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It's funny, I was getting ready to post a thread similar to this one regarding a situation I'm in (I'll probably still post it, so keep an eye out if you can). The thing is, when I was heavy, I watched someone I know shrink and when I asked what she did, she told me precisely what you said (and what many of us are doing post op): eating clean and working out. I asked her for specifics, and she gladly gave them, she shared her recipes, diet, and exercise plans, but I had nowhere near the results she had. When I confessed to her about how my incessant hunger was defeating my resolve, she sympathized and cheered me on. But when I started looking into my wls options, guess who I saw had a profile on this site?!?! I was hurt and tormented by the fact that I felt she gave me a false hope. Not because the things she suggested don't work (obviously they do, especially for us now), but because the success she presented wasn't real, I think I allowed myself to set unreal expectations for myself based on her results. I should say that she lost over 100lbs in 10 months, so I'm talking about a major change that is not easy to make, hopefully that helps you understand better why I was so eager to believe in her success, bc I was looking for similarly miraculous results. Had she been honest with me, and all those that are also obese who asked, I think we could have adjusted our expectations and results more realistically. Obv none of us should base our results on a single person's testimony, but when you've tried for 20 years to do something, then you see someone you know do the seemingly impossible, I think it's understandable how someone could pin all their hopes on someone. Not sure how this relates to you, except to say, please be mindful on who is using you for their personal hope. Sure, you're not responsible for them, but try to remember how they might feel. This is a tough one, because this is your business and you have no obligation to anyone but yourself. Hmmm, quite the pickle indeed.

Well....it could be something more serious. BUT you mention stress at work. I am a bit of a workaholic and manage to find myself in some pretty stressful scenarios, especially when I have to fire an employee bc I have 60. Or a customer is mad about something, etc.. My stomach used to handle it all like a real champ. As I got older (I am 47) it got harder to 'stomach' the stress, but still never caused a big stomach problem. NOW; however, I think I have the stomach of that "tiny nervous woman who could not eat when she was under stress". I have known people like that in my life, never understood how being stressed caused them to not eat well. But I think when I am under stress my lil tummy gets sort of hard/tight and doesn't want food in it. In fact, my family knows I have to be calm and happy to eat so don't cause an argument at the dinner table or I will walk away. That said, sometimes I get a sour stomach bc of something I ate that just didn't please my stomach or whatever. I take a Prilosec. I've heard not to take that AFTERWARDS, but heh, it always works for me and that is what I have at home. The cramping though, I don't know. That is a bit odd. I have that when I have like a urinary tract infection or even when I'm ovulating. Guess your not ovulating huh... One thing I've noticed is I rarely get diarrhea with the sleeve.

To quote an earlier post: The days of the rest of the world owing others a living are coming to an end. People are fed up, they aren't taking it anymore. I can only hope so, but frankly I don't see it. In fact, I hear more and more how people are 'owed' everything! Now yes, there are extreme cases, but not every joe/josephine on the street is 'owed' for every untoward event in their life. I have, and continue to, pay taxes etc. with the understanding that any benefits are for those in dire straights, not for a long-term lifestyle for someone otherwise capable of working. I certainly did not tally how much I paid in, with the thought that someday I would get it all back. The cost of ill-health is high (to society and the individual), and I absolutely think we all benefit if the population is healthy and able to work. I support WLS (obviously) but do not support that taxpayers should pay for everyone. The screening should be thorough (to filter out those who are 'fudging' their comorbidities), financial state a consideration including questions such as 'what can this person REALLY pay' with real financial auditing done, the work history of the person (chances of this person going back to gainful employment), etc. OK - now I will step back from the computer as I am sure there will be stuff thrown at me for this post.

When I had my consult with my surgeon back in November I asked him why BC medical didn't cover the Lapband procedure but covered the Gastric Bypass. His answer was interesting and I cannot recall everything he told me but what he did tell me made sense. He said that like any elective surgery there is a budget that is allotted and that covering a surgery such as this will end up with only a few a year being able to be done and huge weightlists (currently like Gastric). He also said that this type of surgery would be obviously then paid to him by the govt (or something like that) and that while it's not all about the money that it's not worth their while to take on a surgery that REQUIRES immense amounts of aftercare and that you don't want any joe-blow doing them and not committing to providing the required aftercare. He said it would be more profitable for him to do govt paid gallbladder surgeries and not do any Lapband not to mention he would then not be required to do a lot of post op. He choses to these surgeries and regulate how many he does to provide his patients with the best follow up that he can (he does NOT charge HIS patients for fills at all). I am probably leaving out a lot of what he told me as it was almost a month ago, but when he said it I was like - that makes COMPLETE sense.

There was a quote in a previous post that is still eating at me and I'm going for it. Those are luxuries. How many people work full time, maybe two full time jobs and they don't have all the above? Damn straight those items should be considered for welfare folks. Many who work have few/none of the above. Yet they are paying taxes so others can have it. You really don't see a problem with this picture? If you don't have insurance on your car, don't drive. Plain and simple. It's against the law to drive a car without insurance. It's people who drive without insurance, get in accidents, don't pay their own damages, and the rest of us have to pay their share as well. Welfare is not a right. I don't even believe it should be something offered long term. My idea of welfare is to give people a bit of help and then give them a certain amount of time to pay it back. The days of the rest of the world owing others a living are coming to an end. People are fed up, they aren't taking it anymore. I suspect there will come a time when those paying the bills will band together and finally change things. People will have to start working, supporting themselves. Can't do it? Find a family member who will support you, your church, your friends. But the taxpayers are sick of it. If I have to pay taxes for welfare I'd MUCH prefer to help the working poor. I'm all for helping people out when they are down and out. But the system is set up to be taken advantage of. People who really do need it don't get it or don't get enough while people fully able to work or live with someone who should be supporting them get it instead. Yes, the above are luxuries and they are not something you have a right to. A car, a phone, etc... those are not necessary for survival. People who do not work do not deserve those items more than someone who works and pays taxes. I see a serious problem with the "give me" mentality and that is what is going to piss off enough tax payers to actually do something about the welfare mentality of the world owing people a living. But, some people really believe the world owes them. They are the people that will be the least prepared when the freebie dollars come to an end.

Hi Kim, I have PCOS too. There is a great site called soulcysters.com you can get more info on. I also can't take BC because of my age and weight and high cholestral, but I wish I could, because when I did it helped. The glucophage made me really sick, but it does help the body process the insulin, which is our main problem. Just a word to the wise: Go every year fro your gyno exam. Women with PCOS are at risk for other diseases such as ovarian cancer and other risky things. SO go! No more ten years deal, it could cost you! I'm going through siomething with it right now and awaiting further tests. *shakes finger*:confused:

Call your bs ca ppo medical advisor. I was originally denied, called my lady, told her how much I had struggled and she approved it that day!!!

Yeah that's a really long time. I was sleeved on the 13th, my first was 12 days later, and second was 6 days after that. That nothing is there because you're on liquid is BS, there's plenty there. Especially if you've been eating anything with calories (and reaching your protein numbers) Per my surgeon I was taking colace twice a day, benefiber twice a day and nothing happened. I went out on a limb and took miralax two seperate times (both times led to my only BM). It's something you need to get ahead of or it'll get worse, and approaching 3 weeks without a BM is scary stuff. I would absolutely invest in some colace (stool softener) to help make your inevitable experience less uncomfortable

Some may need the time for stomach to heal. One person may have a lot of scar tissue, where as another may not. Even though I didn't have much scar tissue, I still had to wait. Partly bc of insurance hiccup.

Thank you. I just call the doctor to see about reversal BC this is tooooooo much for me.. Never image it would've went like this... Holding on to faith and prayers.. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G750A using the BariatricPal App

Well, I currently seen a story about a lady that was pregnant when she had surgery.. Neither her nor her doctor knew that she was pregnant because before surgery they only do urine test which she was too early to detect it. Well well well comes to find out I'm in the same situation and it is killing me. I had surgery on March 29 and at the time I was 2-3 weeks pregnant... Everyday it is hard BC I am sooooooooooooooo sick.. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G750A using the BariatricPal App

Yes I checked with BC/BS PPO back in June 2010 and they told me that Medicare does not cover VSG surgery but they do. I was told by BC/BS PPO that I met their requirements and they would pay even if Medicare denied it. I have to wait & see if this is true. Shady Grove Hospital did not bill BC/BS because they said if Medicare did not pay for the surgery neither would BC/BS. BC/BS told me that is not true so I called Shady Grove Hospital and told them BC/BS want my claim to cross over to them and they will decide what to do. Shady Grove filed a claim with BC/BS after I insisted they do and start doing their job correctly. I have at least 30 days until I find out what is up. The surgeon does not take any insurance except Medicare so I need to appeal Medicare decision because until Medicare agrees to pay the surgeon I am in for $9000.00. BC/BS may pay him some money for the surgery if they pay some on the hospital. Medicare needs to get with the times & recognize VSG surgery. Gastric Bypass is becoming obsolete because VSG is much better surgery and allows the patient a normal way of living. I can eat most anything now except in smaller portions. I continue to lose weight and I feel great. No Dumping.

I have found that we eat out 2-3 times a week . We both work, so as much as we try not to eat out it just happens. Now with no fast food type food, wow, the food bills are high. So I decided to tackle how to eat out for less today. Today I ordered a bunch of gift certs online for gifts only at restaurants who give you back 20% in a bonus gift card. They seem to only offer this special at Christmas time, and last year I did the same thing but didn't get enough and ran out by March and really missed that 20% discount card. I did it in an organized fashion figuring how many times during the next 12 mos we could eat at that restaurant. I did it for Pappas (usually seafood), Outback Steakhouse, and Carrabbas Italian. I couldn't order some restaurants bc they didn't have a special, shame on them (no Red Lobster, TX Land & Cattle, etc). But then sort of by accident I found a website called restaurant.com that had discounted gift certs for so many restaurants. A lot of them were independent ones that we go to anyway, and others were new. But I bought like $300 of gift certs that will give me like $750 of free food at these restaurants. I don't know if this works in every area, but the norm was to pay $10 for a $25 gift cert and agree to spend $35 on food. Or like at a steak rest get a $50 gift cert for like $20 and agree to spend $100, which we could do at a nice steak restaurant if we had the whole family. I actually spent $120 at my favorite Chinese Restaurant and got $300 of food credit. It says you can't use more than once a month, so heh, I bought one for each month. Felt like a safe bet considering we've been eating there since my oldest son was born. I could use suggestions too on how to order at restaurants so that the family food bill is not as much, and wonder if anyone has suggestions. Between the cost of groceries and restaurants I feel like we spend too much of our take home pay on food, and I want to cut it down. I've never been a coupon shopper in grocery stores, but if anyone knows a good and easy way to do this I'd like that too. Please share your ideas.

I think you are right about the mental addiction to foods. And how we all feel the same at one time or another. Thats why this site has been so helpful to me. I got banded yesterday. Pretty sore bc i also had 2 hernia repairs. But overall its not as bad as i anticipated

Omigosh! I'd be going crazy... fingers crossed for you!!! I'm as ready as I'll ever be, I guess. Last night had a pretty big argument with the mister & told him to not bother coming to the hospital... we'll see how that plays out. I won't even see him again until I get out of work tomorrow bc he'll be at work when I get home today & I'll be asleep by the time he gets home. Life here is pretty much normal. No one seems to care. I'm nervous as all get out.

I don't think its about the money if you can afford a bodybugg you can afford a fill. I was at support group last night and we all got a lecture about how important it is to check in with the dr bc our bad numbers make him look bad and so if his numbers look bad the insurance companies are going to start pulling out. Good luck, I know you can get back on the band wagon.

Thank you for your response! So, Fed BCBS does not require for someone to have significant comorbidities, such as hypertension, diabetes, etc.? If so, that's great! Like I said, I want to avoid having those problems, that is one of the reasons I want this surgery. I'm going to go ahead and tell my husband to switch from GEHA to FEP BCBS next enrollment and go from there. You mentioned you work in one state but had the surgery in another....BCBS allows this? So, if need be, even though we will have MS BCBS I could go to Louisiana and have this done if I needed to and it would be covered? Thanks again!

I realize you are just repeating what you were told, so please don't be offended, but I call BS on her doc. I would love to know how he would know that the HCG specifically advanced the cancer when he didn't know she had it in the first place? I know women who had cancer while pregnant, where their docs knew they had cancer at the beginning of their pregnancy and their cancer didn't grow faster during pregnancy with 100X more HCG hormone in their bodies. It seems like another doctor talking about something they don't understand, not to mention, so nice of the doc to make the patient feel like it's all her fault. I lost my first 45 lbs on HCG and I looked fantastic, I wish that docs would just admit they don't know things instead of the know it all accusatory crap I so often hear about. I feel really bad for your friends mom, that's a terrible story, and the HCG is not the villain in it.

My surgeon required a month without hormonal bc. It's because you are more likely to develope blood clots. I had to stop my depo two months ago. My date is Feb 2nd.

I am so sorry you are having a hard time. I am newly post op so I get how hard it is to get it all in. You say you are not thirsty or hungry and I believe you completely.....but, it doesn't matter if you're thirsty or hungry, you hAve to get something in. My surgeon said the first month is like the first month with a newborn, except with WLS the newborn is your new tiny stomach. It doesn't know what it needs or wants, and it can't get what it wants without you. This is one of those times where, you just have to start doing it, whatever you truly can, not what your non-existent thirst and hunger are telling you. Could you start with just half an ounce, or a tablespoon of any clear liquid, every 15 min? You can even take 3 tiny sips to get that tablespoon in if you need to, you don't have to gulp. Or how about you let one sugar free Popsicle melt in your mouth every hour? Please try something new, don't give up, or you're going to wind up in the hospital very soon. You're feeling dizzy bc you are already dehydrated, don't let this progress, please. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Hey everyone, I do not like being the bearer of bad news, but we need to work together and get some help here…brace yourselves. I don’t know if many of you have heard, but it has recently come to my attention that there are NO MORE DATES being given out for WLS through the Richmond bariatric program with Dr. Sampath or Dr. Nguyen. The funding for this program has been cut and there are no more surgeries scheduled after October at this time. For those of you just finding out, I am incredibly sorry for having to share this news with you. For those of you who already knew, I am also sorry to think of how this might be affecting you and your families at this time. Some of you may be waiting for your first consultation at this time, or just beginning to go through the battery of tests and appointments required in this program. To you I say please, please, please do NOT give up. This program changed my life long before I had my surgery and I can’t begin to stress how valuable the experience was in preparing me. I know the pre-op waiting period is a rollercoaster of difficult emotions and struggles, but there is hope and value in learning about yourself and making changes as you go before having this surgery. We all have unique stories and experiences that have brought us to where we are on this journey. For me, it took 7 years to find the right surgeon…when I decided to switch to Dr. Sampath, it wasn’t because I knew my surgery would come up sooner (although that was an exciting thought I considered). What “sealed the deal” for me was knowing that I would be safe and taken care of with West Coast Bariatrics…my post-op care is guaranteed and there is a whole team of specialists willing to help me at any given time with whatever issues or obstacles I may encounter along the way. That, to me, showed a dedication to my health and well-being that I had never experienced with any health professionals before. It was a promise to look out for my best interests and it was definitely the turning point and deciding factor for me. For those of us who have already had this surgery, I’d like to ask that we take a moment and think about how different our lives would be if we hadn’t done this. Those of us who had the opportunity to go through West Coast bariatrics know what tools and experiences are being withheld from countless others in this province who need their help. I also know that there are many individuals who had their surgery in other parts of BC or out-of-province who have shared how they wish they had a program like this to support them before and after surgery. Some of you even have friends and family on the waitlist for the Richmond program and I can only imagine how difficult this news has been to deal with. We all have different issues and histories that brought us to the point of needing this surgery; it is unfair and ridiculous that anyone should be deprived of a life-changing weight loss surgery when there are capable, successful, and willing professionals who want to fight for us. So to all of you, I’d like to ask for some help. The team of specialists at WCB are doing everything they can to support patients through other branches of their program, but they are stressing the importance of reaching out and contacting our Minister of Health in BC and speaking to our MLA’s. They believe that we can make an impact by speaking out in volumes and showing the government that its constituents care enough to demand a change. I am not a political person in any way, but this is an issue that directly affects me and many of my loved ones so I cannot bear to sit idly by. Many of us in the support group for WCB patients on Facebook have already written letters and sent emails or been in direct contact with our MLA’s. At this time, anything helps! Some of us are reaching out to the media as well. Family members, co-workers, friends…anyone who knows about you, your struggles, and the value of this surgery can help us make a difference if they are willing to take the time to send an email or letter. To contact our Minister of Health, Margaret MacDiarmid, please email her directly at margaret.macdiarmid.mla@leg.bc.ca To get in touch with your local MLA, please visit http://www.leg.bc.ca/mla/3-1-5.htm to find them on the list of BC’s Legislative Assembly. Email them, mail letters, place a call and speak with them...anything! Once again, I apologize for having to bring this up and hope that many of you will reach out to the support systems in your life (i.e. friends, family, support groups, health professionals) to deal with any issues this may bring up. Thank you for getting this far, I appreciate your consideration and hope that we can help West Coast Bariatrics get back its funding so it can keep changing lives and making a difference in the WLS community. Aleya aleyazl@hotmail.com

I can't believe I'm almost 3 months post op. I've lost a total of 75 pounds and need to keep going. However, went on vaca and blew my normal routine and need to get back to where I wouldn't let sugar of any kind touch my lips. !! I'm think back to liquid diet for a couple weeks. I cook and then I'm bored with what I made so I don't eat. I drink my shakes no problem in the AM. I STOPPED tracking foods bc I never finish anything but I'm def grazing again. Help!

So I work at a bank, and have moved up fairly quickly over the past few years. Our bank is in the process of purchasing another bank in an area of the state where we don't have a market presence. I got a call from my regional operations manager this morning asking me to be an ambassador for the bank and go to the other bank for a few weeks to assist with the transition. I unfortunately had to turn the offer down because the time frame interferes with my surgery. I am so sad about it because it's a huge honor to be asked. I know that my surgery is more important and I wouldn't even think of postponing it to accommodate the trip, but I still really feel like I'm missing out on something great. I know that the important thing is that he thought of me and I was asked. Sorry, I just really needed to get this off my chest. If only it was happening a month later! Ugh!

I completely understand what you are going thru. I felt the same way. For me, after soooo many disappointments, diet failures, massive weight gains (over and over again), the humiliation, physical pain, heqlth problems and limitations, and so on, we are scared to believe in anything. I questioned "could this be true? Get surgery and then lose the weight and associated health complications and embarrassment? And keep it off? It CAN'T possibly be for real! Maybe I'm letting myself in for more heartbreak by chasing this rainbow!" And then, scared half out of my wits, I went ahead with the surgery. I followed every rule to the t both pre- and post-op. And to be honest, unlike what some other sleevers report, this has not been an easy fix. But it IS a Godsend. This surgery has helped me tremendously, but at the end of the day, just like so many say, this is a tool, not a magic mystical pill. To me, it is VERY important for us to address our fears head-on. You are not crazy. You are facing your fear. Stare it down and never give up on yourself. This tool will work for you if you are willing to put in your share of the work. I wish I were one of those people who never got hungry and have to remind themselves to eat. I do get hungry, but not nearly like it was pre-op. My restriction is not as much as some others have but it IS there, and it is very helpful. I am 3.5 months out (surgery 10.17.11) and have lost 64.4 pounds. I can now pretty easily consume about 4 oz of protein plus a few bites of veggies per meal. I am still fighting head hunger and trying to resist nighttime snacking. And I am trying to exercise (walking for now since my hips, ankles and feet are pretty much shot from intense pounding whilst obese) 4 to 5 days a week. So yes, there is effort on my part. But I am so glad I had the surgery. I am attending monthly support group mtgs and read helpful and motivating posted on this forum. I hope this reads as it is intended: as a helpful and compleltley no BS account of my WLS experience. No pretend sunshine; no dramatic negativity. You are worth this. You can meet success. I believe in both of us!

I had the sleeve done at the end of November, 2013. It was a band to sleeve revision. I was what I would have called a "slow loser" but found out some things I was doing wrong. So, I changed some of what I was doing - went to 1000 calories/day, added fruits and vegetables to my diet instead of just Protein and began walking and working out some. Now, I know you're going to say, "If you're working out you're adding muscle which weighs more than fat." Ok, I'm not working out THAT hard. A couple of weeks ago I had an NSV by getting into size 20 clothes from a size 26/28. I hit the 40 pound loss mark in 4 months. I was feeling really good. But things have changed. I'm still in a 20, which I'm happy about. But I'm losing my hair. The one thing that I have ALWAYS prided myself on. Even when I was over 300 pounds, my hair always looked good. It was healthy, bouncy and in really good shape. Then, pieces of it started coming out when I showered. I'd go to soap myself up and have to remove strands of hair from the bar of soap. I thought, "Well, that's the price of bariatric surgery I suppose." I started taking Biotin after reading some messages on here. I also made sure I got at least 60 grams or more of protein a day and have been averaging over 60 grams a day for over a month now. I thought it probably wasn't as bad as I was making it out to be. Then, I went to my hair dresser for a cut yesterday. She started washing my hair and said, "Oh my, you're really getting thin." My daughter is getting married in 2 months and my hairdresser said we may have to get a hair piece to help cover up some of thinness if it doesn't get any better. What?!?!?!?!?!? Are you frickin' kidding me? Oh, and it gets worse. I stepped on the scale this morning and was 3 pounds heavier!! WHAT?!?!?!!?!?!?!? I've been following my diet strictly and haven't gone over 1000 calories. I've looked at the snack cakes in my daughter's snack drawer and walked away. ARE YOU FRICKIN' KIDDING ME?!?!?!? 3 POUNDS?!?!?!!?!?!? And this is after a 2 week plateau. I'm ready to give up. I know this weight didn't come on over night but I really expected more than 40 pounds in 4 months. And, I know that we all have weight fluctuations but mine have only been a pound here and there. 3 pounds? Higher??? That's crazy. If I was cheating, sure, I can see that. But I'm not. I'm a bit fed up. I don't want to hear about losing inches vs. pounds and changing things up. I've done that. I guess I just want to bitch and complain. Has anyone else gone through this mental torture and how did you get your HEAD back in the game? I'm beating myself and my sleeve up right now. I need a mental kick in the ass. Any advice?