VV2010

SamieTeacher - It looks like all the teachers are doing this for spring break huh? You will do great! We'll be thinking of your tomorrow morning! Best of luck:)

Mary - We are going to have to meet up with you sometime in Atlanta. We'll keep updating:)

Fabby50 - Yes Slimdiddy and I have known each other since freshman year of college - so about 20 years we've spent dieting together if you can believe that - this REALLY IS OUR YEAR! Thanks for the good wishes!:thumbup:

Thanks everyone for the good wishes!

Hi everyone - Before you read this, please take into account that I have been on a liquid pre-op diet for 2 1/2 weeks, I cracked a tooth this week and had to have a temp crown put on, and Aunt Flo is on her way into town.....I am a bit emotional............ I have been so excited up until tonight when I received a call from my brother in law. My sister had told him about the surgery, but hadn't told him it was going to be in Mexico until this evening. My surgery is on Saturday. I feel like I did my research and have picked the best surgeon for me. I have also asked my PCP for her support. She said that she would follow the US protocol as far as follow up. She was thrilled for me. That being said.....his biggest concern was what if something happens after I return to the US- an infection or blood clot or something else? What if your insurance company finds out you had surgery out of the country? They may not pay for your follow up. I told him that they won't approve the surgery no matter what. I am a teacher, a state employee and weight loss surgery is not ever covered by our insurance. I know other people have had complications on this board and haven't had a problem receiving follow up care. Can anybody comment on this? I would like to know your experience or any advice you have. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield of GA. Wiping up the tears, VV2010

Wannalise - I really hope you are feeling better. It can only get better from here, right? You are in my thoughts:) VV2010

Ryansgirl - HOLY COW!!! Good for you! Congrats on your great success! I have looked at your pics and I am so inspired:) I can't imagine how much better you feel now - I can't wait to be in your position. My surgery is just a week away. Thanks so much and I hope you have something special planned to celebrate - you deserve it! VV2010

I can't wait to go through this whole experience with you SDS! You are the bombdiggity! I know we will be great support systems for each other:) Love ya! VV2010:lol0:

Hi - I am new to this and just got my date with Dr. Alvarez for April 3rd - YIPEE!!! I am trying to do some research about Protein shakes and have gotten some mixed messages on the blogs. Some people say that the body absorbs only around 50% of the protein in these shakes, but other shakes with a particular digestive enzyme absorb 80-90% of the protein. Does anyone know where to get some accurate info about this topic? Thanks so much! VV2010

Thanks so much for your response! So I understand what high quality protein is after reading your answer. I'm still a bit unsure about what you would consider a low quality protein. Would this be ANYTHING that just has a few grams of protein like a shake or "real" food? Thanks so much for your help!

Yipee for you Wannalise! I got so excited when I read your post - I can't wait to have that feeling next week when I leave for Mexico. Best of luck to you! VV2010

I just wanted to share that in case someone out there was having the same doubts as me. We are all good at so many things, why beat ourselves up because we aren?t that fantastic at ?food???? [/font] Cottoneye - I can totally relate! I am in the middle of my 3 week pre-op diet. I have had a few minor slip ups which I beat myself up about....then I talked to some friends about it. They reminded me of the extreme difference between normal eating and this pre-op diet. I was able to forgive myself and move on. It has taken me SO LONG to get to mentally be ready for all of this, but I am there now! I have said many times in the past few weeks "This is something that I just can't do on my own and I am getting a tool to help me with it." Saying this out loud has been helpful. We all have our strengths and weaknesses and we are often very hard on ourselves. I wish you the best of luck! VV2010:thumbup:

congrats on your progress! WOW! I am heading to Dr. Alvarez in about 10 days and I'm so excited!

Hi - I am on day 5 of my 21 day liquid pre-op diet. I completely cracked today and cheated when I got home. I just couldn't face any more shakes, broth, juice, Jello, etc... This is the first time I have doubted that I have the willpower to follow through with this huge change for the rest of my life. I am trying to look at this as a little bump in the road, but I am really beating myself up about it. I know that this is more mental for me than anything, and would love some advice from anyone who has experienced this. Thanks so much! VV2010:confused1:

Thanks FWL!

SDS - So glad you are on here:thumbup: Yes I WILL be strong the next 16 days - can't wait for this big adventure!!!

Thanks educationrulz I bet you are absolutely right - you must be a fellow teacher in ATL? Let me know if you come across any support groups in our area.

Jen - You are definitely not the only one - I promise! I just started my liquid diet but I was seriously on the "gravy train" for months before. It really was gross, but I can't deny that I ate like I'd never eat food again. Some things that have worked well during my pre-op diet are: unjury Protien (choc is good but not as sweet as the others out there which is refreshing/Unflavored is good mixed in with Crystal Light, Propel, or Powerade Zero) sugar free popsicles and Jello have never tasted so good! Good luck:) VV2010

I haven't had my surgery yet, but I have been experimenting with all of the protein samples I've collected. I tried mixing the Unjury unflavored protein with Propel or Crystal light and it worked just fine. Hope that helps:)

Tiff - Thanks so much for sharing your journey. I have really enjoyed reading all your posts. My surgery is less than one month away and you are a real inspiration!

Hi Dr. Jossart - I posted the following question on the Protein thread and nobody has been able to answer it: I am trying to do some research about Protein shakes and have gotten some mixed messages on the blogs. Some people say that the body absorbs only around 50% of the protein in these shakes, but other shakes with a particular digestive enzyme absorb 80-90% of the protein. I would love to know what you think of this and if it is indeed true. Thanks so much for your help!:thumbup1: VV2010