MeMeMEEE

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.

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?

I am 6 weeks post-op & I have only lost 20lbs. I havent lost more than 2lbs in 3 weeks. I know Im not getting in the Water, but Im afraid I may have stretched my stomach as well. Im so frustrated and angry at myself. Is this related to my lack of Water & Protein?

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!!

I did not get to start this post on the 1st because the family made a quick trip to Branson,MO. So a year ago I was recovering from VSG and wondering if this time was going to be the last time I would have to lose weight. Would I be able to lose AND maintain? Went thru a few very tough weeks in the beginning but slowly things got better. Now a year later I am at Table Rock Lake in a bikini!!!!! Wow! Gotta love the sleeve life!

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.

What happens if you can't get rings off due to gaining weight? Also, what about acrilic fingernails?

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

Congrats MAKF!!

I am now wearing mediums! Mostly size 10 a few 8's and am happier with my body than I have been in 15 years!

I still want to lose another 19 pounds. I had thought I would reach my goal weight by my year anniversary, but since that is in just 9 days, I don't think that will happen.

I am thrilled to have come this far!

I have uploaded 2 new pics taken in New York and will upload a couple more tonight!

This has been the absolute best decision I could have made!

I wish you all continued success and happiness!

BTW, My husband had the surgery too, and has already lost 100 pounds in 8 months!

Me! Me!!

I would like to be at 129 (lose 5 lbs) and be consistently working out 4x a week.

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.

When can you eat a small meal? Not just bites but a true- non embarrassing go out and eat meal. I have been going out with my husband and order a side dish like steamed veggies and only eSt 4 bites or so. Then I get embarrased when I ask for a to go cup for the rest.

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.

I don't know about with Aetna but I know with my BCBSIL it says you have to have been compliant with your previous surgery - so you records from you previous Dr are very important.

My leak was discovered at 9 weeks out. I had it from at least 6 weeks according to my blood work (high ferritin).

My program says 1 month is when you can switch to pills/capsules. It was a little hard even then so you may have to break them in half.

Get the Pepcid right away and take it - it will help your stomach. Also, when you see "broth" on your approved foods don't get hung up on plain canned broth - I bought some of my favorite Soups and just ate the drained broth. Our local Chinese restaurant was great about giving me mostly broth of wonton Soup and egg drop - I strained it when I got home. So many different flavors of broth! Those things got me through!

Did you have insurance prior to this with no gap in coverage? If so, you can prove this and get the pre-x waived.

Make sure you count your Protein in your Fluid intake - it isn't 64 oz Water plus the Protein, it is combined 64 oz.

That said, no you probably won't have to drink it forever. Once you can eat dense protein you can get so much more protein in. I am down to one shake a day, I can do it without a shake but it tends to be higher calorie day than normal so it's better if I do drink a shake. Also, if you don't like the shake you have, order some samples and try others.

no picture coming through! they sound yummy!

Certainly be conscious of what you eat, you don't want a leak, as Peacequeen states (I had one also, not caused by what I ate) they are not fun!! You know, rationalizing with the low calories you get in now will be ok NOW but when you are getting in higher calories and can't say no to that cake? Not good. I have an aunt who cheats her lapband, melts M&M's in the microwave, drinks sugary coffee drinks - guess what, she isn't losing, in fact she has gained back what she did lose. You can cheat your sleeve with all sorts of bad for you stuff. Some might make you feel sick like the cake but some might not. Just think of it this way - when you are at goal, you can have those things in moderation - and even when you are in the losing phase and ok'd for real food, on a special occasion I say go for a small piece. But don't do it now, when you are healing. And don't do it often later. These are the things that got us in trouble to begin with.