vanishingvixen

You sound ALOT like me *lol* It's been a roller coaster ride, and my journey has only started 2 week ago. I sent to my first info seminar on 3/1. My surgical consult is on 3/15. There have been lots of highs & lows... Not sure why. I'm excited. Scared. Frustrated...and a ton of other feelings at any given point in time. My husband thinks he's living with Sybil!

I've found this forum to be a big help...as well as blogging it out.

Keep moving forward...

anyone??

I've done the info seminar. I've had a physical exam (my choice). So...what happens after I go to this consult?? What's the next leg of the process??

Let me clarify - the 3 months is the time frame that I have to do the dr. monitored diet, etc...

I just want to know, after the 3 month time of "prerequisites" is done, about how long does it take to get all the testing, evals, etc done? My surgi-center is a one stop shop, so I can get everything i need done there, with the exception of the psych eval...

My insurance company requires a 3 month lag time for all of the hoop-jumping & such in order to approve the surgery.

What is the exact process, and how long should it take?

(I was already told by my surgical group, but I'm curious to hear from real life bandsters who have been thru it)

Thanks in advance

Im still a newbie - and curious as to how many DC area Bandsters (newly or awaiting) there are around these parts.

Thinking of starting a social group.

Thoughts?

Bueller? Bueller? *lol*

So as I'm re-reading my reply - it just really hit me where the 35+ lbs weightgain over the past 2yrs has come from :STRESS! Just not sure how to nasvigate around it totally...but I guess ill figure it out over the next couple of months...

Happy Saturday ALL!

I sincerely appreciate the input & advice. Things are just hectic - and I'm wondering if i can manage it all. My toddler is wearing me out! *lol* That, and my jewelry biz is slowly but surely picking up momentum. I have 4 vendor events in the next month & a half (all decided on prior to me starting this journey) - which is stressful, but exciting. That also means I have to plan my new eating lifestyle into these events (in addition to, of course, creating all of the jewelry designs needed:blink:) then of course, work stuff. And family stuff. and me stuff. *smack forehead*

BUT, I count it ALL joy. I'm going to enjoy the time i have to indeed do some-soul searching and thinking about my life in another year from now. I'm going to enjoy meeting new people traveling this same road, and I'm gonna blog till my heart is content. (im pretty censored here, but on my "real" weightloss blog, i cut loose at times *lol* (The Vanishing Vixen)

All in all - im fully prepared to (and expect to) enjoy this journey. I jsut really have to take a moment to thank God for even getting me here. I've been in denial for so long, it's been unreal (as probably seen in my pics) *SMH*:w00t:

*exhaling* Thanks again!! You'll definately be hearing alot more from me round these parts!

P.S. if you are interested in checking out my jewelry biz that will help finance some of this journey - check it out! :smile2:GGX Home

I'm having a weak moment... Just discouraged about the whole process in general (from consult to pre-approval to surgery)

HELP! :huh2:

I might add that Im feeling like the new kid in the sandbox. I think im just a tad overwhelmed here - but i know that this forum will be imperative to my success. :smile2:

I am trying to make it around to all those who have replied to my posts. I'm just trying to get it done with a killer schedule. 9-5 job, jewelry biz @ home, 2 yr old midget, and a hubby that works nights. :sad:

I WILL engage :w00t:

I wondered initially if blogging would be a waste of time/energy/cyberspace. But in addition to the comments here, the msgs I’ve received have only fueled my desire to make my self more transparent.

I think half the battle *for me* will be accountability. Holding myself accountable for my decisions, and having others lovingly do so as well. I think if I would have been more forthright and open in my past “attempts”, they maybe they would have been a little more successful.

Obviously, its still very early in my journey. But I’m determined and inspired. The fact that I’m literally forced to lose at least SOME weight on my own before being approved for surgery, only makes me want it all the more. And of course, jump starts the necessary changes for my new life.

No matter what happens from here on out, this time net year, I WILL be a new person. Inside and out. I gaaah-runnn-teeee!

Thanks for riding it out w/me…

P.S. I'm doing an untraditional food journal via my main blog. Check me out! vanishingvixen.wordpress.com

I definately appreciate the encouragement. I am littereally so excited that I have been on a high all morning. I feel like this is possible for me...So many years I've felt like "I can't do it"...but now, I'm determined. Not just for me, but for my family. My life depends on it!

Thank you SOOOO much for this post. It gave me some much needed encouragement and inspiration! Best of luck to you!!

GREAT NEWS! Today I got word from the surgical center that they ran my insurance and Aetna will pay for Bariatric surgery. :thumbup: I will have a 3-6 month "processing" (ie: jumping thru hoops) time. I also found out that the facility is on my insurance providers "in network" list, so I'm covered @ 85%. *sigh of relief*

Now, my goal is 75-100lbs, BUT my Dr’s recommendation is at least 150lbs based on my height. (Im still in my feelings about being smaller than what weight *I* personally would feel comfortable at) Good thing is that factor is exactly why he said he’ll push the surgery for me should any roadblocks arise, even if to just get me to MY target before he continues working with me to get to his. I’m hoping that little detail works in my favor.

If I’m forced to take the 6mnth route, I will be able to knock off some out of pocket expenses for sure, but that means that surgery won’t take place until around October. THAT, I'm a little disappointed about. I really was hoping to be lined up for surgery 90-120 days from now.

For the first time EVER I can “see” my success. I’ve never been at that place before. So, if I just take it one day at a time, its easier for me to see it thru. I’m committed. I’m excited. I’m ready to get it in, and get this weight OFF.

Portion Control is a B!t@h!!!

Although I technically don’t start on the “Dr. observed diet” for a few more weeks, I figured I needed to be proactive so that my Big Girl stomach doesn’t go into shock. As of yesterday, I started being mindful of control my portions – which for me is going to be the hardest. That, and pulling out my “sweet tooth” :thumbup: Decreasing the fatty foods and increasing the Water will be a cake walk, in comparison.

Now, until my stomach begins shrinking on its own (which will undoubtedly take a few weeks), I need to figure out how to eat enough of the right foods to leave my appetite happy without obliterating what it is that I’m trying to do. I’m looking at adopting some good recipes & such, as well as food journaling. But I’d like to hear from the good people that have been successful. Particularly in the area of Portion Control.

What say you??

I'm sick & tired of being sick & tired...so I've decided to do something about it. 5 foot 4. 298 lbs. Obesity does not become me!

On March first, I go in for a physical exam and for the initial info session & consult at the bariatric surgeon. I'm assuming that I'll have to start some type of diet, along with the other various tests & counseling along the way. But i'm READY.

While I am doing this for me - it is ultimately to benefit my family. In particular, my 22 month old daughter that needs her mommy here & healthy to see her grow up and play an active role in her life.

Wish me blessings!!!