I've found a doctor but he will not see me until I've completed a long checklist. I've done almost everything on that list including a 6 month weight loss program. Last day of that program is 1/25/17. I need to go my mental evaluation and I will be ready to see the doctor. I started this journey at 412lbs. I weighed in today and I'm down to 365lbs. It could have been more but the last month and a half my weight loss plateaued. I neither gained or lost. I see it as a accomplishment to maintain. Any advice on what more can I do??

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It is common to undergo many steps in order to qualify for surgery. Many of these steps are dictated by your health insurance. In my case it was around 10 months from my initial consult until I received the surgery. I went through the following steps.

Initial consult

Psychological exam

Meeting with nutritionist

6 month medically supervised weight loss program that included diet and exercise

Visits at the monthly bariatric support groups meetings.

Pre-op testing which lasted almost a day

A half day training class that discussed pre-op and post-op requirements.

A second round of pre-op tests specifically focusing on the areas they had concern with.

I recommend you do three things.

1. Take a good before photograph of yourself, so that you have something to compare to after surgery. Many times we are blind to our obesity. We do not see ourselves. Therefore when the weight begins to drop off rather dramatically, we question if this is really happening. Photographs are a good visualization of our success. Many people carry a before and after photo with them, just to remind themselves of their success.

2. Walk 30 minutes each day, every day until surgery (or equivalent exercise). Walking helps the recovery process go smoothly and minimized the pain levels from surgery.

3. Wean yourself from caffeine and carbonated beverages now. After I gave up my 6 diet coke a day habit, I suffered from a week of severe withdrawal syndrome consisting of severe headaches and body aches. I was miserable. You don't want to combine the effects of caffeine withdrawal with the effects of surgery.

First of all, congratulations on your success thus far! What an accomplishment. I think you've done an outstanding job. I'm pretty sure they are wanting to see your commitment. Or possibly a requirement from insurance. My insurance is a 90 day deal. I'm not allowed to gain any weight, however, I'm not required to lose any. Once your psych eval is complete, you're prob ready to schedule your surgery. Stay focused. I think you've done your dues! Congrats again!

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Thanks James & @@NEENEE! I'm trying. I have tried everything under the sun to lose weight. Now I have to or I can't keep my CDL with the new regulations. I love my job.

James, I gave up cokes about 6 months ago but I do like a lil taste every now & then. Water has become my best friend.

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