Rachel Pittsburgh

Hello everyone! I'm 1 year post-op next week and just hit my goal. I'm so happy with the results and didn't have any complications but I will tell you at our ages you need your Protein. I love premiere protein and still have at least one a day because i love the chocolate ones! If you don't get all of your protein in, you will start to loose your hair... seriously!!!! i know 2 other ladies that did not get enough protein in and didn't continue their Vitamins after 4 months and they both lost ALOT of hair. Now it's been a year for them as well and it's just starting to come back...like baby hair!!! Our hair gets thin enough as we age so please be careful. Good luck to everyone!!! Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight! smile

Hello everyone! I had my surgery last year on December 23, 2015 and am down 62 pounds...11 months post-op and am ready to hit my goal of 150. I went from a size 18 to a 10. XXL to a Medium!! This is the best decision I've ever made. I'm off all my medications and my diabetes is gone. I really don't want to lose any more weight and I can't believe I wrote that...lol. I remember getting ready for the surgery and time went so slow and I was excited and nervous but I will tell you this past year flew by and the changes to come to each of you will be amazing. I wish you all a speedy recovery and my advice is to follow the program and it will melt right off of you! Good luck and God Bless you!

Hi everyone! It's been a few months since I posted anything here. I took a few minutes to check the site to see if I could help anyone and I read this chain... It's been 8 months for me and I started at 214 and now weigh 153. I'm right on target and am feeling great. About eating in the beginning...please follow the plan, take your time, look for signs that your body will tell you. I too would get that 1 hiccup... it was my bodys alarm saying rut roh....you are done!!! I just wanted to tell you all that you are all doing great. It's funny how before i had the surgery, I would just continue to eat NOW I listen to my body and it will tell you when to stop AND if you don't... you will get very very uncomfortable and you won't want to feel that way again!!! BELIEVE ME!!! Enjoy your food, eat your Protein first, drink your fluids, take your Vitamins. You too will look back and think OMG how did i survive on 1/4 cup of food. Stay strong, take lots of pictures. I take a monthly photo on my anniversary date and you can really see yourself shreaking right before your eyes!!!

Please get your Protein and fluids in!!!! It's a must. Your body needs to heal and needs the fuel to do so. Your body also goes into shock and is holding onto anything. The weight will come off....believe all of us! Continue your Vitamins, my doc did not release me to walk for exercise until 1 month. I have lost 44 pounds in 3 months (started at 214 and now 170). I am encouraging you to get your protein and fluids in---- it's a critical time for your body!

Hi everyone, I started my journey at 214 in December 23, 2015 and today I weigh 170.3. I am down 44 pounds in 4 months. The last 3 weeks I've been in a stall but I love the results!!! I am off 2 diabetic medications, 1 for cholesterol and no more sleep apnea. Mine was approved and covered by my health insurance, of course, I had my co-pay. I had no complications and my arthritis is just about healing itself. I do take chewable medications and followed the program to the T. I have support groups that we talk every week and I still continue to go to Magee Womens Hospital to attend their support groups. I am 57 years old and I feel 30 again!!!! Let me know if you would like to chat privately. Rachel

I started at 214 on December 23, 2015 and tomorrow is my 2 month post-op and I'm down 39.6 pounds. Almost 40 pounds in 60 days!!! I'm so excited and am enjoying walking and no pain! This surgery has changed my life and my attitude. Good luck to everyone and it will come off. Take your time and enjoy yourself.

Hi team, I started at 213 and today I am 179! I was at a stall and am able to eat everything. I haven't tried any red meats yet but all in all, I haven't had any complications. My surgery date was December 23, 2015. I can't wait until Spring is here so i can start walking outside. Good luck and keep in touch! Rachel

Hi everyone, I had my sleeve done on December 23, 2015 and am down 34 pounds as of today, January 29, 2016. What I have seen and have learned is that we are all different and the weight will come off. Good luck everyone!!

Hi there, I also had my surgery at Magee in Pittsburgh. My surgery date was December 23, 2015 and was performed by Dr. Ramesh Ramanathan. I could not have asked for better care than the bariatric team at Magee Women's Hospital! I started my journey at 213 and at 5 weeks post-op, I weigh 179 (down 34 pounds). I am off 2 diabetic medications and 1 cholesterol pill. I had no complications and am following their program. I am so blessed to live in Pittsburgh and have UPMC on my side. Life is great!!!!

I would love to meet everyone too in January! Can we all meet at Century III Mall? Is that good for everyone? Make some suggestions and we can decide where to meet and what day. I would like to get in a walk so that's why I'm thinking a mall. Your thoughts? Rachel

My friend had the bypass and he threw up 3 times when he had to take the medicine to check for any leaks etc. He said that was the worst thing ever, but the next day he felt fine. Hang in there and hold a pillow tight against your belly, sometimes that helps. Ask for nausea meds!!! keep sucking on ice chips too!!!

Keep sucking on ice chips and I can't believe you made a post 8 hours after surgery! You are one strong lady! Good luck and keep moving and walking. Kudos, Rachel

I just got the call - I AM APPROVED!!!! I was getting anxious as I'm scheduled for surgery in 6 days! Tomorrow I start my liquid diet. I'm so excited.

Keep sucking on ice chips and popsicles so you don't get dehydrated.

Prayers are being said for all!!! See you on the flip side. lol

I suggest you getting a copy of your Aetna policy. Each policy is different and the bariatric program for Aetna is changing again for 2016. I'm scheduled for December 23 (next wednesday) as my insurance is changing in 2016. I believe the new Aetna program is called "Bariatric Excellence" and it will be 1 year instead of the 90 days. BUT again, get a copy of your policy to see the details that you have to follow. You can also google Aetna to get a copy of your policy or call them to get the details. Good luck! Rachel

Hi. I've been a smoker for 40+ years and when i decided to get a weight loss procedure and went to a seminar the Surgeon was the guest speaker. That day he said, I will not perform the surgery if you are a "smoker". I went to my pcp and got chantix and quit smoking over 4 months ago. My bariatric team also requires me to get drug tested twice a month. I am scheduled for my sleeve in 11 days (23rd). I guess each surgeon is different and the requirements to have the procedure done is different. They want you to quit smoking because it really does hurt you for your recovery. This is a major surgery and your body needs oxygen....I do know that you can smoke AFTER the sleeve but you will NEVER be able to smoke after a bypass as it will do damage immediately. i would call your doctors office and talk to the PA and find out now! You don't want to wait until surgery and get denied or canceled. Good luck and you can do it. If I CAN DO IT...YOU CAN!!! lol Rachel

I'm scheduled for December 23 (next Wednesday) and am waiting for the final approval from the insurance company. I call every day and the status says "pending". I've been in my program for over 6 months and followed every step, took all the tests, attended all the classes, and am ready to go!!! I start my liquid diet this week too! My doctors office sent the papers in on November 25. Has anyone had such a late turn around timeframe from the insurance company for the approvals?

Hi BLERDgirl; Congratulations on your current weight!!!! You are doing such a terrific job and I just had to give you a shout out!!!

Can anyone tell me how to tag you to be a friend?

You folks are terrific and I thank you for replying and sharing your stories. I enjoy reading them and it makes me chuckle or even think 'oh yeah" I knew that or wow "will this happen to me". I decorated the house today, well let me say, that I wasn't going to have Christmas...per si... but the decorations will cheer me as I come home on Christmas day. I'm not computer savvy so I'm learning as I go on here. I did buy myself a tablet to join facebook . geez am I the only one who is not on facebook.lol. telling my age again!. Thanks again for the positive posts and I'm looking forward to learn how to post a picture of myself. god lord, pray for me...

I agree that you should not go! I would call the family in the morning of the get-together and say you are not feeling well. Honestly, you will need your rest and if someone bumps you, hugs you or the dog jumps on you...you will be in pain and then you would have to share your story. I'm sorry that you don't feel comfortable to share with your family your new journey. You will need support and i hope you have a support or great friends to help you. Take care, Rachel

Congrats! I am scheduled for the 23rd of December and am waiting for my insurance approval. I'm having my procedure done at Magee with Dr. Ramanathan. His team is fabulous and I'm so excited. Merry Christmas to you all! Rachel

My surgery date is scheduled for December 23, 2015. 13 days and counting. I'm still waiting for my approval and i call my insurance company every day and they say, "it's pending". I'm getting a little nervous and anxious! I currently weigh 204 and my goal weight is 140 so I am right with you all 50 - 60 pounds and hopefully more. I'm just looking forward to getting off all these medications and living a healthy life.

Hi Ellen, I decided on the bypass with the help and guidance of my bariatric team. I have barrett's esophageus and didn't want to take the chance of continuing the side effects which include heartburn. Yes i am at the lower end of the scale but I have multiple weight related issues and have always battled with my weight. I've researched the bypass and the sleeve for over a year and have participated in group settings for 8+ months. I am ready for this life changing tool!!! I'm so new to website and am hoping that I'm replying correctly. Take care, Rachel