TMG1980TMG

My heaviest weight somewhere around 320-350 lbs, two weeks after bypass and current (18 months post op) I have to admit when I look at these pictures I feel great and know the road has been long. But I still feel frustrated or it's more of a mental struggle because my surgeon originally gave me a goal weight and I'm still 30 lbs from that and I feel stuck. Maybe now that the holidays are over and the temptation less I can get back on track. Lol!

I've now lost 238 pounds as of today but I am 2.5 years out

I thought we could start thread for progress pictures. Please upload and share your successes!
Pre-Op and Two Months Post-Op

Approved!!!!!! I'm approved!!!!
For those that have been previously denied, hang in there. If you're denied, make a choice to live as healthy of a life as you can until you can find a way to get approved!!!!
So happy! (And now getting scared! Lol)

I'm back! Just an update-- i appealed and as I suspected, I was denied my appeal despite a very convincing, well written letter.
I did my best to readjust my attitude about the situation. I used it as a life learning experience. I knew in my heart this wasn't over, so I was going to apply what I learned to my life and channel my disappointment into eating better and starting a workout program.
And... Great news! I changed insurance starting January 1st and this coverage allows bariatric surgery!! Since I already finished the approval process with my surgeon, all the have to do is resubmit my paperwork. They either did it this last week or hopefully this upcoming week. I should know soon. I'm hopeful that I'll be on the losers bench in about 30 days or so!

I had decided if I was going to do any surgery what so ever it would be the procedure that I would lose the most weight which is the bypass. There are risks in ANY surgery, the majority of people have no major issues what so every with the bypass and many,many people go from band to bypass.

My surgeon said nothing like that. He said that the risk of complication is about 1.5% with the sleeve and 2-2.5% with the bypass. Also, the results are not the same. Typically more weight is lost with the bypass.

Yayyyyyy just talked to insurance and they said it is only $25.00 lol !!!!!!!!!

Phew. Got the final approval, in writing! Surgery on March 17th!!!
Thank you for your support and for encouraging me to stand up for myself.

I am pre-op and not from northern MI but.....just wanted to say hi to you Michiganders!
I am in Ann Arbor-- ????????

I work in an ICU. I am post op day 10, I go back to work next Wednesday Night (I work 12 hour night shifts). My weight restrictions are no more than 35 pounds for 2 months. To prevent incisional herniation!
Good luck @@TMG1980TMG

Bariatric doctors are not there to judge you, they are there to help you. Believe me, they've seen this a thousand times. And they'd rather see you now, than in another 30 pounds or more. Also, if there are bariatric support groups in your area, I'd suggest going to them. There will be other folks who are also struggling with their journey and together you can inspire each other to get back on the horse. Good luck! You've taken the first step, now, and we all wish you great success in re-establishing your program!!!

Just got my insurance approval. Way excited!!! Will be Sleeved in March!!!

I've been a RN for 4 weeks now (SO HAPPY I passed NCLEX on my first attempt, that test was exhausting!!), and my surgery is scheduled for April 6th!! I'm still working in the LTC/skilled nursing facility where I was a LPN, until I finish my BSN or otherwise manage to get my foot in the door at one of the local hospitals. But I am so excited for the surgery and to have completed my RN program!!

I'm a nursing student in Michigan, just sleeved on the 26th. Does that count? =)

I have never posted in a forum for anything, hope I'm doing this right. I was sleeved on 2/9 and I am down 31 lbs as of 3/2. Walking on the treadmill everyday about 3 miles. Having issues getting to the 80 grams of Protein, and think that this might be the week the rapid losses begin to slow down. This surgery has changed my life, and hopefully prolonged it!!

And all the money you save from not smoking you can spend on some cute outfits

I think it's funny when people ASSume things that aren't true. ..I'd let em think it lol

Also, it will become pretty obvious that yoiu are NOT pregnant after your surgery.

I don't know, but I feel younger. I know that I look better enough that I did not mind getting my picture taken for a new ID.

I definitely look younger. I'm 34 but a lot of people tell me I look 19. Even my close friends have remarked at how much younger I look.

I barely look my age now When I lose I look younger and shorter. I'm 51 btw.

I've told anyone who asked, and received 100% positive responses. Others I read on this Forum have gotten lots of negative feedback. What's the difference? It could be the people in your life. (I'm in my 50s, so my crowd may be wiser and less judgmental.) Or it might just be in the delivery. I tell people with such confidence and enthusiasm that it's hard for them to say anything negative. ("I had bariatric surgery last June. Since then I've lost XX pounds, my health has improved, and I feel fantastic!!! It's been really hard work, but it's totally worth it!!!") Notice that I told them what I was doing, how successful it's been, what improvements have come as a result, told them that it's NOT easy, and expressed my enthusiasm for the process. Who, besides a total Grinch is gonna say something bad to that? Might be worth a try.....

Sorry I had some technical difficulties when posting, it ended up posting the same thing 4 times but only one had the photos! Lol but here is my progress photos! I still have about 60-70lbs to loose but this is first 100lbs feels amazing!! Thank you all for the encouragement!!