MisforMimi

I'm sorry you were feeling sick. I actually think this is a common symptom of detox and fat being released around your liver and I'm glad wifey gave you a pass. And her request may not have registered to her as insensitive. But this did get me thinking about my role as personal chef in my home and what will be required without causing to much discombobulation in my home. Maybe I can switch duties or pick up some extra slack in other areas outside the kitchen because preparing food is when I typically consume the most unconscious calories.....I don't want to appear like narcissistic, that can rear it's ugly head during previous diets and weight loss attempts and my family is over me.

I just received a voice mail from my nurse case manager through Regence. I have survived my 6 month supervised weight loss program and my referral has been sent to the center of excellence that I choose. I should be receiving a call in 7 days to schedule my first consult. Holy Schnikes, batman! Sooooooo excited!

Besides the BGRNY being 1) considered THE gold standard for WLS with the most documented rate of weight loss and long term success rate 2) not indicated for people with GERD 3) an added bonus of malabsorption for those with serious carb/sugar craving addiction Why else would someone choose the bypass over the sleeve?? OK. Now that I put it like that, maybe I should consider the bypass a little bit more than I have.....

So proud of you! You seem to have an awesome self-concept and awareness to be 19. I would have an no way been ready for a process like this at 19, and my life would have been on an entire new trajectory. You will do well! I wish you luck on your journey!

Also, COBRA may be an option if everything else doesn't work.....Sounds like you've got options, tho. Keep us posted..

That's awesome. Congratulations on your success and coming out of the closet so to speak!

Alright, I hear ya. But, Maureen you can't put a number on misery. It can weigh in at 400 or 200. Yes ppl over 400 present with special challenges but don't go hatin, girl. We all in this together! I just had to get that out....and know that I'm supporting everybody 110%! I've been on the weight loss journey for a long time. I've lost 140# on my own in the past and still was the fat girl in yoga class! It is such a bummer! quote name="MaureenVA" post="3616224" timestamp="1412087861"]You guys hit the nail on the head. My last WLS information meeting bc every patient who stood up to tell her story talked about how awful they were at, say, 240 lbs and their life sucked. I'm starting my journey at 403lbs and dream of the day I'm 240! The lowest weight I ever remember being was 272. Though the struggle is real for us all, we "BBMI" folks have further challenges. Exercise is a challenge...bc movement is SO restricted. Machines weren't built for bodies like ours. Unless their names are Bob and Jillian, trainers have little experience with people of my size. It makes me feel like even more of an outcast. Like I'm too fat to be with the fat folks. I'm glad y'all spoke up. I feel less alone. I'm going to attempt to start a group/area just for us. If you're interested (even if you didn't/haven't replied to this post) message me and I'll invite you when it's all set up.

Wow! That is a clear example of why we need a single payor health system in the US! 9,000K difference in the same facility, same surgeon is shameful! Also, for folks that are taking advantage of flex spending accounts to cover out of pocket costs, it would be good to find out how that works out of the country. I'm waiting to the beginning of the year so I can increase my deduction to help with what I know is gonna be a stiff bill.

I think about all the crazy tactics I've used to loose weight in the past!!! I've survived on the Joe Cross juicing fad for 60 days, no solid food whatsoever! To anyone juicing, I think its good for certain things (and still juice vegetables only on occasion) but sustained weight loss is not one of them. Lost 40 pounds and gained back 80. I'm thinking I'll be well-equipped to get through whatever pre-op diet they assign. And how many people have done nutri-, opti, -slim, -fast etc etc??? and gained it all back??? I actually obese people have a lot of willpower. *

That is truly sad. I would be upset, too. Is a time frame that you have to meet? Are your eligible for other insurance plans like through a spouse's or parent's (not sure of your age) employment? Could you waive your health coverage and purchase your own? Or sign up for a healthcare exchange plan (Obamacare/Medicaid) for your state? Could take out a loan and be self-pay? You may have to start thinking out of the box...sorry.

Most surgery centers will not let you leave alone after surgery. You need an escort when leaving the same day for outpatient procedures. If you are staying a few nights inpatient its a different case. I would still think a ride would be advisable. Can you take a cab?

Brilliant idea! Cuz it'd gonna be mum's the word, except for my office mate....

Just finished my 6 month supervised diet, my insurance has sent my referral to the center of excellence that I chose....I'm hoping to go in January or sometime after the new year so my flex spending can cover out of pocket costs...

ahng in there...

Oh, I am a surgical coordinator (different specialty) and a physician/surgeon upping and leaving with no plan for patients does not surprise me one single bit. This happened to me just a few months ago. For some reason one of my surgeons was suddenly unable to operate at all, not even minor cases and procedures. It was my job as coordinator to figure what on earth to do with all these patients without having the details. Say it with me. "NIGHTMARE." Crazy things happen in the world of healthcare. That said, it sounds like your hospital has a insurance network for employees that included the hospital you worked in - not uncommon, especially in private settings. Good thing, bariatric surgery is NOT elective. If you've met the standards for approval, you should be given an in-network option through your plan. If may take time, DO NOT GIVE UP. This may not have been the path or direction you were intending and you have a lot of emotions (as one would) and security of having it all planned out. You will get this figured out in time.

Haters are confused fans! Always remember that. Sometimes what helps me is to practice comebacks when people say something mean or rude so I have them in arsenal when the time comes (but I'm Scorpio that way- always plotting the revenge). In the meantime find new friends and new people to hang out with until that person realizes she is really secretly truly, a jealous fan and can admit at least to herself with being hateful or spreading gossip.

5K! Adrenaline will be high. Plenty of people who signed to run will and vice versa. Do your thing! Good Luck!

Welcome!

Collar bones are sexy as hell! You go, girl!

Wow! It sounds like you have a lot going in your personal/family life that is going to be costly. It also sounds like this may not have been the time to look into plastic surgery, AND you totally didn't deserve that kind of treatment regardless of cost. What I didn't hear (trying to read between the lines) is any self-care going on. Time you you relax and unwind like a massage, pedicure, a mini spa day with a girlfriend. Sounds like you've had it up to here and need some serious decompression and "me time.". Nothing short of a miracle occurred in in your life and body....Try and regroup and see someone else that comes recommended by people you can trust.

OK. I made my target weight!!! I was under by 3 pounds! My chart notes go to the insurance company and they are sending the referral to my surgeon today!!!! Eeeek!!!

Hi Jane, Thanks for sharing your reasons. I think we need to be clear from the beginning this is not a "how to eat." I would just die if I we're locked in a room with people discussing that for an hour. I like the social aspect and some might appreciate it. I think fitness oriented is the way to go. Different levels of fitness can be involved in the same activity. I'm sure any materials are a launch point. I also think we'd have to make it clear, no sales. Multilevel marketing can really hijack a social group too! Support can come in many different forms. This forum/website could be viewed as a support group with people coming in and out as needed...I like that type of flexibility.

OK. Great. Bothell may appear to people points North. I found a list of rooms available for free or low cost. http://www.michaelhartzell.com/meeting-rooms-in-seattle-king-county/ If your option doesn't work, I'll go peeling through these. I also know of some cafes that have rooms. Glad you are willing to help. When I get to a computer, I will pm the folks interested in making this happen. I like the idea of doing one before the holidays start with family commitments and travel. Thanks again!

Is there a veteran on this list that would like to help organize this with me, I'm willing to co-chair, volunteer whatever. I am pre-op and it would be nice to have some diversity of experience involved in the planning process, just a thought. Alex asked ppl to PM him for details on how to start a local chapter and I also believe there is another thread somewhere on here about people from our area. If this has already been done by someone, again I'd love to help this move forward. As it stands, we are doing a very Pacific Northwest thing right now...saying it would be great to meet up with someone but never actually taking the steps to make it happen. I know that's how we typically roll, but let's change that!! I imagine it would be as simple finding a public space, cafe to meet starting with monthly or 6 meetings a year depending on level of interest. It would be nice to progress to hikes especially as the weather changes...(I like to hike in the fall). I think there is enough interest to do this and many who would find this sort of support helpful. I think a large meeting to start in Seattle and then break-aways can happen for folks more south or north or Island counties if the group is large enough. Who's in to help organize?

I'm at the end of my 6 month supervised weight loss and I was supposed to be at 258 by Thursday! I lost and hovered and gained and lost during this time and I am 1.8 pounds over my target mark. I'm having to do the dieting gymnastics to get there!!! Hopefully, I won't ever have to do that again. Just keep doing what you know to do and you will get there! Good Luck!