nikkiperezcassar

I haven't had surgery yet however my surgeon said they will be removing my drain before I'm discharged. He isn't a fan of leaving them in. I would double check with your doctors office about that. I work a desk job too and most people I've spoken with who have similar jobs said they felt like 2 weeks was even a bit too long. I'm planning on a week and if I need longer adjusting it then. I know myself and sitting home and doing nothing will quickly make me depressed! Especially with no food! ????

I'm considering hiring a photographer for a professional photo shoot prior to surgery. It's two fold, I think I would like something to look back on after surgery to see how far I've come and I also feel a little sad about never seeing the person I am now again. It's weird right? I'm not happy with who I am when I look in the mirror but I'm scared I'll miss her! Has anyone done anything like this? Any advice?

I love the article, what a neat idea. I've been avoiding photos for so long that I'm leaning towards the photos. I just don't want any regrets! If I can find a photographer to do something creative like this it would be awesome!

I'm a huge Disney fan and my husband and I go quite often. They have completely revitalized menus over the last few years. Loads of healthy choices and snacks all over the parks. If you do a little pre-hand research you'll find when it comes to looking for the right foods you'll be just fine. Have fun!

This is so awesome! Congrats girl!

My cousin had the surgery 5 years ago and started with weight watchers right after. She says the regular meetings have really kept her on track over the years. I'm thinking of doing something like that in the long run. It's a good way to keep involved with other people in the community who are trying to lose weight.

This brings up a good point. I'm currently undergoing laser treatments and I was about to start treating my arms. Reading through all these posts though it sounds like I'm in for some substantial hormonal changes when I do have surgery. Has anyone had regrowth in previously treated areas after surgery?

Try Isopure, they sell it at GNC. I'm not a huge shake fan but they are a clear liquid drink. It's a huge bottle and has about 40g of protein.

So I just started my 6 mo documented diet plan required by my insurance and my scale is driving me insane. I can't tell if it's no longer working or if I really fluctuate this much from day to day. I just find it hard to believe I gain or lose around 2-3 lbs a day! Does anyone have any recommendations for a accurate home scale? I know mine will always differ from my doctors but to at least see some consistency would be nice. Any advice would be appreciated!

This is the exact thing I'm terrified of, some random requirement at the end of all this! My thoughts are with you, please let us all know how you make out.

I too have eliminated so much from my life over the last couple years for fear of embarrassment. It's terrible, I have only told a couple people I'm doing this and one is my old mentor from when I got into banking. I went for a drink with her the other night and told her my plans. She has known me for over 11 years and looked me in the eye and said she was happy for me. That she has noticed for a long time that I lost my spark and confidence. It was a bit humbling since I don't think I even realized that until just recently.

I saw my primary care last week. He said they do it to weed people out. That a lot of patients don't bother with all 6 visits and then just drop off. I know one thing; I will be there with bells on for the next 6 months! This surgery is happening!

They do, I'm just scared if I don't weigh myself daily I'll get off track! Sounds like weekly will be the better option for now at least. After surgery will be a different story!

I think I was in high school when I had my first true slob moment. (I'm 33 now) I remember going to McDonald's and ordering two bags of food. I didn't want the people working there to think it was all for me so I ordered multiple meals with drinks and everything. I drove away and found a parking lot. I ate so much I made myself sick. A truly disgusting moment in my life but I look back now and realize that was one of my first times actually binging. I could tell you a million stories of whole pizzas, thanksgiving left overs and dishes of pasta bigger then my face but that day at McDonald's was one of those turning point moments. So gross.

I'm actually looking forward to possibly changing up my look. I have long dark curly hair which is super easy to hide behind. I would never in a million years consider cutting it and showing all my double chin! (Like they can't already see it, ha!) it's one of my things on my post surgery rewards list! Trying to think of other ways to reward myself rather then a nice dinner out. You look great! Have fun with the new style!

Thanks everyone, it's the first time I've even shared things like this. I'm so used to just keeping quite and dealing because I'm embarrassed over my size. I never even considered speaking up, I just sat there miserable. Gives me a lot to think about!

This happened to me last year at universal. I normally avoid rides for the fear something like that world happen but since I had been on it before I didn't think twice. When I was asked to get off and wait I literally felt something die inside of me. I played it off with friends and said there was some sort of confusion but when I got my husband alone for a few minutes I cried like a baby. I can not wait to get my surgery behind me and start this journey.

This is the exact reason I'm scared to tell people! Obviously my husband knows and my parents. I told one close friend and that's it. My dad didn't have the best reaction when I first started contemplating this about a year ago but when I recently told him it was happening this fall he actually said he was happy for me. You never know how people will react. I assumed because he was overweight his whole life he would understand but it took him a little while to come around. It stinks she went on to tell lots of people, I'd see if she comes around and apologizes. If not maybe it's best to limit your interactions. You need good supportive people in your life to be successful!

I found out he hard way that employers can chose to opt of out bariatric coverage on all of their plans. Apparently it's more expense premiums for them. I ultimately ended up changing employers for that and other reasons. Now I'm On my 6 mo documented diet plan with BCBS and the coverage seems really good. I looked into outside policies but with all these crazy insurance changes I had to stay with my employer instead of purchasing a private policy. The cost just wasn't worth it. Good luck to you though! I hope you find a solution that works!

Thanks!

So happy to hear others in the same boat! I go from sheer excitement to total devastation at the thought my surgery won't be approved! This is going to be the longest 6 months of my life!! All I do is watch videos, read books and posts, I think I'm driving my husband insane.

I started not long ago, I'm on the first month of my 6 month documented diet plan. Hoping to schedule surgery in the fall! I would say if you have any questions about length of time, insurance requirements etc, call your insurance company directly. I was first told by my doctors office there were no dietary requirements by my insurance just to receive a call back a few days later stating there was. I was so disappointed that after years of research I had to now wait another 6 months! Good luck to you all!

I just signed up with it yesterday! The bariatric center I go to recommends it. Not really sure how it all works yet so I'm looking for pointers too! If you want to add me my handle is: Nikkiperezcassar Thanks!

That's good information, I've been preparing to have to pay it all at once. At least now I know if I come up short I can make payments, that does make me feel better! Thanks everyone, good luck on your surgery!

Hi there! I'm happy to find a local group of people. I just started my 6 month diet plan required by my insurance. Planning to have my surgery in the fall with Dr. Tiexiera at Orlando Health. I'm nervous as can be that I'll have a denial or some unknown amount of money sprung on me closer to surgery. I already called the hospital to get a estimate for the surgery and they quoted me $1920 with my BCBS insurance. Is anyone else out there having similar concerns!??