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Do you have BS CA P P O or H M O? I have P P O but I am nervous that the 3 month requirement is only for the H M O, but hopefully not!

Hi, I was approved with Blue Shield of California PPO plan and they did required 6 months of diet appointments plus all the requirements mentioned in those guidelines. I think the BS of CA HMO Plan does not require the 6 months diet, but for PPOs is still a requirement. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App H-M-O plan. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Stats for the Week of June 13th Well done for another week! We had quite a few new additions to the challenge and dropped about 6 non-responders. Sorry for the delay in posting – I was holding out for some missing values We have 112 People Participating 12 participants who I carried over the previous week's weight (which may skew the results a bit) A big shout out to @@cbrr and @Bellcurves who both were on vacation and still lost weight! We are collectively down 347.3 pounds (157.5.20 kgs) - That is 180.0 lbs from last week! To date, as a group we lost 1.49% of our overall weight and 0.78% from last week The highest percentages of weight lost from last week to this week that really kicked their weight loss goal’s butt are: @@krae_98 6.53% @@Shanni1269 4.63% @@BCs 1000 with 3.91% The highest percentages of weight lost overall that should be commended are:@Sleeve it to Beaver with 7.86% @leag78 with 5.96% @@dede0314 with 4.51% A few people are VERY close to their 6 Week Goal and we should see some announcements for that next week – so stay tuned! (Extra motivation waves are being sent to @@BCs 1000, @@krae_98 and @@Yoga-lady as they go for the weight loss gold and blow their goals out of the water!) Keep up the good work everyone! We are 1,482.2 pounds away from our collective goal! Have a great and healthy week! @goplay94123

It's going to be a side effect of most if not all bc but with the pill it also doesn't take very long to leave ur system once u decide you want to start trying for kids. I will warn you I've had the shot and hated it not only does it make u gain at of weight but makes u unable to lose it Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using the BariatricPal App

One thing I've found to be helpful I do my nails. I know it sounds trite but I am trying to not bite my dead skin and recently have done my hair for 100 bucks but am growing out the acrylic on my nails re: surgery. What I've found is that while say watching uplifting inspirational shows I file, push back my cuticles use oil etc. and do so while being spritualy fed! Share some of your ideas fellow readers. What are some things that you do just for you that you enjoy! When I'm recovering I'll be taking up sewing aka. my yoga pants that were 40 bucks each to make them smaller as I lose weight (save money too because those Victoria Secret yoga pants were not cheep!) I have a butt load of nice VS clothing I'm going to be taking in or taking to the tailor to bring in as I get smaller in the future. I also wanted to learn to croshe more then just one long line of knots (I have 20 balls of this stuff and it's funny actually) It'd make a very eclectic blanket or something the afghan that Hannah made post op So share ideas!

@@diamondchic94 I'll be honest. I was very frustrated with the 6 month medically supervised process. DO not and I MEAN DO NOT go to Krause's NP Rachel Blind. Straight up Beyotch. We just clashed period. End of story. I'm not sure what her problem was but i felt that she was more of a barrier in my process. Unfortunately i will have to see her again but if I didn't it would be too soon! Also, in terms of psychology, please go to Kevin. I wish I had. I had some other chic who is no longer there and really she was on some BS. first off... my evaluation was normal. I agreed to meet with her for a few more times after the eval just because I was previously in therapy a couple months prior for depression. I thought it would be nice to resume therapy under new pretenses. Wrong! She was not helpful at all. She just wasted my time and hers. My depression stemmed from marital issues and i was in the process of rebuilding. I wasn't engaging in any risky behavior or overeating. I was just hard pressed to find time for myself due to my family's hectic schedule. I knew how to create a calendar, prioritize, delegate, meal plan and prep why are you wasting 45 min of my time to reinforce old concepts. I'm top of that This woman would not clear me for surgery. My clearance was being held up by her! My 6 months turned into a nightmare 12 months!!! She left the organization and my case was transferred to Kevin. He cleared me after my 2nd visit. He shook his head trying to understand why she kept me so long. Good luck on your first visit. Just stay away from rachel. Everybody else is good. Dr Klenzar, Melissa NP those were the only others that I saw besides Rachel and they were great. Very supportive, helpful, informative, understanding. Rachel will blab about herself and how she just left this national conference and presented on her research and studies on bariatric surgery which show this and that and I think I'm a Dr but I'm not and I have a complex about it so I'll just act like a straight up BEYOTCH to people and sound authoritative to make people respect me. Girl BYE! Anyways The other staff dieticians, exercise physiologist etc were awesome. You're at the right place. Just get with the right people, do what is asked of you and don't miss any appointments. Within that 6-7 month time frame. It goes by quickly. I'm scheduled for surgery 7/1.

@ I was talking about @@WLSResources/ClothingExch Who twice came with the same snarky BS. But if you want to be offended too, enjoy. Actually being funny helps when you are trying to be funny. That is why emojis were invented so people who aren't funny can let people know they are making a joke.

If you don't care about them, don't post. There is really no reason for you to be so condescending and rude. You are purposely coming in here to belittle people. When I had my cardiac cath, I kept my Polish on and they said it worked fine with polish. It is really personal choice of the staff and mainly BS. It isn't as dramatic as people are making it like if you have on nail Polish you are going to end up brain dead. Good lord.

I haven't had mine yet but Ik the least days are the best bc of hospital born viruses Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Happy Father's Day from BariatricPal!#subject#> body,div,dl,dt,dd,ul,ol,li,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6,pre,form,fieldset,input,textarea,p,blockquote,th,td { margin:0; padding:0; } table { border-collapse:collapse; border-spacing:0; } fieldset,img { border:0; } address,caption,cite,code,dfn,th,var { font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; } caption,th { text-align:left; } h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { font-size:100%; font-weight:normal; } q:before,q:after { content:''; } abbr,acronym { border:0; } address{ display: inline; } html, body { background-color: #d8dde8; color: #5a5a5a; } body { font: normal 13px helvetica, arial, sans-serif; position: relative; } h3, strong { font-weight: bold; } em { font-style: italic; } img, .input_check, .input_radio { vertical-align: middle; } legend { display: none; } table { width: 100%; } td { padding: 3px; } a { color: #225985; text-decoration: none; } a:hover { color: #328586; } div.outer { margin: 0 auto; padding: 14px; } table.wrap { max-width: 800px; margin: 0 auto; } td.logo { background-color: #0f3854; padding: 8px; } td.content { background-color: #fff; font-size: 14px !important; color: black !important; line-height: 150% !important; padding: 8px; } ul { margin-left: 25px; } Hey BariatricPal Members! Happy Father’s Day from BariatricPal! Today is the day when we take some time to appreciate our fathers or any father figures in our lives even more than usual. We at BariatricPal hope you have some special time scheduled with your family to appreciate each other. We also hope you’re using this as another chance to re-energize your WLS success efforts, since there’s a good chance that part of the reason why you’re in this journey is because of your family. If you are indeed looking for a little inspiration, we hope to give it to you! Here’s what you’ll find in this newsletter. Showing Gratitude with Health dinner Dad’s Way: Easy Peasy and Healthy Starting a Healthy Father’s Day Tradition If that’s not enough to keep you motivated, there’s plenty more help over on the BariatricPal Forums. Don’t forget to logon and join the fun – after you’ve said “Thanks” and “I love you” to Dad, of course! Here’s to weight loss surgery and what it can do to strengthen your family! Sincerely, Alex Brecher Founder, BariatricPal Showing Gratitude with Health A Healthy You Is A Better You Holidays like Father’s Day may make you think a little more about others. You might think about what you can do to be a better parent, or how you can show your parents how much you appreciate them. In all that generosity, you might forget about your own health, or feel guilty about focusing on yourself once in a while. After all, the pre-op prep and post-op recovery from weight loss surgery already demands a lot of time and energy that you aren’t spending on your family. But, the weeks, months, and years following weight loss surgery are just as important. To succeed long term, you need to take care of yourself. And that’s not selfish. All of your loved ones benefit when you are energetic, happy, and healthy. You can be more involved in family activities, and save money on healthcare costs. The effort you put into your own health is not just for you. It’s for your family, too. Share the Health Your healthy behaviors don’t happen in a vacuum. They happen in the middle of real life, and that’s great. You can be an excellent role model for your children and spouse just by sticking to your commitments and intentions. You can also actively involve them in a healthy lifestyle. You don’t need to be overbearing about. It can be as simple as inviting them to walk with you to the post office, letting them choose between carrot sticks and bell pepper strips when you pack lunches, and taking fun outings like hiking as a family. As health becomes the norm, your whole family can win. Dinner Dad’s Way: Easy Peasy and Healthy It may be a stereotype, but we’ll play along: not all dads are the best cooks. You may remember the occasional day in your childhood when Dad was responsible for looking after you and your siblings for the evening. What did you have for dinner? eggs? Cereal? Chinese takeout? Maybe you’re a father who’s guilty of this same behavior! Hey, whatever works to keep the kids happy and fed, right? Well, we have a better option. Keep the kids happy while getting a weight loss meal for yourself with no extra effort. Sound good? Here’s the scoop. Cereal for Dinner – a Classic “Dad” Dinner If cereal is your go-to, take a look at The BariatricPal Store’s cereal choices with about 15 grams of Protein and only about 120 calories per serving. We’re not talking about tasteless “health” cereals here. We’re talking about old favorites like cocoa flavored pops and honey nut circles. Yum! Add cow or soy milk for extra protein, or serve it with almond milk for a low-cal cereal “dinner.” If you want to be a super-dad, offer your kids fresh fruit or treats like raisins, coconut, nuts, or even chocolate chips so they feel special on their evening home with Dad. Cooking 101: Eggs If there’s one thing a guy knows how to cook, it’s probably eggs. But if you don’t know how to cook eggs, or you didn’t stock up on fresh eggs, or you just don’t want to try to get your college cooking skills back by experimenting on your children, you have another choice: BariatricPal instant Protein Omelets. You can grab them from your pantry and get them ready in minutes. Each bacon and cheese or vegetable omelet packet has 15 grams of protein and 100 calories. You can eat yours straight, but your children may want a little more oomph from Dad. Get your creative juices flowing and give them an omelet to remember! If your children like vegetables, make them a colorful, crunchy omelet with diced bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli florets, or any other veggie they love. You can eat the veggie omelet on its own, and serve it on toast for your kids. Top it with cheese, avocado slices, or salsa to make it a dinner to remember. Chinese Takeout Minus the Weight Gain Weigh the options. With Chinese takeout, you need to go get your food or wait up to an hour to be delivered. Then, you have way too many calories and carbs from fried rice, egg rolls, chow mein, and breaded sweet and sour chicken. The alternative? Grab a box of Spicy Chicken Oriental from your pantry and serve the family in minutes. The meal has 240 calories and 14 grams of protein – that’s quite a bargain for delicious chicken and rice! If you’re feeling super ambitious, start with Protein Fettuccine and Asian Inspired Pasta Sauce, and let your imagine take over. Toss in diced chicken or shrimp and bok choy and other vegetables, and serve up some healthy chow mein to make your children proud. Starting a Healthy Father’s Day Tradition If there’s one thing that makes a healthy lifestyle easier, it’s habit. You’re way more likely to get to the gym if you don’t stop to think about it. You’re way more likely to keep the junk food out of your grocery cart if you automatically steer past the aisles with packaged snack foods and frozen desserts. And packing a healthy lunch is way easier if you just know what’s going to go into it each day. So why not add another healthy behavior to your arsenal on this Father’s Day? You can kill two birds with one stone by spending some quality Dad time while you work on a new healthy tradition. It can be something for you and Dad, for you and your kids, or maybe for all three generations to look forward to every year. Here are a few ideas: - Healthy barbecue with chicken breast, veggie or turkey burgers, - An early morning fishing trip followed by feasting on your protein catch and a summer fruit salad to die for. - A trip to the beach or a local park for some volleyball, swimming, soccer, or a treasure hunt (if you have young ones around!). - A healthy gift exchange, with great gifts like a gift card to The BariatricPal Store, a set of partner training sessions for you and Dad with a personal trainer, or a sampler of grab and go protein Snacks like protein bars, salmon jerky, and peanuts. Whatever healthy tradition you start, you can rest easy knowing that’s one more day out of the year that you’ll be solidifying your healthy lifestyle while building those family ties. And when all is said and done, that’s what weight loss surgery is all about, right? Thanks for reading the newsletter and supporting BariatricPal. Have a wonderful, safe, and healthy Father’s Day, and keep letting us know how your weight loss surgery journey is going. Let this be a summer to be proud of! · Unsubscribe from all BariatricPal E-Mail.

I am at the very beginning, pre-op. And lately when I look at pictures of me where I am now, I suddenly don't feel loathing and hate and disgust at my appearance. Since I hVe made this decision, when I see myself in photos or even the mirror, I strangely feel....empathy; sadness for where this person is; understanding all the really traumatic, unresolved pain that got her here; just an honest aching for how shredded I have been inside for so long. It's nice to not feel hate at my reflection, for once. Sadly, strangely, I am still not able to conjure up that same kindness and empathy when I look at early childhood (4 and 5 years old) pictures of myself, where I first starting putting on weight during the time when my abuse and real trauma started. It's odd BC I absolutely adore children and am a fierce protector of them....you would think I would look at these sad pictures of myself as a child and feel empathy and Kindness. But, no, I still recoil from those pictures. Those pictures scare me, and I turn away from them. Why? I hope that changes. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My journey started only about 9-10 months ago when I first learned about the VSG. I approached my doctor, she agreed, and we started the process for insurance. However, by about April of this year I was entirely fed up with the constant hoops they were making me jump through, and the co-pays I was having to pay even just to meet their requirements. I started looking into self-pay with little hope as I don't just have that kind of money lying around. Then I saw Alex's post for the $4399 surgery in Mexico. My brother had suggested looking at Tijuana surgeons, but I had shot it down. I did some digging, educated myself, asked a ton of questions, and within a month I had a down payment, and a surgery date scheduled with the BariatricPalMX team led by Dr. Illan. This all included getting picked up in San Diego, brought to Tijuana, the surgery, 2 nights stay in the hospital, 2 nights in the recovery condos. And then, voila! Time to go home. Being picked up and brought over was non-stressful, easy peasy. Stacy, who works for the BariatricPalMX team, did a great job at easing my mind on the drive over. She was so warm and welcoming! Once arriving at florence Hospital, I had blood drawn, an IV put in, and chest x-rays done. Soon after all the doctors started coming in (sorry, I don't remember all names). Everything was explained to me, every question I might've had was answered. I think the first time something happened that I wasn't expecting was straight out of surgery. I was in the recovery room outside the OR and I was in PAIN. Most people didn't seem to experience much pain, but I did. Whether it was gas pain or actual pain, I don't know. They gave me two doses of morphine, and that didn't do anything other than make me extremely warm and nauseas. After another hour or two, a different pain medicine was administered with some anti-nausea, something for gas, and then eventually something to prevent infection. The rest of that day I was really weak, really uncomfortable, and did some walking and breathing exercising as much as I could. I also will say, don't expect to get some restful sleep, haha. Nurses in and out every hour or two hours. But this is just a testament to how attentive and on top of it the staff was during this time. Which was truly appreciated and made me feel taken care of. The next morning I was taken for my leak test, and once that was passed, I was given some ice chips, Water, gatorade and apple juice. Of course coming off from the liquid diet I went straight for the apple juice. It tasted like heaven, but my new stomach didn't really agree. The sugar content didn't settle well. So I backtracked to the water, took that slow, and had to take a sip of the Gatorade (not G2) every 30 minutes or so to kind of work up to it. By late that night/early that morning, I was able to drink the Gatorade just fine! (btw Gas-X strips will be your best friends!) Wednesday we came here to the recovery condos, I began just been relaxing, sipping away at water and gatorade, working out the new timeline for the medicines that was prescribed. There was a very helpful packet outlining phases and what to have and not have. Luis was wonderful and took us out into TJ and we went to Caesar's where Josh (the boyfriend) had a good looking fish dish and I had the beef broth. It was delicious and I have yet to feel full, but have stopped myself in fear of taking in too much. While we were in the hospital, Roberto was great and always checking in on Josh and getting him food and drinks whenever he needed it. He was well taken care of even though he didn't want to leave my side. Dr. Illan came in and checked on my incisions the day before we moved to the recovery condo and to see how I was doing. Again, everyone was very attentive and caring, and just been great. I couldn't have asked for better attention and being put at ease. I'm so incredibly thankful and am now just easing forward and looking forward to healing and getting my life back on track now. Thank you to everyone! Dr. Illan, Bill, Stacy, Roberto, Luis, Rosa, Jessica, Denise, and every other doctor, nurse, or staff member who's played a hand in this and helped me reach this goal and start a new life.

I had removal and bypass same surgery. Insurance would cover removal if I did it by its own. My band slipped. Even if I waited Yeats they refused to cover RNY. So, I was self pay. I did same visit BC I only get three weeks off per year (they are set ) and price difference was 3000. Got to live insurance but I needed band out due to slip. I was ticking time bomb so to speak. If insurance covers both due it in two surgeries, heard its more effective. Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

I was told same don't shave BC possible infection in nicks Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

Hi! I also have surgery, RNY, on the 30th at 1130AM. I started diet yesterday as well and was amazed at how much harder it is than I imagined. We must be twins bc Im dealing with Aunt F and this diet at the same time. Im in Atlanta. We should keep in touch and compare notes since we have the same surgery date.

Hi! I also have surgery, RNY, on the 30th at 1130AM. I started diet yesterday as well and was amazed at how much harder it is than I imagined. We must be twins bc Im dealing with Aunt F and this diet at the same time. Im in Atlanta. We should keep in touch and compare notes since we have the same surgery date.

@@jessicajas37 Thank you! I can't wait to hear how your surgery goes. I'm not sure on about having the gallbladder removed after this surgery. Mine was removed in 2008 bc I had gallstones. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

It's done through the belly button, so no scars at all, which is good bc I already have four from my gallbladder surgery. @@jessicajas37 Please let me know how it goes. My surgery date is eight days after yours. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

@@BCs 1000 - Amazing Weight Loss!

I had my last nutrition/weight appointment before being submitted to insurance for approval. During the two weeks before my appointment, I passed a kidney stone and developed a UTI that went to my kidney so I was on a lot of antibiotics and pain killers - so I was eating crackers and things to settle my nausea and I was retaining a lot of the water I was drinking to pass the stone and clear the infection plus constipated from the pain medicines. I gained about 5 pounds between appointments. The dietician is going to submit me to insurance and explain my gain - so my question is, has anyone experienced a slight gain and been approved by insurance? I have BC/BS. Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm T1 on an insulin pump and got sleeved about 2 years ago. Was good for about a year, lost quite a bit and had energy and then my fibro got really bad and stopped working out, started eating crap again so gained a bit back. Started a keto diet a couple of weeks ago and that's helping, but I've cut down on my insulin quite a bit but still taking glucophage. I guess the sleeve is still good bc it limits how much i can eat otherwise would have gained more back. When i went for surgery though had to get off the pump and they didn't know how to control my bs so i was a mess (went to TJ for my surgery).

That sounds like so much fun Sheryl. I don't know if I ever told you, I used to have 2 horses. I loved riding them. They saved my sanity after my husband was killed. Adorable pictures Georgia!! I am going to Portland to my granddaughter's birthday party this weekend. I am trying to find someone online to go out for entertainment Saturday night. I wrote to a guy who says he loves to dance and goes to a Salsa Club every weekend. More than likely, I'll be spending the evening watching tv in my motel room. I decided I can't stay with them anymore bc my DIL drives me insane. I'm hoping I can take my granddaughter to the movies and see the new Ellen De Generes movie.

So tired of the bs that is on this site.

I may have turn it off. Very uncomfortable to watch... The episode this week has me giving Whitney the side eye???? for real (and I have yet to miss an episode of her show). While I do enjoy the message of "No BS"..that does not give her a reason to be reckless with her health (eating pizza in the middle of the night after JUST passing out and coming from the ER) because she wants to be fat. Whitney's career is sort of based on her being fat but the message for NO BS would still be the same if she lost weight. It was my understanding that NO BS applies to every body type. Perhaps she needs to change the meaning of her NO BS to NO Bull**** because she needs to stop sending the message to her audience that eating in a unhealthy way and gaining weight is fine because there should be no body shame. Whitney has become comfortable in her newfound celebrity and she uses that as excuse to remain "the fat girl" but if she doesn't watch herself...it could kill her. Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App

Yes, I got all my meds and am starting on a stool softner bc someone else told me too. Lol I'm a researcher so I've read any and everything I could especially taking advantage of the forums! I also have a great nutritionist. Thanks Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App