FreeToBeMe

Parallels H-Sphere This is the official Medicare site where you can search on Bariatric surgery and read their current policy. Good luck.

Hi all, Even though I am down 110 pounds the size of my bosom has not shrunk. My back is constantly hurting. I have Medicare and am wondering if anyone knows whether it has covered a breast reduction? I also need to know if I should wait until I reach my goal weight first. I am so uncomfortable right now. When I was a thin teenager, my chest was oversized so I thinking that perhaps I do not have to wait until I reach goal. TIA Pen

In my case, I don't think that it is possible through willpower alone to stop snacking. I had to find the causes of why I eat excess calories to get a handle on it. I have a history of comfort eating that I had to examine. Being psychologically prepared is the ticket to success with any WLS.

Pumpkin, I wish the media would mention the Sleeve more often too. It is still not in the cultural lexicon the way the gastric bypass is. I think that time will fix that as more people get it done. Certainly, by then we will have more info on the long term. BTW, another cool NSV: I just looked down and noticed that my legs were crossed naturally by themselves. Way cool! Pen

When I want something carby, I try to have protein, like some jerky or string cheese, first and that usually takes it away. Tiffy, please write that book! I'd be first in line to snap it up! Pen

Hi All, Thanks y'all for all your great responses! I think getting your protein, water and exercise in is the key to good weight loss. Of course, starting off as a heavyweight meant I lost faster. The emotional part has been so difficult. I mean I didn't get to 350 pounds without major food issues. It's all about getting to the other side where losing weight, feeling fitter and eating sanely is the norm and the way you want it. Thanks all!! Pen:thumbup:

:thumbup1: Hiya, Well, 6 months after my surgery, I am 111 lbs down from pre-op. My labs are good. Cholesterol is at 157 which I think is good and maybe someone could tell me if it is a decent number. I have struggled a lot with head hunger and the need to comfort eat. Luckily, I found a great therapist and am attending OA as well. I would do the surgery again in a heartbeat but I really must stress the need to be psychologically prepared for the major, huge changes to your way of eating. Lord knows I am over the moon about my weight loss and how great I feel physically but I have also cried many times because I can no longer comfort eat and binge. My surgeon has given me a goal of 60 more lbs over the next 6 months. Wish me luck. Thanks all for your support. Pen

I am a heavyweight. I topped out at 350 in Jan 2010. Now, 110 pounds lighter I still have a good 90 to lose-how much of that is loose skin I can't say but I have a huge panni. Funny, I just noticed that I had moved from "Super Morbidly Obese" to "Morbidly Obese" and am closing in on plain "Obese". Ugh! I hate these labels. In my head, I am still at 350 in so many ways. Sad. Pen

So I feel like I have stalled out-spent the last three weeks around the same weight. I have tried mixing it up with more exercise, etc but no luck. It has been 6 months since my surgery and I am worried that going so long eating too few calories has wrecked my metabolism. I have lost of lot of weight but I am afraid in the long run doing it on so few cals has slowed down my weight loss as my body thinks it is in the dreaded starvation mode. Is it possible to have a psychological block to further weight loss? It seems far more complicated than "calories in vs. calories out" when I review my history. I have tried increasing cals for a few days and that didn't work. Nor did being more restrictive and increasing the protein shakes. TIA for your insight and advice.

Really interested too if this a good book.

Wow! You are rocking the pre-op diet! Good luck and well wishes to all those preparing for their big day!

I needed a laxative so I went with the Miralax powder. This made me start to wonder what happens when we take a regular pill or capsule since we don't have big normal stomachs for it to dissolve in. Does this reduce its effect? I take Celexa daily so I am particularly interested in the answer. TIA, Pen

I still get PMS cravings. I agree with Tiffy that the secret is to find healthier ways to get that taste combo you crave. I'll have a square or two of dark chocolate with almonds for sweet/salty sensation. The intense dark chocolate really "speaks" to me during PMS. I also like that new line of low carb, low cal chocolate mousses made by Jello. Good way to get that choco fix.

Like a previous poster said, I had undiagnosed sleep apnea at the time of my operation. I could only sleep sitting up so they adjusted my hospital bed to that position. The good news is that my sleep apnea cleared up rather quickly and I can now sleep in a bed. I am told that I rarely snore even. During the surgery, the breathing will be done for you through intubation-nothing to worry about. Good luck to both of you!

I couldn't find it in the protein drink section. Of course, there is never anyone around to ask. They are still selling Premier but I like the light taste of MM too. Anyone know about their Costco? TIA.