JerseyGirl68

So excited for you!! Congratulations!

I think at times in our life when everything becomes overwhelming there is nothing at all to be ashamed of to look for help. Therapists are just another expert we visit that has insight to what is going on with us. If you were the one who was sick , you would go to a specialist. Same thing. Tackling these issues before the become too much for one person to handle is a very smart way to go about it. None of us walk in another's shoes. So no one should judge what they do not live every day. Good luck! You have found an outlet here.

Maybe invest in a small George Forman Grill. You can do chicken, steak, turkey burger, fish and veggies on it relatively easily and with little mess. Use a spray can of oil (like Pam) to keep the fat down, and season to your taste. In the spice area of your market you'll find a bunch of different options for your Protein. Another quick and easy alternative is buying whole roasted chicken at your grocery store/Costco or BJs. they are very good. Take the skin off, microwave a potato/sweet potato, and you'll have many meals. Cut some of the chicken up and mix with low fat mayo for chicken salad. Good luck!!

Fantastic!! I've been trying a bunch too in preparation for my surgery. I found that Pure Protein shakes 23gm or the 35gm version are both much lighter in texture than some others. You can get them at GNC, but I've been ordering from Amazon. They also sell the powder version. Unjury chicken soup is really very good. Good luck!!

Good Luck!! Up until I had my Endoscopy at the hospital I had never been in or had an IV either. Wasn't nearly as bad as I had made it out to be in my mind. I agree, the forum was a huge find. Keep us posted!!!

Fantastic pictures! Congratulations on your success!!

Good luck tomorrow!!

Congratulations and Welcome! Good luck on your surgery and for a smooth recovery. I've found this forum instrumental in calming my fears. It gives me a first person account of what to expect.

What a great gift to yourself! I can imagine what you're feeling. Keep going over your reasons for starting on this journey and you'll be ok. When in doubt or having a hard time, turn to this site. I have found it to be a wealth of information and support. Good luck and Congratulations on setting your date!!

All insurance requirements are different. I have BCBS NJ and they required a 2 year weight history from PCP. A letter from me detailing my efforts over the last year. A psych eval. A Nutritionist meeting. My surgeon had required bloodwork and an Endoscopy. I began with a consult with the surgeon to get info on August 1, I received my insurance approval 9/25. Next Tuesday I go to meet with my surgeon again and set a date for surgery. I took a few weeks to decide to move forward so I could have gotten the approval quicker, I guess. The office coordinator at your chosen practice should be able to tell you exactly what is required for insurance approval. Good luck!

Congratulations!! I hope to visit you there soon!!!

Hey if you find out where your ass went, let me know.. I'll send mine to visit! Congratulations!!

Best of luck to you! Congratulations and good luck for a smooth recovery!

Congratulations!!!

Congratulations!! Good luck today and for a smooth recovery!

I have found cheese sticks to be a favorite snack to tide me over,

I was told the same thing, to shrink the liver... My doctor requires a 3 week pre-op diet consisting of 3 high protein low fat/low carb shakes a day and one low fat meal a day. So I guess it depends on the surgeon.

Congratulations and Good Luck for a very smooth recovery!!

When I decided to move forward with surgery, I joined Weight watchers (again), After meeting with my surgeon and NUT, I altered the diet to be low carb, high protein to prepare myself. I've been limiting portions and trying to lose the best I can. I really just wanted to be as prepared as I possibly can be. I didn't want the shock of surgery to my body on top of a completely new way of eating. That's what works for me, everyone is different. Good luck!

I have BCBS of NJ and they required 3 years of history, I had a one year gap , but submitted everything else I had (going back 7 years) . I was approved on the first try. My coordinator explained they want to see the history. But I had pictures ready if needed. I also submitted receipts from NutriSystem and Weight watchers just in case they helped. Good luck!!

Awesome!!!!!

70 pounds is amazing! Congratulations and Good luck on your journey to Onederland!!

Congratulations on your decision, Good Luck!!

I've been sampling different products to prep for my upcoming surgery. I just had the

My nutritionist recommended ricotta cheese as an alternative since I'm not a huge cottage cheese fan either.