Capricornrose

I'm doing TOPS which was a choice for me. Way cheaper than WW. http://www.tops.org/default.aspx You can search to see if a group is near you.

I'm not sure if there is a Goodwill where you are. The ones local to me have some very nice choices and for low price. I've seen where some people are going that route while they are losing and not paying a lot of money for clothes. Great job! You're definitely an inspiration!

I also live in Virginia and have Anthem BCBS. I have not heard of this. I am waiting for approval now, and I never had to wait 12 months. All I had to do was, one NUT class, one Psyc evaluation, PCP letter, and Orientation.

I'm sorry you have to go through all of that, but time will fly by fast.

I think it's because I have COVA Care, which is Commonwealth of Virginia, and I was told the state(who ever chooses state employees insurance) specifically chose having employees go through the 12mths. Though it has been a long wait, I am thankful for the extra time to get my mind right.

Thanks. I hope it goes by fast too!

Crocon-How long after the paperwork was submitted before you were approved.

I've told my immediate family, my close friends, and some of my co-workers. Once I start losing the weight, I don't think i'm going to broadcast it though. I'm just going to say that I've made major changes to how much I eat, and I exercise. Which will be telling the truth.

I'm in VA and I work for the state. We get our insurance through Anthem BCBS. I was told the state elected the 12mth weight. Watch...after I have the surgery it'll probably change to 6mths for the new people.

I have to be in Anthem's weight coaching program for 12mths and join a weight loss program like weight watchers. I joined TOPS since it's cheaper. I've only done the pylori test. I still have my psychological, cardio, and nutritionist appointments to attend. I scheduled those close to the end of my 12mth stint. That way i'll have everything done and the surgeon's office will only have to submit the referral.

I don't know. I'm not so worried about the sagging skin. If it's really bad i'll see if my insurance will pay to fix that. Good luck to you. I posted in the either September or August surgery forum. I'm hoping that's when I'll have my surgery.

Welcome. I'm in the last 6mths of my 12 mth required wait. I feel sooo ready. I'll be getting vsg around the same timeframe as you. I do come in this site daily. It has been very educational and helpful.

Not having food put me into a coma. Going to sleep after eating. My stomach will no longer lead the way. LOL

I was sleeved by Dr. Carmody and he was great! I have nothing but great things to say about him and his staff. Good luck!!

Did he tell you what bougie(I hope I spelled it right) size he uses?

I'm so hyped up and ready to have surgery. I have 6 more months to go. But thank you for sharing some tips on your success. It helps to be able to learn as much as possible.

You look awesome!

Very entertaining. Congrats to you guys!

I'm in Fredericksburg. Yea, I had to wait a year.

I don't have a date scheduled yet. I'm completing the last 6mths of a weight management program that I have to do. I complete that in August. After that I can schedule the surgery.

Good to hear. Gives me hope.

All done! Lol.

How did everything go?

You're right about health being number one. Ok, it lasts a month that's not bad.

I can't say enough about how yummy, and great unjury Protein poweders have been for me. I still drink them now every couple of days... the fact that I still am willing to drink them now is surprising to me. I'm not fond of the Protein Powder taste. If you drink it with skim milk, you get 28 grams of protien. It mixes thin, so its easy to drink.

Have you found any with a discount? They are pretty expensive from what I see on the Unjury website.

Thanks for the info its always great to see what's working for others.

Congrats to u all. I can't wait to have surgery and post my stats!

I just had the sleeve done...waking up in recovery was the worst unbearable painful feeling in the world...I woke up screaming & vomiting sorry.... Today is day 5 & I'm still suffering so much.. This is the pain that nobody talks about.. Being uncomfortable no matter what I do.. I can't stand up for to long i cant lay on my back only on my side which is so annoying.. I toss & turn about 10times within the hour..& Everytime I finally fall asleep Im awoke by nightmares... I been having headaches everyday backaches & a whole lot of bloating... I try my best to walk around as much as i can..im trying to keep myself hydrated by drinking 3-4 ounces of liquid every couple of hours.. in the beginning it took me about 1hour just to finish 1 ounce of liquid...how can something so small be so hard to swallow... I honestly can't recommend the sleeve to you rite now because I'm still fresh out of surgery but I had to share these feelings that no one else does... Good luck to you hope your experience is not as bad...

Wow. I'm preop and that's pretty scarey. I have a low tolerance for pain. Thanks for sharing.

Okay. Sounds great!

this is what one website says, "Lower BMI Obese patients typically lose 80% to 100% excess body weight. Higher BMI Obese patients may need to convert to a Duodenal Switch (DS)."

Okay. I've seen where other people are losing. I just read this article that scared me. I was thinking if I want to reach my goal I best lose 30lbs before surgery. I just wanted to see if what the experience was for those with similar stats as mine.

I was reading some studies and it was saying that individuals with lower BMI's will most likely make their goal weight than those with higher BMIs.

I weight 286 and want to get to 145. I'm 5'5 and 35 yrs old. My BMI is ~48. I want to try to lose 30lbs before surgery. I have about 6mths to go to do that.

Can I hear from some people who have similar stats that have had the surgery and what were your experience? Thank you very much in advance.

You are my hero!

Thank you guys. That's why I want to use this time to get myself together before surgery. It's a huge step to take not to be successful. I have 6mths to work on it.