roundisashape

I'm so sorry you're dealing with all this right now. It's a lot for anyone, and I admire the fact that you're still doing what you need to do to stay healthy. You're in my thoughts.

It took 3 tries to read this article, because I kept getting distracted by the thought of giving a mouse a sleeve - how would you even DO that!

Well, that worked - I mentioned switching hospitals. Got two calls back and an email response today.

Thanks, I hadn't considered going through the insurance company! My next step was definitely to try to arrange my work schedule to be able to stop by the office and stand there like a brick wall until I get an answer, though. In the meantime, I signed up for an information session at GBMC. I don't see why I can't port my information over there if they're going to be more responsive. Truth, I'm sorry you're having a rough time and I hope you find a good answer to your questions - I'm still fighting to GET surgery so I don't have much to contribute there.

Has anyone else had trouble with communications at Hopkins Bayview recently? They were really responsive early on, but I've been trying to get a simple (but relevant) question answered since April. Rotating emails and phone calls a couple times per week, no one ever answers and none of my messages have been returned. It's definitely making me wonder if I'm going to be able to get the surgery before I have to start all over again. It also makes me really apprehensive about having surgery here now. They've got some of the best surgeons around, but if something happens, am I going to be able to reach them? I'm finishing up my last two requirements in the next couple of weeks, and I'm just not sure how to proceed...or if I'll even have a choice in the matter since I don't know what's causing the lack of responsiveness.

I chose "other" - my insurance DOES cover surgery, but I'm already behind just keeping up with copays and stuff the insurance didn't cover up to this point.

I was struck by something your friend said and just have to say - your body is your body, not a social statement. I'm sorry she's being a nutball, as long as you're doing what's right for you and your health then whatever issues she has are her own.

That's actually great - you were smart enough to start down this road before you felt bad! I was just thinking this morning how insidious the obesity monster is. Going from being fat but fine, to realizing that it's harder to move and things that used to be possible aren't anymore, and not really able to identify exactly when that happened - I sure wish I'd started the process sooner! I'd probably respond with a smile and an, "I'm happy with my accomplishment so far"

::hugs:: I don't have any firsthand experience with what you're going through, but wanted to wish you the best. Did you have trouble keeping your sugar under control early after surgery?

You handled it 1000% better than I would have...I would have either cried or told her to fly a kite. Congratulations on your success, and I wish you the best!

Great job! I really admire the work you've put into the process

I could come chase you if you want Seriously, though - if you can get a trainer that might help, even if it's just for a few sessions. My gym sells personal training in packages, and I'd kinda stopped showing up for a while. I bought a package of 6 sessions when they went on sale, and I feel like a complete jerk if I cancel on her...plus, if you just don't show up, you don't get your money back. At least it gets me in the door, and once I'm there I'm more likely to do stuff. Sometimes we need a carrot, sometimes we need a stick, lol.

Thanks, cja! I've been there so I definitely know what you're experiencing . Glad to have a new friend!!

Hi cja! Congratulations, losing 49 pounds in 6 weeks is pretty impressive! I read what you wrote, and all I could think about was how horrible my own decisions are when I'm not getting enough sleep. It seems like correcting the insomnia might be even more important that correcting the snacking, and it might be worth talking to the doc about. In the meantime it might be worth taking a look at your activity - are you getting enough, and when? Is there something very low calorie you can keep around if you can't control the snacking? Sometimes I go through bouts of it and downloaded a boring word game to my phone - when I wake up, I stay in bed and play that for a few minutes and it knocks me back out pretty quickly. You'll get it figured out, I know you will!

I'm an apple, too, and have trouble with the leg holes on most swimsuits. Woman Within (online) has one that looks like a loose tan top with a skirt, but there are shorts underneath instead of the usual swim bottoms. it's the only suit I've ever found that leaves me feeling comfortable, and i wear it to Water classes every week. Good luck with your search!

I LOVE hearing all the stories from people who made this leap and are off their meds and feeling good! I'm not blind to the risks, but just knowing it's possible makes me happy . Maxcimax - people are hitting the hundred year mark all the time and you might easily have 30+ years left in you (and I'll tell you what, if I don't do it now, I won't see 70). I agree, if you can fix it and be comfortable and active, go for it!

Thanks, everyone! I'm grateful to have a place to go to let off some steam when people get my goat .

Recycled, actually, I did wind up taking the passive aggressive, "well, I guess I just don't have your motivation, then" exit from the conversation. Not actually angry about it so much as it took me by surprise today - and I don't do well with that! Thanks, Roo! I know I won't be the sideshow act here any longer than it takes for something more interesting to come up. I think they solidified my decision more than anything, by making me say it out loud. The fact that I COULD defend my decision let me know that I'm actually ready! And Kathleen, I'm so happy to hear you and Roo both mention how you're in less pain now. That makes me happy for you, and excited for me. It'll be one to mark on the calendar the first time I wake up and don't feel like my feet are broken.

Two previously supportive coworkers tag-teamed me with their opinions today. Came out of nowhere. I figured it would happen at some point, but I'm still frustrated. Oh well - I was falling asleep and now I've been annoyed awake...at least I'll be productive the rest of the day. This was all the usual stuff. Just eat 1500 - no, 1800 calories. Eat every 2 hours. Low carb. No, no carb. No carb is good. Don't waste the money on surgery. Eat broccoli and boiled chicken. After surgery you'll have to diet, why not do it now? Blah blah blah and some more blah. One of them is my size, getting larger, and in denial about it. Stuffs herself into her clothes like a sausage in a casing and won't admit to being over 200 pounds. She goes through wild swings. One day you can offer her something and she goes off the deep end at you about how she's on a diet and isn't eating crap like that - the next day she's stuffing rolls and M&M's in her piehole hand over fist. The other one, I'm very proud of - she's about a size 4 now and used to be >250 pounds, and did it via the "boiled chicken" method with boot camps twice per day. Good for her. But her way isn't the only way, and being on the other end of a lecture from a sanctimonious ex-fatty who thinks her answers are the only answers is not my idea of a fun way to spend the afternoon. I'm having this surgery because I'm 36 and 300 pounds. I've been fat my entire life. My knees hurt. My feet hurt. My blood pressure is poorly controlled. I want babies before I'm too old to raise them. I. Don't. Want. To. Die. And anyone who thinks they're going to talk me out of doing something to save my life can kiss my fat a$$ for as long as I still have it. Rant, over.

I'm sorry you've had such a stressful few months! Hopefully things will calm down for you soon. AmyV is right on the money, a doc or nutritionist might be able to help with some tips. In the meantime, if you're really not up to eating more, would you be comfortable adding more liquid calories - say in the form of an extra Protein shake or something every day?

I'm not the right one to answer the question, but if you add those to the weight does it make that much difference? Sounds like it might not add much, but I haven't picked up a scale yet and don't have any perspective on what those things might weigh.

If you mean at the very first info session, it probably varies by location - I got a folder with an explanation of each of the surgeries they offered, the surgeons profiles, next steps, a contact sheet to fill out and some information about other services the hospital offered (like their 6 month program, studies available for participation, etc)

My instinct would be to take the job so there would be something good to come back to - plus, those opportunities don't come up every day! Before you make any final decisions, you might want to check with your insurance company. I believe mine gives 1 year after meeting their requirements (the 6 month supervised weight loss attempt, etc) to get the surgery before I'd have to start all over again. Some give more or less, and you wouldn't want to be in a position of having to start from scratch if you miss their deadline by a few weeks.

She really didn't look healthy at all - I know the money is a big motivator, but wow. When they left the ranch, she looked fit and healthy.

I am so sorry!