MemphisWLS

Just getting through this approval step is stressfull. Congratulations on your approval. We will see each other on the losers bench soon. Cocoon to Butterfly

Thank you. I am still trying to get approved. They ask for two more documents, they Receive them. Then ask for more.I think they what me to give up.
They do not know who they are dealing with.
It seems like paperwork gets lost and they say they never received it. The surgeon sends it again.
They ask me if I had a living will, if I was financially o k and asked if they could call my husband to speak with him. This is my body not his. I said go ahead and call him.
This is some of the hoops I have has to jump through. Still jumping. I am not going to give up.
Thank you
Cocoon to Butterfly

I think the bottom line is that if there are cracks in your marriage, any major changes can seriously rock the boat.
It's hard to know, in our era speaking frankly is discouraged as rude. Men and women still often have rigid roles, reinforced by the onslaught of media in our lives. TV shows and films play such a large role in many of our love's that even our grandparents could never have understood. When it is perceived as weak or effeminate for men to show their feelings, and bitchy and bossy for women to speak their minds there's little wonder that grievances go unaddressed and problems go unnoticed until they are titanic in size.

I am being extremely selfish on this one and very happy about it....love my beau and kids but not doing this for them or anyone else. This one is all ME...and it's about doggone time I thought about no one else but ME!!!
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I am 3 years post op and I travel and surely eat "crazy bad foods" sometimes.
Here are my thoughts - take it or leave it - I think that when you do a vacation trip it is MOST important to keep portions small and to not graze. So have that butter laden whatever, but just a tiny bit. don't let yourself munch and snack all day - eat enough to be satiated, eat those 4-5 mini meals (or whatever your program calls for). reason I say this is that you really haven't gone off your routine or caused long term problems, you are just eating higher calorie/higher carb food for a few days and it is much easier to go back to your routine once you get home. If you let yourself "stuff yourself" you will be hungrier and it might be harder to get back on track immediately.
I also try to stay really active on vacation and stay away from "food oriented" vacations. March last year I spent 8-9 days in Mexico, I actually lost weight even though I had been at goal for a year already.
when I drink, I stay away from sugary mixers.
So, this applies probably more to people who have alot to lose. I was determined to get to goal, but had to lose over 150# to do it. what I knew is that the honeymoon periond only lasts "so long" so I didn't drink, didn't go eating junky food and really didn't allow myself food vacations until after getting to goal. I realize this isn't for everyone, but in my case, it was something that was very important to me. That first year post op wasn't filled with fun and frolic for me, it was filled with disciplined eating and exercise. I only share this - not as any kind of judgement - but so that newbies reading this don't think that I lost that kind of weight in that time frame any other way - reality check.

So, today is exactly 8 months since I had my RNY bypass. Sweet that it comes the day before Thanksgiving, I'd say, since this year, more than any before, I've so much to be grateful for in my life.
I began my WL journey 12.5 months ago with my first appointment to my surgeon. I was fortunate that I was able to quickly progress through the required steps and have my surgery quickly.
My HW was in the 280's...my surgical day weight was 272. Blessed with a body that responded well and the determination to make the most of the surgery, I sit, today, squarely at 145. That is 138 pounds from my highest weight--- in 8 Short months.
An ENTIRE person....melted away.
So... This leaves me 5 pounds from my goal and reevaluating a new goal. I lived my entire life-minus the last 10 years- firmly at 128. Is it possible???? I think so! Pregnancies, illnesses, age, certainly play a role in how we carry weight, but with the past year behind me, I now think ANYTHING is possible.
As I set in to the kitchen to begin to prepare the feast that is expected tomorrow for my 30 some guests, I do so with vigor and vitality. And I will come to the task ahead thinking of all the people in my life who have lifted me up, shown me the way, cheered me on and loved me---all the while helping me find the ME who was buried beneath illness and sadness, never imagining a life worth living fully again.
There are people here, who have become friends and important in my life. To each of you-- I say Thank You. You know who you are...your friendship, wisdom, guidance and camaraderie broke through like beacons.
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Politics and beauracratic mess...
Medicaid didn't even add the sleeve as soon as other insurances did but now they did so it's much easier to get approval depending on each stated requirements people always complaining about the government and control but medicaid. At least in my experience used to be quite good overall and still is in many places. It's changed for the worse here in California at least in my experience
Insurance companies are ran by capitalist business ppl...they are trying to make money..not spend it so, it's no surprise we pay high premiums....I pay over $400.00 monthly for mine and still have to jump through hoops..I had to do six months of this and that and I think I was approved on the fast side only because of my high BMI and multiple preexisting conditions. On top of that, my insurance doesn't even fully cover the surgery...covers most but not all! Bahh
Still, I am grateful because if it wasn't for Obamacare, another sore topic, I wouldn't even have my good insurance because before capitalist insurance companies, for the most part denied insurance to ppl like me with pre existing medical issues or charged extreme fees with a long wait period before you got any coverage! Soo the whole hoop thing is more of a problem of them not wanting to pay whereas government medicaid doesn't concern themselves with that as.much since it's not a direct hit.
Bc I'm low income, I have medi cal as well but it's so bad here in San Diego I had to buy my own insurance. They were killing me literally ...I wouldn't trust them to give me bariatric surgery. I hope it's not like this everywhere. My pain specialist overdosed me in a pain med during a procedure and I had a seizure and nearly died. So yeh medicaid/ medi-cal is not always the picnic it seems and maybe my experiences are unique bc I have complex medical problems
Now that I have private insurance, costing me a mint, I go to a hospital that doesn't even accept medicaid by itself. I have top rate doctors and care. It's just not fair
So just some food for thought about things beyond the basic appearance... I understand the frustration for sure but I been on both sides...

So here is my question for you.
(And before ANYONE starts a battle on @@LisaMergs behalf -- she and I are groovy, we can discuss like adults without intervention.)
Clearly you have had awesome results with the bypass. Why did you doctor suggest it? Was is malabsorbtion? As I stated earlier, that makes MUCH more sense than the people who say they never overate but who choose the sleeve. Did he/she think this would "reset" your metabolism? More importantly, are you off all those awful meds that made you gain the weight?
I've seen your pics and you look AH-MAY-ZING. I know you can clear up some of my confusion about this.

And I did forget to mention, the only medications I now take our drumroll please zero. Other than my Vitamins that's it. Let's all do a happy dance for that, at one point I was taking upwards of 20 pills a day giving myself daily shots weekly and monthly chemotherapy. Not a bad trade off A gastric bypass for my life
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A couple much larger studies have shown that bougie size does not matter, and a smaller bougie increases complications. The issue isn't the bougie size, it is if the sleeve is properly formed. He kind of outted himself by admitting he used larger and switched to smaller later. That doesn't mean that smaller works better, more than likely his technique at doing sleeves improved with time. They just use the bougie as a guide when they cut, so if they are close or further away from the bougie that is all on them and their technique. The differences in sizes is still very minimal, you can't blame regain on the bougie size, unless you can't make a properly formed sleeve.

SLAY!!!!!
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Im officially 5 months post op!! Down 70+ lbs with 40 to gooooooo. But i don't think I want to lose another 40 anymore Maybe another 15 or 20...
Wanted to drop a few pics...Sorry they are sideways!!! I don't know how to fix
SW 253.6
CW 182.4
GW 135-140 (40-45 MORE lbs to go more)
Revised goal weight 160-165 (20-25 more lbs to go)
Pic #1 is me last night before i went out
#2 me last month 4 months post op. At the amusement park with my fam
#3 is me and my puffy face on my bday last year. my aha moment that something had to change
#4 me and another night out pre surgery
#5 me again on my birthday full body

@@BobScott
"what do you regret", what you wish you had done pre or post-op
the above has often been asked amongst each other
my 3 big regrets
1. didn't take frequent before/during/and after pics
2. didn't take my measurements (tried, never did it right with finding #'s)
hubby even tried (he's very trying!!!! LOL)
3. No Journal has always been my biggest regret
keeping a journal (blog) is very helpful
it's good to be reminded of the "little" things for posterity!!!
can't always rely on your memory
i wish i had kept track of things during this experience
all my NSV's - dates they happened etc
at one year surgiversary, i said i would start a journal (blog)
that was almost 4 years ago!!! never happened
@@BobScott
wonderful weight loss/transformation
keep up the good work
please post more often, share the good and bad
and of course all advice is appreciated
kathy
congrats

It really warms my heart if I have had any impact... So first, the scar came because I started coaching early and tore my incision, but I did have the sleeve. Lol. I was so excited and motivated to be the skinny guy inside, I started right away and never looked back. So, 3 weeks after surgery, I was throwing cutoff drills at my sons practice, and tore the glue of the incision. I kept it clean, but didn't go to the doc till my next appointment, hence... I have a reminder. I love it, I want a reminder
For me, at 38 and happily married, it has been about being more to my family. I just want to be the best version of myself. Now I am in a frame of mind that keeps me happy. I am going to be working on a list of Snacks, and foods that I call the " feel goods". Please share with me yours as you move along your Quest. I am very happy with my decision to cut out the "Drugs" ( Breads, Pasta, candy bars, etc.) because I know just one can start the Avalanche... I feel great now, not hungry... And I love to go out to dinner, I love the game of looking for what I can eat, and there is always something... You just have to look it helps a lot if you enjoy Fish first, and then chicken. We don't need to eat shit! We need to enjoy our lives not the 30 minutes of eating crap. Who's with me... Lol.
You guys all rock! You are inspiring me to document what I have done, let me know if you feel it would be helpful.
Thanks again and be your own coach and inspiration, you deserve it! We all do!!!
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Sure @@proudgrammy!
So, i was 381 lbs on December 23rd 2015, heaviest was 391 but i go with the 381 because it was recorded at my docs... lol
i am 6ft tall and my shirt size was a 24 collar, 34/35 sleeve. I wore 3 and 4 XL t-shirts
My waste was 54 inches.
Surgery was on Feb 23rd. 2016 i weighed 375 the day of the surgery.
You just inspired me to add to my weight loss video, so i have updated this till today https://www.dropbox.com/s/s4lrhbdzzjy2puc/Bob%20at%20219.mp4?dl=0
I am now a 38 waist and that is a little big on me. An XL T-Shirt, and a 16 collar, dress shirt.
I am enjoying life again!!! I hope you are too

I have not taken the time to share my story, as a matter of fact I have still not changed my Facebook pictures, or the ones of me at work. food. I believe I had an actual addiction to food, the same as an addict, I didn't see it as an issue... But now I realize that I had a problem.
I eat to live now, instead of living to eat. The surgery helped by taking away the cravings, but I worry that if I reintroduce things like breads, fried foods, and other crap, I will develop the addiction again, just as if an alcoholic was to just have " 1 drink". It is a disease, with horrible side effects including low self confidence, depression, and humiliation.
I have made it my mission to find healthy foods, and replace all of my old favs, with healthy... And what I call, feel good foods. An FG food is one that I can eat comfortably, and they just basically feel good. for me, my list of items that I probably have a little of everyday would include... Chobani Flips. (190-210 cal, 12 gram protein)... These are my go to, if I haven't eaten in a while and am hungry, I can put this down a bit faster, and the size is pretty perfect for a meal. Love them all! Pickles- (0-5 cals) I love the spicy pickles, but I can eat them all. Pickles have become a regular snack in my life. Spears, slices, whatever, they all rock! Soup, soup, and more soup!!! My souls have been a huge part of my success. I make a huge crock of soup and it lasts me weeks. You can freeze some, but always have some in the fridge ready to microwave. I make a few varieties, but the basis is always the same. chicken broth base, cut with Water. Chicken or Cod fish, yep... I said fish! My family hates the smell of my "fish soup" but I loved it! However if you are not a big fish can just go with chicken. Vegetables- carrots, onions, mushrooms, kale, spinach, and even Brussels sprouts... Whatever you like and then I would spice it up with Cayenne and red pepper flakes, I even used Sriracha at times. This soup has been a staple for me since the 3rd month post, and I still make a lot here and there now. It was just great for me to grab a coffee cup, fill it, microwave it, and enjoy it.
I pushed myself to walk, and then I started "1 TED" lol. That means 1 thing every day. If it was parking in the back of the parking lot when at a store, or walking down the street and back when going to pick up the mail, I would just push to do 1 thing, which then would keep except use in the front of my mind.
Get an Apple Watch or Fitbit, make goals and hit them! What I learned is that we are capable of so much! When you are used to walking around with an additional 100 plus, your body has been working out for a long time. Now when the weight is gone, you still have that strong frame. Put it to work! I made some new friends that are athletic, I try and play Pickleball ( the game kicks ass, combo of tennis, volleyball, & ping pong) instead of cardio... I want to transition to a healthy lifestyle, not a 30 minute gym session that I won't be looking forward to.
Think of your weight loss as a super power, but only if you stick to the guidelines. This works for me, and I believe it to be a super power... Let me explain.
Since the weight loss, the world has been easier for me. I can go to an amusement park and get on the rides. I can fly on a plane and not need an extension. I can walk into a crowded bar and not start sweating my ass off! I can buy clothes at a normal store, and with actual brand names on them. I can tie my damn shoes, and without holding my breathe! I can sit in any chair, and not just the ones without sides... I can even sit in the plastic ones.
Woman treat me so differently! I am no longer just the funny guy... Even though I haven't changed! Life has just become much easier, much better, and much healthier, and I never want to go back, so I will continue to treat it as an addiction and will not look to be able to re introduce "everything" back into my eating habits, but instead I will work to find better foods. The nice thing about eating less, is that you can afford to buy smaller portions allowing for better quality foods. Take advantage of that! I always have almonds in the house, and I love veggie chips, especially the jalepeno, but now I grab a handful and walk away... If I want another handful, I will go get it at 30 cals, per handful, but I am going to force myself to get up and walk to the kitchen to get a handful
I feel so lucky to have had this surgery, and if I can help you in anyway let me know! I hope you have found this helpful, I know that writing it has helped me... So thanks!
 


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I wish I'd known about GENEPRO powder, I was so sick of chocolate "shakes" after four weeks of them...
Otherwise, I was pretty knowledgeable after all the time spent in classes and support groups, and reading the internet and such. I think there are unknowns that nobody can prepare you for because they'll be uniquely yours, because it's the mental component we struggle with that makes up the majority of this fight.

1. Get some unflavored Protein powder...you will need it, often.
2. Buy a box of sugar-free popsicles and have them ready for when you come home. I prefer the tropical flavors
3. DO NOT buy a 3lb canister of ANY Protein powder; no matter how good that 'chocolate splendor' is pre-op, it's very likely to be equally disgusting to you post-op.
4. Ditto Vitamins...I use Patches now, can't stomach what I happily chewed up and swallowed pre-op.
5. broth is like nectar from the gods when you can't stomach one more icky-sweet swallow of Protein Drink. And you can add the unflavored protein from (1.) to it.
6. Refried Beans...just like broth when you're on liquids, refried Beans are heaven when you're on purees. Also add the protein from (1.) to them. And cheese on top! And sour cream! And salsa. I like beans!
7. The most important thing is that you will likely feel pretty rotten the first week, but it gets better every. single. week. after that, I promise. And when it's hard, you've got a ton of support here at BP, 24/7. When the US is sleeping, Australia is up and when they go to bed, Europe is on.
Good luck to you and looking forward to hearing how your surgery goes

Don't stock up on ANYTHING because your taste buds may change. I had surgery on Wednesday, was home on Thursday and was driving on Friday. I could get to the market to buy anything I needed.

Gatorade, a few Protein shakes, some SF popsicles and a can of broth would have been more than sufficient when I got home. I threw away a LOT of Protein powders, shakes, drink mixes, etc. because I couldn't tolerate them post op. A LOT.
Get rid of the mindset of "cheating". You're grown. You are making a major decision to have WLS. If you are eating something off plan, you are not "cheating", you are simply making a horrible CHOICE.


Will is be hard? Yup. Will it suck? Yup. Will you be constantly tempted and tortured and at times, a bit miserable. Yup. Will you wonder WTF you did to yourself and if things will ever be normal again? Yup.

Will it be worth it? ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY.

Oh. And don't come to these boards, asking an enabling question (like can I eat chicken wings and pizza on my liquids stage) and get huffy when people tell you no. Your hormones will be crazy. Don't take it out on those of us who care enough to answer you straight.

Such yummy ideas here!
Today I made this Protein plate for football game Sunday:
-Shrimp
-Avocado
-Cucumber
-Hard boiled egg
-Ranch dip made from Greek yogurt
-cocktail sauce made with no sugar ketchup and lemon.
I ate about a third of this. My hubby enjoyed the rest!

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I made a warm slaw of shredded brussel sprouts, grated apple, crumbled bacon and cranberry wensleydale cheese. It was awesome. I had about 1.5 oz and my husband ate the rest.
HW 385 SW 359 CW 335 (50lbs down!) Sleeved 10/5/16

I make a warm salad out of red quinoa, a small amount of butternut squash (or sweet potatoes), caramelized onions and chicken thighs. A little olive oil and balsamic vinegar makes it moist and gives a little tang. Now that I'm off meat I make it with chunks of goat cheese, instead of chicken. I just add them at the very end so they don't completely melt into the dish.
Lentils have been a family favorite for years, so I use them instead of the quinoa sometimes...I like the tiny dark green Du Puy lentils because they hold up better and don't turn to mush. High Protein and easy to digest, I love them! When I use lentils I like to add some roasted garlic to the dish, too.

Best meatloaf I've ever made! All Protein, hardly any carbs. I backed off on the chili powder (yuk) and used BBQ flavored Pork rinds for the crumbs to give it a little extra flavor. I make mashed cauliflower to serve with it!
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/44172/all-protein-meatloaf/

Okay- mine is definitely stolen from Trader Joes, but it is OH SO GOOD!!!
Using their ready to eat lentils, crumbled feta ( I often used crumbled goat cheese too!!!!), their bruschetta and chopped arugula, I mix it together by eye--- no measuring needed.
Depending on my "mood", I'll add more or less of the bruschetta or cheese, and sometimes I will use basil instead of arugula.
For a party everyone loves it, especially if served with pita or tortilla chips. But it is Bari-friendly without the carby chips- and I often make a meal out of it.
The other thing is I often warm up my portion instead of eating it cold or room temp. And you can make as large or as small a batch as you want!!!
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Ok-- in the spirit of, well, keeping us connected, here is a new topic starter...
Post-op, what is the tastiest, most creative meal/dish you have prepared?
Get ready for people to ask for the recipe and post pics if you have them!
And for goodness sakes---no ricotta bakes lol. Be CREATIVE!!!
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