Laughkc11

You're so right July 27

YES! Since my son is out of town and he will be eating healthy with me (whether he knows it or not lol) I've thrown away cereal, chips, tortillas, syrup, etc. My cupboards and fridge are so empty right now. Bags of old clothes that are too small but haven't been able to part with, and I've organized them so I can "shop" when I start losing without going broke lol. For someone who generally feels tired and in pain most times, I sure have a lot of energy lately [emoji23] I think my brain is just telling me to prepare for a major change. If only I could maintain this energy all the time... I probably wouldn't need surgery [emoji53]

So I'm in a state of "nesting." I know I'm not having a baby [emoji23], but I want to be 100% focused on having a successful pre-op diet and post-op LIFE! My 13-yo son is on vacation visiting family for 5 weeks and I'll be having the surgery while he is gone (he does not know, nor does anyone in my family). Today I cleaned the garage, and organized some of the inside of the house. More cleaning to be done tomorrow! [emoji15][emoji15][emoji15]

I'm July 27 as well [emoji322]

July 27 near Chicago

July 27!

I'm in the Chicago area. Having it at St. Joseph's [emoji4] You?!

I'm July 27th also! [emoji322][emoji322]

My coordinator scheduled my surgery date on the day that he submitted everything to my insurance. So I have my date (July 27) but no approval yet. Ci meet the criteria for my insurance so he assumes that I will have approval at some point before the date.

LOVE THAT OUTFIT YOU'RE ROCKING TODAY!

I hope my legs look as good as yours when all is said and done!!!

This is so cool! Congrats on the career change! I want to become a Financial Peace coordinator as a hobby and a way to teach people how to become more financially stable. Obviously this requires being able to lead a group of strangers with confidence, etc. Can't wait to start doing things that the skinny me inside wants

I'm still in the pre-op stages, but I'm curious if anyone has experienced career growth or success that they believe is correlated to their weight loss? I am at a career plateau at the moment where I'm on the cusp of a breakout into management, but I often times feel like my weight either deters me from taking control of certain situations and opportunities; or other people do not see past my weight and respect me as a businesswoman. I often think about all the things I would do if I were not overweight, self-conscious, and in pain all of the time. One of them is definitely to be fearless and take control of my career. I'm just curious if anyone has realized this type of goal in their weight loss journey? I'd love to hear your stories.

I also have BCBSIL. Some employer plans can vary, but if you have the traditional PPO plan then a BMI of 40+ will be all that is needed to start the process, which is a PCP referral, 1 visit with a psych and 1 visit with a nutritionist, and an EDG. I'm 5'5"/266. I decided to schedule an appt. directly with the bariatric surgeon instead of going through a PCP. I had my consultation on May 12 where I met the coordinator and the surgeon. They are providing me names of PCPs that they have worked with before so I don't have to deal with convincing a PCP that I need the surgery. The coordinator already scheduled my psych/nut visits for June 1, and my EDG for June 6. It's all moving very quickly.

Were you awake for the EDG? Was it awful? Mine is on June 6 and I'm having anxiety about it.

Just had my consultation on Thursday, May 12. Psych and nutritionist visit on June 1. EDG on June 6. Still have to find a PCP who will do labs and recommend the surgery, but this is happening very FAST. The thought of the EDG freaks me out. Like I almost had a panic attack talking about it with the coordinator. Someone please tell me it's not as awful as it sounds. [emoji15]

I have my first consultation with the surgeon at St. Joseph's this Thursday, May 12. I also have BCBSIL and I'm hoping to have my surgery date sometime while my son is out of town from June 15-July 24. This gives me hope that it could happen!

This topic was the primary reason why I put surgery off for so long. I'm just in the beginning stages, but the coordinator said if everything went smoothly I could be looking at a surgery date as early as June! I've only told one very close friend. I think my mom will be the hardest person to keep it from, and will be the most hurt if she finds out. I'm not one to lie, but my mother is a typical nosey Italian mom, so not only is she a gossip queen, but if I tell her I'm sure to be receiving emails with links to all things WLS [emoji849] We live in different states so we don't see each other but a couple times a year. Still haven't decided what to do.

BLACKENED SALMON IS MY FAVORITE DISH! 2 Salmon Filets Olive Oil Cajun-style Seasoning OR I use the following mixture: 1 Tbsp Paprika 1 Tbsp Cayenne Pepper 1 Tbsp Thyme 1 Tbsp Oregano 1 Tbsp Sea Salt 1 Tbsp Black Pepper Mix the spices together and spread out on a plate. Rub the salmon with a little olive oil and press one side down onto the spices. Heat 2-3 Tbsp of avocado oil in a pan over medium heat. Once it is hot (or smoking), turn off the burner. Place the salmon flesh side down in the pan, on one layer, so they both have contact with the pan. Then turn the heat back on medium (about a 4) and cook for 2 minutes. After 2 minutes, turn the heat down to medium-low (about a 2) and flip the salmon (I like to use tongs, but a spatula will do). The spiced side should be crispy. Cook at medium-low for another 3-5 minutes. Such an amazing combination of flavor and texture!

Newbie here. I'm currently researching bariatric surgery institutions and have narrowed it down to UCI and Chicago Institute of Advanced Bariatrics. What got me to this point? Years of body image issues starting all the way back to elementary school. Losing weight and never managing to keep it off - usually gaining back more than I had originally lost. Loving sports, physical activity, CrossFit, and competition, but never being able to enjoy it because of back or joint pain. Limited clothes/shoe shopping options despite having a love for fashion. Can't even squeeze into a wide-calf boot. Working in a corporate environment and feeling uncomfortable in business attire so always wearing baggy sweaters, etc. Worrying that my "sloppy" appearance could hold me back from promotion. Gaining 70 lbs over the course of 3 years. Majority of it being in the last 12-18 months. As a result... Could not get on a ride at Six Flags with my 12-yo son this past summer (he was furious that the park didn't make bigger seats lol) I travel for work and to visit family/friends 4-5 times a year and this last trip I could BARELY squeeze into the economy class seat. It was a painful 4 hour flight. My son being obviously embarrassed by my size (although he never says it, it is apparent) Being 33, single, and lonely as hell, but could not even imagine pursuing a relationship or any kind of intimacy. Hearing the old "you have a beautiful face" statement as if it's supposed to be a compliment. And ultimately just hating how I look and feel... All day... Everyday. Needless to say, I'm at the end of my rope right this very moment.

Would you mind sharing the program you have been working with? I have BCBSIL and have been wanting to attend an info session and schedule a consultation, but want to work with a program that is going to be helpful and proactive. Any info you can provide would be so appreciated!