Armygalbonnie

I've quit cold turkey too. I switched to unsweet tea today. After I'm over the death of my Diet Coke, I'll start reducing to decaf. That will be a process, as well. I can't function with caffeine withdrawl.

On the tricky part, I meant it will be hard to ONLY lose 10-15lbs, with all these restrictions. I'm sure I will lose 10 pretty easily. I'm on the same pre op Protein diet. I'm glad I have a few months to get my self in the habit of this new lifestyle!

Whenever I used to work out intensely, I would drop clothes sizes without seeing as much change on the scale. Your body is building muscle, toning and shaping itself. I'm so happy you are seeing the rewards of your hard efforts, without solely depending on what the scale says. That is a very difficult thing to do when we have been trained to live by the scale. Keep up the great work! Proud of you!

Good Morning All, I met with the dietitian for the 1st time yesterday. She was awesome! She gave me a list of goals that I have to have met before I meet her again next month. No more carbonated beverages (goodbye to my BFF, Diet Coke), no alcohol (no problem), work toward eliminating caffeine, 1 Protein shake a day and DIET, DIET, DIET! She told me I need to lose around 10-15 lbs before surgery but I can't lose more than that or I'll be below 35 BMI. This is going to be tricky! The diet is very strict and I don't see how I will only lose 10-15 lbs. I feel completely motivated! What a great way to break the Diet Coke and sugar habit! I know it won't be easy and I already warned my husband that I may get cranky, but I CAN DO THIS!

I wish I had experiences to share with you, but I don't. I haven't been sleeved yet. Have you asked your Dr for a prescription for Zofran, to help with the nausea? This might help you develop an appetite. I'm so sorry you are going through this. My thoughts are with you.

Today I meet with the nutritionist. It is my last day of Diet Coke! I made a commitment to myself, that once I talk to her, I'm done with the soda. I think I should probably plan a memorial service to say my final goodbyes! I truly feel like I'm going to lose a part of me. How ridiculous am I ?!?!?!? I'll give myself a week or so off of the soda before I tackle all other sweets. I truly believe once I get the artificial sweetener out of my system, I won't crave sugar as much. I have cleared my house of sweets (with the exception of peanut butter) and I've stocked up on healthy Snacks. I feel good about myself going in the right direction. I sure have had a lot of great ideas offered to me on here and I want everyone to know I appreciate all of you.

I would definitely talk to the insurance billers at the surgeon's office before making a quick decision.

I meet with the NUT on Monday, so I'm going to discuss with her my needs and the best way to do it. Cold turkey or baby steps? With Diet Coke, I'll definitely have to go cold turkey. Monday will be my last Diet Coke and I'm already starting to mourn its' loss. Lol My husband is glad I'm giving it up. He's always talking about the negative consequences of diet soda. I just finished making my grocery list, so I will be stocking my fridge with healthy snacks; veggies, cheese, fruit. I love the idea of sugar-free pudding, Jello and popcycles, but I think with my need to eliminate sweets I have to give up artificial sweeteners too. I'm so glad I have such supportive friends on here!

Well you know if Kaiser doesn't approve you, Tricare will, so you got this! So happy you are on your way!

I wish you the best in everything!

Did you tell them you also have Tricare? Tricare will pick it up if Kaiser doesn't.

I really thought I would be getting bypass, knowing dumping would prevent me from eating sweets. I hate throwing up!!! However, my surgeon said I can't get the bypass because I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and sometimes I have to take large doses of steroids. With bypass, there's a greater risk for ulcers with steroids. So..... The sleeve it is!

You got this! My mind always fails before my body does. I don't think you realize but you are an inspiration to many in your class. While you may think you look awful and people think the worst of you, I know they are seeing you as a strong woman who has made a commitment to change to a healthy lifestyle. Keep going and you will see how you are a role model for many. I know it's hard but look what you've already accomplished.

Why is a hard question to answer. Sounds like I have some soul searching to do. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

How were you able to do it OKCPirate? I also have to detox from Diet Coke. I went off of it for about a week and I felt miserable - almost felt like anxiety. I do know the artificial sweetener in the Diet Coke only fuels the sugar addiction.

Hi Everyone, I can honestly say I did not get to my current weight by eating large quantities of food. I got this way because I eat the WRONG foods! Even though I love vegetables and I do eat them, I eat WEIGH (ok, way, just a play on words), too many sweets! I truly believe I have an addiction. Just the thought of sweets make my mouth Water, and my mind stays focused on them until they are consumed. I can eat sweets until I physically feel ill. So, my question..... What have you all done to break your addiction to sweets? I meet with the dietitian next week, for my first consult. I want that to be my starting point of bidding adieu to candy, Cookies, ice cream, etc. I really need some help here! Bonnie

WOW, so sorry you went through so much! You are a tough lady. You really took me by surprise saying you would do it all over again!?!?!?

WOW, sounds like a lo to positive responses!!! Girl, you are close to your dreaming happening.

I still have 3 months before I get to this point, but I know my surgeon's office said my insurance (Tricare Prime) takes about 2 weeks. They said the avg for most insurances is 30 days.

Prayers coming your way.

YAY!!!! Hopefully your insurance will authorize before the 30 days. At least you can now see a little bit of that silver lining. I agree, you have to stay on top of things. We are our own best advocates. You will be having that surgery soon, and you are on your weigh to a happy, beautiful life.

Do you live close to the weight loss center, where you can physically go there and check to see what is going on? I can completely understand your frustrations; however, don't let this time set you back on what you've worked so hard to achieve. Try to work through your emotions instead of eat through them. In the long run, you will feel success!

You have a GREAT attitude! You got this!

emme.vee Every time I looked online and read Tricare's requirements, it appeared as though I would have to have a physician monitored diet. It doesn't say 6 months though. I'm in the medical field and I work at an Army hospital. One of my patients had WLS and I asked him if Tricare made him do the 6 month diet and he said, "no". When I saw my Dr Friday, she said "no" too. I'm not sure if it depends on which medical command you fall under. I know with Tricare though, if you have any other insurance, they will be your secondary. Tricare will pick up where your primarily insurance doesn't pay. If your primary won't pay, then Tricare will. You've got it made!!!! Let me know what you hear. Bonnie

My surgeon's office actually set up all the other appts I need and will get insurance authorization for those appts. I have Tricare insurance and it won't pay for the (3) dietitian visits but It will pay for the psych and PT. The psychologist they use specializes in food addictions/weight loss surgeries and that's why I am referred to him. I think you will find that at your initial consult, the surgeon and office staff are very informative and they will do all the paperwork, referrals and scheduling of appts for you. They really are your advocates!