Swamped the last 2 days at work because we are having our Christmas party today.  I'm trying really hard to be good....!!! 

I'm trying to fill up on water and stay away from the table.  LOVE LOVE LOVE my Ozark cup that keeps the water cold all day long.  I've never liked water but it's so much easier when you know it's going to be cold and you don't have to keep adding ice.

Except for 1 DD my Christmas shopping is done.  I went shopping for myself last night and when I got home I gave the bag to DH and told him to wrap them up.    I really needed some new tops and a few days ago DH went with me and I gave up.  He hates shopping and was looking so bored that I didn't really enjoy looking around.

I had a great conversation with Lori at OCC. Im going to try to scrape together enough money and finance the rest. I feel totally assured this is the right place for me. Thsnks!

Hi Karen!

My insurance plan coverage for bariatric surgery is a joke. They require BMI 40 with two co-morbidities for 5 years or no co-morbidities and BMI of 50 (!!) My primary care doctor was shocked by how restrictive my plan is, one of the most restrictive she's seen. It's eye-opening to see the gap between criteria for qualifying for bariatric surgery put out by the ASBMS.org (the bariatric/metabolic specialists) and what insurance plans approve.  Some of them are still calling VSG "experimental". Ludicrous. After yo-yo-ing for decades and reaching an all time high BMI of 37/38 (and succeeding, then regaining on every diet plan ever invented including 500 cal/day physician supervised fasts) adding sleep apnea and pre-diabetes to the mix, I decided to self-pay my VSG. .So, in a few weeks I'm going to a Bariatric Center of Excellence in Mexico to self-pay (at a very reasonable price, about half US self-pay cost). The physician I chose is US trained, board certified and does the surgery at a site that meets JCI standards. It still irks me that I pay all this money for insurance and they won't cover what bariatric guidelines recommend until I'm a helluva lot sicker or fatter. So shortsighted. My primary care doc fully supports my decision, will help manage my care after surgery along with a nutritionist and a local support group and I can follow up with my surgeon without air travel. 

As far as which surgery to have, metabolic syndrome runs rampant in my family. VSG made the most sense to me after I read this article. http://healthnews.uc.edu/news/?/24172/

Congratulations! :D

Protein coffee directions:

Brew a pot of your favorite coffee (decaf or reduced caffeine) 
In a 20oz Blender Bottle with wire ball, add 6oz of Lactaid milk, a scoop of Syntrax Nectar Vanilla protein powder, and a dash of cinnamon. 
Shake gently for 5 seconds or less.
Either pour the protein slurry into a large mug and top off with hot coffee OR pour hot coffee on top of the slurry in the Blender Bottle.
Stir to blend OR gently tilt the Blender Bottle to blend. **don't shake the Blender Bottle with a hot liquid inside**

Always add hot liquid on top of the cool protein slurry to keep it from clumping.

Once you're further out you can switch to regular milk, or skim milk, but at first you may be lactose sensitive.

Enjoy!   

Hi guys,
I had a great morning. Our team from work got to fly in a helicopter up the Potomac River this morning. Cold, but great views of the monuments and memorials.

MENU: (DS Maintenance Mode)
Pre-B - 2 protein coffees (60g), bullet proof with coconut oil
B - Greek yogurt w/blueberries
S - 
L - leftover pork ribs, green beans and a few fries
S - fresh salsa and Scoops
D - steak and salad
S - CarbSmart ice cream

VITES:
morning batch: done
calcium batches: 
iron: stopped
evening batch: starting
heme iron: pending

MILES:
none