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Hi Marikathryn,

First of all, congratulations on your new journey!

This forum/discussion board is all but inactive. I'd like to suggest that you go to the Arkansas forum where more people are sure to see your posts. Sure wouldn't want you to miss out on a lot of good information or friendship by your post not being seen!

I'm 3 1/2 years out and I can tell you to learn everything you can about changing your lifestyle, habits, how and when you eat while you're in your "honeymoon" period....the first 12-18 months post surgery. The changes you make now will help you for the rest of your life. This surgery isn't a magic bullet, but an opportunity to get rid of bad habits and learn good ones that will make you successful in the long term.

Measure yourself today. There will be weeks when you won't lose weight, but you will lose inches. When you become frustrated because the scale isn't moving, take your measurements and you'll be surprised. Take pictures every month!  It's so hard to see how you REALLY look when you look in the mirror because you will be changing so quickly. Photos help you see how far you've come.

Golly, I could go on and on, but  I'm sure if you  post this question there will be lots of of folks who can give you thier insite.

take care....take your supplements, drink your water, and MOVE!!!!

Susan

I was so hoping that you lived close so that we could be a support system to one another. My son-in-law and youngest daughter are trying to get transferred to the Air Force Base there in Little Rock/Jacksonville area. They are in Sumter, South Carolina at the Air Force base there. My oldest daughter looks great and seems to have more self-esteem and self-confidence than she has ever had in her life. She has always been kind of chubby ever since she was about 5 yrs old but she looks wonderful. I would not have recognized her if I had not seen her progression with the weight loss. Her own grandfather did not recognize her at family reunion last year!  Anyway, keep in contact because I will sure cheer you on from this side of the state!

I have taken my MMPI test and am scheduled for my psych eval meeting with the psychiatrist on Febuary 3, 2009 and then I still need my dietician consult which my PCP seems to be having trouble with for some reason. Then Carrie at Dr Gibbs office can submit everything to APWU/CIGNA for pre-authorization. Where do you live? I am in Fort Smith, Arkansas. My daughter had this surgery with Dr Gibbs this February will be two years and she lost over 160 lbs and is doing well with her program. Anyway, keep in touch so we can talk to one another before, during, and after. 

Good Luck,
 

Hey group,

I attended the seminar with Dr Gibbs and he seems to be great. He answered all questions even the redundant ones that were covered during his presentation. My daughter was with me and Dr Gibbs and Carrie (his nurse) recognized her and introduced her to the group for a question and answer session from a real live patient. She did good with answering the questions and even showed the group her excess belly skin without being embarassed. Anyway, now I just have to get my insurance to approve my surgery. First, I have to get a psych consult, a dietician consult, 6 months of weight loss plan medical notes, and then medical clearance from my PCP for surgery. I weigh 368 lbs, have a BMI 59.3 and have three co-morbidities and they still want all this extra stuff. I cannot even walk five feet without being short of breath, racing pulse, and the need to sit down for at least 15 minutes before I can get going again. Do the insurance companies not realize how much this surgery will save them monetarily in the long-term or are they just being stubborn? Anyway, please keep me in your prayers while I gather everything I need for surgery to be approved.