SmokyMtnGal2011

I am still in preop but have suffered with facial hair all my life. the only thing that will get rid of it forever is LASER treatments. You must do these for a while to get the hair in a special growth cycle for it to die and not come back. I have had it done, it is expensive but usually the dermatologist will make deals for people with excess growth. I think I paid $1,000.00 and was able to go enough to stop the facial hair from growing back. DO NOT BUY the laser on TV, it is not strong enough to "zap" the roots. Go to a dermitologist to have it done so you won't be scarred. It is worth the money to have it done and feel good about your facial features. Good Luck.

Jayzer, I am so there with you. After all my research I would not do the band as 82% eventually get a revision to a sleeve. Why go through this twice??? Also, I have my sister who is supportive but there is no way I am telling Mom till afterwards. She has always been after me about my weight and I know what would come out of her mouth..."you can do this on your own, you've done it in the past before" EXACTLY, and have gained it back and then some. The VSG will be just the tool I need to regulate my potions sizes which I am not capable of doing. Please keep me posted on your journey. I have 2 months left of the 6 month supervised diet for my insurance so I should have my sleeve end of Sept or early Oct. By the way, this is not a cop out, we have tried in the past but we (do to genertics or metabolism or whatever) can't keep weight off like skinny people do. WE NEED THIS TOOL!!!!

Ajacobsen74 What a horrible journey for you. I agree with iegal, get copies of your Medical Records and get a 2nd opinion from another surgeron. You are paying the bill and deserve respect and to be heard!!!! Good luck and best wishes.

Stay strong Shoppingbeemom, your success is closer than you think. Please let us know how your journey continues. I love a good success story and yours will be a dandy. Best Wishes!!!!

Great Job Nancy, working that sleeve. Keep us posted on your progress. I can't wait to be able to type those words. continue Best Wishes in your success.

WOW WHAT AN INSPIRATION YOU ARE FOR US PRE-OPERS. I am more ready than ever now and have 2 months to go on supervised diet. You have had amazing results. Please take us through your journey some, what are you eating daily, how much, did you have an uneventful recovery, etc. YOU ARE A SUCCESS!!!! Thanks for sharing your story. WOW

:welcome: Welcome Carolina :cheer2: Good for you taking back your life. Please keep us posted on all your journey phase going forward. Most of us have been there, done that and didn't get the tee shirt. Best wishes and good luck going forward. You will be fine - you've got the drive to be victorious. This forum is a great source of information and knowledge which gives you the power to do anything.

YOU ARE MY HERON!!!!! Great job, glad you are doing well. Keep us posted.

Thanks for keeping me straight on that.

The bloodwork will give your doctors a baseline to see where you are now and as you progress thorough the process to see how your health is imporving. Don't forget, even if Atena denies you, APPEAL, APPEAL, APPEAL and find out what kind of WLS they will approve. the Sleeve is the first part of the Gastic Bypass so you could get it approved that way and just not do the duodenal switch stuff. I have heard of that happening. If your BMI is over 40 and/or you have co-morbidities (I hate that word) they should approve something. I am so greatful I have Cigna, they are a good one so all I have been hearing. I hope we can be sleeved close to the same time, it would be nice to have a sleeve buddy. I am still in preop and doing the 6 month supervised diet. Only 2 more visits so hopefully late September or October. Please keep me posted on your progress and when you get a surgery date.

CT That is a great question!!!! I have wonder that myself but haven't been able to type the question. I will be watching to see the results of your query.

Are you sure it is for your insurance and/or your doctor? I don't think any blood work with disqualify you, it should help you if cholestrol is high or triglycerids or sugar, etc. I have to have a bunch of blood work done as well and will still have to have pre-op bloodwork, xray done before surgery. Don't worry, you will be good to go I am sure. This waiting is the hardest for me.

to all thanks for the heads up to us pre-opers Your experiences really help.

Welcome :welcome: Glad you are here there is alot of information here. Please keep us posted on your progress and on your surgery. We are here for you so don't be afraid to ask your questions.

:rockon: WOW i still can't walk for 20 mins and you are running. YOU ROCK :whoo: :success1:

DOUBLE WOW that is fantastic!!!!!!! Great job!!! Keep going.

Lil Sister glad to hear you are doing well. I am so envious you got sleeved before me but so very glad for you to be on your way to a new you. Keep us posted and best wishes to a speedy recovery. Remember you are not alone and don't get negative you are too beautiful a person for that. :bananapowerslide: :Banane11: :grouphug4:

with your sense of humor, you will be fine. Lots of prayers and healing angels to you :angel: . Hopefully no nausea and low pain!!! Good Luck.

Great Job!

As the other posts stated, don't give up. Dig in and be determined. The sleeve is the first part of the gastic bypass so technically, you can have this done, then wait on the rest of the procedure and not get the second part, the switch, done. I have heard of this happening. don't know if it will work for you, I would definitely APPEAL, APPEAL, APPEAL till they said yes. Good Luck

Fantastic NSV and on being a newly wed. Keep working that sleeve girl, you are doing great.

Leslie I am glad you are doing so well. Keep up the great work. Before you know it you will be the "Sleeve-Pro" of this site.

up your protein. Always eat your protein first even if you fill up on it and don't have room for anything else - I would cut out the potatoe as that is carbs and may be enough to set you back. Like Chef Neil stated change something. Definitely more water. Good Luck.

Sarah, I am so glad you started your journey to a healthier better you. I felt exactly as you do and I too am in the Pre-Op stage. I have been trying to change my view of food and how I use food for comfort, in boredom and when stressed. This 6 months is a great time to start a food journal and emotional journal. You will be surprised as how close extreme emotions trigger eating, at least for me it did. I am still working on that and am glad to have the 6 months to get my "head" in the "Losing stage" and let my body catch up after I get my sleeve. You have come to a great neighborhood on this site. WE are all in this together and we don't leave friends behind. So welcome to the block new little neighbor, we are glad you are here!!!!! :welcome:

bRIAN Thank you so much for your post. You have accomplished your goal, help and support to another stuggling with a weight problem. You give me courage to continue my journey to VSG hopefully in October. Thank you again. :clap2: