Cameo325

I'm not coupled, but found this advice column interesting

https://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/askamy/ct-ask-amy-04112019-story.html

Had my first "supervised nutrition" appointment Monday of this week and my EGD today. My PCP said that I just have to come in and get weighed once a month for 3 months and talk about any dietary changes I made so the first one is done, also did a physical while I was there and my BP is elevated but the past two weeks have been hell in my personal life so that is probably the cause. EGD showed nothing, no reflux, no ulcers, no hernias, no esophagitis. He did take a biopsy and I'll know in a week what those results are. Feels good to check off the appointments, two more "nutrition" visits and a dietician visit then insurance submission!

I started the process with a BMI of 37.5 last April and I weighed in at 256 during my first bariatric consult. On the day of surgery (12/17/18), I weighed 234 and I had a BMI of 34.5. By New Years Eve, I was down to 224. On January 15, I was down to 212. By January 30, I was down to 204. On February 15, I was down to 197. On March 1, I weighed 196.7. March 15, I weighed 196.1. Today I weighed 193.2. So you can see that it came off fast and has leveled off. I have lost 2 inches off my waist since March 1, so the inches are coming off if the weight isn't. I follow a strict diet and exercise program--which is pretty intense, but I am really enjoying it. I feel awesome. Here's some photos documenting the journey.
Last Summer this is me at 255 or so:

This is me on Surgery Day (12/17/18) (weight: 234):

This is me on January 17, 2019 (Weight: 210)

This is me on February 28, 2019 (weight: 197.8)


This is me on March 23, 2019 (Weight: 192.1):


So, the weight loss has slowed up, but that's ok. I want to lose another 10-15 pounds, but I don't "need" to lose that weight. I am more concerned at this point with improving my physical conditioning and strength. The weight came off so fast that I didn't really "see" the difference in the mirror, but the photos show a dramatic change. I still hasn't really sunk in yet, but it's kind of like winning the health lottery. I am look healthy and fit. I am no longer diabetic according to my doctors. My BP is normal and my blood tests look great 3 months post op. Huge improvements. Honestly, having this surgery is the best thing I ever did for myself. I wish I had done this sooner--but better late than never. Obviously, the surgery helps get the ball rolling and gives you the tool so that the rest of the changes you make in your lifestyle will actually work for you. I have tried to do this before with hardcore dieting and exercise and I would just hit a wall and then lose ground. Not anymore!! If 191 is my wall, that's ok for me--but I think I'll still lose some more weight over the next few months, but the changes won't be as dramatic or noticeable (on the scale or otherwise).

I TRY to only weigh once a week so I won't get discouraged with the daily fluctuations or stalls, but I find myself weighing every morning . . . and regretting it because the numbers don't change enough. I was having my husband put the scale on the top shelf of the closet so I couldn't reach it and only getting it down for me on Monday mornings.

I had my psych eval yesterday and it all went really well. We spent the first half of the appointment just talking and then I did three standardized psych tests, the first two were just anxiety/depression screenings which he saw no concerns with and the third one was 175 true/false questions. FWIW, I feel bad for anyone with severe paranoia that has to take that test, holy moly it was making me paranoid! Anyways, I took it on paper but he said normally they do it via computer and the program wasn't working right but at a glance he said that I am super organized, a perfectionist with perhaps a touch of OCD, and that I was a repressor. When he asked how I handle emotions I told him I walk away and do something else so that last test just confirmed it.

He also just wanted to hear my why for wanting surgery and what has or hasn't worked in the past. I was 100% honest with him on everything he asked and it went well. He said he gives very few no's for surgery and gives out either yes with no recommendations or yes with recommendations. He said I would might benefit from therapy in the future to help with leaning on others and letting them see emotion but it could also just be who I am and that's ok too. He said that because I'm a paramedic and in the health care field that repression might be completely normal and not detrimental to me psychologically but some therapy might be beneficial to help me share other emotions. So it sounds like I'm getting the green light from his side and I might consider therapy this summer when my schedule frees up a bit. One thing he said about my perfectionism and organization its that it helps to make the surgery successful long term so he said that's a big positive.
So just be 100% honest if you're nervous about it. There are ways to still get approved. Just thought I'd share my story

I am 5'2", starting weight was 213 at my first doctor appointment. I have lost 20 lbs waiting for insurance approval & with their good graces I will have my surgery May 16th. I am doing the gastric sleeve. I have sleep apnea, & borderline HBP. I just want to feel better, to be able to get up off the floor or to cross my legs. Its not about being skinny, its about being healthy.

I did not try any meat except ground beef, like chili, spaghetti, etc. they ricotta bake is amazing and was great pureed. I had surgery right before Christmas so I ate all the traditional dishes pureed, like green bean casserole lol