1Day1Life4Now

Hi MrsRRn. you've done well on your weight loss, congratulations. I live in Jackson, MS. I had skin cancer removed from a surgeon in Baton Rouge but can't for the life of me remember his name. He wouldn't be the one you need to see anyway as I know you will want a specialist for whatever PS you are having done. You are in the medical field, maybe one of your physician friends can recommend somebody. Wishing you lots of luck.

Rather than putting olive oil on the pita bread, you can slice each pita bread into 6 or 8 triangles. Spray non stick cooking spray on each side and lightly sprinkle fine Kosher or sea salt on the triangles. Bake in a 250 degree oven until crispy. Lower calorie and easier than getting out the grill.

Chris, can you give us some tips on what foods to eat, how to prepare them and how to stay focused on the program? Any help will be appreciated. Thanks

Adaisey, Do not waste your time trying to convince others. Spend your time focusing on what you need to do to get yourself healthy. Once you have started your journey and you are on your way to better health, and they all see how much happier you are.... they will all jump on the band wagon. You are an adult and you can make your own decisions regarding your health so you don't need their approval. Yes it would be much easier and more pleasant if everyone agreed with us and everyone supported our decision to have WLS but the fact is... you will never get everyone to agree with you or support you . Just do what needs to get done and those that care about you will start to support you . Good luck to you.

I have a friend who went to dr. Ponce de leon in November. She had a good experience with the doctor but the medical staff spoke no English. If you have an IPad you might want to download a translation AP to help you to communicate. I have always found it to be better to have someone with you in any hospital, American or otherwise. Everyone needs an advocate that will take care of their needs. Will the company facilitator be with you ? Good luck and hope you have a quick recovery to the surgery. Enjoy the sunshine and warm temps. I've heard some of the hospitals take you on day trips to the mall and to a few other places. Oh, someone did say the GasX was most important after surgery and the lip moisturizer helped a lot too. Again good luck to you.

Hi CB I also have fed BCBS. I'm still waiting on approval. Did they give you any reasons for the initial denials? What was the difference in what you submitted for your appeal and what the doctor submitted? I am concerned that they won't approve mine and I've been waiting for the last 3 months.

100 Kudos to you Lipstick Lady. That is an awesome accomplishment and you should be proud. Do the happy dance!!

Hi CK. wow, that was some experience. As they say... there is no place like home. I'm glad the overall experience was positive but hate you had to endure the personal and intimate mistreatment by the staff. I've heard the same at some of the other clinics down there but then there are others that had totally different experiences. I think it is more a cultural thing than anything else. I am hoping my insurance approves my surgery. If not I may be going to Mexico as well. I hope you have a quick recovery and a successful weight loss. Keep us updated on your progress.

Hi Liiarod, I haven't had my sleeve surgery yet but I have had numerous surgeries. Just stay calm and do what your medical team tells you do. they know what is best. Good luck to you and may you have a quick and easy recovery.

Mathboo, I hope it will be a speedy process for you. We could very well be having surgery at approximately the same time period if they are able to rush you through. You will have to do the psyche evaluation, nutrition visits, cardio visit, gastro, and sleep study so you should be able to get all of that done in January. Do you have two weeks for spring break? That would give you a good start on your healing process. I will definitely keep you apprised of everything. My surgery date is still tentative since we're still waiting insurance approval. I have federal BCBS and when I talked with them they said it would not be a problem if I completed all of the preliminary stuff. It seemed so far out but the time is going very quickly. I can't wait to get it over and start the losing process.

Hello MathBoo, I'm from Madison, Ms. I was in Oxford this past week. Are you having your surgery at North Ms Medical Center? Good luck on your first consultation. I am scheduled for Feb 11 in Jackson. Good luck to you.

LOL, Lipstick Lady... that would sure do it for me.

Hi Simpley_Ke, I am still pre-op so I don't know if I can help too much. I wanted to send you hugs. From all the research I've done and the folks I've chatted with, maybe its too early to force the Protein. Concentrate on getting the Water down these first few days so you don't get dehydrated. You may need some G2 Gatorade, that will add some fluids and electrolites. If you have the runs, give your tummy a rest... don't force that protein. I know some of the post sleevers will weigh in but I wish you lots of luck.

I've been on the 3 month pre surgery diet where I've given up sugar, carbonated drinks, and most everything they say we can't have. I've been pretty good and I'm losing the weight I was told to lose before surgery but... Even some of the healthy shakes do not agree with me and cause me to have bouts of diarrhea and then constipation. I went to a wedding yesterday and could not resist a small piece of wedding cake. Well, bad choice, big mistake. My daughter had to drive me to a service station and I was in the worst pain of my life. I thought I was going to die. I've not even had the surgery yet and my stomach is already rejecting foods. How will I ever survive after surgery? Has anybody else had this problem??

I'm no genealogist but the 2nd degree, 3rd degree etc just means how many generations removed they are from you in the family line. I don't know why anyone would use those terms in general conversation. A cousin is a cousin and if they are too far away in the lineage... they're just a distant relative. I say just keep it simple and move on.

Hi SLK248, I am from Mississippi and would love to share journeys with you. I am a professional woman, married with 2 adult children and scheduled for the Sleeve Feb. 11th. My highest weight was 260 and my current weight is 250 but I hope to lost 10 or 15 more pounds by surgery date. I am 5'4" and hoping to get down to 130. I am not too concerned about the numbers, just very motivated to get to a healthy weight and be able to buy clothes in a smaller cuter size. Good luck to everyone.

Congratulations. I have to say, I was crying happy tears for you just imagining the possibilities for myself. Keep up the good work and work those size 14 jeans!!!!

I am scheduled for mid February. Can't wait. I still have a few hurdles to complete in January but I will get it done. I am sooo focused, this is all I can think about. Good luck to everyone.

Hi Cupoflojo, I am 5'4", and I weighed 260 starting my pre-diet. I have lost 10 pounds so far so I'm at 250, and will have my surgery in February 2014. I am hoping to lose at least another 10 + by surgery date. I was a 42DDDD but had a breast reduction about 10 years ago. (Not sure how that will play out once I lose all the weight, LOL) That big bust thing was sooo over rated. I have a big bootie but narrow hips, and in my younger years I was described as hour glass-ish. Now I feel like a blob. As soon as I can figure out how to post pictures I will do so. By looking at your pics, we look very similar in body type. I have to admit, I've spent a lot of time on utube looking at Sleevers who were the same weight and height so I could just get a mental picture of what success could look like. It is certainly a motivator for me. I wish you luck and would be honored to be a friend and support system.

Oh Farmgirl, you really do need a hug. Sending them to you!!! Do you have a girlfriend or a neighbor you could call to help wrap those presents and take that pressure off of you? Sometimes teenage girls will do that for a little bit of cash. As a mom of grown children I understand the pressure you put on yourself about doing it all and making it a wonderful Christmas. Well guess what? No matter what you do or don't do.... it will be Christmas. I will be making a pot of Gumbo for our Christmas because I am depressed and not up to the festivities of norm. Maybe you could just put a big pot of Soup or stew on and let that be it. It's not what you eat, or what presents are there. Its all about enjoying and loving one another. Its time your boys understood that you are not Superwoman. I know losing our moms is so difficult. I lost mine 15 years ago and I still want to pick up the phone to call her and I still see things in the store I want to buy her... I am sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself and I am sure in a couple of weeks you will feel like a new woman, but till then... get your strength back. Oh, and you might want to have a heart to heart talk with your sons and explain everything to them. They don't understand your limitations right now so you have to articulate that to them. I am sure they will understand once it is presented to them and you've hit them up side the head a couple of times. Merry Christmas and wishing you a better new year.

As one of the previous posters stated, start with one of the University Hospitals in your state. They are set up for helping people that can't pay. I wish you the best.

SBailey, the key is absolutely to start NOW. I have been on my mandatory supervised 3 month diet. I gave up caffeine, carbonated drinks and am sticking to my diet. I have a Protein drink for Breakfast, one for lunch and I eat a healthy supper. It was difficult getting started but now it is so much easier. I feel better, and If I try to cheat... my stomach knows it and retaliates against me. LOL Think about why you are doing this surgery. This operation is just part of the process, the other part is you sticking to a diet. So you have to wrap your mind around that NOW so you can do it after surgery. Nothing worth doing is easy so keep your eye on the prize and do what you know you need to do.

After 7 years of researching this surgery, I settled on the Sleeve because it best fit my needs. When I first started going to the seminars, the sleeve was not being offered and the RNY and band seemed so invasive that it scared me so I just waited. When I started reading about the sleeve and the success people were having, I knew it was for me. My surgeon has done all of the surgeries but just recently has become very reluctant to do the band. She stated that of all the surgeries she has done, only the band has offered complications and some of those were several years out. She really didn't say anything positive about the band in our meeting so I know she was steering me away from that particular surgery. Do your research and see what works for you, along with your Doctor's input. Everyone is different and so are their experiences. Good luck in what ever you choose. I've not had my surgery yet but will be in February. Can't wait to get my sleeve.

Maybe its just me but I don't think it is ever TOO MUCH INFORMATION ...in this forum anyway. This is all stuff we need to hear and share. Its not like anybody else would understand our feelings about these things. Its so nice that people can be themselves .... we all have anxiety and well, it just holds us back from living our lives. Thanks to all of you who are willing to put it out there for the rest of us.

I also complete my last nutrition visit for the 3 month supervised diet on January 13th, 2014. My surgery should be in February if all goes well. We're shooting for the 11th or 18th but as with all things.... its subject to change. I wish everyone good luck and positive results.