Amanda 3.0

That's a great list of recipes. I haven't been having any problems with my Protein powders going down, but those look like a fun way to mix it up! Another great source of protein is plain Greek yogurt.

You are so strong! Fried chicken is one of my favorite foods, it smells so good. I might have punched her and then stole her chicken! :biggrin: You'll never regret not eating the cake. I was in the midst of my pre-op diet on my last birthday. We'd planned to go to one of the Brazilian churrascarias (unlimited meats, mostly steak), but that fell by the wayside when I got my surgery date.

We have been with our primary care physician for about eight years now and she referred me to my surgeon. I went to a one-on-one consultation (I guess one-on-two since my husband also attended). We both felt comfortable. I checked online for any red flags, and checked the state medical board site for disciplinary actions. He is at a top rated hospital in our area, a facility where I am confident of receiving good treatment, and is also a center of excellence. I do pay some attention to online reviews, but there are a lot of sites out there that allow anything to be posted. Sometimes one disgruntled patient (justified or not) can wage a real smear campaign. After all that, I have been 100% satisfied with my experience.

I've always been pretty active on a passive level, walking over driving, taking the stairs over an elevator, parking far away from the store, biking, etc. I've had bouts of dedication to "real" exercise, but of course, from time to time I would fall off the wagon. It was always a huge demotivator when my husband would commit to doing things with me but would stop. It is hard for me to be away from him. I am newly passionate about exercise, using my home equipment again and going to the gym (I have TWO memberships!). Only time will tell if I am going to keep at it this time. I sure hope so.

I was told no straws. It isn't a big deal for me not to use them, so I am doing as told.

I was told to never use straws again. I have had the burpy feeling going on and I think it is less of a problem when smaller sips and bites are taken. I am still on my doctor's version of full liquids (thick soups, cracker in soup, yogurt, etc.) and am eating with demitasse spoons. Also, a lot of walking seems to help it subside.

I told a few people. I did not tell my parents, since we don't talk anyway. My brother happened to call just before surgery so I told him. He was quite supportive, which was nice. I have had a few people tell me that I wasn't big enough for the surgery, or question the necessity. I just let them say what they needed to say, and thanked them. The decision is made already and no real discussion was necessary. If people ask how I lost weight, and I don't feel that it is their business, I will just tell them I am eating less. That is the truth, after all. These forums are great. We don't have to be blindsided by unexpected comments and judgments, since people here have heard it all!

That is so great! Another benefit to this surgery is easy to locate ovaries! Kind of related, about a dozen years ago, I was able to drop over 100 pounds in a year by extreme calorie restriction and exercising a minimum of two hours a day. When I went to the OB/GYN, they kept looking at the chart, and looking at me, walking out of the room. Finally the nurse comes back in and asks, "Who ARE you?" LOL. I didn't match up to their chart at all.

I have heard nothing but good things about him. I know of at least two people who had an excellent experience. I think both of those bad reviews were written by the same person. Some people complain about a surgeon when the P.A. does the post surgical visits instead of the surgeon himself. There is nothing wrong with that, and it is a common practice. Some people are not going to get exactly what they want and then they will grind their axe under a bunch of different names on the internet. Also complications do happen from time to time, it is in the way the surgeon handles them. I have heard so many good things about Dr. Nicholson that I considered changing to him. I'm glad I didn't though, as I've had a great experience with Dr. Cribbins. Oh and P.S. Both those posts on the other forum are from a person who joined the day of the posting and have no other posts. They joined only to smear Dr. Nicholson, not to participate on the board. Totally NOT credible.

I wish I hadn't bought them. They aren't bad, but the appeal just isn't there. Also, I am doing better than I thought I would be as far as tolerating foods. The prunes aren't bad at all though. I am glad I have those.

Some policies simply do not cover this procedure. Until 2011, our policy specifically excluded it, and so last June I was considering a self-pay option when I decided to review the policy one more time. Lo and behold it was covered (with some jumping through hoops first). I think you can find a self-pay option in the U.S. if you try. See if your surgeon will take the BCBS contracted rate of payment, which is a fraction of the submitted amount, and perhaps see if the hospital will do the same. The contracted rate is more than likely much less than what they are advertising as a cash discount, to my understanding.

Congratulations! You look great. It must be such a great feeling to do whatever you want to do!

I have not had fatigue at all until I came down with this upper respiratory infection. I have not felt hunger either. With the respiratory infection, there has been some rumbling and that has felt a bit like hunger but it is really just a result of the drip. I've also had some acid for the first time. I've been drinking sugar free sports drinks with potassium because that is how people I know have ended up in the hospital - low potassium.

I would warn him, just in conversation. Surely he has hugged you and may have an idea that you don't have a "washboard" stomach. I would take it slow for sure and just be sure he is truly into you for you, which sounds like the case. Then I think it would be very safe. Was he with you during your weight loss? It would be a real blow emotionally to have done all this work and then get your feelings hurt. Be very gentle with yourself, emotionally. Of course just my two cents. Also, he should keep in mind that you could be firming up, skin-wise, for the next few years so what is one way today could be very different later.

I am still on liquids, but am allowed to have a cracker broken up in my Soup, and oatmeal that is thinned. I have minced broccoli and added it to soup. So far I have not had any problems but am still not able to try meat. When I graduate to solids, I think I will try a diced boiled egg with a bit of dressing on it. That is calling my name, I hope it doesn't disappoint. I don't eat tuna or mayo.

I didn't have a catheter for my VSG. I think because it was only 1-1/2 hours. My breast reduction was eight hours and I had one then, but it was really no big deal. It's a short surgery in most cases. Ask them not to do it if it makes you uncomfortable. I doubt that it would be a deal breaker for them.

I was sleeved on December 20, so I am just over two weeks out. While I knew I would feel better over time with my weight loss, I have been so thrilled with the unexpected immediate benefit of waking up with hope. I think all of us here know all about self-loathing. For years now, I have awoken each morning feeling disgusted with myself and hopeless for change. The pain and shame of being fat has prevented me from doing so many things. Knowing how the world views a fat person has not helped, it has made me terrified of putting myself in a position to be judged by my weight. Although I haven't lost too much yet, and in fact am in a weight loss mini-stall just two weeks out, the one thing I noticed from day one after surgery is that I wake up each day with HOPE. I no longer feel that the rest of my life will be an endless struggle of starving to lose a few pounds, and then gaining it back with one wrong move. Repeat, repeat, repeat. That has been my life for years now. I know I will have to work at this for the rest of my life, and I will have to be careful not to sabotage my new tool, but until this surgery, I cannot remember the last time I woke up with hope and optimism instead of the first thought of the day being about just another day of being fat.

It is a wonderful change to my outlook on life. I feel so fortunate that I was able to have this surgery. I"m so glad others here understand.

I see... my insurance covered it with a $35 specialist co-pay. With so many different insurance plans it is very hard to be of help. Still, I would use low-interest credit if needed and available. You've already made quite an investment in the procedure if this is your last hurdle.

My surgeon allows for one caffeinated beverage per day. I shake a scoop of chocolate Muscle Milk into eight ounces of cold home-brewed coffee every day. That means no caffeine headache and 16 grams of Protein for me. I read about other patient's limitations and allowances with a grain of salt. I carefully selected my surgeon and I think he has my success in mind. My success directly correlates to his success. It would be interesting to put together a spreadsheet of the various dietary timelines to see the vast difference in pre- and post-surgical regimens! Does one exist?

Your insurance won't pay for the psychiatric evaluation? Have you asked the surgeon's office for a different psychiatrist referral? Maybe there is another office that is easier to work with? How about those "CareCredit" places, that can give you a line of credit for medical expenses? I think those are low interest? If you've jumped through all these hoops and all the mental/emotional strain, don't stop now! You can win this, don't give up.

You go! Good for you for getting back on track. To me, this is a very serious, life or death, procedure. I am following the rules. I thought about a sip of wine on New Year's Eve, but took a juice box to the party instead. If something bad happens to me, I don't want it to be my fault. We have to take care of ourselves in a different way now. Again, good for you, and happy new year!

There are so many variations in insurance coverage. The best way to find out is to call the customer service for your insurance provider.

Twice now, I have had to take Milk of Magnesia. I am only two weeks out and still on full liquids. Milk of Magnesia is gentle, and they have a concentrated "half the dose" formula that only requires one or two tablespoons. It is strawberry flavored. I am also eating baby food prunes and some other baby vegetables.

I hope you get nothing but positive news at your appointment tomorrow. I had shoulder pain for just over a week. I was at my wit's end about it. It finally went away for good when we started walking a couple of miles each day, but it took a few days. What a relief! I also used heat, and I think it might have helped to lay on the side that hurt. My left shoulder hurt, and I noticed that after sleeping on the left side, the pain would disappear for a while. It would gradually come back through the day. It may have been coincidental, but it was a relief to not have that pain for a few hours.