I think you would like Dr. Seidel.  Very down to earth.  Looks kind of like  a leprachaun.  He may retire soon but his daughter Dr. Barbara Boyle always assists.  MUCH closer than Duluth.

Don't think I've been to Montreal.  Have you found a job? 

Like the jeans idea.  Also everyone posts that you have to take pictures before to believe it after.

You are an inspiration. 

Keep up the good work.
 deb

Well I will keep my fingers crossed for you and hope that it goes quickly.  I think I only waited 3 weeks for insurance approval, but every company is different.    I may have to investigate your surgeon as he would be closer than having to go to Duluth, although shopping is fun.

We actually will be moving to Montreal.  They have finished the streets in Hurley finally.  Do you have any good used clothing stores down in your neck of the woods?  You will find those really helpful.   I kept my largest jeans that I had before surgery.  It blows me away to see the amount of weight that I have lost.

Good luck with the insurance.  Stay healthy!

no protein yet.  Actually only saw the surgeon accidently.  Told me it would be a possible 2 month wait and I got in the next day as he opened some time so had no questions ready etc.  It was a total surprise.
Still working on insurance. 
Hope your move goes well.  Hope you aren't on one of the roads under construction in Hurley.

I won't make the support group on the 26th.  We are just moving into our home that we bought then.  but definitely will keep it in mind.  I know it is important to have support.  Your doctor is closer than Duluth too, so I will probably look to him for my return appointments. 

I have done all of the shakes, the ones from WalMart which is body fortess, MAX Protein, and did not really like any of them too much.  I froze some in ice cubes after blending.  That helped.  Mixed vanilla with yogurt that helped.  The cookies and cream was my favorite from MAX Protein.  It had less grit.

Wow your insurance must be really fussy.  I was lucky my insurance went with me being super morbidly obese, hypertension, and sleep apnea, along with my legs failing because of the weight.  I know every insurance is different.  It makes it very difficult and frustrating.  

Did they start you on protein yet?  I was started on 1 shake a day right off the bat, but with kidney failure....probably not a good thing, but the protein did help me lose some weight before the surgery.  My friend who had it done had help issues like you and now is no longer on any insulin or hypertension medication at all.

You will do fine!  It is amazing as it comes off.  Stay in touch.

I am down 154 pounds. I need to get back to my exercise regimen, but since moving up here I have been kind of in limbo.  I used to do water aerobics every morning and then also did walking.  Now I walk, but not much else.    My job does not help either, I am a medical transcriptionist so I sit on my bum all day long.

Hang in there.  You will get there too.  Don't buy any clothes, try to find used as much as possible.  I was so lucky to have a girlfriend who had cleaned her closet out from her 6 different sizes and that got me through until now.  Now I have nothing, lol.  I told my hubby that he needs to get me winter clothes since he moved me up here to the land of snow.

Stay in touch and let me know how things are going for you.  How far along on your 6 month diet are you?  I did not have to do that as I had enough health factors that made it okay for me to be approved right away.  I did have to have a sleep apnea study, gag spit sputter and got a stupid CPAP machine which I absolutely hated, but I don't need it anymore. 

Every doc is different in your diet and everything.  I had a really rough time getting all of my protein in and had a lot of hair loss, but it is coming back.  Had a hard time after surgery getting the protein shakes down....  tried lots of brands...the colder the better.