Ruth1ess

Panda express! Steamed veggies instead of noodles or rice. Several Protein entree options under 200 calories, and no guesswork. They post the calorie count right there on the wall. https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=panda+express+menu+nutrition

"As long as it's not Lane Bryant" Amen, sister.

Look at this blazer!! I want to wear it to work http://www.modcloth.com/shop/blazers-vests/i-glam-hardly-believe-it-blazer-in-white

A lot of people swear by the Gas X strips post-surgery. I think that will help the gas trapped inside your stomach and intestines, but no so much with the gas in your thoracic cavity.

@@Sammysmiles I was told he was new to the program and awesome.. and that appointments with him are readily available. I'm thinking of asking for him.

APPROVED TODAY!!! It took forever for the office to send off for insurance approval, but I got it. Now, just waiting for them to schedule a consult with the physician. @@Sammysmiles How did you like Dr. Elli?

@@Changed2016 I'm in Atlantic Beach, I live on the intracoastal off of Mayport Rd, not too far from Dutton Island Dr. Lynch (bariatrician) gives you the run down on surgeries, talks about if surgery is right for you and which is right for you, answers any questions early on in the game. For me, it was a bit different.. again, because I went through the program not wanting surgery, then decided halfway in that I was in (at Mayo, they put you through the bariatric program for weight loss, too, until very recently. They stopped medically-supervised replacement shake diets because they don't really work long term). So, I met with Dr. Lynch twice.. the first time, he told me how surgery could benefit me. I imagine it's a little different with patients seeking surgery. I thought I could speed things along, too (being an employee), but unfortunately there aren't many times that they do the classes. You're at the mercy of their scheduling. You won't have to wait for insurance approval, though, so that may speed things up considerably! I would talk to Karen as soon as you're done with your last class, and ask that they book the consult with the surgeon ASAP. That will move things along for you. I'm also told there is very little wait once you're good to go, because they have surgery spots open all the time. It may be sooner than June depending on when your classes let out and how long you need to do the pre-op diet.

Yes, my last class was on 3/9. Dr. Ames is pretty wonderful, she is my favorite part of the team which is really saying something...my first run in with her wasn't the best (I was adamantly against surgery and she gave me some much-needrd tough love). Honestly with the classes, I learned a lot more on this forums reading back through a lot of threads. They're good for caregivers, though, if you have someone in your life who isn't really quite on board with surgery. It's also a good day to connect with others in your situation. I would love to stay in touch! I actually work here at Mayo Clinic (in Cannaday) so I'm always here. Are you local? I'm hoping to have my surgery late April, just after finals at school. Sent from my Nexus 5X using the BariatricPal App

Awesome story!! Sent from my Nexus 5X using the BariatricPal App

I was talking to a cute/fashionable coworker and asked her where I should be shopping when I get down to a normal size. I mentioned I like an Anthropologie style but for less price. She mentioned Urban Outfitters. So, I have a new goal!! They have some really cute dresses! Sent from my Nexus 5X using the BariatricPal App

My surgeon will be Dr. Steven Bowers. Sent from my Nexus 5X using the BariatricPal App

Hi there! I'm going through the process there now. I just got insurance approval!

ohh yes.. vintage thrift stores!!! Something i've always wanted to do, but haven't had the body for., yay!

I hear Forever 21 has some cute stuff

You'll feel like a new person after the thoracentesis. I don't have personal experience, but as a nursing student I did a rotation in the ER and witnessed this procedure.

I'm not Canadian, but I'm in Toronto on a monthly basis. I'm dating someone there. Hi all!

Great to hear Mico!

1. Traveling and exploration, my first love. If I'm not jumping on a plane at least once a month, I get.. itchy. 2. Ingress. Check it out. Really! It goes nicely along with #1 3. Meeting new people 4. Entrepreneurial type things. I love trying new things and learning the market. I am currently running a side business alongside my full time job and it's very exciting. 5. Homesteading.. fascinated by this, but I don't have the resources (aka my own home, a piece of land, etc). But I love things like brewing my own kombucha, making soap, candles, etc.

I can't wait for cute shoes!! I just realized I've complimented two coworkers on their cute shoes today. Mine are horribly practical. Sent from my Nexus 5X using the BariatricPal App

Ugh, that is horrible!! I would get on the phone ASAP and start contacting other surgical centers.. Explain your circumstances and see if they can get you right in and start the insurance approval immediately. You can transfer your records so as not to repeat your pretesting. It's worth a try. Good luck, whatever you decide. That seems horribly frustrating! Sent from my Nexus 5X using the BariatricPal App

I weigh 285 and I am projected to lose 90 lbs. I'm going to fight for more. It was only 10 years ago that I saw my lowest adult weight of 185, so I can imagine it, but can't imagine lower. Like, it's impossible. I secretly hope I'm one of the lucky ones whose body let's them get lower with a lot of hard work. Sent from my Nexus 5X using the BariatricPal App

I am dealing with the frustration of having done all my pre-op appts but the office still hasn't submitted my case to insurance. Been waiting two weeks Once they get approval, I'll meet my surgeon and surgery will be scheduled at that appt.

Hi, welcome! We have similar stats. I can't wait for surgery! Sent from my Nexus 5X using the BariatricPal App

@@ridgerunner Try much smaller bites. Dime-sized if you have to. See how that works Sent from my Nexus 5X using the BariatricPal App

I'm pre-surgery. As part of my prep, I've paid more attention to this. I slow down my eating a lot when I don't have Water to wash down my bites. I take smaller bites, chew thoroughly, and swallow. If I'm not paying attention, I eat very quickly using the water to help wash down bites. I also feel bloated and "sloshy" when I drink too much water with a meal. Sent from my Nexus 5X using the BariatricPal App