Ugh! I feel like I have nothing productive to say. I'm sick of the wait- I'm sick of the hoops and sick of feeling so fatigued. I don't like how insurance companies control this but I'm plugging along. Just one more meeting on August 13 and then they will submit to insurance. I'm told by the docs not to worry about it- But you can't help but worry of they will pull the rug from underneathe you. In all seriousness- I have in my mind a date of September 10. So that's what it will be because I need something to look forward to. Am I whining too much?

Also wondering how much (on average) people have lost the first month or two. I don't need to lose fast- as long as I lose it

Well since you have to wait, if you haven't started working on behavior modification, now is the best time. Quitting out carbonated beverages, caffeine, working on taking a walk daily, and work on Protein first, vegies, second and lower down on your carbs. Also, sign up for something like myfitnesspal.com and learn how to use it (make sure you change the settings (it automatically sets you up with 1200 calories, 157 or more carbs and only 40 protein, add 2 more levels one for sodium (to keep an eye on sodium levels and then one for potassium (if you start getting leg cramps you can see how low you are on potassium).

*EDITED to say a good start is 800-1000 calories - 45-75 carbs and 80 grams of protein a day. I mostly stayed at 850 calories a day during the pre-approval phase.

Make sure you start getting your 64 ounces of Water in and chart your daily exercise, walking etc.

Another good thing to practice is to eat dinner, and then wait 1/2 hour after you eat to drink your water.

If you are doing all this right now, GOOD FOR YOU!!!

I had to go through a pre-approval stage and started in November 2011. I didn't get approved for surgery until May and I had surgery June 4, 2012. I lost 10 pounds a month during the pre-approval section and 10 pounds during the 2 week liquid pre-op diet.

I weaned off caffeine and didn't drink pop but weaning off that once you get your approval will suck, if you wait until pre-op phase.

Sometimes if you can get off the carb overload before surgery it helps.

If you are already doing all this, way to go, if not maybe this would be something that will help you in the long run and keep your mind occupied.

Best of luck hope you hear soon.

This is so supportive and helpful. I quit pop today even though I know it won't be a problem for me later. I haven't done well in the pre op six months becuse my brain knows it doesn't "have to" but now that it's getting into the last 1.5 months- I'm ready! Getting my Water in. I need to get In exercise but it's been so hot and humid I stay away from outside. Yuck.

I think I will take your advice and start my fitness pal. Thanks for all the tips! I'll be sure to refer back to this often