Funny you mentioned pizza. I have been craving that since before surgery! I wasn't even a big pizza fan when I could have it! The good news is that pizza will be in your future. It may be a while before you can tolerate it but it will be there (in moderation of course). You may have to sacrifice the diet coke though. That isn't good on the new stomach. I promise you, if you do try to cheat on anything that isn't recommended, you will know it. Your new stomach tells you immediately. I ate the meat only from a piece of fried chicken the other day because I didn't have a healthy choice in the situation I was in. Before we left the resturant I visited the bathroom 4 times. Believe me I will never look at anything fried again!

You will adjust to what you can and can't have. It doesn't feel like a sacrifice. The only thing with me is that things smell really good. Then when I sit down to eat I get full so fast. That is the wonderful thing about this. I keep waking up with thoughts of failing my diet again and then coming to the realization that the surgery is done and I am still losing weight.

Keep me posted on your thoughts. Good luck with whatever you decide.

I just had my surgery on Aug. 8th. I had Highmark BCBS PPO but the billing was done through Anthem Blue Cross. Our company was out of Pennsylvania but we live in Wisconsin. I had to go through the 6 month diet and exercise program which was billed through major medical and applied to my deductible. The monthly doctor visits were paid by a $25 monthly co pay. The surgery and the rest were paid at 80%. I am going to be faced with about $2500 out of pocket when everything is done. I haven't received billing for everything yet.

After I completed all the requirements for my insurance it took approximately 2 weeks for the approval and another 2 weeks to schedule the surgery (depending on your doctors schedule). Not too bad after you satisfy your insurance.

It is natural to be feeling they way you are. I was so anxious for the surgery and then when the time was counting down, I was really scared at the same time. But then I focused on the main objective and that was losing weight and getting healthy. I was scared until the last minute but I don't regret it one bit now. Recovery is fast and weight loss is immanent.
 
It isn't easy changing your habits but you will feel it when you eat something you shouldn't. For a while it is just hard to figure out what you can eat because nothing feels or tastes good. Everything smells good. That is the point where I am at right now.  Good luck with your new journey!

I haven't had it done yet, but am anticipating someday getting to that point. Please keep us posted on your progress. Thanks in advance! Hope all goes well!

Awesome VICTORIES!!!

Congrats on the 7#....7# lost is way better than 0# gained! Hope you know what I mean. And the food plan, gym work is great too! You have helped me become more committed today! I have been perfect all day. So I thank you!!

I will try to remember to check in every week, perhaps more often. Have a great day!