goirish78

Hi MsJ and Roserie! Thanks for checking in

I also second the swimming and deep water aerobics. It's possible to get into both the fat burning and cardio training zones in the water with minimal risk to joints, etc. I had knee surgery when I was 19, and the pool has made it possible for me to maintain the level of cardiovascular fitness I have; every doctor I've been to is absolutely shocked when they discover I've got normal blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, I'm not diabetic, and my heart is very healthy. I usually smile and remind them that not all fat people are completely couch-bound; after all, we float really well

I hear ya, lady!! I'm also one of those smaller busted, big ladies who struggles to find suits that fit (especially since swimming is my main form of exercise). It definitely doesn't help that suits are so expensive; it feels like I pay a ton of money for something that still doesn't fit. I'm hoping that as I get smaller, I may have more luck, but something tells me that i'll continue to struggle with this. I'm sure what little boobage I have will be the first thing to go (I have long believed that the big boobs I was supposed to have got lost and somehow ended up in my rear! )

Devine, you and I have lots in common!! I'm going to be 35 in October, I'm also 5'8" and have lots to lose (I'm 379, currently). The last time I was in onederland was when I was in high school (and eve then it was just barely ), so we will definitely check in with each other on our progress. Please feel free to get in touch anytime!

Yes, I think I understand what you're saying. I also have a lot to lose, and many of us who have more weight to lose to begin with see more dramatic weight loss in the beginning. However, I think you touched on something very important: the surgery will not magically fix everything and it does require a lifetime commitment on our part. It's not a diet, it's agreeing to embrace a different lifestyle. We didn't get like this overnight and we're not going to lose it overnight, which actually is a good thing, since sustainable changes over time is what leads to success long term. We all need something to keep us motivated, and the weight loss will definitely be a big motivator, but just remember that there will be times when you are frustrated. You can't throw in the towel, but you can come here where we will be waiting to support you, and you can support us, too Be comfortable with and committed to your decision, and you will accomplish great things!

How exciting, Alex!! It's always great to meet folks from our online lives in person and have an animus to put with the avatar, lol. I'm really happy to connect with other July 15th sleevers, so keep the updates coming

We ed folks clearly flock together, Momof3; I'm a teacher of the deaf and am almost done with my second master's in school leadership I started the process last summer, knowing that I wouldn't have surgery until this summer, and for the first time in my career, I'm not teaching summer school. I have to say, it feels really weird, but yes, we need the time to focus on recovery.

Hi M! That's great - we can be July Sleever Buddies I know, I noticed that there haven't been too many posts here lately, so I wonder if some of our fellow teachers/admins, etc. are just finding out their dates now as school ends.

Danie, when he tells you that you're "b*****g" about something, do you ever try telling him that it makes you feel as though he doesn't care when he just dismisses your concerns as "b*****g"? Many men aren't big talkers (I grew up with one) but that doesn't give him the right to treat you poorly and dismiss you out of hand. Working part time and going to school are both good endeavors, but you working a 10 hour day, coming home to a house that's a wreck, and then being treated poorly? Not okay. I don't know your hubby, and I'm hoping that he may have some redeeming qualities, so please take this for whatever it's worth. There are some people who treat others poorly because they know they won't be challenged. I don't know if you have a history of standing up for yourself, but if you didn't do that much before, he may think that you'll just sit there and take it now. And you shouldn't, because you don't deserve it, it's not healthy, and it's not a good example for your kids. He may not be a big talker, but if it means the health of your marriage and family, then he should be willing to talk things out with you. And if he's not, then you really need to think about that. Please know that we are here for you and know that you are worth a lot more than being treated with disrespect!

Good luck, be well, and you will do great things on your journey!! Keep us posted

Wow, I am so sorry that he said something hurtful to you. It sounds like you're doing really well with your weight loss - great job! Is your hubby generally supportive, and this is maybe just him having a bad day? Or are comments like that pretty common?

The reason you feel like an addict is because food can be an addiction (and for many of us, it is). Like any addict will tell you, they're never cured, just in recovery; the wanting may never go away. However, we all make choices in life, and just the fact that you are choosing to be honest with yourself by sharing how you're feeling with us is you choosing to ask for support and help, and that's always a great choice. Just looking at your profile, I can see you have come so far, so make whatever healthy substitutions you need to and remind yourself that you are worth it!! Hang in there

Thanks, Daydra!! Keep up the good work - you're doing awesome And Momof3, it sounds like we'll be crossing paths a lot on the boards. I'm really glad to know a few folks who are all having their sleeves at the same time, so we can check in with each other on where we're at and how things are going.

Wow, Sara - you are doing awesome!!! Congratulations and way to go Thanks for your kind words of encouragement; it took me a really long time to arrive at my decision, but I'm glad I finally did and am looking forward to taking the next steps. I'm sure I'll have some jitters in the next few weeks, but ultimately I know this is the right path. Keep up the great work and I'll look forward to following your progress!

I'm July 15th, too! Definitely can't wait...will be nice to see all the hard work pay off

In reading some of the posts, it seems as though the approval requirements vary widely depending upon your surgeon and insurance carrier. I'm curious as to what the requirements have been for the folks in our group of July sleevers? I have Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield DE PPO insurance, and my surgeon operates out of Christiana Care Hospital. Mine seems to have been one of the lengthier pre-op programs, and had the following requirements. The thing that is so amazing to me is that I was required to do all of this, but I don't have any other conditions (i.e. I'm just fat); I can't imagine how many more appointments my classmates with other conditions must have had to go to. - informational seminar - initial consultation with surgeon - initial appointment with cardiologist - initial appointment with pulmonologist - 1st sleep study - Echocardiogram - 2nd sleep study - Pulmonology follow-up & CPAP prescription, 1st clearance - Cardiology follow-up, Echo reading, 1st clearance - CPAP fitting appointment - 6 months of supervised weight management program - Endoscopy - 3 weeks of life skills pre-op classes - 1st set of labwork - Health and weight history appointment with nurse practitioner - Psychology clearance - Pulmonology follow-up and 2nd clearance - Cardiology follow-up and 2nd clearance - 2nd set of labwork - Final medical clearance appointment with endocrinologist - Insurance approval - Pre-op appointment with surgeon Yet to be completed: - 2 weeks of pre-op Optifast diet - 3rd and final set of labwork

Thanks for the responses. Sheesh! I guess I had even more hoops than I thought. I'm all for being thorough in the interests of safety and health, but I'm feeling a little like there were some extra things tacked on there. Congrats on your July 1 date!! So exciting that July will be here before we know it

Greetings all! I'm Tara and I'm new. I just got my surgery date this week - July 15th! (which also happens to be my mom's birthday). I started the process last summer right after school got out, and spent the entire year fulfilling the lengthy list of pre-op requirements my program has. Thrilled to finally be moving forward, and so glad to have found a group that understands my nutty schedule, etc.

Hi Shelle! I'm Tara and I'm new here, too. I have a surgery date of July 15th (which is just about a year after I first started the pre-op requirement process, but apparently mine was more lengthy than most ). I also have a lot to lose, but know that we can do it if we take it one step at a time and keep coming back to the forums for information and support