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So I guess this works as double duty - an introduction and a (kinda) question. I am a Registered Nurse...a very fat nurse! And I've been that was (fat, not a nurse ) for almost 13 years. I've done diet after diet. Acupuncture, moxibustion, hypnosis. HCG to the point I got gallstones. And each year, my weight just keeps climbing. I'm ashamed to say that the only significant weight loss I had was after I had met the love of my life, and then lost him...(but later found him...and my lost weight, grrrr!). I have stereotypical PCOS and Metabolic Syndrome (hello, black hairs on chin - I grow an impressive beard!), so that has exacerbated my weight issues. I started seriously looking into bariatric surgery 6 years ago, but didn't like the available choices of RNY, DS and then LapBand. Over the intervening years, I decided to try to get a LapBand anyways. I had one of those insurance companies that required a 6 month supervised diet, consults, etc...I jumped through all the hoops, found a surgeon I liked...and then he quit! Left private practice to accept a teaching fellowship. I was very bummed. So I figured this was my clue to try dieting again. So I went back to more failed, frustrating dieting. About this time, I was diagnosed with diabetes, which complicated matters even more. After nearly a year, I decided to go the LapBand route (again!). All my previous tests had expired, so I had to do the 6 months supervised diet and consults again...then got turned down by insurance due to an exclusion...the appealed and won!...set a surgery date and then got very, very ill. The chest xray that was done the week before my surgery showed a shadow in my lungs, so I had to see pulmonary, etc. Turned out to be nothing, but by then my precious "vacation" days from work were wasted and I had to go back. I felt ashamed and defeated, and just gave up on trying to lose weight altogether. Here it is, 2012, and I can now add hypertension, high cholesterol and tryglycerides and hypothyroid to my medical litany. And finally in January, I said....enough is enough. I'm going to make this happen! I'm 5'8, 310lbs....what would I advise a patient to do in my situation? So I called my insurance and found out that they do not cover bariatric surgery for any reason. ANY. I'm trying to not make any rough comments here, but it's terrible that I am an RN, I devote my life to the health of others, and my company has specifically excluded dietician visits for weight loss, weight loss plans and bariatrics....wtf?? But I digress. After realizing that I would get no help from insurance, deciding to self-pay was the least difficult choice. My darling husband (the aforementioned lost love who was later found ) had a RNY over 2 years ago with wonderful results, and has been very supportive. I've spent the last month researching my options, and have decided that Dr Aceves is worth my time and money. His track record and reviews have convinced me that Dr Aceves is the best choice for my new sleeve and new life. And here is where I come to the crossroads. My family is totally unsupportive of bariatrics in general, and Mexico as a whole, so I will not be telling them. The can comment ad-nauseum. I'm still pondering what to tell work - I work in a very tight-knit facility with only a handful of nurses, and my role is such that my absence for even 10 days will be sorely missed (when I fractured my foot in December and I was gone for 2 days, it was mass chaos!). I really, really don't want to tell my boss WHY I need a week and a half off, so I'm trying to figure out how to be creative. The problem I was NOT anticipating, was needing to find a new primary care physician. When I told my MD what my plans were, she began to tell me how I just needed some willpower, and that she could not support me going to some "back alley hack" in Mexico. She then implied that she would refuse to assist with my follow through care, and that if I did indeed go to Dr Aceves for a sleeve, I would need to find a new PCP. So I'm stuck on these two things - work and finding a PCP who will be ok with my having weight loss surgery out of country. Argh. I have not set a date for surgery yet...I keep thinking I need to try to get time off first and then try to make a date, but what if one's not open....? I can't afford to lose my job, too many bills! But I need to regain my health. Getting through every day at work is like running the gauntlet, in more ways than one. Anyways, sorry to ramble. I just want to add what an inspiration it has been to follow along with everyone's progress with their sleeves - I've been reading this forum for quite a while! Thank you so much for your help on my own journey -Asche, The Crazy Cat Lady

Congratulations, way to go!!! [emoji322] [emoji106] [emoji122] [emoji123] 5'4" Starting weight 297 VSG on 7/31/19 Surgery wt: 266 CW 228 GW 135 Sent from my [samsung Galaxy] using BariatricPal mobile app

I am 10 lbs from goal and I've been in a stall for the past almost 3 weeks. I've been bouncing around 170-172. 160 is my goal. I'm almost 10 months out. I log everything and get 100 grams of protein a day. I only eat good carbs and I watch everything. Now I do work out 4 times a week and my workouts are getting more intense. I do find I eat more now but it's all good stuff that I'm eating. What gives? Could I be done losing? I'm starting to freak out a little.

Greetings everyone. I have had a long journey, I've been overweight and obese most of my life. I was 6ft1 and over 300lbs in my late teens and successfully dropped down into the 190's. Eventually I got older, got married and started working night shifts...here I am again! No health issues, but I want it to stay that way, the funny thing is, I look down and move around and still feel that I'm thin, opposite of most, pictures tell another story, haha! I joined a paid, doctor lead weight loss program in 2019 that went alright, I didn't lose much though and easily gained it back. One of the recommendations coming out of that was surgery. Where I live there is a long process for that (but it is funded). Most people only are covered for bypass though, including me. Long story short I decided to go with the Sleeve out of my own pocket. I can afford it and the bypass seemed a little too extreme to me, for my personal situation. My family had been aware of my journey and supportive until my surgery was actually booked recently after doing orientation, reading (and sharing) materials, etc. Now I have literally all my immediate family telling not to do it. My wife is upset as we have two young children and I'll be out of commission for a bit and she's extremely anxious after reading something saying 80% of people end up divorced after this, she feels she doesn't know enough too and that ones understandable. One family member told me I'm being selfish, I still don't understand that one. Another said I don't understand what I'm getting and I should get more info and see a therapist. I get that therapy brings value, but I'm always legitimately happy and in both my weight loss program and the intake for surgery the doctors said I didn't need to see a therapist (and they had them on staff). It was a little disorienting as I first stated I was looking into this a year ago and decided to go ahead with it in October to universal support. I told one colleague only and they said they didn't see why I would need that. I'm really, really, really glad I'm not on the fence about this, otherwise I might be deterred, but is it common? Have others dealt with the people around them getting the cold feet? It's funny, because I'm getting surgery, but now I find myself wondering how I can support everyone else about it April 19 is my surgery day and that's not going to change unless I'm told so by the medical practice.

@mousecat88 the week before surgery, i went nuts with eating One day i asked hubby to buy some jelly donuts!! etc i also thought i would never eat real food (sweets etc) i weighted 10 lbs more DOS then i went to doc 1rst time!!!🙄 eeeek i said it, boy do i feel better kathy

I got the following: Protein drinks Optimfast sugar-free Jello Progresso chicken Soup and strained it for the broth... bullion cubes suck Vitawater 10 (Lemonade is my favorite) Gummybear Vitamins Good earth tea Gas-x strips

I'm July 18th also!! I can't believe it's almost here. I'm very nervous, mostly that I'm going to get there and maybe my liver didn't shrink enough or something and they won't be able to do it. I've been on clear liquids for a week, but I hate to admit I cheated a bit here and there. Nothing to crazy though, so now I'm upset with myself that I ruined this chance. Today and tomorrow is nothing but liquids so I hope that helps. I only lost 10 pounds pre-op though so yeah, I'm nervous. Good luck to all of you!!!

So I made an amazing discovery at the vegan (don't be scared!) supermarket in my neighborhood the other day: pumpkin seed protein. It has all the essential amino acids to make it a complete protein (plus most of the non-essential ones as well). Per 100g it has 63g of protein, 6.7g of fat (but it's good fat, including the ever important omegas), and 10g of carbs (all 10 of which are fiber!). And the best part is, it doesn't really taste like protein! It just tastes kinda "green." It's nice, sort of smokey. I've been putting it everything savory: soup, salad dressing, stir-fry, salsa, hummus, etc. I love it! It was a little expensive, but totally worth it. The company is called "Sun & Seed" (though other organic food companies may make something similar). They have a website, but it looks like it might be under construction (sunandseed.com). It seems like they're a UK company though, so I don't know how the availability of this specific brand would be in the US. All I can say is, I really, really recommend it, especially for vegans and anyone getting sick of the taste of other protein powders.

I was scheduled to have my sleeve done 10 days before I was to go on a short 4 day vacation. For some people who have already had their sleeve done can you tell me how you felt 10 days after your surgery? Should the vacation be rescheduled? Thank you for any advise.

I agree with the scrubs right now I'm to small for XL, but the large is like skin tight. It was either pulling up my XL pants every 10 min or so and they looked like parachute pants on me. Or deal with somewhat uncomfortable pants. I chose the latter after deciding my larger pants were just to annoying. Hopefully I'll lose an once or two in my hips (the waist is completely fine) and they'll feel much mor comfortable

Good for you Richard! The sleeve is a great choice. Lose that 10% and you're on your way. I will be real curious to see how the weight falls off of you. There are alot of success stories on this sight, and I am sure you will be one of them. Best of luck.

I was denied by Empire - BCBS yesterday because my BMI is only 38.5 with no UNCONTROLED comorbitites. But BCBS never said that that was there requirements to meet when i called the to see if they would cover it. the Insurance person that I could call for reconsideration, have a peer reivew or appeal. I don't know what the reconsideration or a peer review involves. do i need to call the insurance company to handle this or what? I called the doctor's office to talk with the person who handles the insurance but they haven't been alot of help. she talks forever to return calls and then we just play phone tag. she said that she would talk with the doctor but didn't know what he would say. and that it wouldn't be until tuesday. since it's the holiday weekend. i don't know if i should just go and start a appeal process? is BCBS just trying to get out of having to cover this? What do i do next? oh, the insurance person said i only had 10 business days to take action? what's that deal ??? Do i just gain the 10 to 15 lbs needed to have the surgery? will the insurance then cover it then or will they give my another hoop to jump through? I hate the thought of having to put on even more weight. i feel so big and uncomfortable already. Any advice ?:biggrin:

Hi everyone, I attended the weight loss seminar in December and decided to wait till the first of the year to get the ball rolling. I had my first appointment with the NP and my PSY eval on January 10, 2011. I finally got a call yesterday that they were submitting everything to insurance and I will start my 4 WEEK Nutrition classes March 7, 2011. I am assuming my surgery will be the first or second week of April! I am scared but not about the surgery or the after part. I am afraid to be put under anesthesia. I HATE it. I know it is safe but I am still worried. My husband is Amazing and has stood by me while deciding on moving forward with Lap Band. He just wants me to be healthy. A little about me. I am originally from RI and moved to Ohio when my husband completed his NAVY commitment. I have tried WW, a program at our local YMCA (biggest loser) was a 8 week program I lost 8 pounds but now have regained that 8 plus another 9. I have been struggling with infertility for over 6 years now, and can only hope that Lap band will help with our journey to become parents. We are approved for an Open adoption also and are waiting for a birthmother to contact us. Look forward to making some new friends on here

I had surgery on 7/19 and the pain lasted 2 weeks and I was very tired when I went back to work 2 weeks post-op.

ROFL ROFL ROFL what a subject!!! I can honestly say that the first week post-op I was Def NOT in the mood. I was bruised, sore, and I felt cut up!!! Now I am 10 post op and of coarse once you do """" then you will get back in the groove again. Whats weird is when your significant other see's a big weight loss. Its kind of nice to hear "wow honey your butt is getting smaller" :confused:

I am taking 4 wks in total but only bc my job is very physical. I am 10 days post op and if I had a desk job I could be back at work. I will say though that while I feel ok, I am glad to be home and on my own schedule to get the eating, timing, drinking, and exercise routine down pat.

good luck im sure youre in great hands. think positive thoughts. i am going in 01-08-2013. i will think about you tomorrow.

hey wheets... if you do not have any luck, you sure fire shot(npi) is to call the prisons. if you don't have any luck where you are, i can give you some numbers of some prisons in texas. i have worked for tdcj for over 10 years. many of the units have craftshops that the offenders use for income. you can almost bet money that you can find an offender to make absolutely anything.

So I can't find the group for mental health that we use to have here or I would have posted this there. But here is the issue. I have PTSD and if I begin to have a panic attack I can generally get it under control pretty quickly - I know the signs and as long as I start walking I can prevent the worst of it. Last night I was trying to fall asleep when I started to get this pain in my chest. The pain intensified, and I had shortness of breath, began to sweat. I made a phone call for someone to take me to the hospital and almost called 911 because it was so intense. This lasted no longer than 10 mins. It stopped shortly after I got out of bed to put some clothes on. The whole thing scared the crap out of me. I am 3 weeks post op. Has anyone ever had their anxiety attacks change after surgery? I plan to talk to my surgeon and therapist about this. If this was an anxiety attack I have never had one manifest itself in this way. I normally get the tingling in my fingers and that's my cue to get moving.

My first major reward will be going skydiving when I'm under 200 I'm only 10 pounds away so my husband keeps joking about upping my life insurance but he does not have a weight issue so he doesn't understand. The other day I told him "I just want to weigh less than my husband" and he replied with "well just keep feeding me cheeseburgers" lol I have 30 pounds to go until i weigh less than him I started out almost 100 pounds more! Reward yourself with something other than food!!! Haha how many times do you hear "oh my gosh thaw great we should go out to dinner to celebrate!" haha

What does your doctor say? And also do you have alot of weight to lose? I've got about 200 left to lose now, I was sleeved Friday (10-8) and have lost 16 lbs. and, lost 18 on post op diet. I don't want to lose my weight as fast as I'm losing it either, but I've been sick the last two days with vomitting and diarrhea. Are you scales accurate? I went and bought a brand new digital set and paid quite a bit for them. I'm just like you, I say, "I'm not weighing today," but let me walk past the scale early in the morning and I'm on them, lol. You may get up one morning and have dropped 4 or 5. Keep doing what you know is right and talk to your doctor about it, seems to me that is all you can do at this point. DON'T GET DISCOURAGED!!!!!

this is exactly how i feel today.. surgery was 10/23. just feels bad.

I am having the VSG on January 19, 2016. I was told no nicotine in any form for 2 weeks prior to surgery. I am taking Chantix to quit. I figure if I am going to FINALLY lose weight for my health, I also need to stop smoking for my health. Smoking is worse for you than the weight in any case.

Hi Richard, and welcome. I am excited to follow your journey with the sleeve. This surgery has given me a very fulfilling and rewarding life. Keep posting, and best wishes on losing that 10%. I know you can do it, and update when your surgery date is scheduled. We'll all be scooting over for you on the loser's bench.

Can't sleep..... I have to be at Kaiser Richmond CA at 10:30 in the morning! My actual surgery is at 12:30. I don't really have any support...my mom is taking me and is not very happy with my choice to have my sleeve. " you are losing the weight, why get the surgery!" I am getting my sleeve for my own reasons. I am a single mom. I have 2 children. I am going to turn 44 on June 21st...I will be in the hospital!!! I am not getting any younger. Losing the weight will give me back nine or so more years with my babies!!! Enough said, right? Wish me luck, as I start this journey alone. If I watch one more Gastric Sleeve YouTube video, I may crack....LOL Night... Jona