evonnrae

Hello November Sleevers! I'm fairly new to the board yet I have found myself plugged into the vst forums daily. You guys and gals are amazing! The information and support on the board is incredible. I'm located in Northern NJ. Tentative surgery date with Dr. Ewing is November 9th. I've completed all my requirements and I will be submitting all my paperwork to horizon Bcbs for approval. Some have said my decision to do wls is drastic yet being 316lbs is not cool no matter how well you dress it up! I've made being "big" to cute and comfortable for myself and others that no one not even myself could ever think being smaller and healthier is possible. I've done just about every diet and appetite suppressant. Lost a few pounds and gained it back. Over the years I have changed my eating habits drastically and I enjoy working out on a regular basis however I can't seem to lose 3lbs w/o gaining 5. I've lost 75 lbs back in 2010-2011 and quickly gained at least 50 of it back. I'm extremely nervous about this surgery yet I'm ready for consistent long term success. I'm ready to experience more living! I experience my share of doubts but I firmly believe I'm making the best choice for myself.

VerticalSleeveTalk Newsletter
Hey, Sleevers! Summer’s over and we’re into the beautiful days of early autumn. No matter where you live, we hope you’re getting a chance to get out and enjoy the weather! Any activity you do counts toward your weight loss, health and pleasure, so make an effort to get outside and get moving. Don’t forget to take your VerticalSleeveTalk.com app with you so you can read the newsletter and keep up with the boards! Here’s what you’ll find in October’s newsletter.

Member Spotlight: Meet Sleeve4me!
Sleever Challenge: Lend a Hand!
Having a Healthy Autumn: A Few Tips for Parents – and Other Busy VerticalSleeveTalk.com Members!
Weight Loss Surgery: Not the Easy Way Out!
Can’t wait to get started? Neither can we! Enjoy the newsletter and please feel free to let us know what you think! Thanks for your support.
Sincerely,
Alex Brecher
Founder
VerticalSleeveTalk.com
Member Spotlight: Meet Sleeve4me!
Sleeve4me from southern California is in this week’s Member Spotlight. She put on weight through ten years of marriage and hit her largest clothing size of 18W – she wouldn’t let herself buy any bigger clothes. The final straw was when she could barely walk upstairs at home; her orthopedic surgeon told her to lose weight or continue to suffer joint pain. The surgeon put in her weight loss surgery referral in June of 2009, and sleeve 4 me is grateful he did!
Sleeve4me has maintained goal weight for over a year since hitting 144 pounds in May of 2011. She hikes, boogie boards, zumba and going to the gym – she’s still shocked that she can honestly say she enjoys it! She loves impressing her son with her ability now to run up the stairs – without knee pain. Her current biggest challenge is drinking enough Water every day.
Sleeve4me says that with the sleeve, “I’m living the best me I can be.” Some of Sleeve4me’s best moments have been running her first 5k race, hiking the Grand Canyon and, of course, fitting into her wedding dress after 20 years!
Sleeve4me credits VerticalSleeveTalk with helping her get to goal. The people lifted her out of some discouraging times. The VerticalSleeveTalk SO CAL group and other members have been inspirational for her. Now, she continues to encourage other VerticalSleeveTalk members as they try to reach their goals. Her tips for others? Here are a few…

Keep keeping on!
Take it one day at a time and enjoy the journey!
And finally…hugs, love and happiness!
Thanks, sleeve 4 me, and the same to you! Congratulations on your success, and thanks for being in the Member Spotlight!
If you want to be in the spotlight or you want to nominate someone else, let us know in the Spotlight Forum or send Alex a private message. We’re always looking for outstanding members to highlight!
Sleever Challenge: Lend a Hand!
We like to challenge you to try something new or unusual in each newsletter. The Sleever Challenge is a non-competitive way to push yourself a little further and experience something new while gaining confidence. Why do we ask you to post what you did? It helps motivate others and give them ideas for their challenges!
This week’s challenge is pretty simple. Before the next newsletter, we’re just asking you to help someone. It can be any kind of help, from helping an elderly neighbor take the newspaper in to volunteering to give a motivational talk at your local weight loss surgery support group meeting to making dinner for your spouse even when it’s not your turn. This challenge does more than make someone else’s life easier. It makes you value yourself more when you see how powerful you can be just by being kind to others.
Don’t forget to let us know how you helped someone! What did you do? How did it make you feel? Let us know how it goes in the Sleever Challenge forum! You can always check out any of the previous Newsletter Challenges and give us updates on those. You can always see the old challenges in the archived newsletters. You’ll see challenges on food, fitness and more! It’s never too late to try something new and exciting!
Make It a Healthy Autumn: A Few Tips for Parents – and Other Busy VerticalSleeveTalk.com Members!
Okay, we know that the autumn is a busy time of year. If you’re a parent, your children are back in school and their activities are in full swing. You may be juggling work with your chauffeuring, catering and cleaning business – aka, taking care of your family! Most of us are pretty busy even if we’re not parents.
It’s easy to use not having enough time as an excuse for getting off track with your weight loss. You might eat foods that you know you shouldn’t because you feel you just can’t squeeze in the time to prepare a healthy snack. We’ve all done it. You rush out the door in the morning and are busy all day. Some of these happen along the way.

You are starving by lunchtime and grab a few truffles that immediately make you nauseous.
You go by the vending machine for a soft drink that’ll make you feel sick within minutes.
You realize at the end of the day that you haven’t stopped to drink for hours, and you have a headache and your stomach hurts.
You know you should be eating lean Protein, but the closest thing you can find is pepperoni from the company’s pepperoni pizza – so to be polite, you eat the entire slice and it causes an obstruction.
You start to depend on Protein shakes because those are the closest thing to a healthy meal that you can find at the company cafeteria.
You don’t have to let a hectic schedule get in the way of your health! What can you do about it? Here are a few tips to make the most out of every day

Prepare some of your meals and Snacks at the beginning of the week.

Wash your fruits and vegetables so they’re easy to prepare when you need them.
Cook some your Proteins - chicken breast, fish, seafood, lean beef and/or veggie burgers – and freeze them in single-serving baggies or containers.
Cook up bigger batches, put them in single-serving containers and freeze them so you can defrost them when you’re ready to eat them. This is a great option for healthy side dishes, such as whole wheat Pasta, carrots or Beans. (You don’t have to make too much, since your single portions post-surgery are pretty small).
Place Snacks in single-serving bags if you buy a multi-serving package
Plan your Breakfast the night before so you don’t have to think about it in the morning.
Take the time to make a grocery list. It’ll save you time in the end.

Using a list will keep you from forgetting foods and needing to go back to the store during the week.
You’ll be faster in the store because you won’t get distracted.
Sticking to a list will keep you from buying foods you shouldn’t.
Buy ingredients for breakfast
Buy snack foods
Make sure you drink enough.

Stash Water bottles in your car and at work and keep them filled. It’ll encourage you to drink throughout the day and you won’t have to take the time to run to the kitchen each time you need to drink.
Stick a pitcher of water in the fridge so you see it several times a day.
Keep healthy snacks at work so you never find yourself starving with nothing healthy to eat.

Beef Jerky and canned tuna, chicken, Beans, vegetables keep for months.
Frozen foods to consider keeping around include grilled chicken and fish, veggie burgers and vegetables.
Yogurt, low-fat cheese, cottage cheese and deli meats are high-protein snacks to keep in the fridge for a week or more.

The more you plan, the better off you’ll be. You’ll save time and be more likely to eat well. And remember – you’re worth it! We suggest picking one or two strategies and working on them until you master them, then moving on to a new tip. Let us know how helpful the tips are!
That’s a lot to chew on for this newsletter, so we’re going to end it here. There’s no end to the news, tips and conversations over at VerticalSleeveTalk.com, so come on over via your computer, smartphone or Kindle! You can always check out the old newsletters, too, in the Newsletter Forum.
Thanks for coming along in this newsletter and for being part of our fantastic community! We couldn’t do it without you.
Have a great month and take care of yourself and each other,
Alex.

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Congratulations on your common sense. I like your assessment of the situation.

So I just went to my bariatric diet class last night and I reveived all my info about pos-op and pre-opt diet. I wanted to share with you the information I got becaue I know some people are confused on what to eat and not eat at what time and how much and all that good stuff especially if you got your surgery done in MX. I had a friend get it done in MX and they don't really give you a whole lot of info it any info at all so I have attached all the paperwork I got. Let me know if it helped!
Pre-Op Diet.pdf
Post-Op Diet.pdf
Supplements, Etc..pdf

Congratulations!!!! The journey continues....

Katie is absolutely correct. This is the time to take full advantage of your sleeve. Eat Protein, protein, and more protein in small portion sizes. For the first 6 months, I barely ate anything but protein. Then I added veggies and some starches at the end. In fact focus on getting in more Water now in between meals to flush out your body. You can do this, it's not too late.

I am also approved,just today the.nurse called . I am suppose to get a.call For the surgery. I am feeling pur Dee good.

I wasn't quite sure where to post this, but I wanted to let you all know that I called my insurance provider today...just out of curiosity (lol) and I was told I was approved and that a letter had been mailed out to my home. I could literally pass out right now. It's like the reality of me getting the surgery has now actually hit me. My docs were submitted September 17th or 18th and Horizon BCBS made a decision on September 20th, mailed out my authorization letter on the 21st. That was quicker than I had anticipated. My surgery date is scheduled for November 9th. I am nervous as H*ll!!!!!!

I wasn't quite sure where to post this, but I wanted to let you all know that I called my insurance provider today...just out of curiosity (lol) and I was told I was approved and that a letter had been mailed out to my home. I could literally pass out right now. It's like the reality of me getting the surgery has now actually hit me. My docs were submitted September 17th or 18th and Horizon BCBS made a decision on September 20th, mailed out my authorization letter on the 21st. That was quicker than I had anticipated. My surgery date is scheduled for November 9th. I am nervous as H*ll!!!!!!

Congratulations! Now the real waiting begins (surgery date)!

I wasn't quite sure where to post this, but I wanted to let you all know that I called my insurance provider today...just out of curiosity (lol) and I was told I was approved and that a letter had been mailed out to my home. I could literally pass out right now. It's like the reality of me getting the surgery has now actually hit me. My docs were submitted September 17th or 18th and Horizon BCBS made a decision on September 20th, mailed out my authorization letter on the 21st. That was quicker than I had anticipated. My surgery date is scheduled for November 9th. I am nervous as H*ll!!!!!!

I wasn't quite sure where to post this, but I wanted to let you all know that I called my insurance provider today...just out of curiosity (lol) and I was told I was approved and that a letter had been mailed out to my home. I could literally pass out right now. It's like the reality of me getting the surgery has now actually hit me. My docs were submitted September 17th or 18th and Horizon BCBS made a decision on September 20th, mailed out my authorization letter on the 21st. That was quicker than I had anticipated. My surgery date is scheduled for November 9th. I am nervous as H*ll!!!!!!

Hi evonnrae!
I am sending you as much positive energy and as many prayers on your behalf as I can muster!
We are in the same place -- I submitted my paperwork today, and the insurance coordinator said she would get the letter in tomorrow.
Isn't it exciting and nerve wracking at the same time?!! I am fighting the urge to call Anthem BCBS and tell them to watch the fax machine, pull up my policy and get an approval sent without delay! LOL
Good luck and congratulations!
~ minxie

Nope you are not alone. I am currently working out well before I considered wls. Post my decision to do wls I am actually using that as motivation to work out even harder. I take dance classes, spin classes, jump rope, etc. (and with all of that you would think I should be skinny!). IMO I think it helps with getting in a routine now, starting healthier habits now, finding what types of exercise you like now to help us become more successful post op. I'm already cringing at not being able to do a normal work out for at least 6 weeks post op.

Today I submitted all of my documents were submitted to my insurance. The funny moment of it all was the pre cert coordinator must have showed my letter documenting my weight loss attempts in the past 12 months...all i heard was "OMG! Why do these people write books!" I looked at her dead in her face as she said it and then she walked away as if she had been caught robbing a bank. It was kind of hilarious, but unbeknownst to the mortified nurse I would have been negligent had I not given them a sneak peak in the 20+ years of weight loss attempts. 12 months to me just barely hit the surface. Needless to say my paperwork has been submitted to Horizon BCBS. Right now I have a tentative surgery date of November 9th.
Send prayers and positivity out on my behalf for an approval.

Today I submitted all of my documents were submitted to my insurance. The funny moment of it all was the pre cert coordinator must have showed my letter documenting my weight loss attempts in the past 12 months...all i heard was "OMG! Why do these people write books!" I looked at her dead in her face as she said it and then she walked away as if she had been caught robbing a bank. It was kind of hilarious, but unbeknownst to the mortified nurse I would have been negligent had I not given them a sneak peak in the 20+ years of weight loss attempts. 12 months to me just barely hit the surface. Needless to say my paperwork has been submitted to Horizon BCBS. Right now I have a tentative surgery date of November 9th.
Send prayers and positivity out on my behalf for an approval.

Today I submitted all of my documents were submitted to my insurance. The funny moment of it all was the pre cert coordinator must have showed my letter documenting my weight loss attempts in the past 12 months...all i heard was "OMG! Why do these people write books!" I looked at her dead in her face as she said it and then she walked away as if she had been caught robbing a bank. It was kind of hilarious, but unbeknownst to the mortified nurse I would have been negligent had I not given them a sneak peak in the 20+ years of weight loss attempts. 12 months to me just barely hit the surface. Needless to say my paperwork has been submitted to Horizon BCBS. Right now I have a tentative surgery date of November 9th.
Send prayers and positivity out on my behalf for an approval.

Sounds like approval, right!

[ATTACH]4994[/ATTACH]

Nope you are not alone. I am currently working out well before I considered wls. Post my decision to do wls I am actually using that as motivation to work out even harder. I take dance classes, spin classes, jump rope, etc. (and with all of that you would think I should be skinny!). IMO I think it helps with getting in a routine now, starting healthier habits now, finding what types of exercise you like now to help us become more successful post op. I'm already cringing at not being able to do a normal work out for at least 6 weeks post op.

Hello November Sleevers! I'm fairly new to the board yet I have found myself plugged into the vst forums daily. You guys and gals are amazing! The information and support on the board is incredible. I'm located in Northern NJ. Tentative surgery date with Dr. Ewing is November 9th. I've completed all my requirements and I will be submitting all my paperwork to horizon Bcbs for approval. Some have said my decision to do wls is drastic yet being 316lbs is not cool no matter how well you dress it up! I've made being "big" to cute and comfortable for myself and others that no one not even myself could ever think being smaller and healthier is possible. I've done just about every diet and appetite suppressant. Lost a few pounds and gained it back. Over the years I have changed my eating habits drastically and I enjoy working out on a regular basis however I can't seem to lose 3lbs w/o gaining 5. I've lost 75 lbs back in 2010-2011 and quickly gained at least 50 of it back. I'm extremely nervous about this surgery yet I'm ready for consistent long term success. I'm ready to experience more living! I experience my share of doubts but I firmly believe I'm making the best choice for myself.

I'm the total opposite. I'm a big girl but always thought I was FINE..lol don't get me wrong I know I need to lose weight for my health reasons!! But I've
Learned to love me in spite of my size. So ya'll can imagine how I will be when I lose weight?? Yes I'm gone think I'm FINE sho nuff!))

I am 5'9 BMI is 40 and I have gotten a lot of push back as well! But screw em', they haven't lived in my body and gone through the 2 hour work outs, bootcamps, personal training, crash diets, diet pills, starvation, stress, and health issues. I am 27 and want to live my life. You do this for yourself!!!! I support you

Well my family is pretty supportive and my bf too but my family have seen my struggles so they understand ... I also have hypothyroidism. I've the weight before did awesome loosing it went from 200 to 145 in 3 months but I couldn't keep it off I gained everything and more back within a yr and a half. As for comments like "Your not that big" or "But you carry it well " I dont how anyone carries fat well sorry ya there are still gorgeous women who are big but ad for carrying it well that statement honestly irritates the piss outta me I mean I know people are just trying to be nice but anyone who is big hell we've he heard it all before ... when I lost weight last time down to 145 I was the best me I've ever been happy beautiful confident now im just miserable I feel disgusting and can't even except a compliment I miss being a happy person used to you couldn't tell me I wasn't pretty I wouldn't believe ya lol I just miss being a happy me that I knows hiding deep down inside. I was previously married just divorced last month and my husband was not supportive of surgery due to risks I've always done for everyone but me and i've lost me it time for me to do something for myself I find myself again I dont wanna care what others think but it just brings me down about my decision im barely started yet haven't even attended seminar yet but im excited I've made up ky mind to finally do it and dont wanna here wat people have to say if its gonna just bring me down I almost dont wanna tell neone about it but I dont wanna feel ashamed about it either this is supposed to be a good thing for me

I am still breathless with excitement...and fear. Oct 22 I am getting sleeved! It kinda sucks that it is the day after my birthday, so clearly no food or alcohol based celebrations... but clearly, food and alcohol based celebrations are WHY I am 100lbs overweight, right?
I keep - literally - pinching myself to see if this long wait is almost over. I started the program at Kaiser Permanente in November of 2011. And now I have a date. Wow. I am almost giddy.

There are 3 other books I am reading that you all might find some interest in.
1.) EAT IT UP! the complete mind/body/spirit guide to a full life after weight loss surgery BY Connie Stapleton Phd.
2.) Made to Crave Satisfying your deepest desire with God, not food BY Lysa TerKeurst
3.) The Metabolism Miracle BY Diane Kress (RD)