Irisdupree

Just FYI some insurance will cover some skin removal in the cases of rashes and extreme issues. . .mine will cover an abdominal skin removal, but not a "tummy tuck". There is a proper name for it, but I can't spell it right now. Basically on my insurance it is JUST going to remove some of the extra skin from my abdomen, that hangs down, and could cause back pain, rashes, yeast infections,etc. They will not tighten the muscles like in a tummy tuck. I am actually still pre op for the sleeve but that is one of the things I checked into before deciding because my lower half already hangs halfway to my thighs so losing is just going to make that worse. I probably won't get my arms covered because there won't be a "medical" need to remove wings. I might be able to get my breasts reduced for the same reasons as the abdomen. Probably nothing w/my thighs unless they fold over and start causing issues. so if I want to do anything about arms/back/thighs that will be out of pocket, but some skin removal is often necessary for morbidly obese to stay healthy because of the problems the skin to skin can cause. I really hope all that makes sense. AND NOT ALL insurances do, but many that cover the surgery will cover some of these issues for a medical cause.

Has anyone tried the hot chocolate here on the site that is for sale?

I have been having huge cravings for sliders, and I haven't had surgery yet, I haven't even done anything beyond checking my insurance, and joining here and a FB group, but I'm trying to eat as low carb as possible, and not eat junk. But the W.C are calling to me.

Our STD doesn't kick in until the 31st day off. Kind of sucks.

Did you try having Protein smoothies/drinks when you were trying to go liquid for a bit? I am trying to make so slow changes, as it will cost over $5000 I don't have yet for my surgery so I know it will be next year. I haven't even gotten to the presentation for people considering it yet. BUT, I'm trying to eliminate some of the things I know I won't be able to have again now. And trying to take Vitamins (just regular daily vitamins) and start each morning with protein liquid after my shower. I figure these habits will help me better in the long run. This month is super tight for us financially with back to school and all it entails, but once we get past that my next step is start eliminating pastas and breads. Doing more lunchmeat roll ups and such. Eventually I want to have my carb count w/in about 50 per day above what I will be allowed after surgery. The other big thing I'm trying to get in the habit of, is having food ready to take everyday. I depend way too much on being able to grab something. I think right now that is going to be my hardest hurdle. I'm not much of a planner in general.

See that is what I am running into. I haven't been eating any "typical" carbs, having lettuce wrapped turkey burgers instead of a bun, no fries, etc, and yet my carbs were still outrageously high. I'm going to start tracking again better next week. We are super broke this week, and pasta is one way we are stretching our dinners. After this month, $700 a month goes back into the budget since we no longer have to pay for daycare, so I will be better able to get back on track then. I also haven't even gotten any farther than checking my insurance that it is covered, and checking dates and times for seminars about the sleeve. I am not really even looking to try and get going until late fall if not in January, but I want to start working on my eating habits now.

What kind of smoothies do you make? I currently have one instead of Breakfast, but I put in fruit and greens (usually spinach and Kale) and I use Almond milk. I haven't considered trying a shake at every meal. I was seeing a health coach for 18 months, and she told me not to do both, do either or. Of course part of why I was trying to see her was so I would have to have surgery. After 18 months and only 30 lbs lost, I really figure it's the only way I'm going to do it.

I have every intention of trying to follow the diet before surgery. No need to waste the time, energy, pain and money if I'm not going to stick to it. But the carbs are so much harder than I thought.

I cannot for the life of me figure out how to get my carbs down. I'm not eating bread/pasta, I'm having1 8 oz soda, and lots of veggies. . . but my carbs are still way higher than this. Today I'm trying to go w/out any soda. I've quit it a couple of times already.

I do MFP. I do need to get a scale, so I can weigh foods.

I haven't even checked into what all I need to do to get approved, or started with the info seminar, but I have been reading and researching a ton. I'm trying to start making some of the lifestyle changes now. I am cutting out soda (diet and regular), I am working on limiting carbs. The thing I'm not sure is what carb limit I should be aiming for? Anyone else try to start the major lifestyle changes months before surgery? I am doing a daily Vitamin, more to get in the habit than anything else. I'm having a Protein smoothie for Breakfast to get in that habit. After surgery I know I will have to add a food breakfast too, but since I don't have the tool yet, I don't want to do too much. I am limiting processed/fast foods. . . what else should I be doing to mentally start preparing for this journey?

I haven't gotten past reading and researching. I know my insurance covers but I don't know anything else. I'm hoping my hubs and I can attend a seminar, in the next couple of weeks. He has just gotten on board. I don't have any comorbidities that I know of, but I suspect I might have sleep apnea. I've not been tested. I am trying to start a high Protein low carb lifestyle this week. Just to start mentally preparing myself for the low carbs after surgery. My BMI is 66 so I'm sure I will qualify, I'm just not sure of what hoops I will have to go through. I was seeing a health coach at work, and I lost 30 lbs, and have maintained that for about a year, but I stalled a year ago, and have just really had trouble fighting through it. I know the sleeve won't be a one shot fix all, but I just no longer have the willpower to try and fight this on my own anymore. I know having that tool will help me be so much more successful.