Becca

I self paid for my band too because of an insurance exclusion. BIG WASTE OF $$$. I feel ya! My insurance started covering WLS when my band broke apart. I was lucky, but I did have to wait a long time for them to approve the revision. If you have insurance, call and check with them. Request their answer in writing with an explanation. Lots of times, the insurance companies will tell you that you don't have coverage when you do. They don't want to pay for these surgeries. If you do have to pay for the revision, I will say that it is worth it. You don't have fills with the sleeve. I know those add up! The sleeve has worked amazingly well for me. Good luck! I wish you the best.

Congrats!!! You are making a great decision to have the sleeve. It works!!! I understand your decision to not tell certain people. There were some people in my life I told that were very judgemental before I had my surgery and it hurts. Of course, now that I have lost the weight, they have a different opinion. LOL I will caution you, you will get LOTS of questions about how you are losing weight. You need to plan in advance an answer. I tell everyone that asks that I had the sleeve. It is just easier for me. I kid you not, I would say that just about daily, someone makes a comment or asks me about how I lost the weight. Just be prepared with an answer. Good luck! How nice that you have a friend to go through this with.

Someone asked me recently if the sleeve changed what I wanted to eat. I do have different tastes now, even at a year out. Here are some examples: Things I don't want or can't tolerate anymore: Regular Milk Fried Foods Cereal (even with Soy milk, it bloats up in my sleeve) School Lunches (I am a teacher and I used to eat the school lunches a few days a week. Now the thought of them makes me sick). chips and Salsa (I used to eat an entire basket by myself at restaurants) Most fast food (I used to love McDonald's, especially for breakfast) Bread (Although I can tolerate the thins now) Sweets in general Hmmm...no wonder the sleeve works! LOL Any of you have have foods you don't want or can't eat anymore?

Best wishes. You will do great!!!

I always used to tell myself, " I will start my diet tomorrow." There were times when I lied to myself and said I was happy being the size I was. I always knew that somehow and someway I would end my misery of being morbidly obese. Thankfully my journey led me to the sleeve!

So sorry. I pray you get better soon. Hugs.

I live in NW Houston. Weekends are best since I work all week.

I would love to start a group. I live in NW Houston. Just an FYI, I have been part of the Houston area group for awhile and we have never meet or made any plans to.

I would love to meet up. Just let me know! I am a year post op and I still love my sleeve!

Some of my family and friends were scared for me to have the sleeve and tried to talk me out of it. It was hurtful because of my lifetime struggle with obesity. I know there were people who thought I would fail, since the lapband didn't work for me. I proved them wrong though and I am almost at my goal. That really is all you can do. Lose the weight and show them you can do this. We will be here to support you. We are the only ones who truly understand what you are going through. This journey is not easy. It is very emotional since you can't cover your feelings up with food anymore. At the same time, it is all worth it!

I self paid for my lapband, that was NOT worth it because it broke and almost killed me. Fate would have it that my exclusion was taken off of my insurance and I was able to get the sleeve (with a $3,000 copay). The sleeve is worth EVERY penny! I still get compliments daily at a year out. More and more people are asking me how I am losing and keeping the weight off. I feel amazing. Why live another minute of this life unhappy about your weight? DO THIS FOR YOU!!!

What awesome news! Congrats!

Your fears are normal. Food has so many emotional ties and it can be hard to let it go. You wouldn't have had the surgery if you knew deep down you could do this on your own. We all can lose weight on diets but keeping it off is the hard part. The sleeve be there for you all the time helping you to change your life. You will enjoy food again, just in way smaller amounts. Once you see your body transforming, your feelings will change. Living life is so much better than eating it away. Hugs. You will get through this.

There are certain situations where sometimes you have to pay full price. We had a work get together with catered food and I paid the same price even though I only ate about 1/4 of everyone else there. People would have been mad if I asked to pay a reduced rate in that situation. With Church, I would feel like the money is going to a good cause. Just my opinion though. I can understand your point.

I know this must be hard for you, but I am so happy to hear you are having the surgery. I wish I could have had surgery at 18. I really feel like morbid obesity took away part of my happiness in my twenties. It is so great you will be spared that pain. I think telling friends that you are having laparoscopic surgery sounds like a good plan. Hopefully everything will go perfect and you will recover quickly. Please come here if you have any questions! You are making a great decision.

Sweet! You're going to LOVE the new life the sleeve will bring you!

Personally, I have a friend that is 10 years post op bypass who really struggles with getting in nutrients. She has to have an IV done weekly and she has problems with her teeth form lack of calcium. The sleeve has really worked so well for me. Good luck with your decision! I wish you the best.

I can eat soup pretty easily too at a year out.

Your body is adjusting to all of the changes and recovering from surgery. Just be patient and you will see the loss. Most of us have hit a stall here or there. The weight will come off again! Start walking if you haven't already. That really helps.

First of all, YAY that you are so close to getting sleeved!!! I know how hard the preop diet is. I was an emotional mess when I was on it. I recommend keeping lots of the foods you are allowed for snacks to help when you are hungry. I visited this forum lots and watched Youtube videos to help. YOU CAN DO THIS!!! It is a huge challenge, but it is SO WORTH IT! The sleeve WILL change your life.

What I've realized about soda, is that it can be a trigger for some people. I drink one Diet Dr. Pepper a day at lunch with no issues at all. I still drink all of my water each day though. For some people, drinking soda causes them to want more of it or it makes them crave sweets. Sodas don't cause me any issues with head hunger. On the other hand, I personally have issues with peanut butter. One bite of it causes major head hunger and makes me want a Reese's really bad, so I avoid it. I am sure many people can eat peanut butter with no issues. We are all different. You can try it and see what happens. It may be a trigger for you or it may not.

AMAZING!!!!

Right before my lovely TOM, I have crazy head hunger AND I can physically eat more. I usually have great restriction, except for "that" time. Then, when it is over, my restriction is back. I was just wondering if anyone else has this happen?

The second I forgot to take my vitamins, I get anemic. You need to take your calcium because it can cause issues down the road with your bones and teeth.

I self paid for my band and so I was devastated when it slipped and broke apart. I had a revision and I am so glad I did. I understand your concerns about money. I felt guilty spending all this money on surgeries that could have gone to other things (like a bigger house that we really need). I decided that my health was important. We spend money on cars, vacations, and all sorts of other things. Don't feel guilty. You are worth it! HUGS.