LAN2k

Oh when you said you were "one week out" I thought you meant out of surgery. For most of my life I've had a LOVE/HATE relationship with food. I have lost 70lbs total and it's now 6 months since my surgery. It was an abrupt change, and my feelings were hurt. I was not used to dealing with my life without the freedom to eat alot of whatever I wanted. Many people here felt the restriction as a new freedom from food. I felt as if I were being punished and starved to death! The weight steadily dropped but I didn't care and was miserable without being able to crave and devour. Okay so I needed help and went out for it. I'm here and I'm now in OA (over-eaters anonymous) and have a sponsor. I'm sort of doing it backwards, since the weight just fell off, I'm left like a turtle without it's shell. I'm only now looking at my life and learning how I let food put a barrier between myself, reality and possibility. Food was my drug...and like any addict, my personal growth and potential was stunted due to stuffing and gorging. I no longer hate that I was "sleeved". Instead, I am grateful because it has compelled me to find other means to deal with my my self and my feelings. This is not easy for me but being over weight and lugging my heavy body around was not easy either. I still am able to know and feel the pleasure that food provides but the option to eat myself into oblivion is no longer possible. It's not really all that bad, it's better this way. Hope that helps.

Way to go! Your looking good. Keep up the good work. I sure hope I can say the same at 8 months.

That is super! I'm happy for you.

That happened to me often when I was on liquids, full liquids and even mushies. It happens now if I dare venture to drink anything with Splenda (sucralose) or as the above mentioned substances that end in "itol"...I bloat with gas and then wham I have to hit the bowl quick or else...needless to say I avoid artificial sweeteners.

Sorry you are going through this. I am of no help to you but I will be curious to read the responses you receive. Keep us posted please as you are able and best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Wow I am so glad that you were properly diagnosed and treated! The ER doctor deserves a kick in the arse. You sound so relived and in good spirits. It's great that you will see your husband soon and have lost a significant amount of weight. May I ask you how far out you are from your original surgery? I have a tendency (as of late) to eat too fast, I catch myself though and then slow it down. I'm 6 months out. Thanks for posting and continued success.

Tiffy point for point your reasoning for selecting Dr. Aceves as an excellent Mexican WL surgeon is valid. I appreciate how logically you approach the issues presented on this board. The fact that you did not have your surgery performed by Dr. Aceves and had overcome serious complications only strengthens my stance. Your opinion is intelligent, worthy of praise and acknowledgment. I certainly hope that you are not discouraged in any way from being the active participant you have been here because you have been an asset to me and I am sure to many many others who have needed support. Your efforts have never been empty, frivolous or in vain and I absolutely appreciate you. Thanks for being the kind of person that can be relied upon. Thanks for being here for me when I so desperately needed someone to talk with.

If I may add when you go to your surgeons office bring someone with you if possible. I always had my dad by my side or my mother. It holds them accountable. It's you having a witness present. Hope it works out for you.

Hey stlvoy02 & Change4TheBetter2010 Congratulations on getting your dates. There will be room for you both on the bench...best wishes to you both.

Great suggestions Tiff...Now that Spring is in the air you may like to get out on a bicyclye. I purchased one last year and rode it nearly every day last spring into summers end. I loved riding. I am going to pull out my bike soon...maybe tomorrow and give it a try now that I'm lighter.

My heart goes out to you wannalise, so sorry for your loss...I believe that when our time comes we may be united again with our precious pets who have passed and are now living life eternal in the kingdom of heaven.

I had both anxiety and depression after my surgery in Sept. it was very severe and I had to get help.I am now on a med called Remeron for depression and .5mgs of Klonopin as needed for anxiety. The meds have helped, but I do want to be weaned off soon if possible. The psychiatrist I'm seeing told me that if I were not able to get the help of meds and counciling, that under normal conditions, (if depression wasn't something I've struggled with in the past), it takes about 6 months for the body/mind to adjust after some major change or trauma. This surgery was traumatic for me. I hated the loss of my relationship with food. Not having it as my crutch did a number on my head, but, there were other factors going on that changed my life dramatically and not having food as my comforter really sent me into an abyss. Hope your back to your self soon. In time the depression will pass.

I'm relived for you that your surgery went well. Now you will need to sip, walk and rest...be patient with yourself and the changes as you will see your weight get less and less.

Prudent decision. When it comes to major surgery bells and whistles are essential, especially if you are out of the country. God go with you on your WL journey and keep us posted. Based on what so many others have had to say about Dr. Aceves and his facility you will do very well.

Thanks for posting Tiff if your gonna self pay it doesn't get better that that!

Welcome to the losers bench! I'm glad things went well and you can share this with all of us. Keep us posted as you progress...and remember to walk, and sip frequently.

Very cool!

Congratulations aj and thanks for posting so soon after your surgery...You seem to be doing fine. I do hope you will be up and walking every so often...it is important to prevent blood clotting and eliminate any gas. Keep us updated and welcome to "the losers bench"

I'm in NY so I can't say a thing about your surgeon. You don't have that much weight to lose. Are you aware that with the bypass their is malabsorption? I had the sleeve by 4.5 months I was down 70lbs. I am sort of at a plateau for the last month or so but that's because I have not been exercising at all. Best wishes what ever you decide.

Patience is key as well as persistence. I am in agreement with all the above. It seems likely that your insurance will cover the sleeve providing they get the documentation from your surgeon. It really is the surgeon you should be speaking to. I had no problem getting my surgeon on the phone. If he was in his office and not in the operating room, he would take my call. If he was out I always got a call pronto that day or the next. If your surgeon does not take you seriously then I'd find another. If all else fails and you decide to self pay have you considered Mexico w/ Dr. Aceves? The point is you have other options and at this point I'd bypass this insurance coordinator altogether.

Good point, you had better be sure. I'd go to your local passport authority and get the facts...in writing.

Hey George I'm from NY too, Long Island. My surgery was covered by my insurance and when I saw the statement it cost $15,000.00! I stayed in the hospital (Syosett Hospital) 5 days. If I had to self pay based on what I have read here and elsewhere I would without hesitation have Dr. Aceves for my surgeon.

Come to think of it....NOTHING! How creative your idea is and I just love your ceiling. Each magnet must signify something and to look up at them all must be an intrigue! Thanks for giving us a glimpse into your home and heart. That is such a unique thing to do.

I'm 6 months out and the hair loss was huge around the 3 month mark. My hair is still shedding but significantly less. I am taking biotin 2000 mgs. and Evening Primrose Oil. My hair was so thick pre surgery and now it is so thin you can see scalp through it! I am confident it will grow again especially with the summer months ahead. If not I'm thinking of filling it in with hair extensions or just wearing a wig that mimics my natural hair.

I'm so glad you posted your story so far. It's encouraging to us all. Keep up the good work. You know what you have to do and it looks like your going to progress and reach your goals. Looking forward to seeing your before and afters. Best wishes as you continue your WL journey.