Last week I started my journey....starting weight 209. I know I'm at the very beginning and I have a little ways to go before surgery....I have to complete 6 months of nutritional classes (1 x week) and a pych evaluation....oh and an EGD before i can schedule my surgery. So im thinking my surgery will take place sometime this summer....possibly the end. That's fine with me because I need time to prepare for this BIG change! Does anyone have any advice for me?? :) Updated on 12 Dec 2014: Would there be a reason my insurance would deny my procedure? I start my nutrition classes in a few weeks so I'm wondering if I'm going to complete all my classes and tests to only get denied by my insurance....I'm not sure how this process works....yikes! I will be so upset if that happens! Updated on 6 Jan 2015: Today i went to my first nutrition class...i have 5 more then i can schedule my EGD. Today marks day one of starting my new habits and my new life style change. I gained 3 lbs over the holidays My BMI went from 38.2 to 39.1 :( Time to focus on getting it off. I'm on a 1200 calorie, high protein, high fiber, low fat program....I have at least 7 months to get this together before the surgery. I have a lot of thing i need to change...my first set of goals are to NOT skip breakfast and get in at least 10 mins/3 days a week of exercise...baby steps! Can anyone recommend a GOOD protein shake???? Updated on 7 Jan 2015: Updated on 21 Jan 2015: Updated on 28 Jan 2015: I was told today that my BMI is too low and so I don't qualify at this point....last time i weighted (almost a month ago) my BMI was 38.8...i need to be above 40! HELP!! Do i need to start eating more...this sucks! I dont want to get discouraged :( Did anyone have this issue...and how did you resolve it???? Updated on 29 Jan 2015: So I've been reading a lot about possible hair loss after the surgery.....is this true??? if so, does anyone have any advice.....I don't want to go bald :( My hair is already this enough! HELP!!! Updated on 17 Feb 2015: So I have to pass a sleep apnea test to get approved for surgery by United Health Care since im under 40 BMI....if I don't pass then I cant have the surgery! I'm so nervous about passing!! HELP! Updated on 18 Mar 2015: I didn't pass my sleep study so now my insurance won't pay...soon bummed!