist? If so, they can offer more guidance. Otherwise, stay true to your eating plan, walk as much as you can, and wait for the day you get a "whooooosh" on the scale & you start seeing the pounds melt away. It is coming very soon! Hugs, Mini

I had the sleeve, but would be interested in hearing your success with the "super sleeve". A few quesitons I have ... Have you discussed grehlin with your surgeon. The absence (or lowered amount) has been truly wonderful with my sleeve. Since your entire stomach is still there, will you still produce it? Can food get trapped in the folds and cause infection? Best of luck with your surgery. Keep us posted on your journey.

I understand the hesitancy of "lower" BMI, but anything over 29.9 is considered obese and obesity is a killer (either now or in the future). The number of 35 + comorbidities and 40+ without is simply an insurance standard. It doesn't mean that they are magic numbers. You have to do what is right for you - and sometimes that means finding a way to pay for it instead of insurance (by the way, my insurance won't pay for any bariatric surgery so I would be self-pay no matter what). I had a family history of obesity and have fought it all my life. The yo-yo dieting and the stress on my body with gaining and losing over the years was a greater risk than making a permanent decision to conquer obesity. Why wait a few years to hit some magic number? The writing was on the wall & I didn't like what it said. Fortunately, several surgeons agreed. In fact, every surgeon I talked with said that I was an ideal candidate. I just chose the one I liked the best & dove in. I figured the cost out of my pocket was well worth the investment in my life. Plus, think of all the diet gimmicks I will no longer have to buy or the huge meal costs. I truly feel like I have my life back & I am enjoying being in my own skin again. Good luck with your decision.

It seems like there are as many diet plans for VSG as there are surgeons. What stage are you at? I'm going to answer for "regular" eating phase. 60-80 grams of Protein a day No more than 45 carbs per day (others swear on here that it should be 30 or less) Calories - early out 600, then 800. At almost 5 months out, I'm between 800-900 a day now. 64+ ounces of caffeine-free/calorie-free liquids daily No drinking 30-45 minutes after eating. Eat protein first, then veggies and fruit. If you have room, a little bit of carbs is ok. At five months out, I can eat about 3 ounces of protein, about 1/8 cup of veggies, and maybe a spoonful of rice or mashed potato. Hope that helps. Good luck in finding a new nut to help out. Don't worry too much about the stall (easier said than done, I know) ... but they are fairly common. Did you take measurements when you started? If so, take them again while in a stall - you will be surprised to find that you are probably losing inches even though the scale isn't moving.

Welcome to the forum. Lots of good questions ... I will do my best to answer based on my experience. 1. Who was your surgeon and why would you (or wouldn't you) recommend him- please don't bash other people's choices, forum drama makes me SAD I went through Medical Tourism and met Dr. Thomas Umbach in Las Vegas. He is an awesome surgeon & I would recommend him without reservation. The office staff is a little "forgetful" sometimes, so you have to be on your toes & follow-up. But, Dr. U is top notch. 2. How do I get the ball rolling- how do I approach my doctor, what do I need to ask for? I started with my own personal research and went to a local surgeon for a seminar. From there, I found Medical Tourism and they guided me through the process. My PCP just had to send a letter of surgery recommendation and run labs for me. 3. I have never had "major" surgery before- like I've been put under for a leep-cone procedure before, and I've done natural child birth, but what do I expect physically? How bad does it hurt after and for how long? Some people have no to little pain. Unfortunately, I wasn't that lucky. My pain in the first few days was more than I expected. The good news is that I was given pain meds to manage it and it only lasted a few days. Definitely worth a few days of pain. 4. I've read that recovery is quite exhausting, and that it's hard to cope with so few calories (energy wise). I'm already tired all the time- When does the energy come back? By week 4, I was pretty much back to normal. I took 1 week off from work and worked 1/2 days for 1.5 weeks. 5. What about all the EXTRA SKIN? Is there a way to help that without more surgery later? I have some loose skin (thighs, tummy, and arms) but mostly things are coming back nicely. 6. What about hair LOSS!? I like to pretend I'm not vain, but that might be a bit hard to take, how do I cope with the inevitable hair loss? It's not inevitable. I've had some, but not gobs and gobs. Others, have had no loss. 7. Beer? Can I have beer? It's my FAVORITE summertime treat, but it's fizzy and I haven't been able to find much on alcohol consumption... This is certainly not a "deal breaker", but I'm curious I have had a few beers. There is a definite odd feeling with the bubbles, but it does not hurt - just takes a while to get one down. 8. I've seen several posts and responses about how to cope with eating out and in public, does it ever "feel" normal again? I mean, will it stop feeling strange that I can barely eat half a slice of pizza? (that's assuming I can tolerate the cheese and the pepperoni and the sauce...) At 5 months out, I can pretty well tolerate anything - just small amounts. I have found that people don't really pay as much attention as we think they do. I share a lot of meals with my husband which means we get to go out twice as much - no cooking for me!!!! He laughs and says that I am a cheap date. 9. The puking and dehydration.... Um, does EVERYBODY struggle with that? Is it FOREVER? I only puked once since surgery and it was due to a stomach bug, not at all related to my surgery. Getting in fluids the first few days is hard, but you will find a way around that. If not, you can always get IV fluids from your surgeon. 10. Finally, is there anything else I should know? I've read PAGES and PAGES of stats and medical info, so I understand the basics of the procedure and the risks and the possibility of complications etc... But is there anything else? Any Super Top Secret Inside info that I'm not going to learn anywhere else? No secrets. Just remember that everyone is different and all of our journeys are different. Do your research, find a surgeon that you trust, and enjoy your journey. Come back and ask as many questions as you want. Again, welcome.

There is a special term for us with lower BMI - we are called "lightweights". I ha surgery with a BMI of 32.8. My surgeon even called me skinny. Let me assure you, I've never been anywhere near skinny in my entire life. I even started out large - over 10 pounds at birth! Never feel ashamed of taking care of yourself. We all have our reasons for this surgery and they are valid for us. This is the best gift I've ever given myself. I am so close to goal in only 5 months - I feel like I have my life back!

Good luck with your consult. Feel free to ask us questions and take time to read through past forum topics. There is a wealth of information here. Welcome.

Welcome to the other side. You are now a LOSER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome. Glad to have another member. I am sure you have questions ... so fire away!

Yahoo!!!! You go girl.

Do you mean the tickers or my avatar?

Thinking of you today. Can't wait to hear your updates.

That is fabulous news. Glad to hear how well you are doing.

Carole - best of luck. Keep us updated on your progress and surgery date.