I just got the phone call from my surgeon's office. Tricare has now

APPROVED ME!!!

Surgery is Sept 30th

Oh my! I just made the most awesome protein shake.

Pumpkin Spice Protein shake:

(sorry, I didn't measure the ingredients)

1 scoop of vanilla protein powder

about 2 TBS of Vanilla yogurt

Some canned pumpkin

Splash of milk

Pack of Splenda

Cinnamon

Ice

So creamy and yummy!!

No I don't.... however I am going to do it with some laxatives. Only because narcotics make me super constipated. I have learned my lesson.

Thanks for reminding me. I am going to go take some now, so they can get to work!

I mentioned it before, but I would highly recommend little baby spoons. I am used to eating very fast and taking big bites, and this helps me out tremendously!

JWRN, The pumpkin shake sounds great. I still haven't made it to Walmart to check out the magic bullet, so that is on my list for tomorrow.

A few years ago I used the Eas Chocolate drinks and they were very good, so I need to get some of that also. Are you on normal food yet or still on drinks? Good luck on your surgery this week Penny, let us know how it goes. Maggie

I am on Mushies/Pureed. I have tried to be very creative, as I tend to get bored with bland food and will jump on the carbs.

JWRN, How is the weight loss going? I keep thinking I would be this far into it if they would not have denied me.

Do you all watch the Biggest Loser? I Love that show, but wonder how they lose all the loose skin I'm sure I will have when I get to goal. You younger people will probably snap right back in shape, but I know I won't. Because I lost over 100lbs several years ago and had a lot of loose skin. Oh well, I would rather be skinny with loose skin than like I am now.

Maggie:shades_smile:

I have lost 37 lbs since the day of my weigh in for Tricare (remember,I had to gain weight to get approved). I have lost 24 lbs since the day of surgery.

Wow, that is a great weight loss since surgery. I can't wait to join you! Maggie:shades_smile:

They say exercise will help with your skin. But, I don't think it will be enough to help some of us. Even me. I will need an apron surgery. My stomach hangs really low over my abdomen ever since I had a baby, a year ago.

Oh and start documenting any sores or rashes you get where your skin is. And then make sure you get your PCM to put it your medical record. I have read that Tricare won't pay for surgery without a "really" good reason, and your stomach has to hang past your pelvic bone.

Good lord... I think that is what I read. LoL

I just read my Ticker and it says One day! Total freak out.

Yes, my approval letter had something in there stating that Tricare may not pay for cosmetic surgery related to weight loss.

Well, 45 minutes and I can call the surgeons office. Please, please let my banding date be real soon.. Good luck tomorrow Penny, are you nervous yet??? My skin apron will be below the pelvic area without a doubt. It would be so good not to have it after this weightloss. I stuck to my preop diet yesterday without a problem, so today is number 2. Maggie:shades_smile:

Let us know (I know that goes without saying! :biggrin:) I hope it is soon. I wanted mine before the holidays. I just didn't think I could make it through another Christmas being fat. Every year I would tell myself (after I saw the family photos), "next year I am gonna be skinny!" Then my birthday is in Jan. and I think the same thing. This time Is going to be different!

Nov.5th. at 10am is the date of my banding. I wanted it sooner but beggars cant be choosers. Maggie:shades_smile:

I mentioned it before, but I would highly recommend little baby spoons. I am used to eating very fast and taking big bites, and this helps me out tremendously!

I agree with that 100%. You can get a pack of spoons and forks (8 piece) at Walmarts for a couple bucks. It is "throwaway". I use it all the time, the plastic is pretty durable, and just the right size!!! Other than restraunts, I have not used "adult sized" silverware (or anything metal :biggrin: LOL) in 4 months!!!!!..

julie