SugarFreeMe

I haven't had my surgery yet, but I started Biotin already. Went thru menopause a couple of years ago and started loosing my hair with that, the Biotin definitely helped. My surgeon says Protein and Biotin are your best option to minimize loss. It does take a bit of time to start helping, that's why I'm starting now.

Good Luck and congratulations on your journey so far.

Congratulations and good luck.

Nerva, don't feel like a failure, physically some of us just aren't able to metabolize and maintain a healthy weight on our own. Honestly, if I were you I'd thank your doctor for pushing you to do what you knew you had to do for your health. Nobody wants to admit to ourselves that we need help, he was handing you a lifeline so grab hold of it. Everyone on this board is great so ask anything and read as much as you can. Good luck on your journey.

Welcome and congratulations on your decision. You definitely sound like you're well on your way to a healthier you. I've not had my surgery yet either, mid-March is my target time. I have a NUT meeting tomorrow, sleep study on Saturday, pulmonary on the 17th and with that clearance, my surgeon will schedule me. Insurance has already been contacted, everything is order with them, I just need to satisfy the doctor before he submits for final approval from them. Very exciting, nervous and anxious times for us all. Good luck on your journey, keep us updated.

My insurance actually has less requirements then my surgeon. Insurance required 40+ BMI without comorbids, 35+ with comorbids, history of weight loss attempts, pcp approval, that's it. No pre-diets or extensive testing. My surgeon however requires the above, sleep study, pulmonary clearance, nutritional counselling and an EKG. The surgeon has contacted the insurance once already to inquire about requirements, they will submit the request for approval one I complete the surgeons requirements. My surgeons practice is considered to be a "Center of Excellence" so they tend to have higher restrictions however because of this they get quicker approvals from insurance. If I were you Katt, I'd double check to make sure, better to be safe. Good luck.

What exactly are you afraid of, the anesthesia, the pain, etc...... You need to narrow it down and address it with the surgeons office. I've had two operations in the last 3 months and I had very good experiences with both because I drilled my doctor so I understood everything she was going to do. I asked about different scenario's and options until I was comfortable and felt like I had control. I did know from a prior procedure that I would have a bad reaction to a specific anesthesia, so I made sure everyone and their brother was aware of that. Take control, ask questions.....knowledge should help you Pepper. Good Luck.

Did the surgeon give you solid reasons for his preference? I know I wanted the lap-band because it was reversible, but that's the only reason I wanted it. Deep down inside I knew that it would be easy for me to "back" out of the program by somehow figuring out how to get it adjusted to where it didn't function. I know the gastric bypass is my best option because of me comorbids. Request the the surgeon give you articles to read and have him substantiate is opinion, you need to be comfortable with your final decision, not him.

Congratulations, your doing amazing. Quite the inspiration.

Are you sure your going to be denied? Is that what your NUT said? Don't worry yet, get back on track and move forward. It may just mean waiting another month or two, but don't get discouraged. Think positive Boo..............

I received a call today from the sleep study group to apologize for their error. They rearranged things so that I can get my original appointment back for this coming Saturday. I was go happy, I was just getting ready to call the pulmonary office and reschedule with them, now I don't have to. Also received a call from my surgeons office. All is good with the insurance company, they have everything they need. As soon as I get pulmonary clearance the surgeons office will submit the final paperwork and give me a date. Hopefully I'm still good for Mid-March. It's hard to believe this is really going to happen. I've been contemplating it for so many years. Beyond excited right now!!!!!!! Thank you everyone for your encouragement and kind words.

I originally had my sleep study scheduled for next Saturday. I received a call last night that they had a cancellation for tonight and did I want it. I said sure, wanting to get things moving. You can't imagine how upset I was to have them call at 2:00 today to cancel the appointment due to weather. There wasn't even 2 inches of snow fall last night - what the crap!!!! So I call to reschedule only to find that my originally scheduled time next weekend was already filled. Now I have to wait until the 15th of February, setting me back 2 weeks because this now means I have to also reschedule with the pulmonary Dr. GRRRRRR!!!!!! Not a happy girl right now. :s

MissHameda, I was also prescribed Metformin, OMG - that stuff is awful. I called my pc after 3 days of vomiting an diarrhea and requested something different. She gave my Onglyza, worked like a charm and NO side effects. You may want to ask to be switched to it, worst she can do is say no. It's also a way smaller pill to swallow. Good luck with your band, I will be having RNY in March.

Welcome MiniLynne, I also am just starting out. Met with my surgeon a week ago, start my pre-testing in just over a week. I first need to have a D&C due to polyps (caused by obesity), second procedure since Oct 2013. Yet another reason to have WLS. My surgeons plan is for mid March, no pre-surgical dieting needed other then the liquids before surgery. Keep up posted.

Ever since I started taking flax, I've been much more regular. I take a gel cap at night, if I need a little boost, I put ground flax on different foods like Cereal, salad or in Soups. It has a sort of woody flavor, pretty good.

Alcohol for me after surgery will be a big no-no. It has too much sugar and that's my trigger so I won't even consider it. If you not a big drinker find something else to drink, Water with a twist of lemon would probably be the best option.

Don't have an exact date yet, but my surgeon said March is my month. Pre-op testing appts are made (most anyways) so the journey is started. Excited beyond belief. Good luck to us all.

Hope you get released tomorrow. I know hospitals aren't a place to rest which is most likely what you need to heal. Feel better.

Did your PCP give you a specific reason for not signing? Seems if he/she was really concerned with your health they would support you. Might need to find someone else.

Talk it over with the surgeon. He/She should be able to help you come to the right decision based on your health needs taking your back issues into consideration. I know that for me the surgery is the tool I need to stick with it and not give up.History tells me that after I start loosing I somehow convince myself that "I got this" and before you know it, I fall back into bad habits, put the food journal on the side, fold up the treadmill and give up again. Good luck at your appointment and remember to be honest with the surgeon and yourself.

Welcome...I just joined myself however I was stalking everyone for about a month. I waited to join until Monday after my first meeting with my surgeon. He anticipates surgery for me mid-March, I'm so very excited and also very nervous but like you I'm doing this to get healthy. Being able to buy cute clothes is a plus for me, it's getting of the meds that I'm looking forward to. Good luck to you, I'll be keeping in touch.

Hoping for a speedy and positive reply for you.

I'm just starting out, but I can test - count me in please.

Congratulations on your success, you're a true inspiration to those of us just starting. I envy you living by the beach. My family and I went to Maui a couple of years ago, because of my weight I didn't get to do nearly enough. I'm hoping to take a vacation there again for my 25th anniversary in 2016 and I definitely plan on enjoying and taking full advantage next time. More hikes, more snorkeling, more of everything...... Good luck with the bikini.....................

Good choice making good use of the time, why not get a head start on the whole process? Keep up the good work and spirits, March is really close. I'm hoping to have mine in March as well. As long as I get the testing taken care of my surgeon said 2 months at the most for me.