2goldengirl

I'd definitely plan on 4, and maybe 6, depending on how you recover and how well you're able to establish what works for you for keeping hydrated. I have a desk job and I'm planning on 4, just to get new habits firmly dialed in. The problem for us as caregivers is that when we're on the job, we forget we even HAVE bodies, much less listen to them.

CeraVe totally ROCKS. I actually use the body lotion on my face. It's thicker, and it doesn't contain sunscreen (I use a separate sunscreen). I have super-sensitive skin and it has never looked better. I started using a Retin-A/hydroquinone product prescribed by my dermatologist and while my skin was adjusting to it, CeraVe calmed my skin down really well. If you read the labels, there is very little difference between the facial lotion and the body lotion - the body lotion comes in a bigger size, though.

I remember having a client (I work with WLS patients) who told me after his sleeve "I can't believe how full I get after a quarter cup of chicken broth!" So from his perspective, he was full, and very happy to be. Hope this helps!

@@Madam Reverie (and all the others who have contributed), thank you for raising these deeper questions. I'm brand new to this board and my sleeve journey. I'm seeking a sleeve to repair the damage that decades of yo-yo dieting have made to my metabolism. I'd like my appetite to match my metabolsim. But the larger journey is the things that I put in my head, not the things I put in my mouth. It's taken me two days to read through all these posts and it has been time well spent. I applaud you all for your courage in facing down your demons. Having my own, I know that the process is lifelong. It's good to have your company.

MsMe, you are incorrect, look at the posts above, Blue Shield actually has easier criteria. However, with a BMI of 35, that's right on the brink of being too low. Anyone who has a Clifornia HMO plan can get their health plan's criteria for the surgery (or anything else) in writing on request. Most of them are available online, just Google your health plan name and the kind of procedure. In some cases, (again, in CA, HMO coverage), your medical group may have their own guidelines. In that case, be armed with your health plan's criteria. Usually if you point out that your health plan uses different criteria, they will use the plan criteria. This is because the plan will overturn on appeal a decision that doesn't conform to their criteria.

Here is a link to Anthem Blue Cross California medical policy for bariatric surgery. https://www.anthem.com/medicalpolicies/policies/mp_pw_a053317.htm BMI of 35.5 is right at the borderline of being covered at all. Blue Shield (CA HMO) does consider obstructive sleep apnea a qualifying comorbidity. Hope this helps!