Adri

Doesn't most digestion happen in the intestines, not the stomach? Maybe gastric bypass is for you? I would talk to as many doctors as possible to get your "physiology" theories verified. But from my own experience and what you see on these boards, the reason the sleeve works is because of the restriction.
So far, I have not tried junk food...candy, Cookies, cakes, potato chips, etc... But I can eat very high calorie, rich foods without a problem...beef, fried pork, bread, Pasta, rice, baked potatoes, even had two KFC chicken legs tonight (without the skin) and 2T of cole slaw with no problem (and I'm only 8 weeks from surgery). So if I decided to go out of control with the types of food I eat,,,I'd be a gone-r, the only thing I can rely on is the restriction to help me. The rest is up to me.
I hope this information helps in some way. I wish you the best!
P.S. Excess fat affects your hormones, so therefore the loss of that fat will also affect your hormones. The real question is, will this surgery help you lose fat if you are not an overeater. ???(I am diabetic and it has much improved since surgery because of the fat loss.)

Just these past two weeks I've noticed a change. I can definitely eat a full (measuring) cup of food. Maybe even a bit more. I've been able to eat 1k to 1100 cals of food for at least a month already (but I ususally try to stay at 1k or below). It does concern me a bit, I'm even a little fearful. So I measure all my food, the only real challenges are the weekends when I eat out and have a little less control. That's when I really have to pay attn to my sleeve. Using the sleeve still takes discipline...it's easier...but not easy.

Thanks for the cheers!! And I don't think it'll be long till you get there too!!

Here's my list from over the years (I'd love to see yours.):

1. Weight Watchers 3x
2. Jenny Craig 3x
3. Dr. supervised 2x
4. NutriSystem 1x
5. Optifast 1x
6. Slim Fast 1x
7. Medifast 1x
8. Atkins 1x
9. Herbalife 1x
10. Lindora 1x

and the grand finale..."The Venus de Milo Gym" diet. Yes, this was a real gym I went to back when we wore leotards and leg warmers to work out. I remember having to eat dinners of hardboiled eggs and steamed spinach every time I weighed in heavier than before. Back then it felt like a punishment, now that doesn't sound half bad. This place was located right next to a Winchell's donut shop. Guess how much weight I lost. Hmmmm??

NONE of these got me to where I am now with VSG...ONEderland! YES!!!!

Well, just barely, but I'm there. I weighed in at 199.6 today! I'm happy, but actually I'm more shocked than anything. I have been overweight all my life. Have been on multiple diets mulitiple times, off and on for OVER 30 years. I have not weighed under 200 lbs since junior high...and I am now 46. If anyone ever wants to tell me I did this the easy way with wls, all I have to say is: I did it the successful way!

It sounds like the doctor's office is at fault. If the doctor is in-network he/she should have a contract or some other documentation to prove this. It doesn't take a phone call to find that out. Regardless of what they were told your co-pay would be, can they prove to you that they are in-network? Something smells fishy there!

Allrecipes.com has a great recipe for Tofu Parmigiana. I made it last night and it was delicious . Tasted more like eggplant parmigiana (I used the suggestion of dipping in flour and egg as well; and used a Pasta sauce). I have a recipe for a sandwich spread and Chinese stir fry from the same site but have not tried them yet. Anyone else got a favorite way to use tofu? I'm loving the high Protein count; and it goes down a bit easier than meat.
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/tofu-parmigiana/detail.aspx

I hope your mother comes to her senses and steps up to the plate when you need her. Maybe when she arrives and sees the state you're in she'll have a change of heart. I wish you the best!