sleevemeup

amazing, I think "yup" sums it up for me. Truly heartbreaking.

I am in the pre- stage, but I have Celiac Disease (gluten). I have had it for years, and before there was such a variety of gluten free foods, there wasn't much out there that tasted good. When I was first diagnosed, I would have killed for toast. After several years of finding other ways to make "sandwiches"- mostly lettuce wraps, I got over it. When my son was diagnosed, we found some gf breads that were tasty, but I seemed to be over the attachment or addiction of bread. Which is good because the good stuff is $6+ a loaf. I am hoping that after this surgery, I will feel the same about food!

I totally forgot about Mederma! Great for scars too!

Yeah! You are so close! I can understand your excitement to go on with life- healthier and stronger. I have unfortunately had a series of surgeries this past few years and have found that once I have made it "real" in my mind, the stress goes away, and I actually look forward to getting it over with and look forward to post-op. My jitters would be because of anticipation of actually feeling better- so it's a positive for me. My last knee surgery, I was in so much pain and knew from previous experience, that I would feel so much better once I had it fixed, I couldn't wait to have it done. I don't really know what to expect for this- but I am looking forward to getting my life back! I am hoping to have my sleeve in September. If I could have it tomorrow, I would. My surgeon requires a 3 month pre-op program. Best of luck on the 7th, don't worry- you will be fine! Please let us know about your experience!

I spent over 10 years in cosmetics, that being said.... don't waste your money on expensive creams/lotions. Keep your skin well exfoliated, and moisturized. You may see a little difference with the expensive products, but once you stop using them the benefits go away- same with cellulite creams. Cosmetic companies send us all of the products to try- free, which is nice because when you leave the cosmetic industry, you know what to spend money on, and what to pass. If you do choose to spend some money, I think Clarins products are the best bang for your buck, and my favorite would be Erno Lazlo's skin firming cream- but that is pricey. I love aveno, and jergen's products. Nivea seems to sit ontop of my skin, unless I exfoliate and apply it immediately after when my skin is still wet. Another thing that works great is Nutragena's skin oil. I exfoliate, and apply in the shower when my skin is wet and let it soak in. Just before I put my clothes on, I make sure to remove excess oil, as it can stain your clothes. Don't get me wrong, some of the expensive creams are nice, but if you are expecting a miracle you will be disappointed. If I had a bunch of money sitting around, I'd probably spend it on creams, and a personal trainer, spa appointments, etc.... but I don't! lol

Hello, I have my consult next Friday, June 8. So excited! My insurance requires a 40 bmi. I have had a little bug this past week, and have lost weight. I am not quite at 40- barely under. I could wear heavy clothes, eat a bunch of food, I don't want to be under for the appointment. Do they weigh you with or without clothes, and any suggestions would be appreciated!!! I don't want to change my appointment.

It's the BMI that matters. I am 5'6- and I weigh 255 ish. I do carry it well for that much weight. I also have a lot of muscle from my pre-fat days. I have kept up my activity, but at my weight I keep hurting my joints- sometimes to the point of needing surgery. I can loose for the most part, but can't maintain the loss or get to the point where I am low enough to enjoy my life again. You need to decide what it is that you want for yourself. Be thankful you have a shorter distance to reach your goal!

I had Achilles tendinitis in both legs from an antibiotic reaction. It is very painful, so I totally feel for you. Be very careful!!! I spent 6 months in aircasts, on steroids and anti-inflammatory meds. Heel lifts help a great deal. If you have visible swelling, check with your Doctor. You really don't want to let it get to the chronic level or worse a rupture. Before I couldn't stand it anymore, I kept on exercising- which made my recovery much longer. I think the only reason I didn't rupture is because I am female and for some reason men rupture more often. Also, I probably spend more money on good shoes now, not pretty ones, but good shoes.

Olive oil!! I used it for my knee tape incisions.

Best of luck and prayers! By chance, do you have PCOS? I am just wondering and if so, did it help with ins. approval?

Other than my husband and son, I have only told my bestie and some long time close friends that have issues similar to me. We have all struggled together over the years, I am the first of my small group of friends to do this and will most likely not be the last! Other than that, it's not really anyone's business! My father is severely overweight- more so than me- I want him to see that it can be done, and maybe he will follow suit. I have chosen not to tell him at this time. I know he would be supportive, but we only really see each other a few times a year, and I want him to SEE the change first!

You all are way ahead of me... I am going in for my consult and meet with a NUT next week. My surgeon requires a 3 month program before he will even do surgery. Both exercise and diet. I am sooo looking forward to it. Probably because it is the beginning of the end of this weight thing- finally. For some reason, I feel better and do better with parameters. I think we all go into this journey in different ways, food is like loosing an old friend.

I am so happy to have my first consultation on the 8th! I am nervous, excited and relieved all at the same time. I have everything ready. My surgeon requires a 3 month program before he will do surgery. I am so looking forward to starting the 3 months of diet and exercise. I want this gone, I want to live, I want to move on. I know I have made the right decision. I think the next 2 weeks will be the most difficult- anticipation you know! My goals- By September- Complete the 3 month, hopefully loose 25 lbs. Schedule and have surgery. October- Post-op, down a total of 45 lbs, give or take. Onderland by December. Crossfit by January I am sure I will have additional goals going forward, but this is how I stay motivated and focused. What do you do to stay focused and motivated??

From what I have read, it happens with all wls procedures. It does concern me because I have very fine straight hair. But, the benefits definitely outweigh the hair loss, and it does to seem to come back.

That is what I thought. They do have an outside company that pre-certifies the surgery. When I spoke with them, they were very vague as to what is required other than a 40 bmi. We have a teamsters policy, which is pretty good, they have covered everything that has ever been presented. Another plus, they have covered me for almost 9 years, so they know and have paid for all of the problems that my weight has caused including several orthopedic surgeries. I have my consult on June 8!

Show horses again Ski without blowing my knees out Fit into a few pre-fat clothes sitting in my closet. Go on the shopping spree that my husband will be paying for... Crossfit- I really want to do that.

Good Morning, I will try not to go on and on. I went to my seminar last week. I had called my insurance company (they do cover wls). We have had this insurance for over 7 years. They don't really seem to have much of a criteria other than having a bmi of 40 or higher, and proof of failed weight loss. Of which, I have a bmi just at 40. And I have tried everything. My pcp has suggested surgery as an option as well. My insurance company covers my many meds, 4 knee surgeries, and a few other things. It just seems a little too easy. They do have an outside pre-cert company that will go through the info submitted. I am wondering if I will initially be approved and after following my surgeon's mandatory 3 month pre-op program they will deny me at the last minute if I go under 40 bmi. Does anyone have input? Also, I believe I may have PCOS which at my age (47), I am not obviously going to have anymore kids- but I do believe it has contributed to my inability to loose and maintain the loss. I know this is the tool I need to regain my active life.

Thank you for all of your answers! It seems like a mixed bag.

Well, don't laugh... Pre-weight gain, I was a 32A, I am now a 36 D to DD. I am also very cheap since I have gained all of this weight (it's going on 14 years). I have tried them all, I love enell, but I found that wearing 2 hanes walmart sports bras works great for me when I need a little extra support. Gotta keep the girls close!

I've had 2 of them- years ago for an ulcer. Super easy. Good luck with your surgery, you are very close!

Good Morning, I am hopefully going to head to surgery sometime in the fall. My doc requires a 3 month supervised diet. I have a very flexible job, and can work from home if needed, as long as I can have access to my computer. So my question is- when were you able to sit at a desk, and most importantly drive?

I knew it! I can't do Crossfit until I loose at least 50 lbs, as I have had multiple leg surgeries over the years. The last 2 were from doing sports that I did when I was thin and certainly should not have been doing at my current weight. I hope to be doing Crossfit by the first of the year if all goes as planned. I love eating paleo, I feel so much better. Better than years of gluten free eating. I am glad to hear that you are able to be so active and eat paleo. I am not much for synthetic anything or chemicals- I am not looking forward to the Protein shakes that you drink post-op. I will of course choke them down, but do you have any suggestions of something I could make that would have the protein without the artificial stuff?

Thank you very much for your input! This is very helpful to reconfirm my decision! I honestly don't understand why you would choose the other options. Maybe this is how it all evolves and improves. Can't wait to get started!

I am so glad I found this thread! I am pre-surgery, but I eat mostly paleo due to my celiac disease. My splurge is kifir and some gluten free goodies. I have lost weight, but I feel I need to go through this procedure to finally kick this thing. All of the Primal Blueprint books are amazing, another awesome cookbook is Make it Paleo. Blackberryjuice- are you Crossfitting? You look amazing. I hope to start Crossfit when I loose 50 lbs.

I have also had Celiac for years- it runs in my family. My son also has it. I am just starting my vsg journey. One place you may check for great gluten free ideas is the Paleo diet think. We have gone to an almost grain free (very little rice) diet. I have lost weight, but am still struggling, which is why I am starting this process!