SleeveandRNYchica

Justine, Thanks for sharing u story. It is interesting. I have been in therapy several times in my life. My own very favorite therapist would be considered morbidly obese, so I walways assumed she had underlying issues, but even with that she was able to help me. I am in a very happy, loving marriage. I sometimes feel that people look at me as if I should have no problems. So then they dump on me and I carry their stress. I am in a situation now, just because where we live it is stressful. I feel finally free because the friends that were dumping on me are no longer here or they found someone else to dump on. Sometimes I feel like screaming, "I am weak sometimes, sometimes I need a shoulder!!!" I totally related with your entry. I am glad that you were able to take time out for you and make a decision for you. Good luck in your journey!

So aspiring! Wishing you the best.

One of my past best friends had RNY in like 2004. She lied to me and our other good friend, saying she had stomach cancer. Let me tell u, it caused a rift in all our friendships with her. She had so many issues with making this decision. At this point we are no longer besties and do not talk on a regular. I would not ask her opinion or thoughts. Honestly, I feel more comfortable with the people here that share their experience and my own online research. We all have so many reasons for deciding to go forth with this. Some are more comfortable than others and friends sometime have a jaded viewpoint. No saying they don't care, but people are often time so quick to tell the negative and forget about the positive. Forgive any typos-I hate typing on my blueberry....

You look awesome! Congratulations. I hope you bought that sundress, it is super cute on you!!!!

That sucks, but I am sure you will set them straight in no time! It seems reoccurring with so many offices they forget something.

hahahahaah...you guys are too funny.....

They may be different from the State requirements, but I went on FEPBLUE and I would think all FED employees follow that or does each Agency do something different?

Yeah, it is some hormone that is released from the pituitary gland or something. Girl, I don't know. I was reading about it on WEBMD LMAO!

My surgeon requested a 24 hour urine collection test to test for my cortisol levels. I can get needles, sonograms, and x-rays.....but collecting urine for 24 hours is a pain in my butt. I have to pee in a big plastic jug and store it in our frig, GROSS......anyway, I will be finished first pee tomorrow and it cannot be a pee too soon. Just a little vent....Not a big deal, just irritating. I have been home bound all day. A slave to the jug

Yeah, I am not to sure. Some people said they had it, but not many. I guess they want to see if I am stressed?!? I had never heard of it before.

What a great post. Congratulations.

The medically supervised program for at least 3 months prior and nutritional counseling regarding pre/post op nutrition. They are two different things from what I am gathering. I am not sure if for Federal State requirements are considered. I took this out of the benefits book: Note: Prior approval is required for outpatient surgery for morbid obesity. For more information about prior approval, please refer to page 15. • Benefits for the surgical treatment of morbid obesity, performed on an inpatient or outpatient basis, are subject to the pre-surgical requirements listed below. The member must meet all requirements. − Diagnosis of morbid obesity (as defined on page 53) for a period of 2 years prior to surgery − Participation in a medically supervised weight loss program, including nutritional counseling, for at least 3 months prior to the date of surgery. (Note: Benefits are not available for commercial weight loss programs; see page 35 for our coverage of nutritional counseling services.) − Pre-operative nutritional assessment and nutritional counseling about pre- and post-operative nutrition, eating, and exercise − Evidence that attempts at weight loss in the 1 year period prior to surgery have been ineffective − Psychological clearance of the member’s ability to understand and adhere to the pre- and post-operative program, based on a psychological assessment performed by a licensed professional mental health practitioner (see page 86 for our payment levels for mental health services) − Member has not smoked in the 6 months prior to surgery − Member has not been treated for substance abuse for 1 year prior to surgery and there is no evidence of substance abuse during the 1-year period prior to surgery

I love hearing the positive stories! Congratulations on your successes!

It just goes to show how ignorant people are to this and why so many people fear the stigma attached.

I feel like he totally overstepped.......

WTH!!! HE SOUNDS LIKE A WHACK JOB!!!

THIS HAS ME CRACKING UP!!! LOVE IT!

He has absolutely NOTHING to do with my surgery. Nothing. We are stationed abroad, so alot of our medical has to go through the US based office here. I just went in for regular lab work and EKG. If I was in the US, of course I would be going through my primary care physician. The surgeon doing my surgery, wrote up the orders for all the misc. testing, then I had to go get it done elsewhere. Being abroad things work a bit differently.

I wish they would have given me something like that. Peeing in that jug was not very comfortable!

I think you look great!!!

You having your husband hide the scale is something I would do. It just made me smile. I am not making light of your situation. Just glad to know there are others out there like me. I thought maybe I would have him hide it while I am in the hospital. I know off subject. I have not had surgery yet, however from everything I have read of the post-op'ers they say it will happen. Get your fluids, Protein, and take your measurements. Your body has to have time to adjust. (This is all hear-say on my part :-) Good Luck to you. I know you will start losing before you know it!

Just wondering if you post-op ladies have had any issues with your mentrual cycle after your surgery? I know the body takes a moment to figure out what is going on. Just wondering about your experiences. Thanks!