sunnkistme

I would request assistance at ticketing. In the winter I check my bag as I have to take more clothing. They take it at the check in and it disappears into the bowels of the train. There is also an overhead rack that you would need assistance to access so soon after surgery. How long is the trip from your location? That might be a concern. You don't fly? There are also discounts occasionally offered through Amtrak online.

You want to check for a BCBS center for excellence. If you call the 800 number or check on line you can find one.

I have taken the train from California to Colorado a few times. I never pay the fortune they want for a sleeper car so I plan for comfort. I always take a cooler with Snacks and a sandwich, (nice to not have to worry about the food since you'll be on liquids). I take a light throw and a small pillow. Not sure if you will be on overnight or not. You might consider reserving a lower level disabled seat since climbing the stairs to the upper level might be challenging on your trip home. The restrooms are on the lower level. The car attendant can get you anything you need from the snack car, just be sure to bring plenty of bottled Water and no worries. I generally feel safe on the train. That said I am not careless with my belongings. It is a bit challenging to get good sleep. But I do love the view and not driving.

How to get a bikini body.. Put a bikini on your body Love it!!!

I really can relate. Every single test and procedure possible has been done so now I am just waiting for two visits to submit for approval. I go in on tuesday for a weigh in. Then hopefully I can get in for my final weigh in very very early in October so we can get this show on the road.

I thought I officially had the worst BCBS plan ever known, then I see Jersrose 43... My out of pocket is 8500.00 so you win, but I also pay 15% of the monthly premium so that is about 850 a year. I have told my surgeon that this is a once in a lifetime year. I can not pay 8500 again next year.

For the most part all of the appointments were scheduled by my surgeons office. They have been great about setting everything up. I have 6 more weeks of supervised diet and then I can submit to insurance for approval.

My thoughts are with you. After having an amazing supervisor for 11 years, he retired and was replaced by a person who should have had a diagnosis. It made the workplace unbearable. I was in a place financially where I could not leave. I made it a goal to outlast the new exec. Smile and carry on. It sounds like she is more of a worry than trying to work your new plan. Good Luck... smile and nod. Make it through your days.

My BMI just barely hits 40 too. My surgeons wanted me to work on tracking my nutrition and exercising, but wanted me to stay at the same weight until after I saw the nutritionist. Now all my pre-op has been done and he wants me to start to lose weight. Just two more visits and I can submit to insurance.

I struggle with depression too and food has always been there for me. Now as an adult I can look back and see that I have been self medicating with food since I was a little girl. I recently went to a class about identifying and making a plan for when emotional triggers come that can send us into a downward spiral.. It was very informative - especially when I think about all of the food triggers. Bad day - chocolate, Stressed- try some KFC. Have to go to mom's, maybe a burrito on the way on and on and on. How scary to think of losing our bad time buddy. I think that identifying and making a plan for when you know you will need some kind of comfort, might be a good start in taking charge of your anxiety and worry about foods. And be sure to talk to a counselor or go to a support group. Mental Health America is doing some great peer run programs. You can do this.

You might look at the policy year too. If your policy runs 1/1-12/31 there might be services that can wait until the new year.

Read your policy carefully. Yours might be great until you reach a certain dollar amount and then not so great until you reach another dollar amount. The ACA requires that there not be a lifetime max paid by the insurance co. My not so great insurance is better this year than last year because this year there is an 8500.00 limit for our of pocket expenses.

I am of the opinion that the loss starts internally and very little that is done externally can impact what is happening (other than a perm which tends to cause breakage anyway) I color and highlight my hair to damage it a bit so it will not be silky and lay down and turn to slime at the first hint of humidity

I am sorry your mom just isn't going to be able to be there for you. It sucks. I am wavering about not telling my mom because she just does not have a filter and shares everything with everyone. Last night, on another thread, they were sharing appropriate responses when someone says something clueless like you should just eat less and exercise more 'Wow, I have never tried that, thank you so much for letting me in on how it works"

I am trying to find a shake or shake mix that works and does not cause gas, bloating, or diarrhea. Even finding Vitamins that do not cause problems is quite a challenge. I have to watch for milk Protein but unfortunately I am not sure which form it is that makes me so sick. I cannot eat or drink things that are processed milk products like soft serve ice cream, flavored or preserved coffee c reamers. but I can manage a glass or two of non fat or 1% without having problems. oSo it is important that I get this figured out now. I also can not tolerate any form of sugar alcohol which is the first ingredient in many "sugar free' items. My nutritionist does not want me to rely on soy protein and has suggested I try unjury unflavored and see if it works for me.

I have been "big" since I was seven years old. I am looking forward to crossing my legs. Hip bones. Not feeling my neckfat touching my chest. Sprinting up stairs. I will miss reminding my granddaughters that there is room In my lap for both of them when they fight over who gets to snuggle with Nana. I am sure that we will figure that one out. I went into Macy's and was overwhelmed by the number of choices and departments that I will be able to choose from. I plan on forgetting where the plus size department is

I have been planning on having the sleeve all along and then I saw the nutritionist today. She recommended that I consider bypass as I have a real problem with binging on sugar. I am not sure. I would love to hear why people chose bypass over sleeve. RIght now my only major health problem is obesity and arthritis. My family history is horrific however, none of us are a normal weight. I feel like I have been working for years just to stay under 250. My father died of a heart attack at 62. He weighed over 500 pounds when he died. I am 52 now and want to be able to stay active into my 70's and 80's so I really want to be sure I make the right choice now.

Thank you all for sharing your stories and successes. I so appreciate the well thought out responses. At our first appointment my surgeon asked if I had thought about which surgery I wanted and agreed with me that the VSG was a good choice. Last week we had birthday cake at the office and I spent the day going by and grabbing a bite. I had to throw the leftover cake away (forget about co-workers) so I would not eat all of it. Sugar and refined carbs are my triggers for binges and uncontrolled eating. The suggestion by the nutritionist to consider bypass has made me really think about my challenges with specific types of food.

I just posted the same question. The nutritionist suggested bypass over sleeve because I would be less likely to abuse sugar. I have sugar binge issues. I had pretty much decided on the sleeve but am wavering on my decision now. Tough call.

I had my nutritionist appointment today and was at 240.8 WOOOHOOO which is exactly what I weighed in at when I started this process. My surgeon had wanted me to be at this weight so my BMI would still be over 40. I am so relieved.

Congratulations...I am going through closets to box up the various sizes I passed on my way up so I can revive them on my way down. I still have a few size 16 left that I will have to use. I can not wait.

I am definitely having the same problem. I think I am on a farewell to food journey. I weighed in at 240 in May and was up to 247 at another an appointment in early August. back down to 242 this AM but have to see the nutritionist on Tuesday and my surgeon on Thursday. I know how it happens but am struggling to find a way to get back down. At this moment exercise is limited by other health issues. Feeling very defeated and worried about being able to lose even if I am approved for surgery and what would happen if I do not get the surgery. So frustrating.

So wish I had anthem. My CA BC BS plan is still requiring the six months!! I have had every test and am ready but for two more moths of supervised diet.

My insurance is not great but I knew that going in. At least this year there is a limit on out of pocket expenses. I have a 2500 deductible and 5500 max in co pays. With all of the tests my surgeon has ordered and a few visits to my GP I have met the 8000 out of pocket max for the year and am still three months away from the possibility of surgery. I am making it clear to my surgeon, GP and anyone else who will listen that I have to get the surgery this year! I can not afford to do this again in 2015.

I have BC/BS CA. My plan requires six months of supervised diet and exercise. I thought it was a requirement of all CA BC/BS plans, but I might be wrong