PATCHELTON

I am in the 6 month documented diet that my insurance requires. I use diet loosely, because they said they didn't care if I lost any weight, just be sure not to gain any more. I am eating pretty much what I want, and emailing my weight every two weeks to the dietician. After that is done I get paperwork to take to my PCP for sign off, then I think everything goes into the insurance company. Had to have a stress test (I have a lot of cardiac risk factors) and my PCP wanted an echocardiogram. Done them and passed with flying colors. Once approved and after I get a surgery date, I have two weeks before and after surgery of liquids (before is to help shrink the liver for surgery, but with my appetite, I don't look forward to it). They suggested Atkins, EAS Advantage, broth, sugar-free popsicles, stuff like that. I warned everyone at work I will be mean and ugly because I will be HUNGRY!

I am new to this board. Have not been approved as yet. Waiting to finish the 6 month "diet" required by insurance. That will finish up in mid December. I didn't tell everyone at first (skipped my older sister who has the "just eat less" attitude--my younger sister has lost 100 pounds with RNY) I go to Curves and when I shared with a friend there her well meaning suggestion was to put my food on a smaller plate. There is no fooling my brain with that trick! I explained that doesn't work for me. I live alone and there is no one to stop me from getting seconds. I can't even stop me! My BMI is not high but I have enough co-morbidities for 3 people (HBP, cholesterol, knee arthritis, reflux, and sleep apnea). A post op Lapband patient told me I didn't look heavy enough to need surgery. I am 5'7" and started the 6 months weighing 252. That is at least 100 pounds too much. I changed my response which is closer to the truth, to the fact that I am trying to reduce or eliminate co-morbidities and the medicines I take for them. And that is only if they question my decision. I am at the point where I don't give a hoot what other people think, but I am not putting an ad in the paper either. You have to decide what your comfort level is. It is nice to hear that you don't look heavy enough to need surgery, but you know better, and you do what is best for you. This isn't about anyone else.