Amanda 3.0

I am reading here about people having to take expensive blood thinners (Lovenox) with no less expensive alternative available (really?), both in the hospital and after they get home. I too had the shots while in the hospital and also the inflating leg things (forget the name) and compression socks. I understand the mechanics of the blood thinners, and that some people may need them. But, I have NEVER been prone to clots, I was not as overweight as many, and I was up and walking A LOT immediately after surgery. I have had other procedures, as a larger woman, with no treatment for blood clots. My husband was in the hospital for three days following a major back surgery, and was much less mobile, and never received injected treatment for blood clots (he did have the compression socks and inflatable leg things). I am just thinking that the pharmaceutical industry is making a killing off weight loss surgery patients? Or is there something about this surgery that specifically increases the chances of a clot? I'd really like to know! Anyone in healthcare know?

Thanks! I will check it out. I may just go back to the liquid Vitamins that I was taking before surgery. My chewables make me feel so ill, I am experimenting with ways to take them without the queasiness. I bought a lot of stuff that I didn't really like too much, in an effort to be prepared. Looking back, I would have bought less. I am finally running out of some of this stuff. Hooray!

I have an elliptical trainer in my living room. I use it for a half an hour per day most days. Sometimes, I go for a 2-1/2 mile walk with my husband, and some days I do both. We like to walk rather than drive when we can, and we like to hike while on trips. After surgery, I had a lot of shoulder gas pain, so I was on the elliptical and walking (both slowly, with doctor's consent) the day I came home from the hospital. I also did these things, although more walking than elliptical, before surgery. If not I may have had more health problems.

I normally overthink everything and normally I would have asked more questions. This surgery was such a big deal for me that I decided to go with the flow rather than doing a whole lot of research ahead of time. I didn't shop around for Vitamins or anything, just bought the suggested brand from the surgeon's office, etc. I even stopped reading this forum as much right before the surgery. I think if I had given much more thought to everything, it would have stressed me out. I almost left during pre-op as it was! They had to drug me to calm me down. lol And look, everything is fine. Good luck!

Exactly, Mrs.Riene. But this surgery over any other? Or is this just the big procedure that obese people are currently having? Also, Lovenox is a pork product, which I learned after the fact. No one asked me if I had an issue with pork products. I do intentionally avoid them in my thyroid meds (using a generic Synthroid over the Armour thyroid, which is a pork product). I know there are people of certain religions who would not want Lovenox. I hope they are being informed.

I am going to ask him out of curiosity on my next visit, three months from now. I am a curious person and I like to understand the logic behind these things. My surgeon never disscussed the blood thinners at all. I didn't have any after leaving the hospital. It seemed to be something that was done as a routine thing rather than with any thought behind it. Common side effect of Lovenox include bleeding, anemia, diarrhea, and nausea, which is good to know but was not mentioned to me.

Anything might happen, but in that case there are many, many more precautionary drugs that you could be given. I am not saying Lovenox is bad, or that those patients predisposed to clots shouldn't take the shots. Would you be good with taking injections every day for 14 days if it meant someone else got perks from a drug company? That does happen. I question things like this. Not everyone has to. I took the shots as well, without thought. I came home looking like a pincushion.

Are these questions directed to me? Yes, I already had my VSG in December. My BMI and weight history are in my ticker in my sig. My surgery weight was 207. I had no comorbidities. I have lowish blood pressure and am pretty active. No diabetes, no nothing. I was up and walking within hours, and walked a lot. The blood thinners were never discussed, the nurses just marched in and gave them to me regularly. It seemed that it was just a routine thing. I should have asked at the time but didn't. Only after reading of the trials of others on this board did I start to wonder why the big push for blood thinners for this surgery, and not for others.

Some people on this board are reporting that they are having to pay $400 out of pocket for the Lovenox, and they are having to inject themselves at home. They are not being given less expensive alternatives. I don't just care about the cost to the patient, though. There are side effects with this drug, and I am simply not a fan of mindless medicine, or medicine dictated by big business. Blood clots kill, we all know that. But do they kill more with this particular surgery, or are we just getting these "because"? Anyone know? I can ask my surgeon, but my next visit is three months out and I don't think this warrants a phone call. There are people on here who work in WLS offices, can anyone "weigh in"?

I can really relate to your situation, emlefe. My husband is also a mountain biker, and we have great trails nearby. But, at my size, I have learned to be afraid of hurting myself. And, I have no faith in drivers around here paying attention to anything but their cell phones. There is a disdain for road bikers around here, God forbid a biker slow someone down! Share the road - HA. I was also very busty. Almost two years ago I had a breast reduction. It was covered by insurance because of the problems my size caused. Even when I was much smaller overall, my back hurt, and good luck finding any bra truly supportive. Now that was one of the best things I ever did. I am still a D, but a smallish D, and boy do I feel petite! Also, the breast surgeon put them back up in the vicinity of where they started, so clothes fit so much better. I wish I had done that years ago. I am also a slow loser, but I will get there and I am sure you will too.

Some people do end up with a failed marriage though, so it is good that you are thinking about it and addressing the concerns. My husband is pretty "normal" as well, although at times he has horrid habits. I feel like I am joining him in the world of normal. I think more relationships fall apart when one spouse gets healthy and leaves the other in the world of obesity. Like the others have said, you'll work it out and find the new common ground. And, you will eventually be able to enjoy many of the same foods with him again further along in your journey. You mention that he is athletic. Is there a sport that he enjoys that also interests you? Maybe as you get stronger and more fit, that could be a common interest for you to share?

Years ago, I lost a lot (over 100 lbs) of weight through diet and exercise (gained a big chunk back obviously, which is why I am here - lol). It is an odd feeling to go from the office outcast (socially) to becoming a "real person" now worthy of socializing with. And to have the comments from coworkers, "I am so proud of you", "How much have you lost now?", etc. It's not their business, and weight is really not a good topic unless you are very close friends. I will tell the people who have been my friends for a long time and who were supportive of my journey (checked in after surgery, called me at the hospital, kept my husband company, offered to cook for my family, etc.), or those who have had the same surgery, or have kids going through it. But the morbidly curious don't need to know a damned thing.

This is funny! I am not a clothes or a shoe person, but I have purchased three pairs of boots since December. I never had boots before, and I hadn't been able to wear jeans in a long while. My husband made a comment about the boots, and I just told him, "Hey, transfer addiction!" and we both laughed. I am done buying boots now. As for what I am doing instead of eating, or kicking myself for eating, is spring cleaning. Also organizing and getting rid of clutter. And, thinking about what I want to do with my life (researching college options, business options, etc.) now that I don't have the excuse of being unemployable or a less valuable person because of my weight.

I don't know about you, but prior to this surgery, I cannot remember the last time I felt full. Ever. I also got severe cold feet the day of surgery, which I think is quite normal from what I have read here. Dieting was a battle of wills every second from the time I woke up until bedtime. Now I don't think about food first thing in the morning, or much at all. A huge burden is lifted. I think if you stay away from the bad Snacks most of the time (and this has to be a conscious decision on your part to do so because some of those bad snacks will slide right down your sleeve), you will be able to enjoy life. Personally, my Protein supplements are still filling me up, so I don't really have time for snacks. Sometimes my head thinks I should have something, especially when I am procrastinating or unsure of something (I was THE PROCRASTINEATER) and in those cases I have to make a conscious decision to walk away for a while. And, it is harder to find an appealing snack. Different from presurgery, walking away actually works now! Constant snacking is probably addressing something besides hunger, and if so, it is ideal to address why you are eating. There are quite a few books out there, or you can work all that through with a counselor if you find yourself snacking too much and you feel you are not using the surgery to your advantage. Good luck to you, I am sure you will make the right decision for you!

The family (my husband, stepdaughter and me) went to a brunch buffet today. I am so thrilled that I have been able to eat everything, so far, within reason. All in all, I had far less than a half a cup of food, but the variety of foods tolerated was very encouraging: A small bit of bacon, a couple of small bites of a ham, egg and cheese casserole, a bit of chicken and mushroom, and a few spoonfuls of potato leek Soup. I know I am forgetting something... I ate all that very slowly and was plenty full when we left, but no reactions and no discomfort. My husband and stepdaughter ate so much food, it was upsetting to watch them become kind of miserable, although it was obvious that my husband tried to eat less than usual. Still, a three egg omelette, loaded with meats, vegetables and cheeses, looked like a huge monster. It wasn't tempting or interesting. I'm just happy that I can go out with my family, and with my friends, and find a way to have a good time and still enjoy life.

I've had some very vivid and realistic dreams, not necessarily nightmares though. I think there are a lot of changes going on after this surgery, some are rarer than others. So nightmares could be one after-effect that is hopefully fleeting. I have had a hard time adjusting to eating with my husband too. I try to cook for him, but I am not eating the same things. I'm not even interested in eating most of the time. I think with time, a balance will be found. Since we don't have food or meals in common anymore, I try to save topics to talk about while we sit together at dinner. We don't talk much while he is at work, so this is relatively easy for us. But I try to have a few topics on hand at dinner: vacation plans, something interesting I've seen on TV, stuff I would like to plan, asking for advice, etc. All pleasant stuff. I specifically save these topics for dinner so that we don't just sit looking at each other. Also, we take walks together whenever he is open to it. During that time we might or might not talk, no big deal.

I am going to have to check those bars out. I am very impressed with the Premier Protein shakes. Their chocolate is the most palatable shake I have found so far. Good, palatable protein is hard to find.

I was looking for the same info just last week. Those antibiotics just do me in. I had a doozy of a yeast infection after my breast reduction surgery. Get better!

I kind of assumed that steak was a thing of the past, but at 7-1/2 weeks, I ordered and ate some medium-rare flatiron steak tonight. Granted it was just a little bit, and I cut each bite very small. But it was delicious and I had no negative reaction whatsoever. My husband ate most of the steak, but I got my fill. I think the key will be eating medium rare or rare steaks. But I was so happy I wanted to shout it from the rooftops! STEAK! lol The only things I can't tolerate, so far, are avocados and my multivitamins!

YES!!! I sure did, the first one I have had in forever. I used a three-day treatment, and that didn't work completely and did a one-day treatment (different active ingredient) and then finally went to the gyn who checked me out and gave me diflucan. Sorry you are going through that, it's a pain in the neck.

Well, you checked and double checked, so you should be good. That's awesome! I don't think one can really do too much preparation for this surgery, so the pre-op appointments may have been a good thing, although unnecessary! About seven years ago, when I was considering the lap band (didn't go through with it), our insurance did not require precertification for anything, unless it involved an overnight hospital stay. That isn't the case now, but apparently some plans are like that. So many employers are self-insuring now, that they are just using the networks and putting their own requirements in place. Our current insurance plan is over the top fussy about things, for example I had to take multiple blood tests to prove I don't smoke! It is crazy how different all the plans are. Edited, because I couldn't see your sig with your surgery date when I was replying to your post! Congrats!

Sounds like a good option when fast food happens, thanks!

I tried to put the whole process out of my mind the days before surgery. When I got to the hospital, I had a HUGE case of doubt because I tried to pretend it wasn't happening. My poor husband said he had never seen anything like the fuss I made. I was so close to pulling the IV out and leaving. Thank GOD I did not. I posted about it here right afterwards. The day of surgery, in pre-op, I thought I was going to ruin my life. The nurse gave me some valium, and that got me through it. Now I am a happy camper. I am not thin, but I have confidence, and people treat me so much better, after just seven weeks. Today I got the nerve to go to a new GYN, and it was a good experience, he said after reviewing my chart, "well, you aren't very big". So happy. I am north of Dallas. Post or message if you need anything!

OMG, love the travel binder! I am just getting my stepdaughter into road trips. One of these days, we are going to do a girl's trip. After our trips, I write online reviews, and try to blog a bit, and then get rid of the binder contents. I am trying to reduce my "stuff" because we want to move to a much smaller place in a year or so. I am sure we did the Hwy 395 trip when I was a kid, because we made it from L.A. to Reno and Lake Tahoe. I also remember doing the Hwy 49 trail. Our trips are "rustic" too, much of the time. We are doing a segment of Route 66 and the south rim of the Grand Canyon this year. Come to Texas, if you get homesick for weird, you can go to Austin for the weekend!

Hi Dooter, I know people have different experiences, but I've been really happy and relatively uninterested in food since surgery. I even made Cookies at Christmas time a few days after my surgery on 12/20/2011. Cookies were a little tempting but they were out of the question as I was on Clear liquids. What was not eaten was frozen to make cookie ice cream in the summer (for the family). Since I've progressed from clear liquids to full liquids and I am now okay to try anything I want, I have lost interest in most food. I feel like I can have it all, but I want very little. I look in the refrigerator for a few minutes and then just walk away. 1/4 or 1/2 cup of food is a huge amount to me, and I aim to keep it that way. For Valentine's Day, we are going to a dinner dance with a five course menu which includes quail and ribeye. I am really looking forward to one bite of each, maybe two of the ribeye, but I think that will be enough. There's always tomorrow, and I don't feel one bit deprived. I don't feel like crying. I am more concerned with my husband's ability to eat two dinners. lol. I feel like my surgery has been the biggest blessing of my life - like the hell of being fat might be over - yet I was so scared going into it. It is a huge change, but you can do it. You'll get through to the other side, and you can still have that cheeseburger, most likely, but it might not be so important anymore and you won't care about the bun. Or the fries. I recently went through menopause, started the process in my late 30s, so it has been "fun" to say the least. Since surgery, some days I can't get warm. I come home every day and put my thermals on, here in Dallas (and it has been a warm winter). If your menopause lasts as long as mine did, you'll be happy to be cold! It was so funny tonight, I was making dinner for my family and my husband was preoccupied after I told him I could not get warm. I went and changed into a huge fake fur coat and continued to make dinner. When he and my stepdaughter noticed, they were cracking up. I'm sure you will do great! I have read good things about Dr. Kim. Keep us posted!