Hi Everyone

Things are going well, although I found out I have an incisional hernia that I will need to have repaired. I am hoping to get a tummy tuck at the same time if possible. Anyone on HMO Blue that had a tummy tuck covered by insurance? I have sort of stalled out on losing, but I am just continuing to excercise. I have been eating more sweet things lately which may be what the problem is, stress snacking. Food demons never die. All advice is much appreciated.

Hi Joan. Sorry to hear about the hernia but what a great excuse to get a tummy tuck done at the same time! Call your insurance about the tummy tuck. I think you probably have to show it's medically necessary but each insurance is different. Good luck. Dealing with insurance is never easy especially with plastic surgery. It's common for folks to stall at this stage. Your body has had a busy year and it's playing catch-up. AVOID THOSE SWEETS! I know it's hard especially with the holidays coming on but remember where you've been and how far you've come. Just ask yourself before you start stress eating - is this food pouch worthy? Do I really need this? 9/10 times it's NO. Just try to move on and drink some water. The food demons never ever die and in fact get more viscious the farther you are out. Remember we are human and will not always make the healthiest food choices - but that's okay (as long as it doesn't become a habit!). Exercise is very good - consider changing your exercise routine a bit to shake things up - trick your body! This may help kick start your weight. Also remember to keep your calories at a reasonable level and drink lots of water. Just my advice. Good luck, and I hope things begin moving for you again. Kim 347/168

I am about 15 lbs from where I set my own goal....I know I will get there eventually. But I am not knocking myself out to get there either. Iwill still have more fat on me even at 15 lbs but I am happy no matter what happens at this point. I would love to see 140 on the scale but I feel great at 155!!! I love the way I look (except for those stretch marks on my upper inner arms) but fortunately I can cover them up with sleeves! Yes, I snack more now but I still take in significantly fewer calories overall that I ever did on a consistent basis. So I don't beat myself up over it. AS LONG as I don't gain on a continuous basis I don't worry much. Right now the scale isn't moving but the clothes feel like they are about to slide off my A$$!!! So something is happening! IF they were feeling tighter...I would worry about that cookie or snack sized 3 musketeers. maybe I am just too lax about this whole thing....but I stressed enough when I was overweight. Now I just feel normal. Normal folks have the occasional treat. At least now when I do snack I portion control 90% of the time. I count out the chips instead of mindless eating from the bag. I get snack sized candy bars so I know exactly what I am getting calorie wise instead of trying to force myself to not eat the entire full sized candy bar! I get those 100 calorie snack pack Chips Ahoy and Oreos. I satisfy my sweet tooth and get a bigger portion than just having 1 regular cookie for the same if not MORE calories for just 1 cookie that is gone in 2 bites. Go ahead and snack but make wise choices and keep it in moderation. My demons aren't going anywhere but I can give them a fight! I still portion out my dinner at home and try to eat 1/2 cup portions and then if I am still hungry I add to it with something else or more of the main dish. Good for you excercising!! I wish I could get into the habit on a consistent basis!!! That is where I need the help!! Sorry about the hernia but it would be great to have 2 surgeries in one!! AT least you could get a discount and the OR room covered by your insurance if you do it at the same time. Besides it is always better to avoid going under more times than necessary.

Joan, we had surgery the same day. I reached goal at 9 months post op and lost another six pounds after that. I' have been stable now for about 6 or 7 weeks. I'm a little fearful of the holidays and all that wonderful sweet stuff that will be around. You are so right........food demons never die. Maybe we both can get through this "tempting" time of the year. LuvitsunnyV@goal