MeMeMEEE

Yet another August 2011 sleever - here to say you can do it!! I am one lb from goal. Take measurements as Linda said but I also encourage you to buy smaller sizes to keep in the closet to grow in to! Buy a few things on clearance this summer for next summer. Garage sales, thrift stores, etc. Having something smaller to try on has kept me very motivated!

My insurance says weight at the beginning of visits. Call Aetna and ask. It won't hurt!

You sound VERY active! I think you definitely need more calories! But remember to keep them healthy ones - once in a while having the yummy stuff is ok, but not all the time (which you know!). I walk about 2 miles a day for exercise and eating 700 calories is a 1000 deficit for me. I have a desk job so my walking is my only exercise. I would bet you need to be at least at 1000. Try it for a week and see what happens!

Are you saying high bp under control with meds? Or you don't have high bp? Because most insurances look at high bp as a co-morbidity whether it is under control or not!

Does anyone have an update? This is how I felt before I found out I had a leak.

I am honest. I don't want to say oh I just watch what I eat because these are some of the same people who may benefit from the surgery themselves and knowing that they can ask questions is important. I recently started attending weight watchers meetings (I am a lifetime member now back at my lifetime weight so it is free). I want this for support on a weekly basis as well as accountability. I told my leader straight up. I had 2 ladies ask (one I knew personally and can't imagine she didn't know) this week what I had been doing. They want to know how long it took - well I think the 18 months it has taken me shows them it isn't a "quick fix!" With the exception of the first few months post op, my losses are equivalent to what I lost on weight watchers on a monthly basis.

Alcohol? Soda? Wow these things are excluded to me forever - I just can't imagine being given that advice by any doctor. How about eating some nuts? I think you really need to keep your choices healthy, just larger quantities.

I'm 4'11'' 40 years old and my healthy BMI range is 99-124. My surgeon considers you a success when you lose 65% of your excess weight which would have put me in the 150's. My personal goal for now is 123.8 to be in the normal BMI range - 1 more lb! Then my goal is that in clothes LOL I am getting ready to set a body fat % goal too - having a DEXA scan Monday to find out where I am. I am in sizes 6-10 depending on the clothing quality. Ultimately I think weight wise I would like to be around 115. We'll see!

I asked my surgeon for a referral and they told me I need to be at a stable weight for several months. I am 2 lbs from my goal so maybe next year. My insurance will cover the panni if your skin hangs below you private areas or if you have alot of rashes, skin problems. I was told to document from the beginning any rashes. I had one pre-op and none since and my skin doesn't hang that low. My program has a body contouring program with the plastic docs basically each thing is around $6000 all inclusive - now a breast lift (6000) and enhancement (6000) is considered 2 different procedures. If you combine 2 procedures there is supposed to be some other discounts also. I know these things from a support group meeting where the plastics doc presented. I am looking forward to speaking with them. I also did some research on panni vs tummy tuck - if you have just one roll/apron of skin below your belly button only a panni can take care of it, otherwise the tummy tuck is the way to go. I didn't write down any panni info as I didn't think it would work for me but now know it will. Not sure if it is cheaper.

I'm ready to start working out. I have done little bits of walking since being sleeved 8 months ago and that's about it. I currently struggle to get in 800 calories a day and I worry I don't get enough to sustain me through work outs. Excuse. I really want to walk my dogs - but I have 3 and can only walk one at a time...excuse, I know. Take each one for a short walk, right? I like riding my bike but not in the wind. Major excuse. My 24 hour gym is boring (is it supposed to be fun?). Excuse. HELP!! Encouragement and accountability needed, please apply within...

A normal BMI range at 4'11'' is 99-124 lbs so still working toward that!

I'm one year today and just a few lbs from a normal BMI. I love my sleeve. It was a rough start with my complications but I would do it again in a heart beat. The picture is the start of my 6 month medically supervised weightloss, about 6 weeks before surgery then last Sunday. SW 242 Height 4'11'' 6 month Pre-op loss (-28.6) Surgery date 8/8/11 213.4 1 month - 194.2 (- 19.2) 2 months - 180 (- 14.2) 3 months - 170.2 (- 9.8) 4 months - 164.4 (- 5.8) 5 months - 167.2 (+ 2.8) 6 months - 162.4 (-4.8) 7 months - 155.4 (-7) 8 months - 149.6 (-5.8) 9 months - 143.4 (-6.2) 10 months - 139 (-4.4) 11 months - 132.6 (-6.4) 12 months 126.8 (-5.8)

What sort of things are you eating? What would make you think you stretched it? Have you heard of the 3 week stall? You may be in the middle of that. How much do you have to lose?

Way to go! You look great! I am just a few lbs from my goal but I don't see a bikini in my future without plastics LOL We made it!!

Congratulations I am so proud of you!! Loved the video of your journey!

It isn't automatic, you need to go in to your surgery with the mindset change, choosing daily to make the healthy choices.

My doctor taped my wedding ring - it doesn't just have to do with losing it but also the electrodes they use, the metal can burn you I guess. Took me losing 50 lbs before I could get my ring off.

Got this in a personal conversation reply but I think it was intended for here! Wanted to share! Congrats MAKF!!

Check in time! If you see any of our fellow August Allstars around the forums let them know about our check in! I am trying to spread the word in my signature below too! I am down 5.2 lbs to 134 since June 2nd check in. I'm 10.2 from a normal BMI which is my goal (for now)! I went on vacation to sunny Florida last week and wouldn't you know TS Debby was there too - BOO! But we did lots of indoor walking at malls and we did spend a couple days at the beach which was nice. I felt great - not exhausted and sweaty the whole time like it has been the last few years. I did good with food. I am so happy to have my traveling life back! I am so glad I had this surgery just under a year ago. It was hell for a brief time with my leak but I made it through and here I am. Hope to hear from everyone!

I reached my goal of 129 on 7/24 and have worked out at least 4x a week for 2 weeks now. I am revising my goal weight (for the challenge) to be 123.8 which is at this point my final goal.

I have BCBSIL and my approval was within days. So many factors go in to it - how busy the department is, which could depend on the time of year, etc. My advice is to call until they see your paper work was received and then call until you have approval. BCBS does differ from state to state but also employers select what they want to cover and in many cases exclude bariatric surgery.

Same sort of question from me - has anyone found a great high quality nice protein dog? I would love a hot dog!

No reason to be embarrassed! Look around - many skinny people ask for a to-go box with their meal and take half home! I am 11.5 months out and take at least 1/2 home still.

What are you currently eating so we don't tell you the same things? I eat cheese - sticks, chunks, crumbled feta, Laughing Cow, etc. Also been snack sticks. chicken breasts are great. Nuts - I like pistachios, almonds, pecans, cashews. Edamame.

Mine is next month too - I have no plan. I just don't know what to do.