Walter.Sobchak

I am a recovering alcoholic and go to AA meetings. I have struggled with other addictions. I am almost 9 years sober, but I abuse food.

Thank you both for your kind words and support. I used to attend Over-Eaters Anonymous back in like 2009 but haven't gone since then. I know yesterday was emotional eating as my wife and I had been fighting all day. I was like a heroin addict with that pizza. Food is literally a drug for me. My wife is down 30 pounds and looking to get sleeved in April. Mine won't be until late July or early August.

Hello, I am working towards the sleeve in August. I had my initial consult in January. I had my second check in this week. I was down 11 pounds just by making some minor diet changes. I had not eaten pizza in 3 weeks. Cut diet soda to one 20 oz per day instead of four 20 oz bottles per day. Fast food once per week instead of 3 times per week. Have not exercised at all. Last night I relapsed and ate an entire family size pizza. It had pepperoni, bacon, sausage and extra cheese. I ate the whole thing by myself. Today I feel guilty and feel like crap mentally and emotionally and spiritually.

Wow, you look beautiful. Keep up the great work

I have not been sleeved yet, but I think what you are feeling is normal. I have been talking about getting the sleeve for 3 years and was convinced I wanted it. Now that I have met with the surgeon and his team I am scared and don't think I can do it. My surgery will not be until August at the earliest. I agree with what others have said, your doctor has probably performed this surgery a thousand times. Just try to have faith and be strong.

I have not been sleeved yet, but am working towards it. What you said in your post sounds like addiction to me. I am a recovering alcoholic and also a food addict. I am afraid I will have the same thoughts you are having. You could try Over-Eaters Anonymous? This post is not meant to be offensive by any means, so please do not take it as such.

My wife's doctor told her 18 months as well. I am sure it is not only for mom's health but for the baby as well. Do not want to risk any complications. The sad part is, we are getting old and we want another baby. She is hoping to be sleeved in May. So then 18 months from then, we will both be close to 40 by then. Sent from my SM-G900V using BariatricPal mobile app

I know it is all about you and your health, but I think you look good as you are. This is by no means me trying to discourage you, I just want you to know you are an attractive girl at your current weight. Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

So you are saying that there is no point in trying to fight it? Just put in the time? I saw the surgeon and team last month, so the ball is rolling. It just makes me angry that they make us wait. Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

You are very welcome. You are doing this for you and your health. Shut out the haters. Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

Hello, I have Meritan insurance through my wife's employer. I believe they are owned by BCBS. We live in AZ. The weight loss center said we have to do a 6 month waiting period working with a dietician and regular weigh ins. I asked the lady in charge of the insurance and billing portion of the weight loss clinic if there is any way around that? She said that you can write a letter to the company but it is usually not successful. My thing is, I am in pretty bad shape as it is. My BMI is 56, I have HBP, sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, chronic fatigue, chronic joint pain. I would like to think they could make an exception. If not, I won't be getting surgery until August at the soonest. Any thoughts? Or suggestions? Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

What is your BMI? You are pretty short, so even though you are under 200 pounds your BMI might be high? Do you have any health issues? HBP? sleep Apnea? Fatty Liver Disease? Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

Cool. My wife is looking at getting sleeved in May and then mine in August. I have always been a big guy, big frame and tall. But I have really packed on the pounds since getting married. I currently weigh about 420 Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

WOW!!!!!! You look great, that is amazing. I am excited to watch my wife's transformation. Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

Thanks Bro. I am scared and nervous but my weight is literally killing me. I have to do something. Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

Looking good dude. How tall are you? I am 100 pounds heavier than your starting weight, but I am 6'1" I am trying to get sleeved in August. Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

Good job. That is awesome. My wife is planning on getting sleeved in May and then mine is on track for August. I am so scared, it is stressing me out big time.

They are hoping you'll give up or get impatient and pay for it yourself. Either way they wouldn't have to pay. Don't let them win!Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App Interesting, I had never considered that. Do you think that might really be the reason? I know insurance companies can be sneaky, but I would like to think they wouldn't do that to people. That was my surgeon's suggestion. He says it has no impact on success with the surgery and is simply a hoop put in for people to jump through in hopes people will find another way. His self pay numbers have risen 50% in recent years as insurance company restrictions have increased. So in that respect it seems to be working.Wow, that is not cool. But, that does make sense. I can see that happening to people. People get frustrated and then give up. Like I said, I had never considered that so thank you for pointing that out.

They are hoping you'll give up or get impatient and pay for it yourself. Either way they wouldn't have to pay. Don't let them win! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App Interesting, I had never considered that. Do you think that might really be the reason? I know insurance companies can be sneaky, but I would like to think they wouldn't do that to people.

Thank you for the response. I am scared right now, like really scared. I told the surgeon that I was terrified. I don't really want surgery, but I cannot remain this weight. It is literally killing me. My quality of life is very low. I can't do things with my kids. I am just so scared. I like what you said about the six months as an opportunity to get mentally prepared.

I am scared. I keep going back and forth. One minute I don't want surgery and the next minute I do. It is stressing me out.

It makes me think I really am huge when I tell a friend that I am looking into Gastric Sleeve and they reply "that is exciting" It kind of hurts my feelings.

OK, saw the surgeon and team yesterday. It was very overwhelming and stressful. There was a lot of information given to me. I am looking at surgery sometime in August, due to my insurance mandatory waiting period. The waiting period makes me angry, I don't understand why that is necessary? 3 months would be more reasonable. I need to lose between 15 to 20 pounds over the course of the next six months. Everyone was really nice and friendly and didn't make me feel bad about my weight. The dietician was very cool and understanding. I am still scared and stressed out.

I like what you said about being heavier longer than you have been lighter. I am the same way. It has been 17 years since I lost a significant amount of weight. It was my junior year of college and I dropped about 60-70 pounds through diet and exercise. I have been over 300 pounds for about 12 years and over 400 pounds for about 4 years. I actually did lose 40 pounds when I suffered my nervous breakdown because I was so depressed I wasn't eating. This was late 2014 I have since gained it all back plus 20 pounds. So, I have essentially gained about 60 pounds since recovering from my nervous breakdown.

I'm a woman yet I can relate. I don't think I'm that big until I look at myself completely naked in the mirror or see "stolen" shots of me. It's depressing but there is a light at the end of the tunnel with the weight loss surgery. Height 5'0" Weight for consultation: 216 lbs. Pre-op Weight: Unknown until January 20th. My profile picture is not me. It's my "FitSpiration" body. I understand. Plus society is so much harder on overweight women than they are men, it really isn't fair. Is that Ashley Graham in your profile picture? She is beautiful.