WhoozisAnyway

Liliana is right about the Protein shakes helping too. I stayed hungry on sugary liquid diets like Slim Fast, but I'm on Matrix now and they keep me full for hours. I also use Myfitnesspal and write down EVERYTHING that I eat. That has been a huge motivator. I'm down 11lbs in two weeks and have 5 more to lose before surgery April 9. Sent from my iPad using VST

Do you have a primary doctor seeing you through this? Mine put me on one month of appetite suppressants so I could stay focused on the pre surgery diet. Honestly it only took me about ten days on them before I was settled into the routine. Keeping the extras in case I have a bad day before surgery date . Sent from my iPad using VST

Pre Op tests on Wednesday for me too! Surgery scheduled for April 9th. Yay, good luck!

Surgery scheduled for April 9th! Pre op workup this Wednesday, then surgery clearance from my primary doc and losing 7 more lbs (and keeping it off) before the 9th. Yay!

Yay Sarah! Keep me posted! Sent from my iPad using VST

I was nervous about mine too, but it turned out to be a very positive experience. I filled out a long questionnaire that asked questions on everything about personality, relationships, coping, anger, etc. I then met with the psychologist for about an hour. She evaluated my test answers and we talked about my background, history of weight loss attempts, family/friend support, etc. I hope you have the same kind of experience as I did. Sent from my iPad using VST

Four days! Sent from my iPad using VST

I'm your height and body build. Several years ago I got down to the mid 150's, and I was pretty thin (6/8/S on top, 8/10 bottom). Not sure where I will end up this time, but I'm shooting for150. Good luck! Sent from my iPad using VST

I hate to label people, but in reviewing full posts I have to agree with others that we have a harmony troll. Too bad. Sent from my iPad using VST

Glad everyone has a plan! I don't believe in telling a full out lie, it's just that I'm very private and don't want nosy co-workers in my personal business. I'm having "female surgery". This isn't a fib. I'm female and I'm having surgery. Sent from my iPad using VST

I'm concerned about my hypothyroid too, although my doctor thinks my hypo may go away when I lose some weight. Fingers crossed!

Wow! You look awesome!

I'm using the "female surgery" explanation myself. I work with mostly men and the second I say "female" it has stopped the conversation cold, lol!

Kathy, I completely recognized the issues you discussed. Several years ago my husband had a mid-life crisis related bout of depression. We moved cross country, he couldn't find a job, I lost a bunch of weight, and I ended up with a grouchy, irritable blob on the couch who only vaguely resembled my wonderful husband. It was the biggest crisis of our marriage. After about six months of that mess, he finally found a decent job and managed to pull himself back together. We were very lucky. I think the other posters are exactly right with their advice and your plan of action is sound. I just wanted to tell you that it is recoverable and you will probably end up even closer than you were before. Hang in there, and good luck!

Thank you! @Stacey, I'm in Mississippi.

The surgeon's office got the call and called me. I wasn't going to follow up with BCBSIL until next Monday, I assumed it would take a couple of weeks for approval. Yes, my insurance is from IL because that's where my corporate office is located. I hope you have similar success from your BCBS!

Yay for you! I was approved today too - waiting for the call to schedule the surgery date. Good luck!

Have BCBS IL, and started the six month waiting period last November. In mid-February I learned that as of 2/1 BCBSIL is no longer requiring the waiting period, they just want doctor recommendations. My surgeon's office sent off the paperwork on Friday 3/3 and got the verbal approval TODAY! I can't believe how fast this is happening! Now just waiting to hear about pre-surgical testing and setting a date. I am SO excited!

I make Greek yogurt (also called Lebneh or Labneh by my Lebanese in-laws) by taking a 32 oz. container of nonfat plain yogurt and straining it overnight using either cheesecloth or a coffee filter in a colander. Pretty much like part 2 of your recipe. You can use any brand of plain yogurt, even the no name cheapy, just make sure gelatin is not listed in the ingredients or it won't set. You'll end up with about 16 oz of yummy Lebneh. I've never tried to make from scratch, thanks for sharing your recipe! Will have to give it a shot!

Getting good news from my doctor, instead of more bad news and another medication. Being able to accept a compliment (like "you have pretty eyes") from someone without thinking that it's the only nice thing they could say because I've gotten so fat. Feeling comfortable in my own skin rather than feeling like I'm trapped in a stranger's body. Not being ashamed to have my photo taken. Oh, the list could go on and on.

You can find frozen lightly salted edamame in the freezer section of most grocery stores (I get it at either Target or WalMart). Usually comes in steamer bags or trays for the microwave. Yummy stuff! Roasted or steamed, it's great either way.

All right, enough of my lurking on this site. I have never participated in a forum but what the heck, it's time to try something new! I have learned so much from reading this forum, many thanks to all of you for your informative posts and discussions. After a lifetime of yo yo dieting and health problems, I am ready for a permanent solution. Last fall a dear friend had the sleeve (to date he's lost 110 lbs!!!), and I started paying attention. Had the first consultation with the surgeon and started my six month insurance-mandated waiting period. Last week I found out my insurance company no longer requires the waiting period, so now I'm on high speed! Had the psych eval today and the surgeon's office submitted to the insurance company this afternoon! Hoping and praying this is approved quickly. I was diagnosed with HBP on Monday (my BP went up during surgery in January and never came back down) so now I'm on yet another medication. I am so anxious to get this scheduled and done!!! I know my biggest obstacle is myself. My husband and siblings are very supportive. I've only told a few friends, I am so ashamed of how I've let myself go and even talking about weight makes me cringe. I'm on a strict pre-surgery diet since last weekend, and so far so good since I have a goal. My surgeon didn't want me to start dieting too soon as he only wants me to lose a few lbs pre-surg. Have not been able to exercise yet, as I threw my back out again and have been almost immobilized until this week. I'm too young to have the health problems of an elderly person and I feel like finally there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I may not be a fast loser because of the health issues but I don't care. Anything has got to be better than this. After a lifetime of hiding my shame, I just threw it all out to a room full of strangers. Now THAT feels weird - cathartic, but weird!