former_vbg

Congratulations! You didn't give up! Welcome to the losers bench!!

No need for the attitude. I was just trying to offer some advice- what you do with it is up to you.

I'm assuming you were a first time surgery approval? I also have Aetna PPO Choice and just learned today that I may have to go through a 6 mth supervised diet- but that's not what they told me when I first checked on this 2 months ago. There is a section for "Repeat Bariatric Surgery" that says nothing about that. Normally, I have found their customer service to be helpful, but when I called today to get clarification I just got the runaround saying they couldn't explain their policy bulletins. I would have to go through my Dr. to get explanation. I'm like, WTF...
Section III of this Aetna Policy Bulletin, for revisions- it says:

Repeat Bariatric Surgery:

Aetna considers medically necessary surgery to correct complications from bariatric surgery, such as obstruction, stricture, erosion, or band slippage.

Aetna considers repeat bariatric surgery medically necessary for members whose initial bariatric surgery was medically necessary (i.e., who met medical necessity criteria for their initial bariatric surgery), and who meet either of the following medical necessity criteria: Conversion to a RYGB or BPD/DS may be considered medically necessary for members who have not had adequate success (defined as loss of more than 50 percent of excess body weight) two years following the primary bariatric surgery procedure and the member has been compliant with a prescribed nutrition and exercise program following the procedure; or Revision of a primary bariatric surgery procedure that has failed due to dilation of the gastric pouch is considered medically necessary if the primary procedure was successful in inducing weight loss prior to the pouch dilation, and the member has been compliant with a prescribed nutrition and exercise program following the procedure; or Replacement of an adjustable band due to complications (e.g., port leakage, slippage) that cannot be corrected with band manipulation or adjustments. I qualify under Number 2. It doesn't say in the section about the supervised diet section if that is for first time patients or everyone. I can't imagine it would as I have complications from the original surgery.
Does anyone have any input on this?

Oh Melissa, my heart goes out to you. I'm so sorry your husband has not been supportive and that you are essentially having to go through this alone. I am proud of you for having the strength to do this for you and know that you deserve better!
Please know that we are here to support you however we can! You are on the path to a new you!!

Too funny!!! I'm single, so I can toot at home as much as I like. Sometimes though when I can feel one coming, I have this fear that I won't make it out of hearing/ smell range quick enough. Then, god forbid it just sneaks up on ya. This actually happened to me when I was in a guy's cube at work. I was doomed. I was sitting down and he was showing me some stuff on his computer. I knew if I stood up, I wouldn't make it out of the cube, so I was hoping my butt would keep the smell in the chair--- yeah, that didn't work. He didn't say anything, but I know he noticed. I was quite embarrassed but pretended like nothing happened. Those poor office chairs..... I tell ya.... sure makes a person think twice about getting a used office chair for one's personal use... LOL

I'm just 6# from my final goal and while I don't have the $ for plastics anytime soon, I'm ok with that, may end up borrowing from my 401k next year. But, this will also give my body a chance to adjust and stabilize. If money were no object, I would have a full body lift, but that's not likely.
Anyhow, just curious for those that had plastics to remove loose skin, was looking to know how much weight you lost afterwards. When responding, please tell me what procedure(s) you had done, weight before/ after.

I'm 185 and 5' 1". I wear a 16/18 now. In college I was 129 and wore a 9/10. Don't see me ever in a 4 but if I do, you'll be able to hear me scream with glee wherever you are.

I feel weird saying it, almost like I'm being unhealthy- but I know I'm not. But, I like seeing my bones too, my collar bone, my wrist bones. And, even cooler when I stand with my feet smack together and my thighs or any part of my legs don't touch!!! Not sure I ever remember that happening for me!!!

I feel weird saying it, almost like I'm being unhealthy- but I know I'm not. But, I like seeing my bones too, my collar bone, my wrist bones. And, even cooler when I stand with my feet smack together and my thighs or any part of my legs don't touch!!! Not sure I ever remember that happening for me!!!

Isn't it strange seeing 'bones'?? I love it, and have finally gotten use to it. My collar bone has been my favorite NSV!!! I wear 4's and 6's, and still, it's strange to shop in the Missy dept and not the women's.

Couldn't agree more. It's that basic human need to feel normal, wanted and that we "fit in". Even though I'm just 10# from goal I do struggle a little bit with this believe it or not. I look great with clothes on- don't get me wrong, I'm THRILLED beyond belief on that note. It's when the clothes come off that reality hits each and everytime. Going to have to work on accepting what I have done to my body until and/or if there is a time that plastics will be an option.

I'm going to ditto what others have said that you will be able to eat about anything you ate prior to being sleeved. Although, your taste buds are likely to change and the things that you loved before probably won't be the same once you are able to eat them. Some people (like myself) become lactose intolerant although that seems to be improving as time passes.
Please remember that while in time you will be able to eat whatever you want (in smaller moderations), that you will need to focus on your Proteins first, veggies second, etc if you want to maximize your new tool. Treating yourself occasionally is not a bad thing, but depending on where you are at in your journey, understand that depending on how much you eat, will affect the speed of your weight loss and possibly contribute to stalls. Also, if they are your trigger foods that could lead to craving other non-protein/ unhealthy choices, then you are only asking for trouble. Try to wait as long as possible before you start "checking" to see what you can have if its not on your plan. You are in the honeymoon stage and you want to take advantage of that time as much as possible.

My first goal was to wear a size 8 - I am SURE you can imagine how I felt the first time I slipped into a size 6 and then a size 4!!!!!!!!! The first time a sales lady said something about how tiny I was.....I giggled inside and wanted to ask "Are you seriously talking to ME????" I had NO health issues, I fought to maintain 228 and knew as I got older, it would be more difficult. I also knew that eventually there could be health issues, if nothing else, bad knees, but in all honesty, vanity was my motivation to get this surgery and I am not ashamed of that and I would do it again!!!! It is fun to shop, it is fun to not be the biggest girl in the room....and occasionally be the smallest. My life is totally different, I love it!!

I'm going to ditto what others have said that you will be able to eat about anything you ate prior to being sleeved. Although, your taste buds are likely to change and the things that you loved before probably won't be the same once you are able to eat them. Some people (like myself) become lactose intolerant although that seems to be improving as time passes.
Please remember that while in time you will be able to eat whatever you want (in smaller moderations), that you will need to focus on your Proteins first, veggies second, etc if you want to maximize your new tool. Treating yourself occasionally is not a bad thing, but depending on where you are at in your journey, understand that depending on how much you eat, will affect the speed of your weight loss and possibly contribute to stalls. Also, if they are your trigger foods that could lead to craving other non-protein/ unhealthy choices, then you are only asking for trouble. Try to wait as long as possible before you start "checking" to see what you can have if its not on your plan. You are in the honeymoon stage and you want to take advantage of that time as much as possible.

Well, as of this morning just 7# til I hit my final goal ladies and gents! It's been weird but every # loss after 130# has just been surreal. I don't ever even remember seeing the scale in this series of numbers. It probably happened sometime in 6th or 7th grade. I steered clear of the scale for the most part as a kid. It would just make me more depressed and then I would go eat more. Pretty stupid, I know...
I so love being thin!!! I so love wearing size 3/4 jeans, or 5/6 depending on the maker, size 8 petite business suits. Now where is that magic wand to make the loose skin disappear. *** KAZAMM **** LOL!!!

Too funny!!! I'm single, so I can toot at home as much as I like. Sometimes though when I can feel one coming, I have this fear that I won't make it out of hearing/ smell range quick enough. Then, god forbid it just sneaks up on ya. This actually happened to me when I was in a guy's cube at work. I was doomed. I was sitting down and he was showing me some stuff on his computer. I knew if I stood up, I wouldn't make it out of the cube, so I was hoping my butt would keep the smell in the chair--- yeah, that didn't work. He didn't say anything, but I know he noticed. I was quite embarrassed but pretended like nothing happened. Those poor office chairs..... I tell ya.... sure makes a person think twice about getting a used office chair for one's personal use... LOL

Too funny!!! I'm single, so I can toot at home as much as I like. Sometimes though when I can feel one coming, I have this fear that I won't make it out of hearing/ smell range quick enough. Then, god forbid it just sneaks up on ya. This actually happened to me when I was in a guy's cube at work. I was doomed. I was sitting down and he was showing me some stuff on his computer. I knew if I stood up, I wouldn't make it out of the cube, so I was hoping my butt would keep the smell in the chair--- yeah, that didn't work. He didn't say anything, but I know he noticed. I was quite embarrassed but pretended like nothing happened. Those poor office chairs..... I tell ya.... sure makes a person think twice about getting a used office chair for one's personal use... LOL

Oh my gosh, 9 children. Adopted or not, that is a lot to take on. Sounds like your children are all doing well. Welcome to the losers bench!!

I personally don't like the taste of cucumbers but its been several years and maybe its time to give them another chance after reading this article someone emailed me today.
Thought you guys might like this also.
Cucumbers... I didn't know this!
1..
Cucumbers contain most of the Vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin
B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron,
Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

2..
Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a
good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

3..
Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it
will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4..
Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be
free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent
undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.

5..
Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two
of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen
in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!

6..
Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up
refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential
nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!

7..
Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often
used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8..
Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes?
Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks
great but also repels Water.

9..
Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and
voila, the squeak is gone!

10..
Stressed out and don't have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a
boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber will react with the boiling water and be released
in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown to reduce stress in new mothers and college
students during final exams.

11..
Just finish a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof
of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your
mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

12..
Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the
surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but is won't leave streaks
and won't harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13..
Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also
works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!

Pass this along to everybody you know who is looking for better and safer ways to solve life's everyday problems ..

I think you said two key things.
1. "treats sometimes within moderation"
2. "you have to see what works with your body"
There isn't really a "one size fits all" with some of these things. We have to be paying attention to what our body tells us. If doing something triggers a spiral of bad choices that seem hard to stop, then we know that food or drink is dangerous for us. If it doesn't create/ trigger cravings for more bad choices, then I call that a great opportunity for a once in awhile treat. We have to be realistic about this.
Now, all this said, I don't really recommend this kind of experimenting within the few months of surgery as people should be focusing and establishing a new healthy lifestyle. Once you feel you have that fairly well under control, then do what feels right for you, monitor how it affects you and go from there. That's just my 2 cents....

Yup, I agree completely! I only posted my response for anyone else who's read the thread and is calorie and fat-aware such as me so they are tuned into the numbers around pepperoni. They can then decide if it's right for them with a more complete nutritional picture!
Exactly as you say, everyone has their own approach, and I'm not suggesting my way is the only or best way! There are more ways "under the sun" than there are people.......
Keep up the great work!
Cheers.

I do not agree that you should tell the second doctor the opinion of the first. Telling him/her might prejudice the opinion you get. In fact, I wouldn't tell the doctor it is a second opinion you are seeking. Go in fresh and get an unbiased opinion.

I, too, am curious about the name of the surgeon. I also have been turned down by two surgeons because of prior surgery (my spleen was removed 30 years ago !). With that said, these two surgeons are ones who advertise on TV and/or Internet sites such as this. Once I started researching surgeons via their reputations with their peers, those who aren't so flush with "best case scenario" patients and advertising dollars, I found a very well regarded surgeon who said there is absolutely no reason other than "reputation concerns" that a surgeon would refuse to do my surgery because of my spleen was removed. In fact, he said that having no spleen would make the procedure easier for him since it offers a less crowded area in which to work. The surgeons who refused are more interested in the "easy money" patients who require the least amount of time and effort possible. Also, as a self pay person, they don't make as much money off me as they do an insurance company. It's one flat fee, no nickel and diming an insurance company to death for this and that... IMHO, surgeons who advertise on TV/Internet are kinda like lawyers who chase an ambulance to the hospital after they've seen a bad car accident.... No offense to anyone intended, just my personal opinion...

That's awesome. I know exactly what you mean though. I've had some similar experiences. In fact I'm going to be seeing my little brother who just finished law school and taking the bar exam last week next weekend for the first time in 2 years. None of my family know that I had surgery much less lost this much weight. I live 8 hrs from family and we aren't really all that close. Anyhow, I'm meeting my little brother at some event he attends every year to Celebrate finishing law school. I know he won't recognize me. It's going to be hilarious and then it will be interesting to wait for the emails/ phone calls from the other family members as "word spreads"....
Way to go!! Be happy for your success!

I've decided to get back out in the dating scene. I am struggling to get to final goal, keeping bouncing up and down a few #, but I will get there soon I'm sure of it.
Anyhow, had a friend at work take some pics of me today and to my amazement I liked almost all of them. The one I didn't like you could see a bit of a pooch in my tummy area despite that I'm wearing a compression shirt in these photos but small price to pay for feeling so much better!