Ellie_Grace

Congrats on the msw I just got mine in 2009 and just completed my 3500 hours in Prep of lcsw test. Just not able to study right now it seems like my brain is mushy . What field of sw are you focusing on? I love the mental health field

My insurance required all people to do the 6 month diet. It is according to your specific insurance and sometimes the heavier you are some insurances require it but not for someone not quite so large. Best thing is to either call your insurance carrier and/or talk to the insurance person at the surgeon's office. When I saw the nurse practioner (actually I just saw the surgeon) he agreed I was a candidate for the surgery and had the papers submitted. I had already done all the testing, 6 month diet, psych eval, endosocopy, etc before I was even allowed to see the surgeon (per my insurance requirements). Then my surgery was approved, surgery scheduled, did pre-op testing and no pre-op diet and went into surgery. But you will find everyone had a different journey and requirements, so best to check with your insurance and surgeon. Good luck!

normally psychiatrists do not do psych evals as their expetise is medicine perscriptions. Normally you will see either a psychologist or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) (I'm a clinical social worker working on getting my license) Just check to make sure your insurance accepts whomever you end up choosing.

Haha I have to laugh because I just had to get mine reprinted and was annoyed cause they would not do a new License and now I weigh 25 or more pounds less than my license (which was at least 10 pounds less than my actual weight). What an awesome feeling and way more to lose, and next year when it is expires it will be a whole lot less of me to have a picture of and I can be honest about my weight! wooohoo.

I went back to work after two weeks. The first week back was realy difficult as I was totally exhausted. I now have been back for two weeks and feel back to normal. I havea desk job, sort of. I run group therapy sessions and attend multi-disciplinary teams and do individual counseling etc as well as tons of typing at my computer, at a state hospital for sex offenders. I am a clinical social worker. It is doeable but do not expect to be back to normal and I found myself drifting off in front of my computer, HAHA. Just be patient with yourself.

It appears I have some kind of stomach bug. I keep getting cramps in waves. My husband had the same thing yesterday (or I would be freaking out that it was something else). I'm one month post op barely getting in enough calories or liquids so this is not what I needed! How bad is it to get this right now? Hubby was throwing up eventually but I've yet to get that. But I'm miserable and having to miss more work -sigh. Really need to save my time off from work because my sister is in the final stages of uterine cancer so I need to be there later. Have so much on my mind and this just makes it worse!! How do I get through this without things getting worse? I know I sound like a baby but I'm so frustrated and worried! Ellie

Best of luck for a safe surgery and speedy recovery and don't forget to get up and walk ASAP

Welcome it's always exciting to get new members! This is one active supportive group of people and I hope you find the support you need

Welcome and congrats on your choice and best of wishes for a safe surgery and speedy revovery! We will be here to support you throughout this journey so keep us posted

Totally!! Everyone is at a different place on their journey so we celebrate everyone's successes and support them through their issues! Pre- op or post- op

Awesome job and it just gets better!

Anyone know a good wii fit workout DVD? I need one a beginner can do but allows me to grow with it. Kinda want to make use of my wii fit board. Lol

Looking really good there John!

Congrats this week will just fly by yet drag at the same time. LOL enjoy your last week and be ready for this life changing event. Before you know it you'll be a one month post op bragging about your weight loss!

Start weight 261 Surgery date 6/7/12 - 250 Current weight- 226 (gained a pound since yesterday- WTH -- again?) I did this 2 weeks ago then lost no weight for a week- this is getting frustrating!! Loss since surgery 24 pounds -1 month since surgery

Congrats!! That's awesome

So how is everyone doing that had their surgeries last month? I am I month in two days and doing ok. My biggest issue is not being able to tolerate room temp water, but I'm figuring that out with ice chips, shaved ice and frozen water water bottles. I've lost 24 pounds since surgery so far. Was hoping for 30 but I'm not complaining! I am still not dropping sizes like I expected either - that frustrates me more. Was size 24 and now I can wear some size 22 tops and rare bottoms. That's after an over 35 pound loss total - go figure!

Jackie you look beautiful and that is one adorable little boy you are holding in your arms. What's his name and age? Such a cute picture.

Keep us posted and will send positive thoughts and prayers your way.

Congrats! what a great feeling that must be, it feels so far away for me, but I know its not, but its hard to believe that actually hitting that mark is a real possibility. Always expect to fail still. When does that go away? haha

Hope it gets better soon. This must be very disheartening and frustrating for you. Keep your eye on the future goal and realize that this will soon pass and soon you will look back from the perspective of a healthy thinner you.

I'm almost 4 weeks out (surgery 6/7) and have lost 23 pounds. Was stuck for a week with no weight loss (2 pound gain) but started moving this last week, so yay!

Ray- I was in a week stall but I am moving again so that's nice. Down to 229 from 231 on 22 June. Yes I can't seem to drink plain Water unless it's ice cold! Ice chips are my friend but we don't have an ice maker. At work i cant get ice cold water and im gone for 11 hrs- so staying hydrsted is going to be an issue! I think we might buy a shaved ice maker and use ice cubes. Might even look for sugar free sryups. But I hate and I mean I hate with a passion artificial sweeteners. Not sure what to do about that right now! Starting total normal diet this week so trying to plan for that but so afraid to hit another stall - which happened after I started soft food on 6/22. but I do want to eat something normal ish for the fourth, maybe grilled shrimp. How are things going for you? You see the dr yet? Keep us posted!! Our thoughts are with you as you try to figure this out!

I went through ALSA as well but my Dr was Ghiassi . I know there are a few of us on here who used ALSA what a small world. I live in Fresno and work I'm Coalinga. Welcome!!