SpecialK1960

At a law firm i worked at years ago. An attorney, who did not do medical cases, had a couple of breast implants and a ******** replacement on top of a short bookcase by his door. People would naturally pick them up, not knowing what they were. When they asked he would say something like that was a breast implant that my grandmother had to have removed. Or that was my grandfather's replacement ********. Of course they were unused medical samples, but he would get a good laugh before telling the truth.

I was super happy with them. Especially after reading all the problems with other companies on this site. I was approved quick and did not need a psych evaluation at all. They paid 90% becuase it was an overnight stay. I got the impression for a band it would be paid at a lesser rate. I must admitt hat I was stunned at the actual bills hat have come in. I know it is all a game where you bill a million bucks and then they write it down to $50.00 and then pay $35. But still game or not the bills are staggering. I have a 2500 out of pocket maximum. Thanks goodness. My bills to date (I do not have them all) before all the silly discounts is ..............$89, 352.42. CRAZY HUH? It was written down to something like $32,744 and they paid $25,000+. I still owe $2700 but that is above my out of pocket. So we will see how it all shakes out. Bottom line is that from me United gets an A++++

I have been losing at a similar rate. I was a 40 BMI and was approved becuase of comorbididies. I lost a lot on the liguid diet pre-op as well. I am down about 50 in a bout 53 days since starting the liquid diet. I was concerned that a pound a day was too much, but doctor is pleased, I feel okay and heck - I'll take the weight loss. I know it will slow soon and then I will be wishing I had the big losses I had the first few weeks.

We have done the baked chicken strips - dip it in milk, or egg white or basically anything wet and somewhat sticky and then roll in breadcrumbs, corn flakes, anything crunchy, add a touch of parmasean cheese, or onion Soup mix, some salt or pepper to taste, whatever you like. We then put them on a wire rack, so they are not sitting on the pan, so the bottom doesn't get soggy. Turn occasionally and enjoy. The same as real fried chicken - NO; better than eating one more piece of grilled chicken - HECK YES.

Great to see you are doing so well. It only gets better. It is not easy, but when you start looking better it makes everything seem worthwhile.

I wish I could wear a T-shirt that said somethinig like "I used to be so big I missed out on life..." I wonder if it would get people to ask? If they were interested I would be happy to share my journey and I am only 1/2 way to goal. But I am 100% of the way torwards being happy.

I use the big Bariatric Advantage sweet tart looking things, but they make me nausous for about 10 - 15 minutes. Nothing bad, just unpleasant. I think it is the rasberry flavor that one poster did not like either. I need to try some of the other flavors. I have been a bit lax in taking them on schedule, but so far my numbers are good. I do like the chewing better than another pill.

I have trouble with ice Water. Room temperature or cool seems to work better for me. With things like yougurt and more solid foods the temperature does not seem to matter, but with water it does, go figure? You are not alone.

I cheat. I use little tube of fruit flavored "clear" Protein. Like Yes whey, New Whey, etc. You can get them on line or at any health food store. They ahave anywhere from 35 to 50 grams of protein in each 3-4 ounce tube. They are fruit flavored, so I just add 1/3 of the tube to my Water or tea 3x a day and WALLAH! I have 50 extra grams of protein. It has 180-260 calories, 2 grams carbs and they taste good. I used the blue raspberry in my tea, or directly into a water bottle. They do not have any "fill you up" qualities like a shake, but they get the protein in every day. I love them and swear by them. I have also bought drink mixes from Bariatric Advantage and some other sites that have 15g or so per serving. Good luck.

I agree about waiting. For two reasons. If you lose another 100 pounds, you will have some pretty dramatic body shape changes. Particularly towards the end, when there will be lots more skin and way less of the fat that has kept us filled out. Second, a tattoo is permanent. Spend time choosing both a design and an artist. Ask people you see where they got their's and if you really like it (and it shows talent, not just paint between the numbers) go see the artist. Certain ones like photos and complex people really require a specialist. You might get something small that is shaped in way that it is not likely to get distorted. Then after the next 100 add to it, or get another one. What kind of tattoo are you looking for? I am not a tattoo guy (my son has enough for both of us) I have just never thought of anything so cool and so timeless that I would want it forever. I wish you could change them like those electronic photo frames. That would be cool. Best of luck. And whatever you decision be sure to put up a picture on your profile.

I am the world's only C-PAP lover. I have been on mine for about 8 years now. I am not gining it up for anything. I even have a special small version for travel. I am at about 1/2 way on the weight loss, but have no plans to get rid of the machine. When I put that baby on, the world goes away. It makes a nice soft sound and just tells my body and brian... "Hey, the day is over - give it up - go to sleep" Otherwise I tend to be like a three year old, fighting sleep. But I put on the "face fan" and I am out like a light. And for those of you that say the mask is not sexy, I have two comments. 1. I get my "sexy" done before I put on the face mask; and 2. Did you ever see "Top Gun" or "The Right Stuff," When I put my mask on I am a sexy fighter pilot or an astronaut... (I do realize that it is just in my head and that I am sure to my wife I look like a dog on a ventilator..... However, since most of the voices I hear are in my head, I figure if he is happy I am happy)

I did want to add one more comment. I re-read your post and have to bring one thing up. You said, "what if I am not fun anymore?" That is a crazy thought. Fun is Fun and you make it anyway you want. You do not have to drink and be loud to be fun! Seriously, I hang out at sports bars a lot. I now drink tea. And I swear everyone in the bar has gone deaf. I am amazed at how loud people are, especially late in the evening (more liquor = more volume). I actually think I have more fun now. I get to make fun of more people (one more Yeager bomb and she is going to fall over)... and make catty remarks (would you look at those shoes), and remember all of them the next day! But you know what? Even though I am not drinking I still go, I still have fun, I am still funny - and Lord knows I am almost good looking again... another few months and the chunk will be a hunk.... but for now and everyday until I am People's sexiest man, I will be having fun. You can count on that. There is not a reason in the world not to be FUN! Well, maybe one reason and a good laxative will cure that (that is an entirely different post). FUN is an attitude and, if you do it right, a way of life.

I have been taking 2 chewable multi Vitamins each day. I take Calcium a couple of times a week and B-12 sublingual 2x per month. So far all my numbers are perfect. I also use the 3-4 ounce liquid Protein shots (added to Water or tea) and these have lots of added vitamins as well, so I think they are helping keep the numbers up. With some of the posts I could not tell if the people listing their vitamins were taking everything everyday, or periodically. So far for me it has been a non-issue.

I was afraid I would not be able to go out to eat as much (we eat out 5 days a week) and hang out in sports bars... You know what - it has not changed a thing.... well perhaps some. Our bill is half as much. I often eat just a portion of my dinner (so what). I do not drink any more, but still hang out in sports bars. We are regulars at one and they do not care. At a new place I just order a cranberry juice so it looks like I am drinking - or I just get a tea and tough luck to anyone that notices. We are season ticket holders at the Texas Rangers. I have missed a handful of games, but am back to going to just over 1/2 of them (my usual rate). I have found things I can eat there and so I have those and just enjoy myself. It is the same as before, except that I eat 1/4 of my meal. SO WHAT! The bottomline is that you can still do the things you love, just a bit differently. I am still the curmudgeonly old grump I have been for years - just smaller. It will take some time for adjustment, but then you will get into a new routine. I think for everyone it is a bit different. We have been able to keep our lifestyle pretty much the same, others may have bigger changes. Either way, it all seems to work out. the one thing that was very hard for me at first was the eating out since we do it so much. When choosing where to go I would always complain that I did not want to go here or there becuase I did not want to pay 20 for dinner and eat a tiny portion. Well, I have gotten over that. I used to pay 20, and I still pay 20. If I enjoyed it before I can enjoy it now. The fact that it is a waste - well, that is unavoidable. We share sometimes, or if we can, we get a to-go bag. Just remember you are spending no more than before, so enjoy the meal and have a good time.

I am a big beer drinker - or at least I was - I tried a beer this weekend. I was 7 weeks out. But I was drinking it so slow (16 oz beer in 1 hour) that I never felt a thing. Basically felt like I wasted 4 bucks. Obviously beer is more filling than other drinks and has carbonation, so it requires a bit more care than a glass of wine. I also think my tolerance was pretty high, so maybe 1 beer, regardless of drinking speed, is not going to do anything. I used to drink a lot of beer, now none. I just do not see me drinking much at all anymore. Maybe to be social if necessary - Not worth the cash or calories

Make sure you are comfortable with your surgeon. It is the most important decision you can possibly make. There are many experienced and some nationally recognized people in Dallas, so you have the very best to choose from. make sure you get plenty of information and are really comfortable with the doctor's number of procedures. Keep reaching out here for feedback on any doctor you are considering. www.vitals.com is a highly respected rating service. My docs say they watch this to make sure they are rated well. might be worth a peek.

Private or Semi-private room????? Just kidding - waited 5 days.

I too had awesome luck with UHC. I told them I had a scheduling problem and they had me approved in less than a week. They have paid like clockwork. I have no complaints at all with them. In fact after seeing all the approval problems people have I am ever so grateful that I have UHC.

I have the same feeling. And lots of tummy noises - lots. Eventually (30-45 seconds later) I usually can get the burp to come up, but it is small. I ususally start to slow down when I feel that way. It does not happen everytime. When I get the I need to burp feeling and can't, it is slow down time...

I have been on depression meds since 1984. It has been so long now, that I just consider them additional Vitamins. I have had to change types over the years, and in fact blame a bit of my weight gain on the depression puills. Anyway, my advice would be to keep the two issues as separate as you can. Treat your depression as it is needed. Treat your VSG sysmptoms as well. But try not to combine them. Not being able to eat is depressing. No doubt about it. i am going through a real tough time right now with solid foods (7 weeks post-op). We still go out to eat. Here is why. Before I would have spent 10-15 bucks on dinner and 10+ more on beer. And that was to eat unhealthy and drink beer. Now we go out and I spend 10-15 on dinner (and 4 bucks on ice tea - they should be arrested for a felony.... sorry got off on my soap box there.). So before I spent 10-15 and now I spend 10-15. The difference is that I eat 1/10 of it. It bothered me at first. then you know what. I said poo on it. i am going to order what I want and eat what I can. I bought it, it is mine, if I want to sticvk it in my ear I can. So if I do not eat all of it - so what. A watse? sure. If I can not take it home it is a waste. But you know what? It is your business. eat what you can. I have also come to the realization that I am eating so little, that I can be a bit more adventurous with my foods. 10,000,000 million calories a serving? Not for 3 teaspoons it is not!!! I am finding that in my period of really struggling (I took Monday off because I felt so bad and down and was not eating enough), that a treat is in order. I had some baby back ribs last ***ht. Took me 30 minutes to eat a few of them.... but so what. I think everyone in the resturant could hear me lick my fingers.... ha ha ha I am enjoying these... I would take 2 bites or so and then simply wait 5 minutes before eating any more. It worked okay for me. If I eat too fast bad things hapen, so go slow and enjoy whatever amount you can. Do not let the reduced portion size make you crazy, allow the yummy-ness of the food to speak for it self. And finally, some part of your depression has to be related to your weight and that has to be getting better. So, with all the struggles, there has to be some good feelings about the weight loss and the improved appearance. And that has to help with the depression. I can fully understand your position, (I am in it right there with ya), it will get better. And you will look and feel better. Right now just figure out the best way to enjoy what you can during this short period of adjustment. I wish you the very best of luck, and you have friends here - all understanding of your situation, keep us informed and reach out when you get down.

A really good friend of mine has had problems conceiving for a few years... He has a great attitude. He says, "If you are going to be a failure at something, this is it.... 'cuse you get to keep on trying!!" I have heard that if you play chanting music from the middle ages while facing NNE on a Tuesday before a full moon, between the hours of 9:00 and 10:00pm GMT, with new blue sheets after eating anchovies and marshmellows with a silver spoon from a paper cup, you are GUARANTEED to conceive. Could just be an old wives' tale... Best of luck to you...

I told all the people that I give a hoot about at work what was going on. After all I was going to miss a good amount of time, so no matter what people would wonder where I was. If a someone I do not know well asks how I am losing weight I tell them. Shucks, I have lost nearlt 50 pounds. It is obvious and I am very happy with my decision and with my results. Perhaps it will encourage otehrs to make a healthy change in their lives. I hang out at a sports bar a lot. I drink tea now instead of being Miller Lite's best customer and brand abassador (LOL). So people see that. I tell them I had weight loss surgey and don't drink much anymore. If they ask more I tell more. If not, no biggie. Most people are interested to learn what it is like and what the various types are. Everyone has heard of the lap band and wonder what fills are... most are not really aware of the VSG and are interested. It is a great ice breaker. And since I am doing so well, I think I am a good spokesman (although the perks of being a Miller Lite spokesman have got to be way better). I figure the VSG is a permanent life changer. It is not one where you can easily cheat. If you apply yourself you should be successful. Given that, you can not hide your weight loss. Why not embrace the new you. Finally, I would add that it is damn difficult at times. I am having a good bit of trouble now with some solid foods. To be able to talk about it really helps. It is not like some dumb secret that I have to hide and be miserable all by myself. Everyone has been supportive, understanding and interested. So my vote is to speard the word. For the people that know the big me.... I figure no harm in sharing. Of course, when I am all skinny, buff and a supper hottie.... it will be my secret. And any of you that give up my secret will find yourselves waking up on a rice farm in lower Mongolia... with a yak named Susie...

Great News. And the best thing is that for the first time in a long while you are getting permission for something fun... Beats when we got permission to: 1) eat slushy foods; 2) eat solid foods; 3) start excercising...

I know I was kidding myself towards the end. I was way bigger than my pants size.

I am going through the exact same thing. I have lost 50 pounds and am still wearing the same pants. Now I had some with the "comfort" waist band and I am pretty sure I had them stretched to the point that there was more tension on my belt line than in the entire middle east. But still I was wearing a 42-44 waist and now am still fine in the 42's. A bit loose, but 40's are too tight. I have lost more than 10 inches at the widest point, so I am a bit dissappointed that I have not been able to translate that to a smaller pants size. BUT I am super happy with the weight loss and the overall change. I guess I was probably a 46 or more just squeezed into my pants. So I have probably lost more than just 1 pants size.