becomingmandikaye

First, I'm so sorry you're feeling this way. I hope you know that just because you feel this way, that doesn't mean anything is wrong with you. Depression is a dick, and depression lies. When I finally learned that, I was able to move forward. Everyone is different, and everyone suffers differently. What has helped me was several months in therapy last year, combined with an anti-depressant (Wellbutrin). It's not a miracle cure, and I still have days that are just all around terrible, but I have far more good days than bad. And in fact, it was the idea that I couldn't "fix" myself on my own, that I needed tools like therapy and medication, that made me realize I should have WLS. The main thing is to remember - depression lies.

Way to go! Thanks for posting about your success!

Good luck today! Let us know if there's anything we can do to make life a bit easier, even if it's just a virtual hug.

I haven't had my surgery yet, but from what I understand it's entirely based on your doctor's preference. Not all doctors give you a pre-op diet. What has your surgeon told you to do?

If they follow the comics, those guys are more than likely from a community called The Kingdom, which is an ally to Hilltop. (I don't read the comics, I just see this stuff online).

See, I thought it was someone on Negan's LEFT side based on what we did see (and Carl and the others were on his right). That's why I think it's Daryl or Michonne.

They probably know *now*, but I'd bet they didn't while they were shooting the scene.

Based on the angle (it was someone standing on Negan's left side), I'm going to say it's either Glen, Daryl, or Michonne. I don't think it's Glen because 1) we already had a death scare for him this year and 2) it was him in the comics. I don't think they would follow that closely so that we're left guessing. It could be Daryl - but everyone already thinks it's Daryl. But you know who I haven't seen come up in any theories? Michonne. And Michonne and Rick had just gotten a little bit too happy. So that's my guess. Michonne. But I won't be completely surprised if it's Daryl.

8 oz is one cup, so use a different measuring cup to see if it's correct. Seeing it in another container might help your brain adjust to the serving size.

I got to watch it this morning. I am both disappointed and relieved. They hyped it up SO MUCH that I was expecting it to be this giant tumultuous train wreck... and instead, we got that cliffhanger. Now - there are clues as to who it was, and I have my theories. But for now... they are all Schrodinger's cat. Everyone is both alive and dead until the season premiere in October.

It sounds delicious... but knowing that it's "cheese" seems so weird! I'd love to know what other folks think.

She was talking about pretty serious leakage. Fluid and solid "fat" bits. Enough to fill a maxi pad she'd covered her belly button with and then to leak all over her bed. It kind of freaked me out, to be honest.

I'm on the NC State Health Plan through BCBS of NC. When I called last month, the consultant told me that there was a requirement of following a medically supervised weight loss program for 3 months. Turns out - that person was crazy. I found the Medical Policy (https://www.bcbsnc.com/assets/services/public/pdfs/medicalpolicy/surgery_for_morbid_obesity.pdf) and the requirement WAS 6 months... but it was removed in July of 2014. I called today to confirm. The only requirements now are when all four of the following requirements are met: 1) Have a BMI greater than or equal to 40 *or* more than 35 with co-morbidities 2) Have no specifically correctable cause for the obesity (e.g. an endocrine disorder) 3) A thorough evaluation has been documented to assess patient's ability to sustain the surgery long term 4) Must be part of a comprehensive pre-surgical, surgical, and post-surgical progam Is anyone here on the SHP? My concern is that this is too good to be true. Do they evaluate these criteria on a stricter scale now? I would be worried that the "thorough" evaluation is subjective, even though the policy guidelines seem pretty specific (there are 6 criteria for the evaluation). Could it really be this easy?

I just wanted to chime in and say that everyone here is so dang inspiring! I don't know any of you, but I adore you all. I'm hoping that you both ( @@sassyfrass23 & @@choicemun ) had easy and successful surgeries, and that recovery is smooth sailing!

Bone broth. It's a bit pricey (unless you make your own), but it sounds delicious. https://www.barebonesbroth.com/

In my research about the DS, I found a blogger who recounted her experience with leaking from her belly button for MONTHS after the surgery. Is this common? There's so little information about the DS out there, that I'd love to know what complications might arise.

Thanks, everybody! In the meantime I'm reading everything I possibly can to prepare myself. It's definitely a lot to take in.

When a family member had this surgery in December, her doctor was reporting that she was following a strict diet but actually told her NOT to do it so she wouldn't lose too much before the surgery. She's got BCBS of Minnesota. It varies by insurance company, so I'd call yours to ask.

White House, Black Market has always had clothes that I think are beautiful, but I've never even walked into the store. And.. Modcloth. I know they sell plus sizes, but I'm so afraid to try them because the styles don't work with my body type. But when I'm smaller? I will rock every single one of their dresses.

Well, it would have been smart if I had actually remembered to put my FitBit on this morning! Can't really do a challenge if you don't put it on...

Hey there - I didn't get added to any challenge.

Hey! I'm in the Raleigh area too! I haven't decided on a surgery yet. My consultation is scheduled for April 28th! I'll be going through Duke. I hope all is going well with you post-op!

I'm really excited - but kind of nervous. I meet with the surgeon on April 28th and then I have the psych/nutrition sessions on May 2. THIS IS REALLY HAPPENING.

I'm doing a challenge at work, so I guess I can start doing challenges with you folks too! Add me! mandikayeottaway@gmail.com

I just found my Fitbit last night, after it went missing since last September! I'm wearing it again, but I'm definitely not in a place to do a challenge (yet). But it's nice to know there are folks here I can do challenges with when I'm ready!