Rich, how great that you are running a 5K. You have come a long way baby! Keep up your hard work!

Nancy

Maureen,
Have you talked to Dr. Aranow about a revision?  He is my Dr. also and I just wondered if you spoke to him about it and if so what did he say.  I am classifed as obese because of my BMI.  I have tried everything else and as a last resort I would do a revision if insurance would allow.  I get so depressed.  I can't concentrate at work and sometimes I turn into a real B_ _ _ _.
My co workers keep telling me I need meds but they don't understand that meds aren't going to help me unless it's a super duper diet pill.  Keep in touch and thanks,

Cindy

It's interesting to me that BCBS has approved your surgery when you have only gained 15 lbs. back. Don't we have to be classified as 'obese' in order to get these surgeries covered, even revisions? Is he performing any other type revisions - any of the endoscopic procedures (which I do not believe work on any level whatsoever)... keep posting, this is very good information that you're sharing! And don't worry, there is nothing to fear. You are in good hands and you have friends here... Maureen

Cindy, you describe exactly what I'm experiencing - I think I'm taking in about 1,000 calories a day and I'm still exercising - but gaining. I truly believe this is a consequence to a couple of things, at least in my case: (1) living most of my adult life as a super morbidly obese person (between 350-400 throughout my 30s and 40s); and (2) the surgery and resulting malabsorption issues. Our bodies are trying to figure it all out. Metabolism is shot to hell. We will never be normal, so the idea to follow "normal" behaviors to sustain weight loss, e.g., healthy eating and regular exercise, doesn't make sense. Of course, we need to be living this way every day of our lives - but there must be something else that can be done to keep the weight off. I think it's a very rare WLS patient who keeps the weight off forever. Best of luck with this! Maureen

I'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around what Stacey told you - but I'll let it go... kudos to you for doing what you have to do for yourself, Paula! This is about you - no one else. When it's all said and done, no one really is invested in our weight loss, physical health and wellbeing - we are the only ones that can personally invest in ourselves. The irony is that we judge others when we feel that they are judging us - people may spend a nano-second sizing someone up - assessing my looks, my age, my too-loud laugh... people in the final analysis, I am not a huge blip on that radar screen. Does this make sense? The only person who matters is YOU. Do what you need to do for yourself, ask the questions, get the answers and when you don't get the answers you need, keep asking. I'm right behind you - have gained 20 lbs. My appointment with Dr. A is 9/21. I will direct that meeting - not Dr. A.  Take care, sweetheart and keep us updated. Maureen