Losingitforgood!

My hair loss has been substantial. I'd say at least over half is gone. I was lucky to have lots to start with however. My best tip- be emotionally prepared. It will effect *most WLS patients and if it's something you hope won't happen to you chances are- you will have significant hair loss. I'm sorry to say- its just a terrible side effect of surgery. I'm in my 7th month and still losing a good handful every day. Hopefully it will slow soon!

Let me tell you what works for me. I'm 6 months out- and I work outside the home, but I am also home a lot in the mornings/afternoons with my small kids. I noticed that when at work I do great- I pack my food and also log it into MFP. The days where I was not working at home I started to graze, and make bad choices. Also I was snacking on my kids snacks... That was not good. So every night- regardless if I work or not I still pack my food. I get everything cut up, portioned and logged into MFP. This way I know what to eat, there is no questions on my menu for the day. It really has helped me make better choices. I sit down at the end of the day and often I don't eat everything I have packed so I go and delete it off MFP and start planning for the next day. The only thing I don't pack is usually dinner- if I'm home. It's WORKED well for me!!! good luck!!!

Mine is a 46- I have GREAT restriction!

Check around your neighborhood and see if there is a 11-12 year old that would be willing to come entertain your toddler for a while. You will be there to supervise- so that is why I suggest someone this age. You will need help with lifting and carrying, and maybe getting him/her to bed. Good Luck finding someone!!!

I also chose the sleeve due to the fact it was the first step in the DS procedure. I always knew if I didn't lose the weight with the sleeve alone I could have the second part of the "switch" to rely on. I have never been fond of the Gastric Bypass and to be honest I know more people that have regained the weight with it than have been able to keep it off. It is a personal decision but don't let any Dr or Surgeon tell you that you can't/won't be able to get to goal with the sleeve alone- because that is simply not true!

I think your loss of 12.5 lbs is great. You are starting out at a lower weight-so your loss is going to be slower. Make sure you follow the rules- protein first, no carbs, 64 oz water daily, exercise ect. Your sleeve will not fail you!!! Just give it some time and have a little patience.

Something amazing for me post op- eggs. (Didn't agree with my tummy beforehand much) they are so soft and go down so smooth. Many sleevers enjoy eggs post op. I also ate string cheese, and cozy shack sf rice pudding.

Yay! Looking for Fat Chances now! Thanks for the recommendation!

Oh and also if you like to read weight related novels check out these- Good In Bed by Jennifer Weiner The Cinderella Pact by Sarah Strohmeyer The Lighter Side of Large by Becky Siame He Loves Lucy by Susan Donovan

I really liked Room. Some other books I've read and enjoyed recently are: We Are All Welcome Here, The Kitchen House, Saving Ceecee Honeycutt, The Glass Castle and Half Broke Horses- I'm also listening to The Devil Wears Prada for a more light/funny change. keep the good recommendations coming!

I have Cigna and they were really good. Once I got all the required paperwork I was approved within the week. I have no doubt when you get all your ducks in a row they will approve you!! Good luck.

They really do look great. I am planning on doing this- thanks so much for sharing your experience with us!

Half a poached egg is a very reasonable amount to be eating for a meal right now. Im 4 1/2 months out and my NUT still recommends 1/2 of an egg for Breakfast. Focus on liquids... Sip sip sip. If you like hot tea- try drinking water/crystal light at room temperature, or even slightly warm.

I was in a similar situation. Without insurance there would have been no way for me either. I even went to the extremes of finding an employer that would have bariatric coverage. I took a phlebotomy class and got a job at the hospital where I wanted my surgery done. Trust me- I've wanted WLS for 5+ years. I've needed this- I HAD TO FIND A WAY!!! where there is a will there is always a way!!!

Yes it's true every employer/insurance is different and each one can make specific changes or requirements to their policy if they choose to cover WLS. I went through Cigna. I had to do a 6 month medically supervises diet and check in with my dr each month. While in the process- Cigna changed from 6 months to 3 months supervised diet. Be an advocate for yourself- you deserve this surgery! You have paid their premiums and qualify. You have every right to these benefits. I would start the insurance process and have this time to mentally prepare for surgery. Trust me- you can never do enough research and preparing. I used my 5 months preparing by doing WW. I lost about 50 lbs- because I knew it was the last time I would ever weigh that much again. I had a good head start on weight loss before surgery and I am so grateful for that. Now at 4 and 1/2 months out I'm down a total of 118 lbs. Keep positive! I wish you all the best!!!

I just found the requirements for you. https://www.unitedhealthcareonline.com/ccmcontent/ProviderII/UHC/en-US/Assets/ProviderStaticFiles/ProviderStaticFilesPdf/Tools%20and%20Resources/Policies%20and%20Protocols/Medical%20Policies/Medical%20Policies/Bariatric_Surgery.pdf It's at the top of page 4. Hope this helps.

I would try a few bites of the inside only if you decide to do so. let your sleeve guide you- it will let you know quickly if its a no go.

When I was researching my options I had thought very hard about the sleeve or DS. Ultimately I decided to go with sleeve. I did talk to my surgeon and he assured me that I could later proceed to the DS if I didn't lose all the weight with my sleeve. I'm happy with my choice- I don't think I would be happy with all the additional supplements needed for DS patients however.

My insurance also had to have a "dummy" date. Once I got my approval I was able to reschedule to my convenience. good luck!

I've been eating beef jerky pretty much daily since about 4 weeks out. It's a high protein staple for me!

I can't believe your transformation! You look great- your story is inspiring!

Are you taking your PPI? It can make a big difference in hunger.

I've got both those downloaded- just need time to read now.

Yes these are fiction. They are weight related books. The Cinderella Pact is about 3 friends trying to all lose weight in their own way- one hires a trainer, one does weight watchers and one does WLS. They make a deal to lose weight once and for all! I really enjoyed it!

I really liked The Cinderella Pact. I'm now reading The Lighter Side of Large- downloaded from Amazon for $2.99. So far it's been good.