docbree

Amazing how many doctors don't have a good "bedside manner"... same principle applies to "common sense" which seems to be lacking, BIG TIME, in todays society...
you know and we know you have done exceptionally well... don't let that idiot get you down (and if I know you, you won't ...)

Sorry for YELLING BUT Biotin DOES NOT STOP Hair loss. IT HELPS WITH REGROWTH. I don't know how many times this has been posted!

With that many questions, you are probably going to be taking the MMPI. You can google it for more information - but it's basically true/false questions that look for signs of depression, mental illness, panic disorders, etc. even if it does show that you have something like that it doesn't mean you'll necessarily "fail."

Following this thread and very interested to hear responses from veterans. I think it's wonderful that you gave that very important information to the pre-op attendee. There are a couple of people who are more than ten years out from surgery who attend my support group and their input is really appreciated by all of us. They are inspiring role models.

Congratulations! I'm so happy for you! @@Ethomas15 - the psych eval today went great (I think). I really liked the psychologist. There were several questionnaires, a face to face evaluation and then I took the MMPI. I don't have the results yet - but it really sounded like she's planning on clearing me. I was completely upfront with all of my issues - and she gave me the names of several books she recommended for me. I was a little worried about the emotional eating thing, but she said she never believes it when obese people claim they don't have issues with food. Don't worry about your eval - it will be a piece of cake

Hi, Sonjajade
I too looked into WLS for awhile before finally making the decision to commit- partly because I had insurance that wouldn't cover WLS when I began looking and partly because of other major life events that always required me to put my wishes on the back burner. When I finally decided that it was truly the option for me, nothing was going to stop me- not being in the middle of a nasty divorce, not caring for my beloved mother or special needs daughter, I was finally ready to take care of me, and the sleeve surgery made all the sense in the world to me.
Now I'm almost 3 months out, 50 pounds down and happier than I've been in a long time for a lot of reasons. I'd try to talk to your husband to see what he is truly worried about regarding WLS, research it like crazy(this website is a great tool) and use the 6 months pre op to see if YOU are ready for this major lifestyle change. It has to feel right to you. Good luck no matter what decision you make.

I like your sense of humor. The pot industry IS well organized. Travel guru Rick Steves helped get the votes here in Seattle, and I was persuaded to vote yes to legalize to reduce crime, bring in public revenue, save billions on enforcement, etc. etc. Also, my sister really needs it for pain management, and now she can stop freaking out when the doorbell rings.
I noticed that our local Jack in the Box has been advertising a "munchies menu." Maybe junk food sales will go up?
Washington State doesn't cover bariatrics in its insurance exchange, either. We fatties SHOULD organize and persuade states that surgery saves lives, reduces lifetime insurance costs, and (this is the tougher sell) brings in revenue.
What do skinny people spend more on?

*First of all, let me make it perfectly clear that this post is not a slam on people who choose to smoke marijuana*
I have recently been interested in the driving forces surrounding the stigma of WLS. I was doing some research on which states exclude WLS as part of their ACA insurance exchange programs. My state is one of them and that is why I ended up going to Mexico for my VSG (great decision, BTW!). What I was surprised was to see that Colorado is on that list. So in other words, the wise elected officials in Colorado feel that marijuana is a medical necessity, but helping it's citizens to lose weight is not. Neither WLS or weight loss programs are covered. And as "open minded" as marijuana supporters may appear to be, they also don't cover acupuncture.
Does this mean the potheads are better organized and have more savvy political skills than us fatties? (And this last sentence is meant to be a joke...Please don't construe it as name calling and I apologize if I anyone found it offensive)

This cracked me up. Here's how I read it. I drank it, it hurt but I pushed through the pain and love it. Only a fellow diet soda addict would understand.
My doctor says that there is no studies that prove that it's harmful post op or that it stretches anything. However, caffeine can irritate the stomach so they don't recommend it. But as they so eloquently put it, we can have anything we want after surgery. It's not like we'll explode if we drink it. It's a choice just like exercise and eating Protein.
Personally, I'm choosing to follow the rules about exercise and Protein but I do like me some Diet Pepsi (and I try to stick with caffeine-free).

Advice from my surgeon who doesn't expect people to NEVER eat or drink certain things again:
The sleeve is often irritated by carbonation, so pour your drink into a glass FULL of ice. Let the ice melt in it a bit and let the fizz settle down. Drink SLOWLY, thru a straw if you can handle it.
I have maybe a soda a week. My sleeve REALLY does not like carbonation much. I shake it, open it, shake it, open it... until most of the fizz is gone. That little that is left plus some COLD ice is refreshing!
I would advise waiting until you are further out and completely healed, like 12 weeks or more.

I am so sorry for all you have gone through! I'm really hoping you can have a full recovery and start living your heathy and happy life soon!
Sheena :-)

Sleeved 07/02/2012.... Lost 88 lbs. recently gained back 10 but I don't mind because I went way below my goal weight of 150. Started at 213 now I am 135

I'm basically excited I kept my boobs.

my highest on the left and on the right a week ago. My surgery was July 8th 2014

I went to my evaluation and she said that she's clearing me for surgery and that I was an inspiration to her.
I was scared to death because I have schizophrenia and have for 23 years, but it has been under control for 20 and I have no problems asking for help.
That was a BIG load off of my mind.

My surgeon requires each patient to lose 10% of their weight prior to surgery. In fact, if someone shows up for surgery and hasn't done so, he has been known to send them home.
In most cases (depending on your insurance) this pre-op weight loss will not keep you from getting approved - in fact, it shows them than you can stick with a weight loss plan.
Weight loss before surgery is very important, primarily to shrink your liver. This makes the surgery quicker and less risky.
Exercise isn't an efficient way to lose weight. Decreasing calories is the only way to lose weight quickly. I think a trial of the pre-op diet is a great idea. I still have about 10 pounds to lose before my surgery - and I'm completely stuck. I'm going to try the pre-op diet for a week or so myself.
Good luck!

@@Elode 1000% YES on the binder.< /p>
The nurse and assistant came in with it once I was feeling lucid enough to stand up after surgery and getting back into my room. They strapped me right into it. It really made it possible for me to get up and down every hour to walk the floor all night which made me feel so much better.
It was a lifesaver and I used it for almost a full week, probably 4 to 5 days after I got home as well and it really helps with getting in and out of your bed at home (which is difficult for a the first few days at home).

So close you can taste it! (Even if it does taste like a Protein Shake )

@@Kindle, that's wonderful! It's such an emotional milestone. Congratulations and enjoy the rewards of your hard work!
My -100 and Onederland are two pounds apart and it's the longest two pounds I've ever waited to lose! Maybe this weekend. I weigh once a week now and I'm down 101 and sitting at 201. Aaarrggh! It's all good. Happy problem to have.

Waaaaaaaay cool! I feel a little chocked up and I don't even know you! Congrats!

I really didn't think I'd do it. My goal was -88. I've been hovering right around -98-99 for awhile but wasn't trying to lose anymore. Then I went on a carb binge (ice cream, bread, muffins, chips, chocolate, Cookies, potatoes and LOTS of alcohol) while traveling to visit family and attend a conference and gained 4 pounds. I was totally OK with it, since I was still below goal. But after just 10 days back to my normal eating routine, I lost that 4 pounds plus 1 extra to hit the magic number 100.
I'm not real big on the scale numbers, but this one does feel kinda cool

I finally got my approval yesterday!!! I think i'm going to do it Nov 17th. I'm a hairdresser, so i'm trying to see what's best for my schedule, and also my husband's. He'll have to take vacation time to help me with my 2 kids. I'm excited, nervous, apprehensive and ready all in one. Very strange! Anyone else having these feelings? I just hope it's not a decision i'll regret for the rest of my life.

I received a call yesterday (10/14) from my clinic with the great news - I have been approved for gastric sleeve. I started this process in mid-Feb 2014. To say the least, I was completely relieved and extremely happy to have BCBS of MN approve me.
I meet with my surgeon on Monday 10/20 and will get my surgery date at that time. I meet with my NUT on Tuesday 10/21 to review my pre- and post-op diet plans. All that's left then is my pre-op physical and blood work.
Can't wait to get my surgery date. Then everything can fall into place with my medical leave paperwork, cleaning out my cupboards, shopping for the new me, making homemade broth, etc. I am pumped!
My husband is going to do the 10-day pre-op diet with me for support. I'll give him about 2-3 days before he caves. I love him for offering.
So happy!!

So I got my surgery date!!! October 29th!!! Way sooner than I had expected! I start my 9 day pre op liquid diet on the 20th and pre op class and appt on the 23rd!!! Sooo excited but nervous too!!!!

Chip305 I def know the feeling I was really worried I'd get denied and had my hopes up for nothing. I'm very surprised how fast my ins approved it and very thankful. I have an appt with the nutritionist tomorrow and buy all my stuff for my 9 day pre op liquid diet and to get stuff for after surgery. I'll hopefully know my date in a week or so! Thanks for the prayers and good luck wishes!! Good luck to you guys I'll pray for u also!!