Brighteyes

Way to go!

The few co-workers I have told have been surprisingly supportive as well. It's great when people surprise you!

If you think an appeal is worth doing then do it! Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself. I started to see a therapist before I even knew I wanted weight loss surgery. I haven't been on meds (personal choice). I have been treated for mood disorder (depression and anxiety) and PTSD. My therapist is also making me keep a mood journal because she believes I might be bi-polar II. She is using EMDR and talk therapy to help me out and it's made a significant difference. My 530 question test showed I had low level anxiety and depression (no surprise there). The psychologist was insistent that I should be medicated but I reminded him that he wasn't the best person to make that decision. He also had some other disorder diagnosis to which I replied 'I am sure if there is something I slightly struggle with then there is some disorder diagnosis to go with it.' I intentionally redirected our conversation multiple times to 'how this would effect my ability to be successful in surgery.' In the end he cleared me as long as I had a letter from my therapist supporting the fact that I could be successful for surgery. Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself.

I am still pre-op but had some fitness goals I wanted reach prior to surgery. I found a personal trainer and work out with her at home. If I could have found someone to work out with then I would head to a gym. So until I do the personal trainer was the best thing for me.

I love crossfit! I started it two weeks ago (still pre op). But today I noticed I wasn't as winded walking around, I've had more energy than normal and my back hasn't been bothering me as much. My whole core feels stronger. Still a month out from surgery, but hoping this change will help me recover a little easier.

Ditto on asking. My surgeon explained each step of the procedure to me with a photo portfolio he kept. Nothing was left to the imagination and it made me feel well informed.

Sounds like you are on a roll! Way to go on quitting smoking too! It will only help the healing process and you'll feel a lot better once you have stopped for awhile.

I have BCBS federal. It specifically says I have to do 3 months consecutive visits with my PCP for supervised weight loss. The PCP can't be associated with the surgical facility doing my surgery. It's a tough blow. I have had a few set backs myself because of a bad PCP so I understand how disheartening it can be. Talk to your insurance company, have them go over the requirements with you over the phone and send you a copy of your benefits package that explains your coverage. Good thing is you'll still get to have the surgery even if its not when you wanted.

Here is my philosophy of pain meds. Being in pain causes stress to the body and thus hindering the healing process. So take the pain meds the doctor prescribes to take the edge off. You'll be fine. You've survived so much already.

I paid my $25 co-pay for my pre-surgical consult. I haven't had anymore fees and I am finished with all my pre-surgical requirements.

I have consistently heard from multiple people that it generally takes three days. My doc office tells me 7-10 days. Haven't submitted yet so I don't know for sure.

My surgeon, Dr Spaw at St Thomas at Midtown in Nashville, referred me. He told me about this site at my first surgical consult and highly recommended I get plugged in.

Way to go!

I love the idea of pumpkin spice....I am going to have to pick some up today....love most anything pumpkin. Thanks for sharing!

I get plain non-fat Greek yogart. I put local honey, lemon juice or stevia in it.

I use to ride professionally! I evented and got to train in dressage in Germany. Getting back on my competition horse is a big reason I am doing this. Such a great goal!

Quick update...made it to the hospital for both my appointments. In the cafeteria now waiting for my last appointment for the day. Only wish....is that the Starbucks was still open. Might go for a walk to burn off this nervous energy before my last appointment.

I am struggling a little bit today, so I wanted to take a minute to remind myself of what I have to look forward to. I promised myself that once I hit my weight goal I would take a trip back to Europe. I haven't been there in several years. I want to be able to get around and not be the token 'fat American.' What reward do you have planned once you hit your weight loss goal?

In between taking a bite of food, set your silverware down and chew your food. Only after you swallow, pick up your silverware and take another bite. Hope that helps.

I just think my anxiety is getting the best of me. My emotions are all over the place today.