AStephenson

You can do it! Best of luck, hope everything goes smoothly!

Anyone out there have Ohio BCBS? I attended a bariatric Seminar mid-July in preparation for surgery and found out my group plan excludes bariatric services..of ANY kind, but through self-research discovered that the company itself covers bariatric surgery. Where do I go from here? Does anyone have any experience with this?? I'm at a loss...please help!

Yes, make sure weight loss treatment isn't an exclusion!! I was crushed when I found out Anthem would not pay for ANYTHING weight loss due to it being an exclusion on my policy.

I can guess why they all have sugar as the first ingredient! I take 1000 mg. daily in caplet form and when that baby touches my tongue...SOUR!! Not sure where you are in your journey (I'm pre-sleeve) but could you take a regular pill with some food? That's what I'm hoping to do as when I take it on an empty stomach it kills me.

I was just wondering about ketosis as I started reading this post. I've read other posts about a sweet taste in the mouth and bad breath..makes sense it would change food tastes! Hope everyone is right Chad2Rad and it straightens up for you soon

I went for three whole months without telling anyone but my hubby and children with explicit instructions NOT to make the fact that I was considering weight loss surgery common news. It was hard though, everytime you meet up with someone they all ask, "so what's new with you?" so I found myself weighing in my mind to tell or not to tell. Now that my surgery appt is made, I find myself wanting to let more people know, not sure why, but yes, people do talk..and everyone has that ONE particular person in their family that seems to know more about YOUR business than you do! UGH!

Wowzer! That sounds delish...I'm putting this one in my recipe book, thanks for sharing!

Not sleeved yet but I've already been mourning the fact that I have to give up my Diet Pepsi! PMS on steroids?? Oh boy, thanks for posting guys, I better warn the hubby now!!

I'm cracking up here! Streetlights! First I've heard that expression...funny, but sad at the same time because I know I'll be heading down THAT street! :/

And I.....well, I wasn't even smart enough to figure out at first what everyone was offended about! LMAO

some of the mixers you can get made with Splenda. I've bought a sour mix and a strawberry daiquiri one and they're okay..not sure of the nutritional facts though

Your face is already looking thinner! How much have you lost in 5 weeks?

I wanted to know what all was included in the surgery quote, some docs don't include your post-op meds, hiatal hernia repair, or post-op "food" (popscicles, broth, juice) while you are at the hotel. I wanted to know how much experience the surgeon had, and complication rates. I wanted to know if the hospital/clinic had a critical care unit.

Scheduled next February....2 days before my 43rd b-day! Looking forward to the losers bench although I'm afraid I may be one of those "older" ladies who wears things not considered appropriate for my age! LOL

Dr. Ariel Ortiz...surgery done at Obesity Control Center

Thought this one was interesting too.. http://bariatrictimes.com/2010/03/22/prevention-of-anastomotic-leaks-in-bariatric-surgery/

yes, a bit technical..but this might help? http://bariatrictimes.com/2009/11/17/complications-arising-from-staple-lines-and-anastomotes-in-bariatric-surgery-why-they-happen-and-how-to-avoid-them/

I imagine my entire lower body will get together and throw me a "Thank you" party! There'll be flowers, balloons, great music...and the protein drinks will flow! LOL

I wonder if part of this could be because of all the protein as well? I remember when I tried Atkins...one of the main reasons I stopped was constipation. Just thoughts....

Wonderful!

Sorry to hear about your tummy swelling shut, dang it! Hope it gets better real quick I'm in SE Ohio, scheduled to be sleeved 2/18/13. Self pay, so headed to Mexico!

I agree with cowgirl..I'm a journaling person and going back and reading stuff I've written about a year, 3 years, even 7 years ago has been a big part in why I decided to go forward with this surgery. I had myself in tears realizing I've just been spinning my wheels for the last 10-15 years of my life, trying and failing so many times. I'm so ready to GO FORWARD! My goals: 1. Reduce or eliminate my asthma medication 2. Be able to ride my horse at a trot without getting out of breath. 3. Not have to drag this weight around anymore. 4. Less or no body aches. 5. Not have my arms stick out like a linebacker when I walk 6. Wear cuter clothes, and look nice in them 7. More energy 8. Be around and active for my grandchildren. 9. Feel in control of what I eat 10. Feel small in my husband's arms :wub: I guess these are all NSVs...I've been obese for so long I've forgotten what it felt/looked like when I weighed 116...that was in the ninth grade!!

I agree with IsB...ask for his "stats"....how many surgeries, complication rates/types, aftercare ect...I've not been sleeved yet, but knowing my surgeon is highly skilled, works out of a center of excellence, and has a very low complication rate (NEVER had one, according to his coordinator, taking that with a grain of salt!) gives me confidence that my outcome will be the best it can be. Good luck!

36 lbs from your goal at 6 months out?? Incredible!! I hope to be half as successful as you...such a great story!

LOL@gmabat! I know what you mean, those things are damn 'spensive! Great job ShannonK!!