Coming out of lurkdom!!

[PersianChick]

Hi everyone, I'm Kelly ... been hanging out here for a few months. I've read so many of your posts & blogs and have learned so much from all of you ! I appreciate everyone sharing so openly and honestly. I met with one surgeon in May & will meet with another surgeon next week and then will make my final decision for who to use.
In the mean time I called my insurance co (BC/BS) and found out the requirements for coverage. I also met with my PCP and she is very supportive of my decision & gave me a copy of the diabetic diet to use for the 6 mo supervised diet. So one month down & five to go - I'm shooting for a Xmas vacation surgery/recovery. I'm a teacher and will be off work for 10 days & will be able to take another week or two off if needed.
One question for now .... I go tomorrow for the first month weigh in and I'm pretty sure I haven't lost any weight this month ... It was so strange but it was if I went on a feeding frenzy when it hit me I'm really on the road to doing this. What do you think about me asking for an appetite suppressant for the remaining 5 months?? I'm fearful I won't be successful on the supervised diet. Did anyone else use a diet pill during that time? Thanks again everyone!!! Much love!! Kelly

[FizzyPebbles]

Hi,
congratulations on your decision..... I didn't have to lose a certain amount of weight prior to my surgery, so I didn't need any suppressants, but I just think in general they are bad, I would try natural ways to help w/ that, like drinking water a lot, particularly before meals, as that will fill you up, if you are really concerned w/ losing weight prior to the surgery....good luck!

[PersianChick]

I guess I need to find out what the requirements are of the six month diet. I just assumed it was a test of sorts to see if I could stick to a diet. I will try the water idea. By the way , Dr Schmitt is the doctor I visited in May. I was very impressed, but just wanted to get a different perspective & talk to the UAB docs before deciding. Your doc may be a different one than mine

[PersianChick]

The doctor's office told me to be careful not to lose too much - so that my BMI doesn't drop below qualification. I calculated that I shouldn't get below 225 and I will keep the 35 BMI - I have 2 comorbidities (blood pressure & sleep apnea). Since I didn't lose anything the first month, I don't think I have much too much to worry about. I am going to try to do my best to lose at least a pound per week until surgery

[Ann2]

I've met with the surgeon already (3 weeks ago), got my weight recorded and immediately started watching what I eat. Per my home scales, I've lost 5 pounds so far, and here's what has helped me immensely (all of which you have to do anyway, once you get the surgery):

1. Take smaller bites, chew very thoroughly, wait between bites. My mealtimes are lasting much longer. And I'm fuller.

2. Don't drink with your meals -- or within 15 minutes before the meal or 30 minutes after the meal.

3. Between meals, drink 8 full glasses of water daily.

4. Start exercising -- walking or whatever works for you.

5. I bought a Fitbit, and it has already changed my life. My daily steps (which started at 3,000) are now usually over 7,000 steps/day.

6. I'm recording all my food eaten with My Fitness Pal. I love it. Am staying between 1200 - 1400 calories/day. And it's not too hard at all.

7. Become a big reader of this and other bariatric forums. Read, read, read -- see what behaviors, attitudes differentiate those who succeed from those who aren't succeeding. There's so much to be learned from "veterans" who are further along than you are.

8. Quit worrying. Be happy. Think positive. Love yourself. You really can do this. So very many people have changed their lives permanently for the better with this tool.

[PersianChick]

Those are awesome tips. Thanks so much!