Thanks so much to everyone for their feedback!

Liz - I do have United Healthcare and didn't know that there was a diffference in reimbursement from a COE hospital vs. non COE.....so I'll have to call to find that out.....usually my insurance would cover 90%.....I will call tomorrow to find out. That is a good point. I think UT is on their way to becoming COE but unknown as to whether they have gotten it yet.
Thanks, Cathy

Congratulations ! that is such a huge accomplishment ! Way to go 

I had my nut eval today and I passed with flying colors. I have my last PCP visit on Monday and I will be done with that. I have to have a EGD on 09/16, after that is done and I am cleared, then all of my paperwork can be sent in.................I can't wait I will try to update more often.

Cheryl

Hi Sher,

I highly support Pam's suggestion--I have been going to the Monday night support groups lead by Dr. Livengood since May and have not missed a session!    Heck, I was so inspired by her and Centennial that I officially got adopted by Dr. Houston!

Dr. L has a vast wealth of knowledge to share with us regarding issues we grapple with in post op life, like dealing with food addictions, negative self talk and how to overwrite that with positive affirmations, etc.   She's very supportive and understanding and after my first support group, I actually started seeing her for one on one therapy.  She's REALLY GOOD.

There are a lot of new post-ops in the Monday night group, but there are some of us that are farther out and dealing with life's challenges too.  Sometimes talking to people face to face about your struggles and understanding it's not just you--you're not alone is a huge help.  

Bonding with people sharing your struggles and discussing strategies for dealing with those challenges is a great first step to regaining your focus.

Unfortunately it seems like there's about 39 Mondays in August (okay, only 5 actually), so the next session isn't until September 13.  That will be an "open mic night," where any discussion goes.  So please join everyone--you will feel so relieved and inspired when you leave.

Some of us Monday Nighters are also starting a group to continue discussions between group meetings and to support each other, maybe help with accountability.  It's just now getting started, but if you'd like to join, click here.  Anyone can join this group, if they're interested.  The schedule for Monday night support groups is listed in the Events section.  

It is said time and time again that they don't do surgery on our brains, just our stomachs.  WLS is not a cure, it's simply a tool.  

It's very hard to reprogram ourselves to have healthy habits when our brains have grown accustomed over decades of life to telling us what it wants, which is usually awful stuff (that never tastes as good as we think it does anyway!).  

Life can get more challenging the further out from surgery you get.  Going to any support group regularly is a great tool to help you get on track.  Find one you like and GO-GO-GO!!!!

GOOD LUCK!  Now go drink your water!  
HUGS!!!
Denise

I think I'm on track then.

I typically have oatmeal with a scoop of protein powder before our distance training and I have tried several GU and similar products. I really like the Sport Shots. They are easier to use than the GU since they are like a jelly candy so you don't have to squeeze it into your mouth.

We'll have to arrange a hook up once you get to Nashville. Perhaps the evening of registration?