Recent Posts
Topic: RE: Where to begin?-give me your feedback please
You gave a lot of info, but I will try and address some of your questions. I was with HP first and ended up switching to BCBS. HP has a very thourough program and I had to complete more than six weeks of phone counselling and 6+ sessions with a psychologist. Either program will try and get you to change your thinking so you will become successful "LONG TERM." If you have talked with any of your friends and peers, you will have heard stories of many that have lost a lot of weight and regained it all and then some. They are probably true stories as the truth and what a reputable program will inform you is that this surgery is a "tool" not a miracle.
My recommendation is that you go to several different hospital info sessions to lay the mental groundwork so you will be able to embrace the changes required.
I consider myself to be a good example of an average sample of "successful" patients. There are some tha lose all they should (lets say 77% of pre surgery excess weight.) and there are others that stall out early and/or regain most of the weight. I lost 160 pounds, but regained about 40 pounds which is a high amount for the time I have been post surgery. I have stopped the regain and have lost 7 of the regained pounds. We call that "Back to Basics." So our struggle is not new or different, we are just fighting the battle at a lower weight.
My opinion is that there is no reason to go through the program and not aim and work towards lifetime success. If that is your goal, keep on the trail. If you expect this to be a really quick miracle fix, stop now and get your mind wrapped around a long term approach.
I would recoommend that you go to as many suport groups as possible. I like healteast and park Nicollet the best, but also attend St Paul Surgeons meeting in Lake Elmo.
I also attend a Saturday coffe in Eagan Burnsville. We have a wonderful group that is supporting each other along the trail. We call it the South of the River Coffee group. We have people with RNY,VSG and DS surgeries that come as often as thier busier lives allow. Some that have lost most of the weight are off biking, hiking and running so they can't always be there.
If you would like to join us this Saturday, we will be at the Burnsville Mall Panera 6/16 from 8:30 to 10 AM. We are usually just inside and to the right behind the half wall. Look for water bottles and happy faces. Just introduce yourself or ask if we are the South of the River group. Love to see you. Alternating weeks we are in Eagan 6/23 at Yankee Doodle and 35E NE corner at Byerlys. There is a Caribou inside to the right. Look in the second or third row. I may be busy the 23rd, but others will be there.
Paul
My recommendation is that you go to several different hospital info sessions to lay the mental groundwork so you will be able to embrace the changes required.
I consider myself to be a good example of an average sample of "successful" patients. There are some tha lose all they should (lets say 77% of pre surgery excess weight.) and there are others that stall out early and/or regain most of the weight. I lost 160 pounds, but regained about 40 pounds which is a high amount for the time I have been post surgery. I have stopped the regain and have lost 7 of the regained pounds. We call that "Back to Basics." So our struggle is not new or different, we are just fighting the battle at a lower weight.
My opinion is that there is no reason to go through the program and not aim and work towards lifetime success. If that is your goal, keep on the trail. If you expect this to be a really quick miracle fix, stop now and get your mind wrapped around a long term approach.
I would recoommend that you go to as many suport groups as possible. I like healteast and park Nicollet the best, but also attend St Paul Surgeons meeting in Lake Elmo.
I also attend a Saturday coffe in Eagan Burnsville. We have a wonderful group that is supporting each other along the trail. We call it the South of the River Coffee group. We have people with RNY,VSG and DS surgeries that come as often as thier busier lives allow. Some that have lost most of the weight are off biking, hiking and running so they can't always be there.
If you would like to join us this Saturday, we will be at the Burnsville Mall Panera 6/16 from 8:30 to 10 AM. We are usually just inside and to the right behind the half wall. Look for water bottles and happy faces. Just introduce yourself or ask if we are the South of the River group. Love to see you. Alternating weeks we are in Eagan 6/23 at Yankee Doodle and 35E NE corner at Byerlys. There is a Caribou inside to the right. Look in the second or third row. I may be busy the 23rd, but others will be there.
Paul
55# Lost pre Surgery on 2/15/10, 100+ # lost post surgery
(deactivated member)
on 6/12/12 8:31 am
on 6/12/12 8:31 am
Topic: Where to begin?-give me your feedback please
Hello I am very new to this site and the forum. I live in the Twin Cities and I would love to hear any comments or suggestions from anyone with personal experience, especially from the Twin Cities or anyone on Minnesota Care.
My story- I have a BMI of 56. I was without insurance a few months ago and went to a clinic that helps people with no insurance the doctor had a file of me because I went to the same clinic 6 years before. He noticed that I had gained over 100 pounds since my last visit and he suggested baratric surgery. I saw the doctor once again he told me to call either the U or United Hospital. I will be attending an informational class for United soon. Does that sound like a good place to start?
I am mostly worried (paranoid) that insurance is going to give me a hard time and I will be turned down. even though I know i am obese enough I am worried or maybe the better word is scared I will be turned down. I'm afraid of doing all this work for nothing. What do you think is the easiest way to get through all the barriers?
I have some breathing difficulty-diagnosed with upper airway obstruction disorder (but I was 180lbs at the time of diagnosis so not sure if that will matter) I have a CPAP but don't use it. and also I might have asthma, I am going for a lung test this week. Also I possibly have PSOS but hasn't been formally diagnosed- I was told to see a gyno for that. I can't get pregnant but I haven't been diagnosed with infertility yet. Also I have back problems.
7 years ago I lost over 100 pounds on my own using my own system, but now I weigh even more than I did before I lost the weight. I wonder, do you think insurance or a doctor would look at my weight loss from before and determine that I could lose weight without surgery again?
I am also worried because I have medical history in a lot of different places. I went to clinics healtheast and also mnhealth and healthpartners. How far back in medical history do they go? I have had weight problems since I was 10. I am concerned that since I don't have a long relationship with my new doc that insurance will give me a hard time.
Also I am using Blue Plus MNCare but I think I might change to Healthpartners. The basic reason is because Blue Cross wants you to go on a 6 month nutrition program and I don't want to wait that long because I am in school and trying to have a career in my field right now. I feel like my weight is making my job really hard (I work in childcare) and I want to get the surgery over with so I can get back to working full time and get a promotion, when my schooling is finished, which is soon. Also because Healthpartners it seems gives rebates for going to a gym, but blue cross doesn't seem to do that anymore, and I can't afford a gym membership without deep discounts.
I would love if someone would respond with their experiences because I don't have anyone really to talk to, my family sympathizes with me but they don't have weight problems so they don't really understand. Thanks
My story- I have a BMI of 56. I was without insurance a few months ago and went to a clinic that helps people with no insurance the doctor had a file of me because I went to the same clinic 6 years before. He noticed that I had gained over 100 pounds since my last visit and he suggested baratric surgery. I saw the doctor once again he told me to call either the U or United Hospital. I will be attending an informational class for United soon. Does that sound like a good place to start?
I am mostly worried (paranoid) that insurance is going to give me a hard time and I will be turned down. even though I know i am obese enough I am worried or maybe the better word is scared I will be turned down. I'm afraid of doing all this work for nothing. What do you think is the easiest way to get through all the barriers?
I have some breathing difficulty-diagnosed with upper airway obstruction disorder (but I was 180lbs at the time of diagnosis so not sure if that will matter) I have a CPAP but don't use it. and also I might have asthma, I am going for a lung test this week. Also I possibly have PSOS but hasn't been formally diagnosed- I was told to see a gyno for that. I can't get pregnant but I haven't been diagnosed with infertility yet. Also I have back problems.
7 years ago I lost over 100 pounds on my own using my own system, but now I weigh even more than I did before I lost the weight. I wonder, do you think insurance or a doctor would look at my weight loss from before and determine that I could lose weight without surgery again?
I am also worried because I have medical history in a lot of different places. I went to clinics healtheast and also mnhealth and healthpartners. How far back in medical history do they go? I have had weight problems since I was 10. I am concerned that since I don't have a long relationship with my new doc that insurance will give me a hard time.
Also I am using Blue Plus MNCare but I think I might change to Healthpartners. The basic reason is because Blue Cross wants you to go on a 6 month nutrition program and I don't want to wait that long because I am in school and trying to have a career in my field right now. I feel like my weight is making my job really hard (I work in childcare) and I want to get the surgery over with so I can get back to working full time and get a promotion, when my schooling is finished, which is soon. Also because Healthpartners it seems gives rebates for going to a gym, but blue cross doesn't seem to do that anymore, and I can't afford a gym membership without deep discounts.
I would love if someone would respond with their experiences because I don't have anyone really to talk to, my family sympathizes with me but they don't have weight problems so they don't really understand. Thanks
Topic: RE: Graduation Party weigh-in: any buffets for you?
I'm sort of maintaining. I'm off for the summer now, and fitness/training for a 5K is my summer project. Hoping to still lose about 10 more pounds and hopig this will jump start things for me again. I know I could get those 10 pounds gone this summer if I really work at it. :)
Have a good week!!
Have a good week!!
~ Kim
Topic: RE: Surgery at Abbott Northwestern next Monday
My surgery was at Abbott two years ago. I was only in the hospital one night, and that's all I needed. Nobody stayed overnight with me, but my daughter was there during the surgery, and then the next day to take me home.
When I was there they were a bit short-handed for nursing, but I never felt neglected or anything. Things just happen so slowly at hospitals when it is not an emergency, but that's the nature of the beast. I wouldn't want to be alone if I couldn't advocate for myself, but if you're having lap-RnY, you should be fine.
Good luck!
When I was there they were a bit short-handed for nursing, but I never felt neglected or anything. Things just happen so slowly at hospitals when it is not an emergency, but that's the nature of the beast. I wouldn't want to be alone if I couldn't advocate for myself, but if you're having lap-RnY, you should be fine.
Good luck!
Topic: Graduation Party weigh-in: any buffets for you?
Seemed like everyone I know was having some sort of graduation party to go to this weekend. Might be just my stage of life: lots of nieces and nephews at that stage. I nibbled a lot of bad stuff--chocolate fountain, anyone? That's just evil.
Starting weight: 298.4
Last week: 139.9
This week: 139.8
Loss of 0.1 lbs this week
I'll take a 1/10 lb loss, that's okay. I did drink a lot of fluids this weekend, so I feel like I kept up with hydration. My DD and I biked and ran in the heat of the day yesterday--that was a bit crazy.
Mileage was better this week: 19.9 miles running, plus 26.9 miles on the bike. Tonight I start lap swim class also. Hopefully all of this will pay off in the triathlon.
How's everyone else doing? It was fun to see so many people at coffee on Saturday!!
Starting weight: 298.4
Last week: 139.9
This week: 139.8
Loss of 0.1 lbs this week
I'll take a 1/10 lb loss, that's okay. I did drink a lot of fluids this weekend, so I feel like I kept up with hydration. My DD and I biked and ran in the heat of the day yesterday--that was a bit crazy.
Mileage was better this week: 19.9 miles running, plus 26.9 miles on the bike. Tonight I start lap swim class also. Hopefully all of this will pay off in the triathlon.
How's everyone else doing? It was fun to see so many people at coffee on Saturday!!
Topic: Surgery at Abbott Northwestern next Monday
If any of you have had surgery at Abbott can you tell me what your experiences were like? The closer I get the more nervous I get. I have total faith in my surgeon I just happen to hate hospitals in general, they kinda freak me out. Should I have my mom or boyfriend spend nthe night with me on my first night or should I be okay by myself? My mom will be at the hospital with me during the surgery.
Thanks all
Thanks all
HW:266/CW:174/GW:130
Topic: RE: Breakfast ideas
One of my favorites is a portion of grits cooked in the microwave. After the grits are halfway done, Iput in two portions of eggwhites and one egg yoke for flavor. Giving enpough time to finish cooking the grits and cooking, but not over cooking the egg portion. I sometimes add cheese or a dash of butter. It is a breakfast that carries me all the way through the morning.
55# Lost pre Surgery on 2/15/10, 100+ # lost post surgery
(deactivated member)
on 6/9/12 5:31 am
on 6/9/12 5:31 am
Topic: RE: Clothes Mentor - Men & Women, read on...
They are a franchise, it appears. And I see on their website they do have other metro locations, I just hadn't heard of them yet. Has anyone here shopped at any of the other stores yet?
So, if you have name brand items you'd like to consign and make some instant cash, this may be a good option for you!
But let me just say this...I cannot wait to shop there! Awesome clothing already on the racks!!!
This store is right off Fairview Avenue & Co. Rd. B2, and the store is in the same strip center as Honey Baked Ham, JCPenny Furniture, and Babies R Us, etc. are.
www.clothesmentor.com/roseville/
Nice to see other countries with shops like this. It became big in the UK to in 2009 and gives us all options on what to do with our old clothing that we no longer want or need. In the UK they only take clothes, shoes , belts, soft toys and mobile phones but they do pay you. I used a company in the UK that gives you cash for clothes by the weight how do they pay you there, is it by the weight of your clothing to.
On September 8, 2009 at 8:45 PM Pacific Time, Diamond Girl wrote:
I was in Roseville today and saw a new store..."Clothes Mentor", so I ventured in. It is a new consignment store that is still building it's inventory. They are currently buying your used clothing, purses, shoes, jewlery, accessories, perfumes, etc. Unlike TurnStyle, they pay you cash on the spot!!! I love this aspect because you don't wait to see if it sells or not, and you're not responsible for getting back in there by a certain date to pick up what hasn't sold. And you don't have to wait for a check or store credit.They are a franchise, it appears. And I see on their website they do have other metro locations, I just hadn't heard of them yet. Has anyone here shopped at any of the other stores yet?
So, if you have name brand items you'd like to consign and make some instant cash, this may be a good option for you!
But let me just say this...I cannot wait to shop there! Awesome clothing already on the racks!!!
This store is right off Fairview Avenue & Co. Rd. B2, and the store is in the same strip center as Honey Baked Ham, JCPenny Furniture, and Babies R Us, etc. are.
www.clothesmentor.com/roseville/
Topic: Coffee-River Falls
Hi all,
If anybody is interested there is a coffee being hosted by Sandra at the Dish and Spoon cafe in River Falls, WI starting at 9 a.m.
208 North Main Street
River Falls, WI 54022
Hope to see you there.
Tammy
If anybody is interested there is a coffee being hosted by Sandra at the Dish and Spoon cafe in River Falls, WI starting at 9 a.m.
208 North Main Street
River Falls, WI 54022
Hope to see you there.
Tammy
Topic: RE: Early summer weigh-in: are you ready for bathing suit season?
Good Morning My Friend!
I sure do miss you! Please be comforted in the fact that I am really living due to weight loss. My exercise regeim is not nearly as great as it was, ergo the 3 pound increase. Going to OA keeps the carb/sugar monster at bay. I have recently been paying attention to that uncomfortable feeling I get when eating dense protein. It used to scare me, but now brings me comfort.
Yesterday, I had a hard shell taco from TB, and smiled when I had finished eating one. Two years ago, I would have eaten six and washed it down with a diet coke.
I just wish the mirror would stop telling me I am fat. I'm working on it, but the great fact remains: When I look in the mirror, I see a really heavy lady, and when I hold up the jeans, I know that is not true. It's scary to realize how sick my mind is. They tell me awareness is the first step to change and I must believe the folks who walked before me.
So until that happens, every morning I look in the mirror and shoot that ****eyed smile at me and say, "You look FABULOUS!"
See you soon!
Starting weight: 298.0
Last week: 134.2
This week: 133.8
I sure do miss you! Please be comforted in the fact that I am really living due to weight loss. My exercise regeim is not nearly as great as it was, ergo the 3 pound increase. Going to OA keeps the carb/sugar monster at bay. I have recently been paying attention to that uncomfortable feeling I get when eating dense protein. It used to scare me, but now brings me comfort.
Yesterday, I had a hard shell taco from TB, and smiled when I had finished eating one. Two years ago, I would have eaten six and washed it down with a diet coke.
I just wish the mirror would stop telling me I am fat. I'm working on it, but the great fact remains: When I look in the mirror, I see a really heavy lady, and when I hold up the jeans, I know that is not true. It's scary to realize how sick my mind is. They tell me awareness is the first step to change and I must believe the folks who walked before me.
So until that happens, every morning I look in the mirror and shoot that ****eyed smile at me and say, "You look FABULOUS!"
See you soon!
Starting weight: 298.0
Last week: 134.2
This week: 133.8
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