Armygalbonnie

I just had my 1st consult this last Friday. I have Tricare Prime (retired military) and I anticipated my insurance provider would have their requirements for a Dr supervised diet. Fortunately, they do not; However, my surgeon and the weight loss clinic requires 3 visits with a dietitian (month between appts), a psych evaluation they schedule, 1 visit with a physical therapist and 1X support group. Even though my insurance doesn't have the requirements, it will still be November before I have the surgery. Even though I am impatient and I want the surgery YESTERDAY, their protocol is truly ideal. Not only do I have time to meet my surgeon's requirements, it gives me time to adjust to the future changes in my life. BTW, I have had several EGDs in the past and I have already been diagnosed with sleep apnea, so I don't have to have testing repeated. As far as starting testing now, I would wait until your consult, to see what your surgeon says. Of course checking with your insurance before hand is a good idea. Don't always trust what you read online. That way you know what to expect. Good luck!!

I had to have drain tubes with other surgeries and that was the worst part of the process. I met with my surgeon last Friday, but of course, I forgot to ask her about it. I even had it in my notebook of questions!?!?!? I'm glad I will get to meet her again, so I can ask. I appreciate everyone's input. I feel considerable relief. Happy Monday everyone!

Had my consultation last Friday. Less than 4 months until surgery. My surgeon pretty much made my decision. Because I have an auto immune disease (RA), my surgeon said I need to be sleeved. Because occasionally I have to be on steroids, it's too risky to have gastric bypass. Regardless, I'm looking forward to WLS. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you! I appreciate your sweet message. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Did you have a drain tube after surgery, that has to be pulled out later? Surgery in less than 4 months. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Today, I got to meet my surgeon for consultation! I will be having the surgery within the next 3 to 4 months. Three nutrition consults, One psych evaluation, meet with physical therapy and attend a support group. I can't believe WLS is going to be my reality! I can't wait to share my story with all of my new friends here. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I just don't get this weight loss thing. Aren't we moving toward drastic measures of WLS because we CAN'T control our weight and lose it? I'm so sorry you are having to wait. I know this must be difficult for you.

Hi!!! I truly enjoyed reading what you said. I can relate to a great part of your story; However, I do believe I have been discriminated against for my weight. But...... my biggest bully is myself. LIfe is going to change with this surgery, but it's going to be a wonderful change. I wish I would have done it when I was 37 . I wish you the best in everything, and I look forward to hearing about the next chapter in your life.

I haven't had surgery yet, but I'm already thinking about those things I will miss and how I plan to accept it. I will DEFINITELY miss drinking Water with my meals! I feel this is going to be a HUGE adjustment! I will also miss diet Coke. It's my go to at least once a day. Mexican food and sweets got me to this place, so I KNOW they are red light foods for me and I will have to get better control. I'm an addict with sweets. I perfectly fit into the saying, "One is too much but 100 is not enough". As long as I don't take that first bite, I'll be OK. Back in the days when I went to Weight Watchers, I was told BLTs would get me in trouble. Not bacon, lettuce, tomato sandwiches, but bites, licks and tastes. This is very true. I will miss my old habits but I'm looking forward to new, healthy ones.

WOW, you look AMAZING!!! Great job!

I have my initial consult on Friday! Like you, I'm very excited! I really have no idea what to expect. I've heard many different things regarding my insurance, as to whether a physician monitored diet is required. I hope to get some answers on Friday and start this journey that will change the rest of my life. Keep us posted as you go through the process. Good luck! Bonnie

WOW, you look AMAZING!!!! What an inspiration you are. I love reading about your success. It is motivation to me and many others. Keep up the great work. Bonnie

I haven't had surgery yet either, but I completely understand your fears. What helps me is reading all the positive, wonderful blogs on this site. I see how strong so many of these women and men are, and I KNOW I am strong too. Yes, it's a HUGE lifestyle change but my current lifestyle is going to kill me. You got this girl!!! Keep reaching out to other's on this site and they will help you through your journey.

I meet the surgeon next week for my first consult. We will be going through together!! I wish you the very best. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you Generator! I have esophageal dysmotility so I'm pretty convinced RNY is the right choice. I FINALLY get to meet the bariatric surgery next Friday for my first consult. Let the waiting begin.... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm in OK too but down in Lawton. I met my husband on POF and fortunately for me, I got a great one!! I had to kiss many-a-toads before I met my Prince. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Awesome!!! I don't know you but I'm very proud of you! You are an inspiration. Keep up the great work! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Your body is healing from surgery. This will play havoc on your blood sugar levels. Give it a little time.

I can relate to what you are saying PrinceVanHalen. If I can't have sugar without getting sick, it will be a great deterrent. Congratulations on your great weight loss! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you, Abby! I feel addicted to this site. I love all the info and encouragement I am receiving. You are doing an amazing job! You are quite an inspiration.

Hi Everyone!!! I am in the initial stages of my weight loss journey. I'm scared, yet excited! My weight has been an issue since I was a small child. I can remember starting Weight Watchers for the first time, when I was in the 5th grade. Even though I've always had "a beautiful face", my weight seems to be what people have judged me by. I've accomplished a lot in my life, but yet my weight has kept me from being everything I can be. It's time for change. Back in 2002, when I was 39 years old, I joined Weight Watchers (again). This time it stuck and I lost about 110 lbs. I worked really hard at it and the only way I could lose the weight and maintain it was to workout 5-6X a week, for about 2 hours a time. In 2003, I made a huge change in my life and joined the Army! Who joins the Army at 40??? I'm now convinced I was having a mid-life crisis and instead of buying a convertible and getting my hair cut, I joined the Army. All joking aside, it was the best decision I have ever made! I love(d) the Army! I was serving my Country and providing a service to my brothers and sisters-in-arms. I am a Dr. of Audiology, and I knew the #1 and #2 disabilities from the global war on terrorism, was hearing loss and ringing in the ears. I wanted to serve my Country. I was very proud of myself. Here I was this girl who always had a weight problem, but now I was fit enough to be in the Army. I felt very accomplished. I had convinced myself that I would NEVER return to being an obese person and I actually kept off the weight until 2012. In 2012, I returned from a combat tour to Afghanistan. While in the "sandbox", I was hurt in a vehicle accident. I injured both shoulders, my left hip and back. When I came back to the good ol' USA, I was sent to a wounded warrior unit. I spent the next 2 1/2 years getting "fixed". During these 2 1/2 years, I had 5 orthopedic surgeries, received care for PTSD and was diagnosed to have Rheumatoid Arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease. Between no longer being able to workout, being placed on an anti-depressant and taking large amounts of steroids, I quickly gained 50 lbs. I started a downward spiral. My commitment to myself to never return to being obese, was shattered. I am the only one to blame. Even though I have numerous anchors in my body from surgery, I still deal with pain every day. This weight is only making it worse. This is what brought me to the decision that I need bariatric surgery. I was medically retired from the Army, but I still receive all my benefits. My Army doctor has been very supportive in my desire for surgery. With his blessings and referral, I am now on my way! I'm very thankful I found this site, and I look forward to posting my progress and cheering on my new friends! Thank you everyone for just being you! Bonnie (Army MAJ retired)

Congratulations and what an accomplishment! You are doing an awesome job!! Keep up the great work.

GREAT JOB!!!! What a change you've made!

Thank you for your suggestion. I will definitely seek help in this area. I know I need to start cutting back now, so it's more manageable.

I haven't had the surgery yet, but I'm really concerned about how I will manage sugar cravings. I binge on sweets. I didn't get over weight by eating too much good food; I just eat way too many sweets. After surgery, did your cravings subside? Now that you are having them again, I'm sure it has you concerned. I find I just have to do without, vs. thinking I can have a little bite. When people say, "A bite won't hurt", for me, it sure does. I hope you will find the strength within yourself to get past these cravings. You have come so far, and I know you can do it! Keep us the good work.