Oops...where did I go?

I can't believe it's almost been a month since I last posted!  Lots of stuff to catch up on, so put your feet up, grab a nice cup of water, and lets chat!

First, we adopted another dog on June 29.  Her name is Piper and she's a little Chihuahua.  She's a little over a year old and has settled into our lives very nicely.  Her and Duke have a great time playing and resting together.  He is not jealous in the least, which is awesome.  Piper came to us from my cousin in Springfield.  She was finding that she wasn't really home enough to give Princess Piper the attention she needed, so she posted a request on Facebook to find a new family for Piper.  After about a week and a half, I finally convinced Mike that the family should be OURS!  He's very happy with that decision because it's really been a great transition.  As a matter of fact, as I type this, I have Piper snuggled up on the left side of my lap and Duke is on the right.  Puppy bookends!

My 4-week grad class started on June 30.  I've been dreading this because it's 16 weeks of instruction packed into 4 weeks.  Luckily, the professor sent out the syllabus early so we could start doing some of the work.  So far I'm doing pretty good at keeping up, but it is tough.  I'll be glad when it's over because it puts me that much closer to my master's degree! 

In preparation for bariatric surgery, I stopped drinking soda on July 1.  I've had a few moments where I missed it, but for the most part it's been an ok transition.  I started drinking iced tea sweetened with Stevia.  Now I'm working on cutting out the caffeine.  I use 3 caffeinated tea bags and 2 non-caff right now.  Soon I'll switch that up to 3 non-caff + 2 caff, and slowly ease out the caff.  It's a good way to wean off caffeine without the horrible headaches. 

I've also learned that surgery may not happen for me.  I'm one of those that may slip through the cracks right now.  First, you have to understand the requirements for bariatric surgery - these are nation-wide, so most bariatric centers/insurances follow these guidelines.  You must either have A) a BMI of 40 or more; or B) a BMI of 35-39 with TWO co-morbidities.  Co-morbidities are things such as sleep apnea, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.  Diseases/problems brought on by weight, in other words. 

My problem is that I have NO co-morbidities.  My blood pressure is fine.  No signs of diabetes or even pre-diabetes.  I do not have sleep apnea or any other issues brought on by weight.  I'm the healthiest overweight person you'll ever meet.  My BMI is BARELY 40. 

I talked to the insurance lady at Memorial and I have to have proof (medical) of a BMI of 40+ for six months or I will be denied surgery.  I don't have that from before because I had lost quite a bit of weight up until last August and then I started slowly gaining.  Out of frustration, I applied for surgery.  So I pretty much cannot lose anything for six months.  I have to maintain this weight.  If I fall below the 40 BMI, I'm done.  And if I fall below, chances are good that it won't go too much further.  I've fought this for too long. 

I'm not sure what to do.  On Monday I will return to Springfield and will take part in two of the mandatory classes, and I will see the nutritionist.  I'm going to discuss this with her and see what she says.  If I could lose it on my own, I'd do it.  But my body has proven for too long that it won't happen.  Which is why I feel like I'm going to fall through the cracks.  It's very frustrating.  For once, I wish I was fatter and sick.  Then it wouldn't even be a problem.  I can't be the only person like this that they've dealt with.  I'm hoping to get some answers and guidance on Monday. 

The puppies are starting to wake and they want to play, so that's my cue to wrap it up!  Hope you all have a great, safe week!