kittymommy

SW 319
CW 230
GW 160
I'm so excited. It's been 20 years since I've been this small. Yesterday I went on my first shopping trip. I kept gravitating to tge 3xl and it would dawn on me. I'm a size 16 now " GET OUT OF THE PLUS SIZE"! omg never thought I can actually wear things I actually want. Not just look at sizes till I found something. It feels amazing. Went from size 26 jeans and 4xl tops. To size 16 jeans and xl top in just 4 months. Victory! Best decision I've ever made for myself. No regrets.
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It drove me crazy also with all the Dr appointments. But trust me it prepares you for this life changing journey. It's hard as hell and takes a lot to make sure your getting the most out of what your eating. I think it was close to a year before I could eat anything besides Protein. This hot dog size pouch (as it's called) fills up fast so get ready to say goodbye to carbs. My 2 year old granddaughter eats more than I do. It's a year an a half since my surgery and I've lost 95# and that feels amazing to say. I'm smaller than I use to be and the fat that never would leave on my thighs has melted away. I finally don't depend on muscle milk and Protein Bars but it really help to ease my mind that I got 60 grams of protein in. My biggest issue is drinking before eating and after. Getting enough Water. It felt like an all day event. Take this time to plan out nutrition and ask as many questions as you like. I love this group because we all have a story to tell and we teach each other as we go through this journey. Before you know it your day will be here. Good luck and we'll be waiting to hear how your doing.

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Well, it's a start alright... the finish has yet to come. But I'll document my sleeve story here in the hopes that it'll help others.
Surgery to lose weight? Peh!! That's for weaklings... I would never mutilate my body.... why take the easy way out... in short, wls was a remote concept to me. Honestly, it just never was on my radar, that's all.
But like many here I struggled.. and it was a constant battle in the back of my head. I've been everywhere on the spectrum from "a real woman has curves, damn it" to " this is a social construct; it's todays world that makes me feel bad about who I am... I mean look at norms from 50-60 years ago" to "I don't have to be thin/normal/etc, I have brains to prove myself... I will never be one to rely on how I look to get ahead".... you name it, I've probably been there.
I'm going on 40... years of this... and dieting... and gaining... and dieting... and checking out the newest fad... and shopping based on what fits... not what I like.... years of focusing on the 'content' vs the 'packaging', coupled with a very low idea of self-worth rooted in childhood... well, for one reason or the other we all end up in the same spot.
Last summer my family and I were at the beach; There I am, sitting at the beach and I just can't stop judging people. Nevermind the fact that I lost 20 pounds and gained 19,5 back... So technically I have still lost weight compared to same time last year; I am just sitting here, in the shade and I can't stop myself from passing judgment on everybody... Bad posture, wrong choice of bathing suit... Omg!! What was she thinking?!?!? I would kill to have the body of most of the women who unknowingly are subject to my internal rantings but there you have it. And then I caught myself... sort of saw myself from a different perspective. Is this really who I want to be? This constantly bitter, unhappy person who blames everyone and everything but neglects to take responsibility? And it was there the first seeds of change had been sewn. Althought wls was still a long ways off from being even an idea.
I came to the US 20 years ago... It's not easy being the 'outsider', less so when you're a parent. At times it feels like everybody knows each other; even worse everybody likes each other... everybody but you. And this even though we all started being soccer moms and dads at the same time. Granted, sometimes you'll have your neighbors who know each other and naturally gravitate toward each other... or those parents whose kids are besties in school and who automatically click.
Some days a parent will say hi... good morning... how're ya doing? And those days are good days because for the next 60 minutes of a game you re-live that moment when you were part of the in-crowd. On other days your good morning will be ignored.. sometimes on purpose. And those days you put on a brave face for your kids because no kid likes their parents to be the outsider. Some days it gets so bad, so lonely, that I feel like exploding... i feel like asking "guys... what is it? Is it because i'm fat? Wear glasses? Have an accent? All of the above? I see these posts for parents with tips on how to deal with socially awkward teenagers... or how to boost their kids' confidence and I gulp them up looking for a glimpse on what it could be I'm doing wrong. It is a sad state of affairs when you're diving into teen advise columns but you're almost 40.
I have two amazing kids... and I know how easily effected kids are by how they view their parents. All parents are an embarassment to their kids in one way or another but what all of this led to, what I realized was that unless I accept myself, unless I am OK with myself and unless I respect and love myself I couldn't possibly expect others to show me the same. And this sense of personal responsibility was the second seed toward change. You see, as much as it seems from the above that I am doing this so that others will love me, I have come to realize that I am doing this for me... and only me.
Then, in January my husband's friend comes to visit.. and I don't recognize him... seriously, different human being. I felt like on candid camera where they do a switcheroo, you know? And he tells me about how he got sleeved... and he is patient with me and talks to me, explains, shows, guides me and before I know it I know that this is what I want. I just do, it makes sense, it all clicks, falls into place... damn in, I want it and I want it now!!!
I talk to 3 different surgeons even though I have to pay for consults... one can't even be bothered to look me in the eyes... he's Mr super busy and important... you know, like a factory assembly line, you're just a number, not a human being. The second is nice...patient, knowledgeable but his staff is not well organized. Then I went to see my friend's surgeon. Staff and surgeon... good call; I clicked and knew I had found my surgeon. Of course I did my research, I read reviews, reached out to people but first impressions are so important.
My insurance requires 6 months of documented visits. I was ready to have the surgery; I was excited; I didn't want to wait.. I even considered doing this out of pocket but thankfully cooler heads prevailed. I still think 6 months is too long but I'm halfway there.
I am hopeful to have a surgery date in september for my sleeve.
I still do my homework, I day-dream and I make lists, I fantasize about shopping sprees (which will be fun now, not torture... right guys?) but I'm not in laland in terms of expectation. I think I have a pretty solid grasp on the difficulties ahead. I'm going to therapy to prepare mentally.

I have an incredibly supportive husband who's been with me through thick (and will be with me through thin!!)

And with your support I know I can do this.

Updates will follow!

All. Thank you so much for relating, sharing your thoughts and the encouragement and support. At the end of the day my biggest challenge is with what's in my head and appreciating what I look like now. I want to read through and reply, however will do the easy thing first. Here's my now, meow =) .
5'7" 194 - Size 14/16

about 3 days

I am writing this to help those whom have United Health Care. Here are the following things to know and tips:
Before reading these tips, contact UHC for confirmation that Bariatric surgery is covered under your plan. Confirm the requirements. Confirm that your surgeon and his associated hospital is In-Network (if they are not, it will be like paying for the surgery without insurance). Make sure you have an understanding of what the insurance wants to see or have done.
1) You are eligible if you have a 40 BMI or Higher / Greater than 35 BMI with Co-Morbidity.
2) Once you find your surgeon, you will have to do 6 months worth of testing, dieting and education.
3) You will have to make 6 visits (once a month). This does not include your consultation.
4) One of your visits will be with a Psychological Evaluation. This will determine your surgeons view and the insurance company's view of your case. They take a look at your mental and emotional health. They ask about your family and your support systems. They may ask you how you feel about yourself. Stay away from the negative views you may have of your body. Understand that they have seen hundreds of people like you and may have some prejudice in regards to whether you will succeed or not. Remind them that you are a person, not a statistic and bring some human to your discussion.
5) Your surgeon may require you to keep an eating and exercise journal. I use MyFitnessPal and I have a FitBit.
6) You will be asked to do an EKG to see how strong your heart is.
7) You may be asked to do a sleep study. Depending on your surgeon, it can be a requirement. In my case, the insurance company denied it. They did not deem it as a necessity.
8) You will have to do an Ultrasound which is to see if you have any issues with your liver (fatty liver disease) or other organs.
9) The next thing is an endoscopy. This requires you to head to an outpatient clinic, be sedated and have a tube stuck down your throat. (Update: You will need to have lab work done no more than 1 month prior). I learned that I had an hiatal hernia (where part of the stomach enters the diaphragm). This can cause you heart burn. Be aware of H. Pylori. This is a bacteria that can cause ulcers and heart burn as well. It takes a lot of antibiotics to cure. Be mindful that your throats will be sore and some sharp pains may occur as they most likely scrapped some samples from your digestive tract.
10) In between these visits, you will see an dietitian and nutritionist for further help. They will slowly walk you through changing your eating habits. Be honest with them. It is very important in the long run. Also try to keep your weight lost in small amounts. If you lose too much in a short period of time, the surgeon and insurance company will feel like you can lose the remaining weight alone.
11) Your last visit will consist of an overview. The surgeon will check your weight and may discuss further with you about your feelings towards the surgery. Hopefully you are approved by the surgeon. My surgeon was great during the process. I met with him more times than anyone else. He literally kept giving my information and sites to read to understand this tool.
12) They will then submit your information to the insurance company. Now it can take up to 2 - 6 weeks for approval. I was approved in one week.
My fellow UHC Members, I hope this assist you in your endeavors. 6 months will fly by so quickly you won't even realize it.
Remember education is the key to success.
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I'm up in Sussex County!

I did not get diagnosed with pre-diabetes until November of 2016. They still approved me. I think it has to do more with what the surgery can prevent. If you have been dieting on and off then that shows you have been trying. What also helped in my case is the fact that my weight plus working out caused me to break my ankle. My suggestion is to call UHC speak with a Representative. Also ask them to check in with the Pre-Authorization department.

Deptford..south Jersey.

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I'm six weeks post op. I'm always looking for friends who are on the losers bench. What part of jersey is everyone from ?

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that's cool im 5 weeks post op and everything is going well good luck and we could share ideas and stories :}

Jersey here...getting sleeved on December 18th. This entire process is annoying but I'm going to do what I need to do. How goes it?

im in Bergen County

I'm located in Northern nj

Just looking for sleevers or soon to be sleevers that's located in NJ or surrounding areas.

I just wanted to share my excitement with all of you who are pre-op. I am down 17lbs in just 10 days after surgery (this does not include any weight loss prior to surgery because I didn't have a weight loss because I was not required to diet prior to surgery). YOU CAN DO THIS!!! All the pain and the hunger and the worry, it's ALL WORTH IT!!!!!!! Keep striving towards your goal, we can all get there and this surgery is the way to do that!!!!

I was bemoaning how long the pre-op phase is going to be but it is actually going by very fast so far - I guess 3 months is a really short period of time after all. I barely have time to get my blood sugar under control. I also lucked out in getting to see my endocrinologist this week and she said that even if my A1C isn't perfectly under 8%, she told me that she would be willing to let my doc know that I would be safe for surgery. My surgeon called me yesterday to let me know that he was able to count my first visit with him as one nutritional appointment, thereby shortening the time some. Yesterday, I got the Upper GI contrast and Abdominal ultrasound done plus I was able to get an appointment to see the psychologist on Nov. 15th with many thanks to the person who cancelled. I have the next medical weight management appointment on Nov. 22nd and the final one on Dec. 27th. If the Abdominal and GI studies come back okay, I can get a surgery date set. YESSSSS!!!!

I am officially 1 day post op. I feel like I’ve been hit by a bus. I don’t want the pain meds because it makes me extremely nauseous. Any other advice? Please help!

You will be just fine. Just trust and believe you have made the right decision. I never knew anyone personally who had the surgery. I researched for a year and then, I went through the steps. I prayed about it and I didn't hear a No, so, I kept going. Next thing I know, I was in surgery and all was well. I'm almost 9 weeks out and haven't been a size 16 in 9 years. Haven't weighed 209 in 9 years. So, I understand how you feel, just trust the process and know you have the best surgeon's in your area. I'm rooting for you!

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My psych needed to sign off on me, she sent something to my surgeon that said I don’t have an eating disorder, and the worst thing I am addicted to is carbs. She didn’t make final decision on me having surgery but if I did have (past or present) an eating disorder or an addiction to drugs/alcohol she would not recommend me for surgery.


Have a great day!
Amanda
HW 248 CW 241 Surgery Date: pending 11/21/2017. Goal weight 150’ish

Thank you! This is exactly why I opted for the surgery as well- due to so many failed attempts of trying on my own. Surgery was my last resort, but I saw so many people with high success rates and even better happiness. That's exactly what I want. I just want to be healthy, look better, feel better, and not worry about future health risks.

The "what if " scenario can preoccupy your mind a bit. I also had the fear of the unknown outcome of surgery.
It's normal to have some anxiety of any surgery procedure. It can get you second guessing your decision. Know that your surgery team is going to take great care of you before, during and after your surgery.
The reason I had surgery is that I failed on my own so many times. This has been a long term solution to lose and maintain my weight. Three years out I still don't regret my decision.
I hope you will let yourself have some excitement about Getting your health back, Being able to do things that people take for granted and living an amazing life.
You deserve this opportunity!

Now that my surgery date is set in stone, I'm beginning to think "what if this doesn't work?" Like I spend a chunk of money on a procedure and it doesn't do what I hoped it would. Maybe I'm just overthinking and I'm just so used to myself not ever losing the amount of weight I wished to. It's hard to think of an operation like VSG to actually work when I've been overweight my whole life. I just don't want to screw myself over. Have any of you been in this mood?

Today I jumped on the scales and I've hit 35 kg lost (77 pounds). I did a little happy dance, I've gone down 1-2 sizes on my tops, but none on my pants (although my pants are getting baggy!)
And I've gone down 1 size in my shoes - which I didn't expect at all.

I'm convinced this surgery was the right decision.

Yesterday I weighed myself and I am in onderland. I am 196.5 over the weekend I also had my 2 months surgeversary and am down 46 lbs. So excited, bought my first size 12 since before I had my son 6 years ago. I don't even remember being this weight since my early 20s I went from thin to pregnant to 240 lbs. Feeling so good, one of my co-workers told me today I should stop here as I look good already. I politely told her I am not stopping for another 40 lbs. Lol my weight distributes well as I am 5 ten. So thankful for this surgery and for the opportunities I have been given to be healthy, and so much happier.... here's to the next 40 lbs.

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