lunarose

Hi, After I got denied by Kaiser a few months went by and then my husband told me I could go the self pay route. I saw the surgeon on July 28 had surgery Aug 24 I was pretty excited/freaked too but am so happy to have had done it.

A Friend of mine went through the option's class with a starting BMI of 40 at the end of the classes she was around a high 38 she was accepted without any problems but then changed her mind.

Hi, I have six four are real small including where my drain was are fading. One is about 1.5" next to my belly button and the another is around 2" none are really bad. As I am losing and my stomach is shrinking its getting kind of lumpy looking(G) Nancy

That is fantastic news! Congrads!! I am still in the BMI 30s something like 30.40 but I'll get there soon!

How are you making the shakes? I use a blender which puts a lot of air in the shakes and I have to drink them real slow or I would throw up. I also like making sugar free puddings I especially love the butterscotch pudding with About Time Vanilla. I also love the unjury chicken soup protein powder I mixed it in strained chicken noodle soup (just don't make it hot because it changes its consistency). Nancy

Amy, Thanks so much they are perfect!! Now if they'd only come up with something to stuff my bra with(G)

How about checking other surgeons in Ca in other parts of the state? I am in L.A. and I know UCLA and a center in San Diego, Cedars to name a few have sleeve experience. As far as follow goes any surgeon and PCC with barriatric experience could do it.

Hi All, I am wondering how everyone else is dealing with their rings and sizing. I am about half way to goal and my wedding band has gotten real loose. I don't want to get it sized because I am hoping to lose anymore. I don't want to put tape on it or stop wearing it what all do you do? Nancy

Good for you I am something of a rare duck in that I am not a stress eater my stomach was so riled up by nerves I couldn't eat at all!

Oh wow I am so happy for you!! You are on your way now!

LOL! So have I but I always imagined visiting Alaska during the summer months maybe while on a cruise but not in the dead of winter! This will definitely be an adventure. Nancy

Oh I had no idea about cotton. I can not wear wool but I saw some thick fleece under garments. It looks like I'll be flying up Jan 20 I am scared silly and not too thrilled with flying up there in the dead of winter not to mention no non stop flights!

Hi, I didn't know we would be doing it on the phone until I got the call. I imagine if I had said anything that raised any red flags I probably would have had to go in person. I'd call and ask them if you could do it by phone...can't hurt.

LOL! Way back when I was just entering puberty the girls in gym class called me "banana boobs" I'll leave the description to your imagination anyway they are back but now pointing straight down kind of like the old lady in the Playboy comments(G) I have noticed mine do feel different but I just had a mammogram three weeks ago and it was normally so I am stressing about it then again because I have had cystic breasts so they have always been funny. Nancy

So far mine are turning into sleeves like my stomach but I remember reading someone else's post who had the same thing happened. I believe her ultrasound turned out okay. Let us know how yours is. Nancy

Hi, Mine just closed up my surgeon did place a huge bandaid which I changed daily for 3 days.

Hi All so today is nine weeks. That is so hard to believe. I am half way to goal down 30 lbs and I have to pinch myself because I have never lost this much ever. I feel great and have more energy and my walk/workout is easier then before surgery. It feels as if a whole new world has opened up for me. I still have my doubts about whether this will work despite the proof and I have yet to buy any new clothes. Bought a couple pairs of boots but I just am not ready to buy clothes. It is as if a part of me worries about making a fool of myself silly I know even though I can even tell I am smaller.

Hi, We are self pay kaiser I did not qualify because my BMI was 36 and I did not have apnea nor diabetes but if I had been 40+ or had those co morbidies I would have been covered.

Hi, I don't do that after a stall but rather during. I have to work on stopping my obsessive weighing. Nancy

Hi, I thought overall it was well done but I agree with Julie about the exercise and diet but without those4 two I can see why he said weigh lose stopped around six months out. I also wish they had spent more time with the ladies in their support group. I am also glad I didn't see the surgery before surgery I could not believe how big the fundus was(G) I also liked what the doctor had to say about patients needing this and not having the option through our insurance. Nancy

Kristy, That first week is tough but it only gets better from here on out. Nancy

Now that is a scary thought two years post and 54....I can not even imagine such a thing! Good thing DH had his tubes taken care of(G)

Hi All, Nightline on ABC will be doing a story on sleeve surgeries tonight 10/25 here is a link about it: http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/fighting-weight-gain-radical-stomach-removal-surgery/story?id=11964731&page=1

Hi, This is very scary you could cause permanent damage you could even die. Your stomach hasn't even healed yet. I am with Tiff you need some help.

KKB, I am so glad to read that you are doing better. I'll be praying that you get the tubes out and okay for fluids on Tuesday.