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Hi Butterfly66.... I am very fortunate.... My insurance company will pay for the revision because I have not retained 30% of my weight loss. To be totally honest, I never lost 30% of my weight to begin with. I have joined a new bariatric program at a different hospital. A fresh start... a new beginning.

My band is coming out and I'm having sleeve surgery. I had nothing but problems with the band and never had success losing weight.

Wow! Lookin' good!!!

Congratulations... You're doing great!

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Congratulations! You look wonderful!

I use appetizer sized spoons & folks along with small plates & bowls.

Your story is very inspiring! Congratulations!

First, I'll start with a little background. Three years ago, I had the Lapband. My surgeon was very capable but did not have a very good bedside manner. During one of my follow up appointments, she made negative remarks. She told me that I was not losing weight as she expected. I had a fill that day and left determined that I was going to do better. I started losing weight but before I had my next appointment, I gained a couple of pounds. I was ashamed and cancelled my next appointment thinking that I would go back after I lost weight. I ended up not going back until a year and a half later. I had gained all of the weight back. I contacted the director of the program and requested a new doctor, she told me I needed to go back to my surgeon's office to continue the program. I nervously went back for a fill and after no success, stopped going all together. I was ashamed and embarrassed. This past January, I scraped up what little courage I had and made an appointment to see a new bariatric surgeon at a different hospital. I was hoping for a fresh start. I had totally taken responsibility for my Lapband failure. My new doctor ordered tests to make sure the band was in place. Everything checked out fine. During my second appointment with this doctor, he suggested that I consider the Gastric Sleeve. He told me that he no longer did surgery for the Lapband band as there were too many complications and not enough long term success. He was not at all surprised that I had not lost weight. I knew nothing about the Sleeve and went home and decided to educate myself. I read three books, joined this support group and did a lot of research on the internet. I am convinced that the Sleeve will truly help me with my weight loss goals. I am now enrolled in a new bariatric program. I need to follow several steps before I can have the Lapband revision to the Gastric Sleeve. I am now going through the Psych Eval. My therapist is concerned that because I did not follow through with the Lapband I may not have success with the Sleeve. She asked me to convince her that the Sleeve is right for me. I am nervous that her eval could make the difference between my insurance approving or denying my surgery. I am discouraged now and need advice. I have wonderful insurance that is willing to cover my surgery. Yes, I could go to another therapist and have a second Psych Eval, I may have to! Of course this would push me further behind. I cannot progress until the eval is complete.

Next fall I'm due for a new CPap. I'm looking into getting an automatic pressure adjusting CPap....

http://www.cornellweightlosssurgery.org/pdf/dietary_guidelines_sleeve_gastrectomy.pdf or Google Cornell Gastric Sleeve Diet

Congratulations! You look radiant... must be love!

Great list..... I'm going Zip Lining when I reach my goal weight!

Ladies.... You're doing great! hope I lose as well!

I think Weight Watcher's is an excellent idea. Talk with your leader privately. Ask her to help you convert points into calories. After surgery, your caloric intake will be low and will eventually increase to 1000 to 1200 calories. You will have the added advantage of going through maintenance, which will help you determine what your daily intake will be. Keep in mind that your surgeon's diet requirements come first. I bought the Fitbit One and the Fitbit Aria scale to help support me through my weight loss journey. It gives me the support I need plus little badges when I reach a goal. What ever helps us to be successful... I say go for it

Google Images: Ankle Pumping Exercise.

Blood Clot Prevention: Leg Sleeves and Stockings Ask your doctor if he has ordered special sleeves or stockings for you to wear on your legs to help stop blood clots from forming in your legs while you are in the hospital. The sleeves are called Sequential Compression Device (SCD) system and the stockings are Thrombo Embolic Deterrent hose (TED® hose). These sleeves and stockings help keep pressure on the legs to help stop blood from clotting. Along with the SCDs or TED hose, your doctor may order other methods to prevent blood clots. These may include taking medications to thin your blood, doing ankle-pumping exercises, getting out of bed and walking around. Any or all of these may help to stop blood clots. I hope this eases your mind. Best wishes for a safe surgery.

Welcome! What a loving gift you gave that couple! You unselfishly sacrificed and now it's your turn to receive blessings! Good luck on your journey.

If you don't have a OBGYN already, it's time to find one and make your first appointment. You want the very best for your baby and now is the time to start getting expert advice! You will need to take prenatal vitamins as well. Congratulations! I send you my best wishes for a happy and healthy pregnancy.

Try to be as positive & reassuring as your can with your wife. Let her know that you are in this together! Remember, you are both going through a lot of changes which comes with a good amount of stress. You are both losing weight to be more active & healthy. It will give both of you a more active lifestyle so you can enjoy your children and improve your family life. If possible, try to do some marriage counseling. Good luck.....

I just sent all of my paperwork including my medical files via priority mail. Whoooohoooo! It took two weeks to compile everything. I'm ready for step 2, meeting with the Nurse and Dietitian. I still have plenty of hoops to jump through but I'm getting closer!

You still have plenty of time to decide. When or if the time is right, you'll know it.

I just signed up for classes in EFT, emotional freedom techniques or tapping. It's a simple, scientifically proven technique to help release negative feelings. It's also used in helping with weight loss goals. There are some videos on YouTube that show the technique. I am fortunate that my local hospital is presenting this class. The presenter has a web site: www.YourTappingCoach.com. You can also Google EFT or Tapping to get more information.