Sleeve tattoo

I'm new to VST, but definitely am ready to share this amazing experience. I decided to have the sleeve in September of 2012. I've gone through 3 months of nutrition, psych evaluation, and an endoscopy. My surgery was approved this past Monday and my surgery date is set for December 20th. Boy I'm nervous. Needed a few forums for some extra motivating support (VST did not let me down!)... I'm from Carson, CA and my surgeon is in Beverly Hills, Dr. Feiz to be exact. It was a smooth, but confusing process. Finally got after 2nd review because AETNA said, even though my BMI is over 40, the photos don't appear to make me look like surgery is needed.. What?? Are you serious right now? Anywho, the small battle is over. The real war starts Dec 20th. Looking forward to my new relationship with VST and I pray this journey is one of peace, fulfillment, and most of all enjoyment!
 
xTia

geesh, finally below 250! So happy, I havent been below 250 in such a long time.....20 years! lol. Finally broke thru this plateau too! I wasn't too worried about this standstill because I know I have been doing the right things, and I am just enjoying this ride. It is the journey that has been really fulfilling for me, lots of appreciation and enjoyment of life.

My sister stopped by yesterday, and walks in the door and says OMG!! I can tell in your face already..... She makes me go in the bathroom in front of the mirror and we stood there and she told me to lower my face so you can see how many double chins we had. I noticed!!!!!! it was not there compared to the way I used to have BIG double chin. So then She started looking me over and said let me see your stomach so I showed her........ she said YEP I can tell your tummy is not out as far. Well I am down from my highest weight of 263 to 242... 21lbs down!!!!!!!!!! and then we measured my waist down 2 inches!!!!!!! OMG!!!!!!!!!!!
 
She started saying OMG ( yes one of our favorite words to each other)" now I have to really start working on myself!" She has gained weight over the years but still not as heavy as I got, she is about 180 something. So she is doing the protein drinks for 2 meals and then salads, chicken, shirmp, and different low cal. meals. So because of my surgery my sister might get healthy also.
 
Another side note, my boyfriend has been eating healthier he is down 15lbs by eating healthier which will help me in the long run. Been working at this since May!
 
My mom is coming over today to do our toe nails, I bought some fun colors!! Should be a good day!
 
Friday is my Dr. follow up appointment, I shall see how far my new scales are off from the Dr.'s scales!!! I do not look forward to the drive about 2 hours up, 2 hour appointment, and 2 hours back. So for a long day tomorrow!!

Well I feel like it has taken 2 days to get over going to the Dr. Friday. I have truly learned my lesson on making sure I eat enough during the day!
 
I went shopping at walmart today, dang that store is BIG! LOL.......
 
I am trying different protein drinks, everything taste TERRIBLE... I know its just me right now. I spent 14.00 to try this "new" stuff stated taste like watermelon, excited right! I love watermelon flavor..... thinking woohoo 42 grams of protein I can sip on this all day.. OMG is all I can say, 1 sip and I about threw up. So darn sweet ewww, sigh...
 
Trying different pureed foods, boy does it change the taste of the food! I did find clam chowder was ok LOTS of the liquid and little bit of the potato's and clams.
cream of wheat is something I can eat but takes me 2 meals per packet. I did buy 1 jar of baby food we will see if I get the nerve to try "herbal chicken and paste stage 3" lol
 
I just want to add, my other half has been so great! I honestly don't think I could have done this without him. I have had some rough days and he has been so awesome on helping out in every way.
 
234.4lbs

Well, things are moving forward. Dr.'s office got the psych eval (I'm guessing since the guys with the white coats aren't chasing me, this must be a good thing). Today they contacted the insurance company, and low and behold they need more than they told me (twice!) when I called them before and after the seminar. Turns out (even though I've had the same insurance with the same company that last 13 1/2 years I've worked where I am) they need height/weight information for the past 5 consecutive years! Really!? Because over the last 13 1/2 years you've paid every claim I've had for primary and OBGYN, so isn't there somewhere, some way that you ALREADY HAVE THIS INFORMATION!? OMG! Anyway, I called my OBGYN and they pulled up the information and are faxing it to the bariatric center. (2 different hospitals) Now, I'm hoping this will satisfy what they need and I will be able to get approval so we can move another step closer to a surgery date and my new beginning!!

I am getting very nervous and full of excitment all at the same time. Im scheduled for surgery in the morning and Its a reflief to know that Im getting my life back!

With yesterday being the 4th of July naturally my husband and kids were overly excited about going to watch the firework show, I on the other hand was far less enthusiastic. When getting ready (as usual) this overwhelming sense of disgust and depression takes over me. Nothing fits, nothing looks or feels right. I feel so out of place in large crowds. I'm not a shy person at all and I remember the time I use to enjoy crowds. I cheered in high school and college for a min. I loved crowds! The thing is when my attitude sucks I don't think I'm pleasant to be around. Who else has felt this way? And it seems as though the closer I get to picking a surgery day, the more I realize (or rather the more I begin to admit to myself) that my weight is way out of control!