LisaMergs

Heck. Being called a loser in this forum is almost like being knelt before!!!! Congrats! Well done! Looking fine!!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Gorgeous!!! YOU and the pics. Congrats! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Ok. I'm in the boys room- sorry- but perhaps at your final meeting, you could mention to the session leader that you're going to be doing this alone? Then they could sort of announce to the entire group of anyone is going through the process without help, a buddy system may be available. Without pointing out who is doing this by themselves, maybe he could hook you and a buddy up- and you can help each other. Did I make sense here trying to explain what I mean? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I like you. You're chipper. Lol. Welcome!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I take 2 chewable flintstone Vitamins every day, 3 calcium daily ( one each meal) Vit D, C and B's hair is half as thick as it was- but fortunately I had twice as much as most. I'm the only one who notices- so far. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I consider myself an expert when it comes to autoimmune rheumatic diseases. First- let's talk your prednisone: See an endocrinologist. Pronto. I was taking 60 mg of pred a day for years. There was no weaning off, because any time I got down to 20-25mg, I literally could not function. In any capacity. Enter the endocrinologist. Because the prednisone does just as much (if not more!) damage than good, my adrenal function was gone, I had prednisone induced glaucoma as well as prednisone induced diabetes. I needed off the meds ASAP. She prescribed me ORAL hydrocortisone. It mimics- and tricks- your body into believing it is prednisone, and is MUCH easier to wean off of than the prednisone. It took a total of 2.5 months vs over a year or longer if it were the prednisone. Do this. Again, ASAP. Ask for it. Second- methotrexate, either by pill or injection: pills made me sick, puking, typical chemo side effects. The shots did not, and they actually work much more effectively than the pills, so if given a choice, it is a once a week teeny tiny needle. Side effects- don't bother paying attention to them. The benefits far outweigh any possible adverse effects. You will need regular blood work to monitor your liver enzymes. Again, I have been on a very high dosage, so mine were often screwy. Third: I can't imagine any surgeon doing WLS or ANY elective surgery while you are on either of these meds. I had to "wash out" before I could have my surgery, meaning get all traces of the meds out of my blood system and stored reserves. Both drugs make you more susceptible to infection and the prednisone especially makes healing hard. And keeps weight on. Again- seeing an endocrinologist will get you off the pred by using oral hydrocortisone pills. Usually PMR goes away after a year or so. I wonder if you don't have true rheumatoid arthritis? The tests- a sed rate and C-reactive Protein screen are used for PMR as well as other autoimmune arthritis diagnosis. Just a thought. So- don't worry about side effects of the methotrexate and get off the pred!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Other meds you take can screw with your liver enzymes. Hell- chemo for the RA gave me the liver of an alcoholic without even drinking. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

That's just the thing- it was anecdotal findings. A bunch of surgeons and rheumatologists noticed that individuals with autoimmune diseases were showing fewer and fewer signs and symptoms of their diseases. Believe me, there will be more research into this. As I stated- I don't care what the modality of change was/is- I'll take it!!! I haven't had but a handful of pretzels over the last couple of months. So really, no gluten here either. As for Cymbalta- I was given that for an off-label symptom of the RA- peripheral neuropathy. I'm weaning off now. No need!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Tanette- The best thing you can do is call BCBS and speak to someone there. The company you work for determines how much of what they will pay for when they negotiate a contract with an insurance company. What one person with BCBS receives for benefits may not be the same for another who works for a different company. It's comparing apples to oranges. Asking everyone here the specifics of their experience means nothing to your situation. Only what coverage YOU have matters- and that can be found by contacting your provider and insurance company. If I recall, you have not seen the surgeon yet? ( forgive me if I'm mistaken). You need to call BCBS of they are your insurance carrier and then you will have the answers you are looking for today. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I will tell you- all I had to do was tell my doc which diets, etc I'd done in the past. Never once was I asked for proof from WW or JC etc. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Welcome! Your provider will know. All ANY insurance company will tell you is they follow the BCBSIL guidelines. The provider has dealt with them in the past- the company- and can tell you at your first appt what to expect / need for approval. Are you IN Illinois? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

They're not going to reschedule you. Anyone who says differently is wrong. Period. When the pre-op diet starts, follow it. If you don't have one, even better for you. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Oooh, this just made me think of American Girl by Tom Petty! That was almost my choice! But I love Natalie Merchant, and that song "These Are Days" when she was still with 10,000 Maniacs is perfect for me now- These are days you'll remember. Never before and never since, I promise, will the whole world be warm as this. And as you feel it, you'll know it's true that you are blessed and lucky. It's true that you are touched by something that will grow and bloom in you Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Just sip tiny bits at a time- like a medicine cup worth. That's about 2 tbs. total. May take you a few sips with breaks in between to get it. You're still recovering, and little by little you will be able to drink more at once. These first 4-5 days are the hardest. Just be careful not to dehydrate. Also, try some chicken broth. Warm stuff felt really good in my pouch immediately post op. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

To each their own. Who are we to disagree? We need to find beauty in and of ourselves any way we can. And when we are overweight, that is a hard task, indeed. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am an autoimmune nightmare. Literally. Started with APA and then Rheumatoid, then Sjogrens. You name it. Though SLE was in the cards but got lucky there. There was some anecdotal findings about people with severe RA having had bypass who went into remission. That's all I needed to hear. Sign me up. In 9 years time, I didn't have a day without pain, fatigue, depression, you name it. Couldn't walk to the bathroom without pain let alone to the corner. Well, I had the bypass in March. Six months ago. Guess what? I will not say I'm in "remission" ( the Rword!) BUT I also have literally been pain free/symptom free since that day. I have NO clue why, and frankly, I don't care. All I know is that these have been the best 6months in forever. I'll take it. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App I am an autoimmune nightmare. Literally. Started with APA and then Rheumatoid, then Sjogrens. You name it. Thought SLE was in the cards but got lucky there. There were anecdotal findings about people with severe RA having had bypass who went into remission. That's all I needed to hear. Sign me up. In 9 years time, I didn't have a day without pain, fatigue, depression, you name it. Couldn't walk to the bathroom without pain let alone to the corner. Well, I had the bypass in March. Six months ago. Guess what? I will not say I'm in "remission" ( the Rword!) BUT I also have literally been pain free/symptom free since that day. I have NO clue why, and frankly, I don't care. All I know is that these have been the best 6months in forever. I'll take it. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

That they like their boobage? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App THAT was a major party.... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Great thread. Just saw my RD, who I consider a valuable source, yesterday. When reviewing my Protein totals over the last week, I was over the "suggested Bariatric amount" for 3 days. Knowing how much I exercise, she was fine with that. This lead to a discussion on weight training, lifting, etc. Before switching to Bariatrics, she worked with elite athletes. The long and short of our conversation was - if you are simply using weight for good muscle tone and simple strength, normal protein targets are fine. If you're planning on building up to KEEP pushing the limits of your strength and endurance further and further, protein intake targets need to increase to meet your body's needs. I think @@BigViffer is completely on point. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

It's just part of the process. Depending on how far out you are, if you are cleared to lift weight, do so. If you are unfamiliar with proper technique, a GOOD personal trainer is your best bet. They SHOULD take a comprehensive history on you, and tailor a program for you using different muscle groups, etc. Most importantly, they will teach you the proper way to use machines and free weights. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Omg Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Look at you!!! #weightlossgoal !!!

Ok. Seriously. What's with all these ladies with flowers in the top of their head?? On their profile pic? And does it "mean" anything? I don't get it... And yes @@LipstickLady I know you have one, as well, so chime in! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

A couple of days does not a stall make. When the scale doesn't move for 3 weeks, THEN you're in a stall. Step away from the scale for a few days. You're going to drive yourself batty. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Bariatric fusion is one of the better in terms of flavor. I never needed to add anything to them, including ice. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Dang. Thought for sure you were going to say "The b***h is Back". Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App I never left. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App