Hello Mississippians :-)

Hello Girls ( and guys, of course ) I just wanted to say HI to everyone and wondered, if you would mind if we started a monthly "totals" list? I've about reached my four weeks and would love to hear how everyone else is doing, even the ones who are pre-op , if they've been put on a diet, or whatnot. You guys are mostly further north from me, and I'm amazed how much you interact, what a wonderful group! Unfortunately, because of my health insurance, I was forced to get my surgery in New Orleans, but it's ok, the two hour drive there is worth it. I'm gonna take the first step and let you guys know, as of four weeks out, I'm down 23 lbs from surgery, for a total of .. drumroll... 50 lbs since I started this journey back in March. Can't wait to hear from you all, take care & best wishes Andrea RNY 6/23/04 -23

I am pre op maintaing my weight. Hoping to hear from Dr Cleveland's office soon for my appointment with the nurse practioner.

Donna, hey, you're maintaining, that's great too. Every pound you can keep off is going to make it easier after surgery. I'm glad I was able to actually lose some beforehand, I'm still wondering if I could have rolled myself out of bed as easy as I have in the hospital, with the extra pounds. A little tip, if you wanna hear it Try to cut out the sugars and carbs, not saying deprive yourself, but I was aware that I was a diabetic, with a tendency to ignore it, and when they told me I wouldnt have sugar again after surgery, I said ok, I can live on artificial sweetner, I still think it has a lot to do with me losing 30 lbs pre-op. It's also made it so much easier on me, the sugar free candy is a great alternative, I can't tell the difference any more Also gave up that roll or biscuit with dinner, and ate more of the green stuff than the taters. But anyways, you're already on the right path by maintaining I wish you good luck on your appointment, please keep us posted ! Andrea

Pre-op, and having big troubles making my mouth mind!!! Can't wait for surgery. Thanks for joining us...Any time you want to come up and meet with any of our groups, we'd all be glad to have you! Smooch, Arlies

Hi Arlies! I've been kind of following your posts here for a week now, you're very proactive, it's great!! As for your mouth not minding, well, I think we all have/had that problem, or we'd be skinny, right? I know you're excited to get the surgery, you don't have a date yet? What's the progress on it? I'm certainly glad that you're very committed to the cause, you'll be successfull once you get " on the other side", I'm sure of it. By the way, it's a little far to drive for me right now, since I'm officially not supposed to drive yet, but hubby will be leaving for a few more deployments this year, one of those days when he's gone and I'm not working, I'll make sure I'll come up there to meet you guys. It's just so important to have support, and once hubby is gone, I'll be on my own, having to deal with the ups and downs, I'll NEED you guys! Well, I'll check back later. Thanks for listening Andrea

Hi Andrea, I'm 11months post-op, 6'1" and am down from 370lbs to 214lbs as of today. A total of 156lbs. My goal is 180. Still losing about a pound or two each week. Hoping to break the 200lb mark this fall. Hang in there, it just gets better, Dx

Whoa! I tell ya what, having been past the 300 mark, if I can get below 200, this surgery will already have been well worth it. Congrats, Dex, you're doing GREAT!! Keep it up Andrea

Hi, I'm pre-op and still waiting on my insurance to approve surgery, already see the nurse practioner at Dr. Clevelands office, she was great. I used to visit your neck of the coast in the summer months when I was a teen. I loved it there, and Ocean Springs as well. Glad you have joined us!

Hi Connie, I've just read over your profile, and was wondering, what insurance do you have? If your hubby is a marine, you still have Tricare Prime or do you have your own insurance? I wasn't able to find any doctors in my area, they had told me I needed to either go to Alabama or do Louisiana, and I'm very happy with my surgeon. My RNY included a 75 cm piece of short intestine being bypassed, he assured me it was enough , no need to take up to 150 cm. As of right now I am doing wonderful, if it wasnt for the nip and pinch every now and then, I'd forget sometimes that I've had surgery. Very happy about the way it's all healed up. Anyways, just thought I'd say HI and let you know, Tricare was so easy for me to get approval from, it was almost too easy. Good luck and keep us posted Andrea

hi im pre-op and have gaind only 1 pound since may. I have 2 apts. left before i can get my surgery date. I CANT WAIT!! Congrats on your success and whenever you get ready to come up just let us know!!! Well be estatic to have you!! Angela Blount(AngieBea)