spiritedcowgirl63

I too have had extensive scar tissue from previous surgeries. My PS wants for me to have the best results was what you had. I want to ask my insurance company BCBS is they will pay for it.. I have several visits to the doctor with extensive rashes (photos for evidence). I went to one ps and they are mostly private paid and don't want to deal with cosmetic surgery if not paying cash.
Will insurance pay for the Fleur dis ? My arms are bad but my choice would be stomache with arms next in line. LOL if I had a choice.
Do you have picures? I would take scars over mega saggy skin anyday.............I have lots of drooping,

Your awesome cowgirl!! LOL!!!

Tearbear- trust me...the tool does work! When your stomache says your full " you will know - an be satisfied. Some ppl say I eat like a bird. But I get full on smaller portion and don't have the desire to eat more. They are used to me eating massive unhealthy amounts. Not any more. I've lost 85# now and my desire to be a couch potato has now turned to being outdoor and enjoying life!! I like jacks saying, your not giving up food , you just eat less and have the same satisfaction as if you ate the other way. However, it took me 3-4 months for my eyes to trick my plate it was smaller.

Last night I watched the show Extreme Weight Loss, and was happy to see that they again included the removal of excess skin as part of the process of this mans journey to the new him. I mentioned it on a WLS site, which started a vocal dialog of people wanting to complete their journey but feeling they couldn't due to restrictions placed on them because of the government or their insurance company. I was surprised, how many people feel stuck in their old skin due to not having insurance. Maybe I didn't feel stuck due to insurance woes since I haven't had any support from insurance along the way, as I was a self pay for my RNY years ago... This got me thinking how much are we worth? I ask this because it took me several years to feel worth spending the money. If insurance would have covered it, I am sure I would have done it sooner, but since I had to pay (my family) it was a whole different story. We don't have extra cash sitting around the house so this was money that could have gone to fixing up the house or buying a new car...All sorts of important uses, then it hit me, if I were to buy a car, it would most likely last 7 years and then we would be in need of replacing it, well if that money went towards me I am planning on lasting more than 7 years! Do I value a car more than myself? No... There are ways to have the surgery without breaking the bank. I know one lady that had all of her surgeries at a Teaching Hospital in NYC for a fraction of the normal cost. I went to Mexico, just 5 miles south of the border in San Diego, which was so simple, I felt safe and close to home and paid about 1/3 of the costs back home. Also there is a company called Credit Care, which finances plastic surgery.... So I urge you, if you want and need plastic surgery to complete your journey please don't give up but do some investigating I am sure you will find a way...You are worth it, you have come so far.....

re: "I'm so afraid I won't be able to say no to food after the surgery,"
and
"I get nervous just thinking of giving up food, I eat even when I'm full,"
and
"for the first time in my life, I am actually satisfied with small portions...I mean feeling like I could not eat another bite satisfied. For me this has been an incredible freeing experience."
I have a few comments.
""I'm so afraid I won't be able to say no to food after the surgery,"
it's not food you'll be saying 'no' to...it's OVER eating!
re:
"
"I get nervous just thinking of giving up food, I eat even when I'm full,""
I was too, due to misunderstanding the entire issue.
You are NOT giving up food. You are giving up OVER eating.
Yes, I too ate even when full.....but along comes a surprise....when you find that the reason you over eat is because, like many of us, you are trying to feed with food something that has nothing to do with 'hunger'. If eating doesn't satisfy, I was eating for other reasons than 'being hungry'.
And I was taught to 'eat till you're FULL'. That is one BIG error in concept. More on this later. Do some reading about "satiety".
'Full' and 'hungry' really have nothing to do with each other. The anxiety I grew up with, was the food would be all gone before I got full.
The Band took away that never-satisfied-gotta-eat-till-FULL concept.
re: "for the first time in my life, I am actually satisfied with small portions...I mean feeling like I could not eat another bite satisfied. For me this has been an incredible freeing experience.""
this is exactly what happened to ME too.
You'll go thru phases.
Learning how to not worry about being not hungry and as a result not over eating, is a whole new habit.
Cheers on your journey.

This is so normal, we all love food, love to eat, we wouldn't be overweight if we didn't. For me, I am an emotional eater, especially a carb lover. I had my surgery a month ago, and trust me, your relationship with food will change. I have yet to even desire a piece of bread or Pasta or rice, my three most favorite things. I never imagined that this surgery would actually change my taste for things, but it has. Don't get me wrong , you have to work at it . But this tool helps out so much! When you see results, it helps even more to stay track. I'm only a month out so I'm no expert, but for me, I'm doing greater than I expected! You can too, if I can stick to program, anyone can.

Tear Bear, I just started this journey so I can't speak about the other side. I do have some of the same worries...in fact Monday was my first nutrition session and she asked...so what are your triggers....for me being tired, happy, sad, celebratory, bored...I could go on and on...I don't need a reason to eat! I Just.Like.Food.
For me, I'm using the 3 month supervised diet period to work on my triggers and begin my new relationship with food. I look at surgery as an opportunity to develop a Brand New Relationship with food. It's not lost on me that the diet after surgery is very similar to a baby....liquids, mushies, soft food and then real food.
I can tell you that I was surprised by how freeing having the nutritionist give me specific targets for calories, carbs and Protein...I don't have to wing it anymore!
So, I kinda rambled in this one....I think worries are natural, healthy and will occur all along the way. For me, I'm more worried about having a healthy life with my grandkids and my husband...just sayin You can do it!

Knowing that you have tendency to overeat is a major step. From there you figure out what you want to do about it. Are you going to give in or are you going to take control. I myself, I want to be healthy and I am not going to lie I want to look good and feel good. Are you willing to make yourself miserable to continue overeating? We all know from everything we have read and been told the band is going to let you know when you aren't complying with the program. It's okay to be afraid but don't let that fear move you away from the confidence it took to make such and important decision.

Im newbie here too and pre op too...im on my waiting period insurance requirements. I have always been overweight so to be honest I have not idea what a normal weight looks like or should be.

I'm 5'2". Sw. 225. Sw 203. July 22 2013. Cw 148. Size 8p. My goal is 140 then Tummy Tuck. I'm 51 yr young Love my sleeve. Love your hairstyle. Looks like what I will be doing next after hair starts growing in again.

Im a 34 DDD and want to get to a C. My insurance just denied me because not enough to remove. Anyone have ideas how to get this changed? I have back pain, headaches, divets in my shoulders.

I know right? I keep reading the average is 4 hours. I think it's because there is no tightening of my lower abs because I've had ventral hernia repair. So it's really a lot about skin removal and lifting. I'm going to have to ask cause the time difference is stuck in my head.

I'm gonna attempt to do that. Write stuff. The ppl who've written before me are a gold mine of information. It helps me make it mental.
I will plan to post on the 19th. I'm overnight in the surgicenter and I don't think I'll take my phone...?
I'm staying really busy today.
Grateful to be the first case
Oh! I made a pot of 1) chicken, sweet potato, butternut squash, and spinach Soup and 2) a pork, Lima bean and corn crockpot for post op easy thaw meals. I premeasured and froze them so my DH can quick fix for me.
I want to eat really well. I know I won't be hungry so I want whatever I eat to be super dooper nutritious.

Went to the mall put on a pair of high heels. It has been 30 yrs since last time. All fun and laughs to try and walk:-)

Thanks for the add to challenge. I'd like to be 143 for goal challenge:-).

Went to the mall put on a pair of high heels. It has been 30 yrs since last time. All fun and laughs to try and walk:-)

Can I join in for this challenge? Cw. 148. The weather is getting better for outside walking:-)

Went to the mall put on a pair of high heels. It has been 30 yrs since last time. All fun and laughs to try and walk:-)

I was borderline. Yes I fudge my height my whole life . Be accurate. Shorter is better. Wear heavier clothes. Drink lots if Water lol. Whatever it takes! My ins took the weight of my very first doctor visit weigh in. That was good cause I lost 20# prior to surgery 3 months later which was under the BMI requirement. Life is good down about 80# total.

I was borderline. Yes I fudge my height my whole life . Be accurate. Shorter is better. Wear heavier clothes. Drink lots if Water lol. Whatever it takes! My ins took the weight of my very first doctor visit weigh in. That was good cause I lost 20# prior to surgery 3 months later which was under the BMI requirement. Life is good down about 80# total.

I have one piece take two bites crust and eat the topping. I'm very satisfied at that point. Before wls was 4 pieces no problem.

I'm 8 months out. The pre was the hardest for me. Afterwards you can only take in little so your full which make wanting to eat not a priority. It is weird how it works but trust me it does. Having a support system is important.
Seeing you user name are also horse fans:-). My fur family. Where are you located?

Welcome Stacy! It is an amazing journey:-). I really want to hot goal by 5-26-14. I'm going back to basics and working out starting tomorrow. I want 20-30# more off.

I'm so inspired to see so many updates from people that had their surgery at the same time as me. I have found the last few months really challenging. I have not lost any weight for the last couple of months, which is entirely due to some bad habits coming back (with full force). I have avoided coming on here for months as I wasn't really wanting to be honest with myself. Reading your updates has given me some hope! I want to recommit myself to staying the course and changing my relationship with food and being healthy (my ultimate goal!). Thanks xx

I bought Spanx 3 yrs ago. Very spendy and was too uncomfortable to wear sitting. I found sweet nothings and Danskins at Walmart. I'm not a walmart shopper but ordered online. Very happy with purchase. Got 5 articles compared to 1 spanx.