songsmith

I'm also Feb. 15th! We are Sleeve Twins!

Wow. I am sorry you have had to put up with this. That last one is a HIPPA violation and they can get into serious trouble for that, both legally: fined by the government and also sued by you. Is this the best surgeon or is there someone else in your area that could use the work you've already had done and contineu from there? I wouldn't have any confidence in these bozos after all that!

Wow. You have been through the ringer! I spent 6 days in a hospital last year due to surgery (non-bariatric) complications. It's a horrible, lonely and terrifying feeling! My heart goes out to you. I'm glad you have people around you who are trying their best to get you well. Keep us up-to-date?

After 6 long months plus two more because of scheduling conflicts, I finally have my date. Anyone want to buddy?

Woot! Congratulations!

Mine's the 15th! We're practically twins!

I read someone prepared liquid and pureed meals ahead of time then froze them. That got me thinking. What did you do to make your immediate post-op days easier or what do you wish you had done?

EEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeek! I got my date! February 15. I'm so happy! (She offered the 22nd at first, but I asked if I could possibly get an earlier date since my class was on Dec. 17 and I had already had 6 mos. of dietitian visits and was more than ready.)

Congratulations! I can relate! I can be an ostrich also....I'm tempted to call my insurance company today but thought well, surgery is not until February so I can wait for it....lol Maybe we'll be sleeve buddies!

Crossing fingers and toes for you! Mine was submitted early December. I toyed with the idea of calling before the Holidays, then decided to wait in case it was bad news. (Did I mention my middle name is Ostrich?) Yesterday I emailed my case manager to see if the doctor's office had received approval. Figured it would be faster to ask her than wait forever on hold with the insurance company. The lovely woman phoned my carrier and waited for over 40 minutes to talk to someone! Then phoned to tell me I was approved. Talk about above and beyond the call of duty! I'd have phoned if she'd emailed back and said they hadn't heard yet.

I will probably be early February. Should have been this month, but my husband will be out of the country. Understandably, he wants to be here when it's done. I'd love to find a sleeve buddy! (when I'm given my date, that is)

Wow. I can't believe a doctor would perform a type of surgery you did not agree on ahead of time. You'd think they'd have you sign all sorts of papers that basically said, "If X circumstances exist, then surgeon may perform X surgery instead." Does your insurance cover that type of surgery? I don't know much about SIPS, but it sounds like it could be a good option. Even so, I don't believe any doctor should decide these things for you without your input. It's not like you were an accident and were unconscious so couldn't decide on the type of life-saving surgery you wanted.

I didn't have a set amount to lose, but I basically went "healthy low carb," meaning I did a modified Atkins/South Beach. I didn't cut myself way down on carbs, but I did cut out processed sugars and starches and made healthier choices. I shot for around 1200 cal a day with 80 gm of Protein. I found it lots easier to track my meals on MyFitnessPal (or any of the other free meal planners). Also have been trying to learn, "protein first, Water water water, chew thoroughly," and all the other requirements. I sent for samples of various protein powders (or bit the big one and bought the smallest amount of others) so I would know which ones I can tolerate. It really is an individual thing. I'd say follow the plan that you've been successful on in the past.

A lot depends on cup size and how much you want to spend. Panache is good. Juno. Freya. In the end, good fit is what's most important, and that is the same for an A cup or a J cup. I suggest measuring yourself so you know your size and not rely on a sale's person. 80-90% of women wear the wrong size bra. 1. The center front of your bra (the gore) lies flat against your breastbone. 2. The underwire (if your bra has it) sits behind your breast tissue and not on top of it, ensuring full support. 3. There is no spillage over your cups whatsoever--back band, arm pits, top. 4. The bra's band lies level across your chest and back; it doesn't ride up. Also, the breasts should be supported by the band and not the straps. Here are some good links. (Note, tech. NSFW because of drawings and in video, woman wearing her bra.) Classify Your Breasts and best fitting video I've ever found Bra Fitting 101

I had my thyroid out last year after my PCP and I fought with know-it-all ENT doctors for seven years. My PCP knew something was wrong. I knew something was wrong. The insurance-authorized ENTs only saw a fat woman "looking for an excuse." Argh. I want to say it took two or three weeks for my levels to be acceptable. Well, they're actually high because turned out my little butterfly gland had turned into Mothra and was cancerous. (Thyroid cancer is probably the "best" cancer you can get because it seldom ever spreads.) I'm sorry about your surgery, but the thyroid governs a ton of different things in your body. Bad levels can cause insomnia, depression, weight gain (or loss)--all kinds of stuff! So do make sure you follow up and find out just why your levels are off. Your surgeon is looking out for you even though I know it must not feel that way. You will get it under control soon and then on to surgery.

Yep. Sounds like the guys I know. The ultimate compliment for most of them is to say you look hot.

Who the hell is saying this stuff? Curious, is it another woman who might have a thing for your man? Was it said as some sort of weird compliment? You know, "Oh, you were obese before so not desirable, but now you're thin and everyone will want you" sort of thing. (We won't even discuss how twisted that logic is.) Next time it's said to your face, tell them, "Too bad because I love my husband. He's the best and loves me for me. Who wants a shallow-assed bastard who only wanted them for their looks? Sheesh."

I'm doing the happy dance. My case manager emailed me and told me my insurance gave the green light. Now all I need is the date (still likely in early Feb. because DH will be out of the country). But one step closer! Hooray!

Sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index than white potatoes and about the same glycemic load. They're also considered one of Nature's "super foods." They are healthier if boiled instead of baked. I sub them for high protein/low cal potato salad (in moderation). I also make sweet potato Cajun fries. I do not make the brown sugar and butter sweet potato casserole stand-by. I am pre-op, but I see nothing wrong with them during maintenance so long as they are used in moderation like any other starchy vegetable. I like to combine them with black soy Beans, chilis, green peppers, cilantro, cumin and salsa. Num.

Woohoo! That is great news and a fantastic birthday present! Amazing what a bit of the old-fashioned determination will do for you. I'm so happy you got this taken care of at last.

Thanks for sharing. I can't imagine going on a cruise so soon after surgery. (Actually, never been on a cruise but understand there's always tons of food involved.) We're going to Disney World about a year out from my surgery, and I'm worried enough about that! Good to know there are some acceptable foods available on cruises. Could you have packed in shakes and puddings and protein bars and survived on those? Probably. But this was also a vacation. I think you made the right choice. You don't feel like you deprived yourself, so it will be lots easier to get back to your regular eating program.

Everyone does this occasionally--even people who have never struggled with weight. Look on the bright side. Habits are tough to break. Lucky for you, you figured out a tendency you'll need to watch later. I used to not think I was an emotional eater until it hit me smack in the middle of the head. Emotional eating isn't necessarily stuffing yourself with Cookies and ice cream. It can be anything. (In my case it's comfort food.) I also eat from boredom. I'm seeing a therapist to help me get over some of my food issues. Right now I'm coming up with a list of things I can do instead of eat when I get bored or tired or upset by something. It's tough because I go on autopilot when these moods hit me. I get up and move, go for a walk (weather permitting) play with the dog, knit. I've never given myself manicures before, but that's also on my list since it will keep my hands busy. It's a lot harder to eat if my hands are busy doing something!

My BMI is just over 40. Originally, I also wanted the band because it sounded less invasive. Then my PCP sat down and gave me a serious talk about all the complications that they have been seeing with the band. After that she told me about all the good research that has been coming out about the sleeve. It was a tough decision because the idea of having any part of me cut out is scary. In the end, I did a lot of reading, considered my doctor's advice (I respect her a lot--she's a terrifically talented physician) and decided to have sleeve surgery. I'm still awaiting my surgery date. I've had plenty of time to reconsider since my insurance wants 6 mos. supervised dieting. Going on 7 months later I am still happy with my decision. So I'd suggest doing a lot of reading, not just asking on here. You might also want to ask people who have had the band about the surgery and their feelings. There's a forum here for bands, too.

Thanks! There were only two of us who asked questions. It was a good class, but I'm still envious of the people who had a class every month leading up to their surgery. I'm still reeling from the bill I received from the therapist. I thought that was part of the lump sum charged to us. Anyway, have a great Holiday! I plan to attend the next support group Jan. 7. Anyone else?

I can't begin to imagine how frustrated you must be. I'm sorry they're putting you through this. My six months supervised diet was up on Nov. 17th. I hate all the hoops they expect us to hurdle. I expected to have my surgery middle of January. Now it looks like it will probably be a month later because my husband will be out of the country and wants to be here for the surgery. I feel like it will be March at the rate things are going! We get ourselves all psyched up for the surgery, then are forced to keep up that momentum for another month or more. Please don't leave the thread because you don't have your date yet. Well, if it frustrates you to see everyone else, then you need to do what works for you. But we certainly like you being here!