LoreLu

Just because it's soft food - or "just beans" - doesn't mean it has to be boring. Become good friends with your spice rack and get creative!

I was wondering why I had not heard a yea or nay from UHC for three weeks. Left a message with my case manager at UHC, and she said the Dr's office hadn't filed for it, yet. A couple calls to the Dr's office and I find that they INTENTIONALLY did not file. The hospital is still negotiating with UHC about remaining a Center of Excellence (a LOT have dropped them because they're so difficult to work with). If they submit and get rejected, it's an additional 6 week wait to start the appeal process! So, after I've been on a medically observed diet for 6 months, I'm now in limbo until negotiations are over. THEN I get to start my 5-week liquid diet to shrink my liver!

You didn't tell her earlier because, DUUUH! She's a gossip?!??? It's not the "easy way out". If she wants to try the diet WITH you, have at it, girlie! Until then, she's an ignorant twit. Geez. It's hard to believe how nasty people can be. Then again, my husband is behind me 100% and plans on following the diets with me. I also have a sister who had a lap band and her son-in-law had the bypass, so my family is on board with it. All that said, I'm not exactly broadcasting it. I told a 64 year old friend and his response was, "You don't need that. You can do it without it." I asked him if he'd ever been overweight (he's 6' 3" and about 180#) in his life? Noooo. Doesn't have a clue. Last person I told. Why invite misery in?

Greenville, also. Awaiting approval from UHC so I can start my pre-op diet.

I love this forum. Y'all can be so funny at times!

You should DEFINITELY see your Dr if there is blood in your stool! That needs to be checked out! If it's bright red ("fresh") it may be from hemorrhoids being irritated; dark blood is a whole 'nuther story. Have you had a colonoscopy in the last 3 years? They might recommend that, depending on what their test results show. It's also normal to have a certain amount of concern, but persistent anxiety needs to be addressed. After discussing this with your Dr, s/he may put you on anti-anxiety drugs to get you thru the "crisis" portion of your post-surgery ordeal. Keep us up to date on how you're doing!

Hang in there and do what is right for YOU! Others don't have to live in your skin and deal with whatever restrictions or limitations it imposes on you. Only YOU can decide if it's a "vanity thing" or if the surgery is needed for your health and well-being. I only bring up the "vanity" card because so many people who haven't had the surgery think that's why we do it. It's YOUR life, YOUR body, YOUR DECISION. Just commit yourself to doing EVERYthing necessary to reach your goals, whichever way you decide.

Week 3 waiting for approval from UHC.....

Another TV tip, in addition to putting it on mute: if your TV has the option, turn on the schedule menu (what's on in the next couple hours) while the ads are on. This usually minimizes the image so it's not so "in your face".

Thank you for posting photos - it gives me such encouragement that I won't be looking like a deflated Michelin Man when I lose the excess! That's a big fear, as my Dear Hubby would never agree to plastic surgery to get rid of extra skin...

I don't have a date yet - the Doc sent the paperwork in to UHC three weeks ago, so I'm getting antsy to get GOING already! I don't start the 5-week pre-op diet until I have a date. >:-(

"It's everything. It's everywhere. The fat is a finite amount of cells and pounds but it stifles an endless amount of experiences in my life, and I am sick of it. So I am ready to divorce my current body and marry an upgrade." I love it! Well said! I'm sure you have more than one kindred neshamah on here!

My prayers are with you. My 94 year old father has had colon cancer twice - surgery and chemo both times. The second round really took it out of him (he was 89 at the time), so he said he won't have it checked again. I was angry when he told me that but, at 94 (!), who's to blame him? May he be blessed with a wonderful medical team and a speedy recovery!

As red as your bruises are, I'd put cool compresses on it to prevent the bruise from spreading any more. Once you see a light yellow tinge forming around the edges, go to a warm compress to help your body resorb the blood. It should take a couple days with cool, a couple more with warm.

You WON'T see what other people see - you probably look in a mirror daily; they see you, what? Once a week? But yeah, I never saw how fat I was until the 6-month lead-up time to surgery (finishing that phase now) and I started to look at myself SIDEWAYS in the mirror.

Had my Dr. Appt today - itt should be 2 weeks before insurance authorization comes in, then 4 weeks of liquid diet... That puts me in mid-June at the earliest. Yes, the wait is frustrating!

LOL! When I had (other) abdominal surgery years ago, my sister gave me a big, soft teddy bear that I held to the incision site. Yeah, a 45 year old with a new teddy bear!

THANK YOU AlwaysVegas!!! That shows not only that stalls are normal, but how long (and potentially disappointing) they can be!

First, I'm sorry you seem to attract cruel, nasty, insensitive people around you. It takes a lot of self-loathing to be that vicious toward others. Second, i'm VERY happy you're moving on with life and taking this next step! However, I'm concerned about you doing it for the right reasons. It should be about your health, your self-image and self-confidence, NOT the rude opinions of crass, hateful people. Are you in a program that has psychologists or other therapists to help you through? Hateful people are going to hate, no matter what size you are. It's difficult to NOT take it personally, but a therapist might help you learn how. If people are so nasty while you're heavy, they'll be just as jealous of your progress (and equally nasty) later. Better to learn how to develop a thick skin and "F you" attitude toward haters so it doesn't dampen your success and enthusiasm for change.

I'm 58 and waiting for my date, but you can never be too old to start improving your health! Even my 94 y.o. father keeps walking 3 miles a day in the high desert to stay fit. He's had colon cancer twice, but only started getting "in shape" after he hit 70.

LOL! Glittereyes, I've been married to a wonderful man who has spoiled me relentlessly for the last 36 years. I haven't had surgery yet, but he is cutting out all alcohol and snacks with me (a huge effort on his part!) and will be going on the same diet as I when "the time comes". Talk about 100% support!

On the other hand, do you have access to ice chips? You get small amounts of water slower than actually drinking, so it may help.

Thank you!!!! All things "I know", but glad to see I'm not the only one with this issue!

You may need to change your name to Dorothy....