thinathart

First off, hugs to you. I didn't realize my addiction to food until I had 85% of my stomach removed. I knew I enjoyed eating and strongly disliked exercise. I now realize I am a food addict. I still think about food a lot, and my next meal, but the sleeve has given me (or taken from me) the ability to consume the amounts I previously had. 55 lbs is still something to be extremely proud of! I need to focus more on cutting out the Snacks (even though they're protein) and just focus on 3 meals. I think it is the snacks that are slowing my WL down. Hang in there. You've still got the tool built inside you...can can totally do this!

Do you have any documented back/hip/knee issues? BCBS-IL counted my lower back issue as a comorbidity. Good luck and either way, I don't think you're wasting your time. It's well worth the fight.

Your surgeries will come faster than you expect. I wish you all the best of luck and success with this awesome tool!

Not much?? You look amazing! Congrats!

Best wishes!

I don't want to say it "cured" my IBS, but it has really calmed it down. I'm almost 100% symptom free of it.

Although I have never been banded, I have suffered from IBS for the last 15 years. Having the sleeve was the best thing I could have done for my IBS. I've had maybe 3 flares in the last 5 months, which only lasted a few hours each time. I'm more "normal" now, than I've been most of my life. Sorry if that is TMI...

I have my 6 mo follow up appt next week (4-30 will be my 6 mo date). I don't regret it for one second. Even the first few days (which sucked)...I knew I was in it for the long haul with this amazing gift I have been given. Each day I remind myself why I had the surgery and how luck I am to have a new chance at a healthy life.

I'm almost 6 months out and only my DH and BFF knows. When people ask I tell them, I REALLY watch what I eat. No sugar, limited carbs and high protein. It's is the diet I am eating. I missed 4 days of work, so I don't think anyone thinks any different. I avoid the breakroom treats like the plague, so people know I'm not just saying I gave up sweets. I really did.

Congrats and best wishes for an early surgery date!

SF popsicles were a lifesaver for me. Without them, there would have been no way I could get my fluids in.

Me too. It's not head hunger, it's actually growling "feed me" hunger. Even a LF cheese wedge satisfies it.

Same problems here too. I'm 5.5 months out, down 75 and will be seeking the help of a plastic surgeon. I'm meeting with one next month, just to get the details on what needs to be done (and cost) so I can start saving now. Best of luck to you. I stalled out for a couple weeks too in month 4...don't worry. Stick to plan and you'll continue to lose.

I need a face lift from the toes up too! Anyone having pricing on that?

I take the depo provera injections. I really like it and it works well for me.

178 (I will have dropped 100 lbs when I hit that number). June 1st here I come!

I am 4.5 months out. I get dizzy everytime I get up from laying down. I'm ok with the sitting part and then standing, but I get super dizzy when I stand up after laying down. My Dr. just said to get up slower? She didn't seem overly concerned about it.

My Dr. had me taking them whole as soon as I was released from the hospital (2 days after surgery). No problems.

I was sleeved on Oct 30th...and my hair has started to fall out. My stylist commented "boy, you're really shedding" last night. I didn't share my surgery with her. I'm hoping it slows down. I don't mind losing a few strands a day, but a handful a day is starting to get me a little concerned.

You should appeal. Some insurance companies deny the first time, no matter what circumstances. You owe it to yourself to find the energy to try and appeal. Remember...the squeeky wheel gets the grease. You deserve this. Good luck!

I am about 4.5 months out and I can drink normally now.

Best wishes for a speedy approval!

My top 3 NSVs so far on this journey are: My mother-in-law having to acknowledge my weight loss with a positive comment (finally) Getting lost in the regular sized clothing section of department stores (I've shopped the plus sized section for 20 years) Looking forward to continuing this journey every day, whether the scale gives me a victory or not.

I'm almost 4 months out and was hoping I was one of the lucky ones...but it started coming out in the last week or so. I guess it's a small price to pay for a healthier and longer life.

Thanks everyone. The support on this site is AWESOME!