Djmohr

this too shall pass! - and its probably already passed by now

Well, the test itself was no problem however I had to put my arms up over my head for the test. That resulted in my shoulder separating. Yes, seriously. I had a torn rotator cuff and severe arthritis of the AC joint now we can add a separated shoulder to that. I have a huge bump on my shoulder now. It's almost comical. I have to laugh or I think I would be crying. One more week and that will be repaired.

Oh gosh, hoping you are not in too much pain! Will it be day surgery or hospital stay?

How exciting and hard earned!

wooooohoooooo!

were both gonna get there before christmas I can Feel it !!

Djmohr, I have been thinking of you and saying a few prayers too. You are such a ray of sunshine and support to so many on this site that to know you are going through a rough time is disconcerting to me. Please keep us posted on your progress. I hope your recovery is as quick as your weight loss has been successful! Best wishes.

You guys are very sweet. I am having a really rough time tonight. I felt so much better this morning. Hubby is calling the doctors service to see if we can get something a bit stronger. I a, guessing that won't happen until tomorrow given everything has to be physically handed to you these days.

Thanks again everyone for the well wishes and hugs. This is bumming me out a bit and that usually doesn't happen with me

I have to defend Tijuana sleeves simply because that is where I got mine. The problem is that we are an instant gratification society. The lack of self education is sad. We are seeing posts from people who want the "magic pill" and don't want to work at it. Unfortunately little effort is put in by the patient and they're simply not prepared. On top of that they come here and ask what we know to be absurd questions.

To be honest, I would say that some of it may be coming from folks whose insurance DID cover the surgery and who did have certain requirements. All of my pre-op efforts and preparation were due to my own grit and determination. The surgeon's "diet program" people didn't give a crap at all. In fact, they just wanted to rush me in and out as fast as they could. Don't get me wrong; they are nice people, and I do believe they want the best for their patients, but I strongly believe that place is more of a money-driven business than it is a place of health and wellness...

See, I had a completely different experience. My center of excellence was very strict. If I missed or rescheduled more than 1 appointment during that 6 months they assumed you were not serious enough and reserved the right to dismiss you from the program and report you to your insurance. My center of excellence gave me a big binder (bible) on day 1 that went through every aspect of every type of WLS and exactly what the diet before, during and after looked like. My center of excellence made me sign a contract that stated i would not drink alcohol for 12 months post op and that i agreed to have my nutritional panel completed at every stage 3,6,12,18 months and then every 12 months after that for life. There were many more aspects as well but you get the idea. It was very clear that my insurance company and my center of excellence were communicating and working closely together to make sure i was a good candidate. I just feel bad for people that dont get approved when so many clearly take it for granted. It is frustrating.....dont get me wrong everyone makes mistakes or has cheat days but geez.....lets go home and eat something we know we shouldnt touch right out of the gate.

Thank you everyone!

Hope you had a good time last night! You deserve it.........enjoy and good luck with the new doctor.

so glad everything is happening for you esp the doctor part.

do you find you get a lot of use out of your instant pot? I've been debating getting one for a while now...I like the idea I can use it as either a slow cooker or pressure cooker.

I have stuffed peppers in my instant pot and boy they smell good! - when should i come over? LOL kathy

@heidikat72 - I use my instant pot for everything. At least 3 to 4 times per week. Tonight I will make beef stew in literally 30 minutes and the beef will be tender and moist.

@proudgrammy - Hubby is eating the last of the stuffed peppers for lunch today so you are too late

They were yummy......

It really is one of the best kitchen appliances i have ever purchased.

I do, but after the meat

mine too!!!

this is my favorite snack!

YAY YOU!! That's exciting. I've been self employed for 16 years and LOVE it. Exciting times, girly!

@Djmohr - that sounds great - working for yourself has many benefits - you won't get yelled at if you are late, and you get paid what you want, and most importantly - boss always loves your work LOL - you'll do great - no crossies from me - you don't need them - kathy - congrats

Thanks so much everyone! I am very excited to be doing this. It is the work I love to do and cannot wait! I have always wanted to work for myself! LOL.

I received a note back from the CEO of my first client and he pretty much said its a done deal, they are just pulling the contract together so I should hear something today.

Deep down itch, that sounds soooo uncomfortable, but you're right so worth it, I'm sure! Congratulations!

I had to take my sleeves off to wash them and hubby is supposed to clip any of the mesh bandage that comes lose. It's the first time he has seen them in about 4 days and the swelling is coming down. He was shocked at how nice they look. I have NO loose hanging skin or fat. My arms look like I am in my 20s again. It really is so worth it. Creepy crawlers and all. Valentina, I know exactly what you are saying, it is not the first time I have felt nerves that are irritated having had several spine surgeries. I am hoping that it is not as bad with my tummy and breasts but at least I know what to expect.

So exciting! Very impressed you did this.

@Miss Mac

hope you feel better sooner than later - kathy

i just hi-jacked - ooops

- please don't arrest me buds!!! phew, thanx-kathy

Yay!! I'm glad you're feeling better!!

Yeah, feeling much better now! Even backing off pain killers a bit this morning.

woo hoo - look at you go!!

great hearing updates, so happy things worked out - you are/look like a movie star!! ummm, may i have your autograph?! Congrats- your friend - kathy

LOL. I am healing at the normal rate and even still have some redness and swelling but that is to be expected.

That's awesome!! Congratulations!

Recipe for Chicken Tortilla Soup:

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 large box of chicken stock

3 stalks of celery - washed and chopped

4 carrots - peeled and sliced

1 poblano pepper - chopped (if u want it spicier, use a jalapeño)

1 large onion - chopped

2 cups of water

1 large can of enchilada sauce (I use mild)

1 can chopped green chiles

1 palm full of chili powder

1 T. Ground cumin

1 T. Dried oregano

Olive oil

2 gloves garlic chopped

1 small bag corn

1 large can whole tomatoes - crush with your hands

In large stock pot heat 2 T. Olive oil. Add onion, celery, poblano pepper, 1 T. Salt & black pepper. Sauté until soft. Add chicken stock, water, dried spices and bring to boil.

Turn down heat to simmer, Add both chicken breasts, enchilada sauce, tomatoes, and all other ingredients. Simmer for 10 minutes. Pull chicken breast and shred. Add chicken back to soup. Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes or until carrots are tender.

Enjoy! Yum!

That sounds excellent! You should post it in the Real Food... thread if you're willing to share

I would be happy to. Unfortunately not having any luck finding that thread. Do you know where it is?

hey bud - congrats - challanging the system etc can be hard - this is true for me. glad you are different and can handle many situations - party dance - $2300 is a llllot of money- kathy

Switch2lose - It was for routine nutritional panel post op 18 months. Which by the way needs to be done at 3,6,12,18 and then every 12 months for the rest of your life. My doc coded it as labs following bariatric surgery and because the word bariatric was in the coding my insurance automatically rejected the claim! The charge was for one set of labs (13 viles of blood). First off it is preposterous that labs could cost so much! When I told my PCP about it she was appalled as well. Given it is a lifetime requirement it is important that your PCP know how to code it properly as routine and not bariatric. $2300.00 is a lot of money for blood work only.

It is ridiculous what labs charge for blood work! I just had my blood tests done....Quest Lab charged $1425.93 to my insurance....the insurance only allowed and paid $123.70...and because of my insurance I'm not responsible for anything....Thank God for insurance!!

I love the word tardy. It sounds so much better than being late!

well done on the excellent labs despite being fashionably late (i prefer that phrase!)...it just proves that you're doing a fabulous job!

"I love the word tardy. It sounds so much better than being late!" --

Either way, you do it with style!

I dont drink alot, in fact i just had my first drinks about 3 months ago and I am 2 years post op. I will say, I used to prefer bourbon and now i love me some wine! Going out to dinner at our favorite steak place tonight and will be drinking a glass or two and cannot wait.

We have another shiddach here! Bourbon! And, Pirate, if you have a special liking for jazz, I saw an amazing documentary about the music and more. "The Jazz Loft According to W. Eugene Smith." It plays in non-mainstream theaters and is available on iTunes. I was expecting it to be about the music only, but it's that and more. Lots about it in google.

My drink of choice ( I didn't drink often) but I loved COORS LIGHT. I don't drink it now because of the carbonation. So just last month, I went to a family get together and had wine!! It is called STRAWBERRY VINES, just a cheap one but dang me it was good. You know how they say that after WLS drinks hit you fast well I'm here to tell you I got a buzz in just a few shakes. I think after my 1st glass I got warm and fuzzy. And this is from a person thck of beer and just barely get a buzz. I won't do it much but it sure was good. LOL

Will be praying for a successful procedure. Keep us posted!

the weather is beautiful right now just about perfect

Good luck and best wishes for a quick recovery!!

You gave up a Packers game? It's pre-season, but still...

DJ, sounds like a perfect evening to me! Alone time to pamper yourself. And who cares about sweaty men grunting and bumping into each other anyway? Cottage cheese, a nectarine, and a hot bath with candles lit all around the tub. Bring it!

I am still having really severe back pain and cannot take it for that long. Also recovering from Brachioplasty, trust me.....I would not miss a packer game if I could help it. Last year I went in a neck brace and it almost killed me. Too much up and down for now. It is likely I won't make it to the other ones either.

But hubby supposedly brought me a present because he felt bad.

Well ts over! I always ask for the cloth and headphones. This machine was so loud I couldn't even hear the music. LOL.

@WLSResources/ClothingExch I hope all goes well for yours!

I now have to wait 2 days for results and then the 18th I will have a game plan.

You're a brave little soldier. Physical therapy all around, barkeep.

What cloth? I don't know about that. And I've been unable to hear the headphones for the banging of the MRI equipment. I try to tell myself nice stories and think of people and places that I love. Nothing works quite well enough, but we try.

And i never, EVER open my eyes under there...i just go to my "happy place" and think of our lake house and nice memories...while it's banging and clanging....

Glad it's over for you, DJ...

Sounds like you may be a couple of pounds away from goal on New Years!!!

My goal is to get to goal by January. I usually don't like to set time goals but that date has been in the back of my mind now for awhile. If things continue to go well, I will make it.

Thanks everyone!

I'm sure you will do it! Congratulations.

When I had that done a year ago February, it helped sooooo much. Once I got past recovery, I have had no pain or nerve issues at all with that concern. Even the scar is hard to see. It just looks like one of the wrinkles in my neck. The biggest aggravation was wearing the collar for six weeks. Get well soon.

Yes Miss Mac , the collar is not my favorite, I am in a Miami j hard collar but it definately gives me support and I so badly need that right now. Having had 3 levels and a whole vertebra removed was a pretty big surgery. My head is heavy and shoulders are very painful si I am glad u have the collar at the moment.

I am so very tired after 3 days of little to no sleep. Can hardly focus enough to hold my head up. I am sure I will get well soon, I would not have it any other way.

Thanks again for the well wishes!

Yes Miss Mac , the collar is not my favorite, I am in a Miami j hard collar but it definately gives me support and I so badly need that right now. Having had 3 levels and a whole vertebra removed was a pretty big surgery. My head is heavy and shoulders are very painful si I am glad u have the collar at the moment.

I am so very tired after 3 days of little to no sleep. Can hardly focus enough to hold my head up. I am sure I will get well soon, I would not have it any other way.

Thanks again for the well wishes!

Would you like a hancry? That's handkerchief suitable for absorbing tears.

LOL!

Well, now I know why I was hangry! I usually consume between 1000 and 1200 calories, 75 to 80 grams of protein and less than 90grams of carbs.

I didn't log my food until after dinner last night mostly because I was in a funk all day. Although I hit my protein and water goals I only consumed less than 800 calories so I actually was hungry. Being 16 months out, that is simply not enough for me and I refused to give into snacking.

That explains it.

Hi- Djmohr its been a while...I am 8 months out now I hit around 1200 a day but with working out ( I power walk ALOT) I NET anywhere between 800-900 calories MOST days 3-5 days a week anyway. The other days Im at 1200 cal... which is still going to have us losing weight at anyway. How many pounds left to goal? Are you going to start maintaining? you look fabulous BTW Hope all is well on your side.

Congrats! I'd say that's a definite win!

Our Thanksgiving was today with the family. I'm anxious to see how I did. Mostly ate turkey, and a few bites of the other things. AND a small serving of dessert. We will see how it goes on the scale tomorrow. Congratulations on your success as you kick off the holiday season.

I loved seeing my son for Thanksgiving! I literally sent him home with every leftover with the exception of a very small amount of turkey and a tiny portion of my sweet potato soufflé which rocked! I figured if I got everything else out of my house I would not be tempted to eat it. LOL! I was down a little more again yesterday! Woot woot!

This is why I switched to a defined benefit policy. I pay everything up to $4000. So I can pick and choose what I want, who I want to do it no freaking networks or idiots. If I go over they pay up to a million. $146 a month. Worth it. I check the box on my taxes saying I have insurance. All is good. Even the year I got my WLS, I have never gone over it. It is worth it just to see the look in the eyes of the people at the front desk when you ask "well how much is that?" You can get so many discounts if you pay cash and don't file insurance its not even funny.

Whoever ordered the lab work should have coded it properly and if they didn't - they should have to re-code it. The diagnosis should have been "Inadequate nutrition resulting from poor diet, malabsorption, or abnormal nutrient distribution" in my opinion. I hope you get it straightened out.

Trust me, I have worked with my doctors office which is an in network clinic. They refuse to recode it and the insurance company thinks they are off the hook because the word Bariatric is in the coding. I am going to appeal it and attach the letter from my Bariatric surgeon now that I have it. But even they don't know that the insurance company will do anything about it. It is total BS. But I won't give this fight up because it is simply wrong. Can you imagine how much it would cost the insurance company if I were to not have my testing done every year and get sick? Which my surgeon wrote in the letter that I am at risk of neurological illnesses due to the malabsorption factor if I don't keep up on my nutrition. I argued with the clinic the other day for over an hour. They believe it is the insurance company. My point was, had someone told me that it was going to cost that much money I seriously would have skipped the test until I got insurance to approve it ahead of time. I would have gone the same route.

Then, I got a call from someone else in the clinic to say that my account was at risk of going to collections. I almost had a heart attack on them. My credit rating has been over 800 for 20 years.....I will go ballistic on them if they screwed with it and so we just paid the bill hoping to get it back later. I really did not have that kind of money that isn't already spoken for. UGH!

Tell us if they're worth the $$$...I've never been able to pull the trigger because they just seem so flimsy for the price. But I covet them none the less!

Yes, please let us know how if they are.

I almost never ever wear flat shoes but I just looked and these look expensive and well made! Let us know what you think. I really need a pair I can throw in my purse for an emergency.

Wonderful! keep us posted!

That's great. I know the liver is a very fast healing organ, so even more hope there.

Awesome!