bormannk

When you realize you do not have to buy clothes in the "plus size" stores Officially a size 14! Woop Woop!

Hi Jacksmimi - how are you doing? You and I have the same surgery date, so I am extra curious to know how you are doing!

I had surgery on June 5th! SW was 263, CW is 219, down 44 lbs since surgery- last week I am completely stalled, but it happens! Doing fantastic 27 days out of the month and struggling terrible on hormonal days - it's like there is a monster inside of me that lives to eat. I resist most of the time, but I suffer! LOL I usually have cottage cheese or an egg and bacon or paleo almond flower pancakes (well one 2 inch pancake) for breakfast; Lunch will be grilled fish, or chicken or tuna - usually straigh lean proteins and dinner is the same. Virtually no carbs or sugar - I am actually mostly Paleo (with exception of the Cottage Cheese which is too great in protein to pass it up!). I eat sashimi a lot and a lot of grilled tilapia.. Those are my go to foods.

That is a lot of exercise! I have days - specially hormonal driven days - where my appetite is much healthier than my new post sleeve normal - I drink a lot of Water and I really try to be mindful and identify if the hunger is real or if it's me tired/bored/sad, etc. If I do eat more, I will eat 4 oz then wait about an hour and have some more. You may want to increase the number of healthy meals on days you work out that much - I mean, likely you are burning more than you are actually eating on 10miles plus kick boxing - That is great, but be aware of burning out

This post was incredibly helpful to me. I was concerned that I was not losing fast enough, but I now see I am within the average. I have not started working out regurlarly mostly because I was told by my surgeon's nut I could only eat 3 meals a day and naturally only 4 oz. So when I work out I get ravenous - I am meeting with another NUT and will begin my work out this month. Anyway, here are my stats :-) HW: 279 SW:263 CW:219 M1 -21 M2 -13 M3 -10 Highest size 22 - Current size 14 Thank you again for the great posts!

My only regreat is that I didn't do it sooner. I had surgery 3 months ago on Friday. I can't say I was nervous, I was just so excited and I had done so much research and waited so long that i was just ready to cross that threshold! Surgery went well although due to my VERY HIGH BMI a second surgeon was needed to assist. My surgery was performed using the Da Vinci machine, 5 little incisions. I woke up a few hours later with awful dry mouth - SO THIRSTY, that was the worst of all. Pain I was expecting, but they kept me pretty drugged up. My friends had a real good time watching me make no sense at all. Surgery was on Thursday morning and I went home Saturday mid day. My experience was fantastic. Sure I had pain, but you expect a certain level of discomfort. I think it took about 7 days before the bloatness (they pump you full of air) started to subside and the incisions healed up real nice, although the main incision (where they remove the stomach though) was the last to heal and certainly caused muscle pain in the area, which lasted a bit longer. But again, I was expecting pain, although was not only bearable, after two days at home I no longer needed any major pain meds, just aleve for the muscle pain. No nausea. I had no problem drinking my water quota - 64 oz a day, although it took concentrated effort and good timing! I can say I was back at work on day 6 and by day 10 I was feeling like a pro - I sit behind a desk - so no efforts there, and driving within a week. The hardest part was really the liquid diet. I was ready for some consistency and varied flavors.. My first week I was highly concerned with my protein intake and paranoid - I was online comparing myself to others - PLEASE DO NOT DO THAT - many doctors drill down no less than 60-80 grams of protein, but my surgeon/NUT were not that worried at all. I was only allowed one 4 oz serving of protein shake. By week two I was over that and stuck by what my NUT/DOC said. I can't say I was entirely sold on only 3x 4oz meals a day, but I have been sticking to it! I felt so good that there were times I wondered if the doctor really removed 2 thirds of my stomach.. But every meal I had reminded me that he had - 5 little bites and I was stuffed. I did not stick to the foods progression plan after 3 weeks. I skipped the phase 2 blended food stages altogether. By week 3 I was adding soft, mushy fish, scrambled eggs and other soft proteins. Just a tiny amount and some definitely didn't work and came right back up. I never lost the pleasure of eating, although I had little to no hunger. I got to enjoy foods I would not indulge on otherwise, now that I ate so little I could afford it - like expensive salmon and Shark, and I even had a filet mignon, but honestly I don't feel the same way about red meats. The last meat to introduce was chicken - that is sort of dry. But I enjoyed being able to eat my proteins. I did not eat much in a way of carbs at all. I actually decided to go Paleo, not because I couldn't but because first priority is protein and when you only eat 12 oz of food a day, you better make sure you are eating the right foods. I had my first glass of wine at 2 months out and I did NOT get tipsy or drunk, but I also took an hour with that one little glass of wine. I rarely drink, as I think my liver deserves a break - it needs to break down all my fat! LOL I have been seeing a counselor and attending a eating disorder support group, because I knew the honeymoon would not last forever and I needed to have the right support when I started to fall back into old mental habits. I have tried to be very proactive about this and see if from a 3 dimensional perspective. It's not just about the eating and the losing weight, it's about the emotional relationship with food and the fear of failure all of us, professional dieters feel. We failed so many times that we are just waiting for the other shoe to drop when things are going well - to which my counselor gently reminds me - BE MINDFUL. Eat mindfully. My counselor does rock! My first melt down was actually yesterday ( be happy I didn't write yesterday) From surgery day - 3 months ago to today, I have lost 44 lbs, gone from a size 20/22 to a comfortable size 14, and lost a combined 20 inches. Naturally, that is not enough for me - I want to lose it ALL by tomorrow.. So when I completely fell off the NO SUGAR wagon and had a very small piece of the most amazing chocolate cake ever made by man - I went in panic mode. I had no control over that hormonal induced craving... That was the first time since surgery that I felt I was not in control. It was awful. Pre menstrual and very tired, all i wanted to do was eat sweets and salty snacks. Which I have not done since memorial day. I can't tell you how awful I felt and how much I cried. But remember I can only really fit 4-5 oz of food at the time, so even on my worst day, the weakest and unhealthy, I still lost .4 lbs... Thank you Banana!!! - (as I call my sleeve) By this morning and after a good night sleep and a good cry, I woke up back to my new normal. Not starving, not craving the worst foods and not hating myself for being human. I got my power back (screw you hormones!) The road to post surgery success is not a straight line. It can be confusing, and zig zag on you. (You WILL lose a lot of hair) It will be filled with plateaus and desappointment due to unrealistic expectations, and it will rock your world, because it doesn't change who you are at all. No surgery does that, although many people think that losing weight is the answer to all ailments - But it will be filled with empowerment and non surgery successes of all kinds, it will give you hope and lift you up! I can wear bracelets and watches now - they fit loosely I can wipe my own butt without being a contortionist (sorry but I was that big) I can paint my toe nails and shave my legs again I can fit behind the wheel with plenty of room to spare I sleep much better I no longer hide from cameras! I am not hot all the time. My internal thermostat has adjusted itself My cholesteral is under 200 for the first time in 20 years (163 actually) I can see my colar bones I have a waist! (who knew?) I also have a knee, an ankle and you can actually see them. I enjoy shopping again - my teen loves that! And the list goes on and on.. So if you ask me what is my biggest regreat about having Gastric Sleeve surgery? it's that I didn't do it sooner. If you have been through surgery, would love to hear about your experience. And if you have not yet, I wish you the best of luck and much success on your journey! Mindfully, Karen

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!! Woohoo!!!

Hi Rena, I will be sending good vibes your way. I can only imagine how frustrating, I am so sorry I am not sure why your insurance would do that, I hope it all gets figured it out. Please do keep us posted. I would really like to hear how this turns out. I have faith! Karen

Hi Gracefulrayne, I am so happy to talk to someone else who may experience the same as me! Dr. Ringold is my primary care physician and best friend's good friend and surgeon and he came highly recomended. As far as costs, I have BCBSAL - and my coverage is 80%/20% - They pay 80%, I pay 20%. I was told my portion of Dr. Ringold's cost would be about $477 if I am not mistaking - maybe a little more, but not much. I was also told I would pay 20% of the tests and the anesthisiologist as well as the Hospital. Seems the exams and the anesthesiologist would be billed afterwards. The hospital is the part that is more concerning. The hospital will not, under any circumstance tell me what the surgery will cost, they say it could be between $16,000. and $30,000, so my portion could be $3,200 to $6,000... That is a big difference. Of course it depends if your insurance is the same. Why are you scared? What is it that concerns you?

On January 15h I will be going to my 4th appointment with my primary doctor. It will be another bad appointment... I spend Christmas with my daughter in Phoenix, AZ and we ate a LOT. We are all experienced cooks and her husband is a gourmet cook. And eat is what we do - We eat to celebrate, we eat because we love it - truly enjoy it - and whenver I come to visit them, which happens once or twice a year, everyone cooks their specialty and we eat enough to last us the whole year. As I read "Beyond the Refrigerator" I see myself on those pages. I know my weight problem is more than just lbs on a scale - there is an eating disorder there. An eating disorder that I have passed on to my daughter, who seems now to struggle just as much as I do. The worst thing about our eating disorder is that no matter how big or small we are at a given time - we just can't see it. We "Feel" fat regardless and we allow that to dictate how we feel about ourselves, what kind of mood we are in that day, what we wear, where we go - if we go... My daughter is about 30 lbs overweight since the baby (He's 18 months) as she is still nursing him (Attachment Parenting). But she might as well be 130 lbs overweight as awful as she feels all the time. It's really heartbreaking to see her anguish and pain and to know I have (as a single parent) taught her to be that way. That is all she knows. I know it's time for optimism and positive thoughts and New Year Resolutions but all I think about is how my choices have affected my girls in the past and how my future choices/ Surgery/ Weight loss will affect them in the future. I know there is no point in worrying and pre ocupying myself, but my heart is not at peace for them. Anyway - I am going to begin a low carb, high protein regimen this weekend (when I can get to the grocery store) and work on those 13-20 lbs weight loss I need to accomplish pre-surgery.

Hi LuminousLife - What have you been able to drink besides water since day 7? Do you have any feeling of hunger at all? I really do appreciate your daily posts!

I know this post is older, but I really just wanted to say THANK YOU for listing those things!!! Unless you go though it you can't really understand how AWFUL it is to not be able to tie your shoes, do a simple pedicure or put on a pair of boots. I miss being able to cross my legs when I sit and pick up my purse from the floor of the car.. I am so happy for you! I have about 4-5 months to go before I can have surgery, due to my Insurance requirements (6 months medical supervised weight loss) and I tatter between fear and incredible excitement! Thanks for posting this!

That is such a brilliant post! Thank you - I am a few months away from mine and the longer the wait the more time to worry - and your post just really helped me :-) I wish you continued success and nothing but happiness and joy!

Congratulations!!!!!! Woop Woop! Best luck to you!

Hi dylanmiles, I am not doing either :-( actually in the last two weeks. I probably need to take the measurements, that is a great idea. My doctor didn't give me a plan, just told me to eat 1200 calories a day.. for bkfst I eat oatmeal and ceral all under 200 calories.. perhaps I should give up dinner and replace with the shake - which one would you suggest? That may help! My biggest issue is my mind. I am so busy all the time and never take time to plan things like this out. I am making the appropriate personal changes in order to change that.

Hi Luminous - I am new to the site and I have no idea how i could have overlooked your posts! thank you for doing this.

How do I begin? I am on the 3rd month of the 6 months insurance required supervised weight loss program. I saw my doctor in October and went on a 1200 calorie diet. I got the My pal fitness app and logged away all the foods I ate. My first week was so hard I couldn't stay with 1200, but by week 3 I was on track (I never ate more than 2000 calories in a giving day and it was not often) Because of my weight I should've been able to lose 2 lbs per week eating 1700 calories, but I did 1200. A month later I had lost 1 lbs. ONE LB. I walked out of there pretty upset and have not opened that app and have really not tried at all. My 3rd app is tomorrow and I am not looking forward to it. I feel like this isn't really happening. Somehow it does not feel real. When I think about it hard, I get really very scared. Not of the procedure itself per se, but what it will do with the dynamic of my life, my family. But the thought of not doing anything about it is even scarier. I know I am stuck. I have spoken to the insurance expert at my surgeon's office (in a panic) about my chances of qualifying for the surgery and she was pretty confident. She laughed and said. "I've worked with your insurance - I know what they need. You meet every criteria and with your BMI, trust me, they can't deny you". Then why does losing weigh seem as much as an unachieveable dream as winning the lottery?

Hi Brazilian - I am a Brazilian from AL! Did you have to do the 6 months Dr. Supervised Weight Loss program in order to be elegible for this surgery? If so, how did you do? I went on my first visit in October/13 and tomorrow will be my 3rd, of 6 needed months. Still feels like a dream that will never come even though the Insurance coordinator with my Dr. Office has reassured me that I am more than eligible because of my co morbid conditions and BMI. I am wishing you all the best and looking forward to your posts and experience.

How much water are you driking? are you taking all your vitamins as well?

Lumious, where have you been? It's been a week - Tell us how you are.

Hey Rena - When will you know the result of your appeal? I am sending prayers your way and hope it goes quick. I can imagine how you are feeling but I know you will figure out a way to make it work. I am pretty nervous about being elegible too, and I called my doctor's insurance specialist. She reviewed my files again and assured me I should have no problems becuase of my over 50 BMI history for the last 4 years, but since I do not have a weight on records for 2012, I am still worried (Even though worry will not help me at all). Let me know how things are going !

Lyndy, thanks for putting into words exaclty how I feel... I have the same thougths - wish I could sleep though it, make it go faster.. We seem to have a lot in common - I am on month 3rd (December). During the month of October I did a 1200 cal diet - ate small portions and mostly fish and veggies - and lost 2 lbs in 30 days. I was so upset that ever since I haven't even tried and I am sure I have gained. Now it's time for my 3rd app with my doctor and I know it will not be a good appt. I am really upset at myself. I appreciate the advice below about staying away from Rice, Pasta, bread and sugar. that makes about 60% of my meals. I really do not like meat very much at all so that is my go to. Clearly I need to re thinkg this. Maybe you and I could work though it together!

Hi Rena I am sorry it's taken me so long to reply. I am baffled about the response you received. That is really awful of them. Are you requesting re evaluation or are you jsut going to go to Mexico? Basically they wait until you are in a real bad shape before approving. And a diet followed by a nutricionist is ten times better since they are trained for that. It makes no sense. I am sorry. What is your next step? Wishing you the best of luck!

Oh No Rena!! Why??? did they explain why? That is such BS... I am really sorry to hear that - what is the process to appeal?

Well, you and I have the same insurance... does your 2013 says everything is 80/20 for Bariatric or are you being 100 cover after copays?