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Maybe they fed you pot brownies! My roomate in college thought it would be hysterical to not tell me she had made pot roast..literally seasoned our meat dinner with pot. I had never used any form of drugs, so not only did I end up sick, I was paranoid about testing positive for it forever.

Boy I am in sympathy with all who feel hunger pains while I really do have a hint of jealousy because to think that during my first days I felt nothing else besides sick and tired. I force fed myself my protein shakes and often felt ill after. I am three days shy of four weeks and still prefer my food in liquid form; porridge, shakes, soups, juices ( diluted ) pieces of frozen pineapple which I suck on like ice- cubes. Oh and I do do coconut water. The process has been challenging and some days I ask myself why but it's a welcome change from eating the wrong things and feeling badly about it. I al also on a stall but I am riding the tides and hope it moves soon.

Hello everyone my name is Ellie and I am about to get a sleeve on September 29! This was all very sudden and unexpected unlike some folks who have researched this for many years and gone through a long qualifying process, I have stumbled onto this procedure through a very roundabout way and in a matter of weeks I was approved. I am 37 years old and I weigh 270lbs at 5.8", I am hypothyroidic, I have sleep apnea and I'm prediabetic at this time. A Little history: In 2007 I weighed 273 pounds! I had mild sleep apnea but aside from that I was relatively healthy. I had the Lap band procedure done mostly because I did not like the way I looked. But the band yielded very little results, despite 13 fills and unfills to adjust, I never achieved an ideal restriction and was always hungry the weight that I did lose was because I was starving and working out and then I plateaued at about 245 pounds. Then I got pregnant in 2009 I decided to take all liquid out of the band (complete unfill) so that I could eat tons of vegetables and fruits. Funnily enough during the pregnancy and the one that followed I actually lost weight!? I guess something to do with the baby and the restriction I felt because the baby was pushing against the the band. At birth I was 214lbs. But as soon as my children came out in 2010 and 2013, even as I breast-fed, I was completely ravenous and the pounds returned at an alarming rate. So I have found myself right back to where I started at 270 pounds. Only this time mother nature has not been so kind... I am prediabetic and my sleep apnea has returned with a vengeance! On a day to day bases I ache and hurt like an old rickety roller coaster! I feel like I am walking through Jell-O all the time everything has just slowed down. Even so, being busy with a three-year-old and a five-year-old and being a full-time working mom I put myself in last place and have not focused much on trying to lose the weight. It's basically been, whatever I need to do to make it to the next day! I have ignored the aching that my body feels on a day-to-day basis and how hard it has become living and getting around at this weight. I have ignored the emotional and social impact of my weight, or maybe ignored is not the best word, more like drowned out with more food. And I experience some of what most mothers will relate to, I don't want to be in pictures with my children because I feel like I ruin the pictures with my presence. But even all this did not bring me to a decision to refill my lapband or do anything about it until a few weeks ago... In unrelated events I twisted funnily and managed to cause harm to my port. I was in severe pain like having stitches after running but the pain never went away. So due to that event, I finally went back to see my bariatric surgeon and upon further examination I was told that my port had ripped out of my muscles and was now flipped. Great! It was then that my surgeon told me that my options were to repair the port and try the band again or do something different. He recommended I try the sleeve because if I was initially unsuccessful with the band chances of me being successful the second time around were slim to none. I had heard about the sleeve before but never really in-depth. I also have gallstones and have had two attacks which I feel is not enough to warrant surgery but my surgeons seem to think differently. They say the gallbladder wall has thickened and that it is a matter of if and not when I will need to have it removed I hate surgery I do terrible with general anesthesia it takes me hours and hours of tortured nauseated foggy horrible sickness and pain to come out of it. And there is nothing I want more than to avoid having to go through another surgery. However My surgeon sent me to other surgeon who specializes in lap band revision who said he could perform all three surgeries at one time!! He would take out the Lapband remove my gallbladder and perform the gastric sleeve. And we are close to maxing out our yearly insurance maximum out of pocket, so if approved these procedures will be completely at no cost to me!! If I have to go under the knife anyways, I reason, I might as well get as much stuff done at one time, so that I don't have to go under the knife several times. I have not had too much time to do research on the sleeve or get emotionally prepared for the journey ahead but I have spent the past few weeks ferociously researching and ferociously reading up on it and doing a lot of soul-searching realizing that given my Freewill to eat, I am killing myself by being morbidly obese. My doctor submitted the proposal for surgeries to my insurance and I prepared for a long wait. However a week later I found myself getting approved by my insurance and my doctors office saying September 29 is available so start your diet now!! WOA????? No time for food funerals, no time for that last binge, no time to take a cruise which I love to do because of all the deliciousness, and no time to deliberate too long. I do have an option of doing it at the next available date in November but that would be very close to holidays and who knows what other circumstances could arise to prevent me from having the surgery at that time. It seems like all the factors have aligned together perfectly... my job is willing to let me go for that period of time the surgery will cost me nothing I can do three in one surgeries and I can have it relatively soon so that I don't have an agonizing time to wait and stress about it. It's like it's now or never. Most reviews I've read have people saying they wish they had done it sooner. I have already started my pre-op diet which means I would've only been on it for 10 days versus 12 like most people. And unlike most people rather than being on full liquids I have been placed on a South Beach supercharged phase 1 diet that includes lean meats, low-fat dairy and vegetables. I am finally wrapping my brain around what is about to take place mentally emotionally and physically. I have stocked up on many things and thanks to all you wonderful sharing caring people that have taken time to share your journey I have had a chance to very quickly catch up on all the information that I will need to be successful. But I'm so scared and so nervous not even about the liquid diet following surgery , (although, my coworker who got the sleeve weeks ago says that she is hungry all the time), or anything like that but of the surgery itself of being under Anastasia, of the pain I will feel when I wake up, and I wonder if I will miss the stomach that God gave me with which I was born...I'm sure all these things have crossed your mind too. And because my Lapband failed I fear that if this procedure does not work for me and I shall be that one anomaly for whom this did not work, there is not much else to be done. And since this is so life altering and Permanent, I don't know where to go from there if it does not work out for me. I know...I know...not thoughts I should be thinking .., but I'm being candid and sharing from the deepest parts of my heart the secret fears that I have, I would never admit to anyone. Any words of encouragement advice, solidarity, anything will be so very much appreciated at this time! Like many of you my weight loss journey is a very personal and private one and I don't have much support from the few friends with whom I have shared this information. I am sorry this has been long, but the welcome letter encouraged that we share details about our experience and I hope that Sharing this much will give you a more in-depth insight into my personal journey struggles and fears. Sending you blessings and green lights, Ellie

I eat fairly clean as well. I do some soy, typically the stuff I can buy that's organic & GMO free. Protein powder I use Isopure. It's 100% whey isolate & gluten free, but I doubt it's grass fed whey. I also do whole grains. One of my favorite brand is Bob's Red Mill. They are GMO free. You may want to try some of the vegan brands like Vega, Biochem and Raw Protein. For supplements you could try KIND brand. They are pricey but good.

OK so even though I am 100lbs overweight, I have been an obsessively 'healthy' eater for years now. NO gluten, very few grains, no soy, no food with antibiotics or pesticides... So - just wondering if any of you are using Protein powders, drinks and supplements that are: gluten free soy free organic grass fed whey If you have tried any of these kinds, i want to know which ones you like. Thanks!

When I was 26 (I always had two kids) I lost about 100 pounds without wls, I did not have any loose skin. I am now 30 and scheduled for October 21st. I need to lose about 120 lbs. I'm really hoping I don't get loose skin this time around. But I'm kinda preparing myself for it bc it will be a rapid weight loss.

!l bc 0

The cells apparently take 3-4 months to cultivate again. I needed a pap bc it's been more than 3 years since my last one was on file. Cervical and ovarian cancer run in my family and I've already had precancerous cells removed about 8 years ago. I emailed the doctor because I was concerned it would interfere with my pre op and he said it wasn't an issue, and wouldn't impede my surgery date.

I go through days like I am so hungry and feel like I've eaten all day, and then others where I forget to eat and still feel full. Not sick or anything. I realized though that on the days where I feel I've eaten a lot; I have probably only eaten a small portion. Some days I just buy food but don't eat it. It's like an old habit/compulsion. I'll go to Bojangles and buy 2 wings and a sweet tea, or buy a kitkat or last week went to mcdonalds and bought a french fry and a hot fudge Sunday. At Panera, I might buy a scone, coffee, and Mac and cheese. As soon as I try a bite of any of these things, I'm satisfied (or repulsed) and I bring them home to my husband or the trash. I ate a salad for lunch today and picked up a cookie on the way out off of a salad/dessert buffet and brought it home. I guess I'm doing this as a "I used to love these!" Kind of deals, but it's so weird. And costly. If I do try to force myself to take a bite of say fried chicken or Mac and cheese, my stomach rebels as soon as it's in my mouth and can't swallow and I immediately want something cold and clean like watermelon or water. It's not even a head hunger or craving that makes me buy. I think it's habit. But then I'm like, what the heck? I don't even want this! I'll throw whole sandwiches in the trash or give them to the guys at work. (Who are vultures and like that I'm on a 'diet' so they can eat my food.) I don't do this a lot, but maybe once a week. It's like a comfortable blanket to just have it near me I think. I once had an eclair in the fridge for over a month and my daughter asked me if she could throw it out and I told her no. She asked why, bc it was practically moldy, and I told her that I like it there. Later, I wondered why. Is it bc when I open the fridge and take out a yogurt that I actually "chose" the yogurt over the eclair? Is it a reminder of where I've been, or of something I used to love and want it there like a blankie to reassure me? I think I like looking at it sitting there, and I smile to myself and shut the door. Like, "you don't have power over me anymore!! See, I don't need you!" Idk. A psychologist might have a field day with me but I feel like I did when I was having food funerals, only I was sad then and powerful now. On most days I eat a protein bar on the way to work or a yogurt, a cheese stick as a snack, chicken with nuts and fruit for lunch and then maybe a protein shake for a second snack. For dinner, I eat maybe taco salad, a cup of chili, or chicken salad. Something lighter so I don't feel heavy when I go to bed. Plus I'm not usually hungry by then. Watermelon, berries (all kinds) and cantelope are my daily friends. That's where I am on this 11th month, still trying to honestly understand my relationship with AND without food.

I was a non-insulin dependent diabetic prior to surgery. My PCP had me monitor my BS and keep her posted. Due to the severe change in my diet during pre-op I was able to cut back on meds. Speak with your PCP about proper monitoring of your BS levels and how he/she wishes to communicate with you through the process. You may find also that as you lose weight your insulin needs will change. It will be important to have an open line of communication with him/her so you don't feel sick.

Anthem BC/BS. My husband works there so we have an employee plan. I didn't have any insurance requirements other than to provide info on my past dieting experiences.

Just answered you on your other post.... I have BC/BS Empire PPO in NY Don't give up! Good luck!

I have Blue Cross/Blue Shield Empire PPO. We're under the police insurance - but I know a lot of the BC/BS plans cover it. Good luck!

I've been told that my Louisiana BC/BS plan does not cover it at all, ever. Is that true? Are there ways to get around that? Also, what companies do cover it? I'm thinking of buying a second policy with a other company that does cover the procedure but I don't know if that would work or even where to start. Thank you!!

@@Reckless Moxie I have several rants under my breath while shopping at Target--especially bc they weave together the maternity with plus size! I feel like what I'm really looking forward to in regards to clothes shopping isn't just an increase in selection, but also lowering the cost of my clothes. I feel that often times I'll look at someone wearing really basic, non-plus sized work clothing and I resent the fact that--no matter their taste--they can go and find basic, inexpensive clothing without trouble. I pay A LOT for clothes I don't especially like, that don't hold up!

I got the Nexapalon in June, about 3 months after surgery, I was doing alright at first but after a month on it, noticed weight loss basically slowing down/stopping, insane sugar cravings, lots of mood swings. Right now I'm at 6 months post-op, 3 months with this implant, lost quite a bit of weight but I've been stalled for like a month! I'm convinced it's the BC because I've had sensitivities in the past; though I'm scared to resort to another option as right now is NOT a good time to have an oops incident. However, I have noticed the effects getting weaker, my moods seem much more stable and my cravings not AS bad. I've tried getting my Water intake higher and trying hard to curb my sugar to good sources like fruits. It's tough. If I don't see an improvement, I may consider removing mine, but it is so darn convenient. Surgeon and doctor said it usually takes 4 months for your body to fully adjust to birth control, so maybe try being patient with yourself too! Its hard work maintaining weight loss and pregnancy prevention at the same time.

Did you not want to sell her? I can't find my glasses. It's so stupid. I take them off when I read bc the bifocal part doesn't work as well as just reading without them. I looked all around the couch area which is where I thought I put them. It's ridiculous . I have an old pair I can wear, but I can't see nearly as well with them. I have looked everywhere and it's really hard to search when you aren't supposed to bend at all. My back is supposed to be kept straight at all times. I'm going to have to call someone to come over and help me look tomorrow.

food was never ever a hobby of mine! I love travelling and I am lucky to have at least a good couple of holidays a year. South of France in June this year and Cuba in November. Next year, the only one booked yet is a 3 week ride across Alberta and BC on a bike. Believe me I am NOT looking forward to being on a bike, Canada yes, bike ~ NO. I like to be with family and friends, read, swim, hike, do gardening. I don't have much time for anything else.

I was nursing when I had RNY in May. My surgeon's paperwork said that I would need to stop breastfeeding before my surgery, but when I talked to him and his nurse, they both said that I could keep nursing. After surgery, I had to pump and dump for 24 hours to get the meds out of my body but then I was able to breastfeed again. My husband even brought my baby to the hospital and I fed her there. I haven't had any problems with my milk supply. It may have gone down a little, but I've always supplemented with formula anyway, so it wasn't noticeable. It's been 4 months now and hasn't been an issue. Good luck!

Thank y'all! I know it's best to be healthy before surgery but I've just been really bummed that it may be postponed. I started this journey in March, I had to do two different orientations, I had to attend a support group once but I found it very helpful and I now go monthly, 12 weeks of classes, meet with the dietitian 3 different times, have over 20 labs down, ekg, tons of other tests, have a psychiatric evaluation, once all of that was cleared I finally got to meet my surgeon on the 1st of September and set a surgery date. If I don't have the surgery by April I'll have to jump thru all the hoops again. I've sent an email to my PCP bc in my research I've found one of my fibromyalgia medications can cause high blood pressure and racing heart. I've been unsure about that medicine for quite some time bc it also causes liver problems which I've begun to have. It's the only medicine that has worked well for me but if it's gonna Be causing a bunch of side issues I can and will deal with it other ways.

About 3 weeks ago I had a spinal tap. I ended up at the ER 6 days later as advised by my neurologist. I was severely dehydrated and I had a leak in my spinal fluid. Since then it seems like it's one problem after another. With spinal tap I was diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri. The medicine I have to take for it makes me feel lousy. Before I started the medicine I met with my surgeon and two days later had a follow up with my pcp bc of my ER visit . At both appointments I felt fine but when they checked my pulse it was in the 120's. They both comment on the high pulse. I felt fine I just assumed it was due to being at the Drs office and slightly nervous. Fast forward Thursday I started having heart palpitations, getting dizzy, and I was so tired. They were sporadic, same thing with Friday! Saturday they were nonstop. I woke up Sunday feeling the same so decided to go to urgent care. Well I got to urgent care my pulse rate was 135 and my blood pressure was 154/111 my normal blood pressure is around 110/70. The dr ordered blood work, an echocardiogram, a holter monitor, an appt with a cardiologist, and he gave me something to slow my heart rate. I am so worried this is gonna effect my surgery date October 21. I see my surgeon again on the 24th, I'll find out then. It's just been such a long drawn out pre-op. I'm just afraid I'm it's gonna postpone everything I've worked so hard for. Anyways I'm just venting thanks for listening

I was submitted to (bcbs fed) insurance for approval on Sept 8, they told me it could take up to 3 weeks. They won't schedule my surgery until I am approved, and are vague about how far out they are scheduling. So I feel like I am in limbo with making any plans at all for the next couple months until I know when exactly this is happening.

Hey everyone. I was just wondering how everyone bounces back after a day where their whole diet gets totally derailed. I am pre op and I am trying TRYING so hard to lose weight, but yesterday just obliterated me and now I'm feeling like it's hopeless. It was a great day, don't get me wrong. We went to the apple orchard and walked row after row picking beautiful apples in the country and then we went to have lunch and ended up eating chinese food. My achilles heel. It was that or Burger King or go hungry-missed breakfast too because it was a 2hr journey from where we live to get to the orchard to begin with and 7 kids and a husband who are all like herding cats and needed to be packed up and all the things we needed for the trip(diapers, wipes, vomit bags, hand sanitizer, paper towels, spare clothes, books to read on the way, the baby's toys and bottles, snacks for the kids, stroller, emergency allergy meds etc),and a time we had to be there by, so that's what I did! I totally set myself up to fail and did it. We got the lunch meals which as a little smaller and better than the dinner portions, and I fed as much as my toddler wanted to him before hand, but I still ate A LOT of sugar filled, deep fried, sesame chicken with fried rice and carbs stacked with sugar coated carbs and then as an extra stupid sign that I am in fact stupid, I had the leftovers from my kids' meals as dinner instead of the semi healthy meal I made the rest of the family. Even last night before bed the leftovers were still calling like a siren from the kitchen so I made sure to put in a full workout at 11pm last night before bed thinking that my face couldn't eat it if it was busy sucking air. I woke up today, stepped on the scale and found myself 4lbs up from yesterday! I know part of this is water retention from the high sodium content, because my feet are swollen and hurt, but I'm pretty sure some of those pounds are mine to keep. It's been all I can do to stay focused today and instead of saying "I EFFED UP AND IT'S ALL RUINED" to just stay the course and get back on track with what I was doing before. So what do people do when they Eff it all up in one day. How do you get the strength to say that today is a better day and I'm going back to my diet and I'm sticking to it and I won't be derailed again? I'm in total panic mode because my NUT appt is the 29th and I've got to lose those 4 pounds and at least a couple others to show I'm making progress to get approved for surgery and it took me a full 45 days to lose the weight I lost last time.

Does the Mirena makes you gain weight? I'm thinking about a non-hormonal bc method like the IUD (Paragard). Have anyone used it, or know anyone who has?

Hi just recieved a denial letter for lap band because of a wrong psych evaluation? I went to the Dr. my surgeons office uses? Is this another ploy by the insurance to deny my procedure? Just wondering if anybody else ran into this problem.