Kaywieny

I also had to quit smoking, and I also went to an E-cig. Some nicotine, no nicotine, flavored... These little things to me are life-savers, and basically it feels like we are giving up all these little pleasures. Is it worth it? YES. But I also feel like I have a crutch when times are hard. I'm sure a lot would say, 'well, that's not quiting', and maybe it's not, but it's certainly a lot better than inhaling a smokestack. I smoked for over 21 years and had to quit back in June because my doctor rules are you have to quit three months before surgery. It was very hard the first couple of days because the burn at the back of my throat wasn't as intense or satisfying, and I also couldn't sleep 'right' for about a week. But I kept that stick in my hand and I got through it. I think a lot of it though has to do with oral fixation, or having that stick in between our fingers, and in this way the e-cig helps tremendously because you do get that 'taste'. (Am I making sense?) I've really been hitting mine a lot these past few days because I'm close to my date, and I'll probably keep hitting it hard until then, but there's worse things I could put in my mouth. If you're having trouble quitting, I highly recommend them.

If the doctors and the insurance company are having a peer to peer review, I would assume that would mean that Dr. Eibes will be pleading your case with your insurance company? I don't know how this works, either, but I do know this... Dr. Eibes and all the doctors pretty much at Des Moines Bariatrics are just not great doctors but great advocates for people that suffer from obesity. They proved that to me with all he and Dr. LaMasters did with Iowa Legislature when they tried to eviscerate the coverage inside Medicaid. Have you written a letter about yourself to your insurance company? That would be the only other thing I would suggest, because it sounds like you've done what you can. I'm awaiting word from my own insurance company right now, I can't imagine how hard these last few weeks have been for you. Stay positive and best of luck.

That's kind of a great idea, especially if you like Pork Rinds...which, I LOVE. I can't wait to try it!

Eggface's recipes are GREAT, I've copied off loads already in preparation, but I've also done some homework on intergrating other products into some of her recipes. I also have taken quite a few of the bite recipes and cut them in half. I can't see making 24 ham and cheese bites at one time, unless it's as a family meal deal. But for the donuts and the Protein cakes...I found Hodgson Mill's multi-grain pancake mix with flaxseed and soy. It has 10 grams of protein per 1/3 cup serving. Eggface uses Arrowhead Mills, there's only 5 grams of protein per serving for a 1/4 cup, so still better. AND....it's about 4 bucks cheaper. Hodgson mills also makes a baking mix that compares with Arrowhead Mills baking mix, also three dollars cheaper. Here's the lowdown on content for the pancake mix. While carbs are important to watch out for, I also think that keeping those sugars down are as equally important. Serving Size: 1/3 cup Calories: 150 Fat: 2g Total Carb: 31g Dietary Fiber: 5g Sugars: 2g Protein: 10g

There's no overnight cure, but I've read several articles on the benefits of lotions and/or mineral supplements that contain copper. Copper works as a tissue strengthener not just for joint support, but for skin as well. Nature Made's hair, Skin, and Nails formula contains active copper, as well as some Neutrogena face products as well. You don't really want to ingest active copper alone because too much can be bad for you, but this might be a place where you can start. There's also skinbrushing, or dry brushing. Look it up on the internet because it has several other health benefits as well. It ALL might be a bunch of BS and the effects not that dramatic, but trying SOMETHING will just boost your consciousness and your esteem. At least that's what I hope it will do for me, if it won't make me look like Jennifer Lopez.

I'm so jealous right now! Not jealous because you're probably like, 'JUST DECIDE YES ALREADY, but because you're so close! I have three weeks left before my last required Dr. Appt for diet, and then I have to wait four more days after that until I see Eibes again before they'll submit. My insurance (Principal) has been known to be pretty quick about the process; and according to others I've talked to that have gone all the way, but we'll just have to see. But I'll pray for your approval! Good Luck!!

Thank you! The best of luck to you too!

I'm in month four of six; down a total of 7lbs. The only thing I have left to do is support group and finish my last two supervised 'diet' appts, and then I should be able to submit to insurance. Dr. Eibes will be doing my surgery, and I'm hoping late September or Early October. The hardest part for me right now is I had to quit smoking, after smoking for the last twenty two years. That, and well....I just LOVE to eat.