Kthump

I am on my 12th day out, feeling GREAT, no "adverse side effects" to speak of. I'm still on liquids. I have been getting in all of my water and about 60 grams of protein per day. I have walked daily. The first week I lost 10 pounds. This week, I have just teetered at the same weight. It doesn't make sense! My caloric intake is about 500 calories a day. Has anyone else had this problem?

You're absolutely right. I guess I am just a weeeeee bit rigid with my expectations. I'll keep on with what I'm doing -and try to be a little more patient. Thanks!

I have been having the same worries, "Newbie". I am 11 days out and still on liquids - but have never really felt any discomfort or the "I couldn't take another sip if I wanted to" feeling. I was really beginning to think that I had already stretched mine out, too. Glad to hear that I am not the only one with that fear - and that we will feel the restriction more as time goes on. Best of luck!

So sorry to hear your news. I feel so bad that you are going through this. Be careful, call your doctor, and take care of yourself. I haven't used one, but people in my support groups talked about wearing a waist support to keep "held in" better - and to ease some of the internal pain. This make help you, since it such an emotional time right now. Take care.

I was sleeved on Thursday. Other than some slight pain in my shoulder, I didn't really experience it, either. Actually, I thought it was muscle soreness from laying down more than normal. I only later found out that what I was feeling was the gas! I think we've both been very fortunate! Fingers crossed that everything continues to go this smoothly. : )

I start the day out by mixing 3 full scoops of nectar - which contains 300 calories and 72 grams of protein total - with about 15 oz. of water, rather than the recommended 8-16 oz per scoop for the drink. I don't drink it all t once. I spread it out throughout the day. Sounds crazy, I know. It just helps me "account" for my intake and get all the rest in 3 bottles of water and maybe a shake or tomato soup for a few extra proteins/liquid. I just found that the shakes are really filling. Water goes down very easily. It all basically works out the same. It just helped me get it all in.

I was just sleeved on Thursday. I stressed about getting in enough protein, calories, and water ....like everyone else. I have found that if I pre-mix all my protein drinks in the AM - that I don't spend the day calculating and hurrying to fit in all my required intake. I also reduce the amount of water that I add by at least half. It doesn't seem like a chore to finish it, and I still can get in all the water that I need. Lucky for me, I don't mind having the same thing allllll day long. I may throw in a tomato soup or chocolate shake for an evening treat. It's working for me so far. : )

I don't know why I do that, it just helps me feel more at ease if I know that I can "knock out" the protein requirement easier. I still get in my water, as well. 6 of one, half a dozen of another, I guess. It seems easier for me to drink water. The protein stuff is a bit more filling, and a bit more of a chore. I figured if I doubled up, I could get it done and over with quicker.

My pain is minimal. I actually feel like it should be worse .... So that I don't overdo. It was rough on Thursday and Friday. I was incredibly nauseous. I believe that it was just a result of the anesthetics. I feel great now, am able to get in all my Proteins and Water, and have minimal discomfort. Very lucky from what I've read. How about you? I hope that it is going as well for you.

I was just sleeved 3 days ago. Dr. Gawel. I'm feeling remarkably well - now that I'm over the initial nausea from the anesthesia. I can't say enough good things about the staff and my care that I received from Blodgett Hospital! Let the journey begin!

Good luck to you! Mine is on Thursday morning. I am getting so excited - and ready to continue this journey!

I expect that it will be difficult, but doable. I am so excited to finally have this opportunity, that I will (mentally) be able to find pleasure in my own little "holiday shake". Eye on the prize, eye on the prize ..... Is my new mantra during difficult times.

Oops! My surgery date is Jan. 5th. They were able to schedule it quite quickly, considering the holidays. Good luck to you!

I was denied 3 years ago bc I didn't have documentation of supervised weight-loss attempts (Weight Watcher's, TOP'S, Jenny Craig) or even weigh-ins at a doctor's office. Our insurance changed, still bcbs, different "of" state. This time, it didn't affect the outcome. The criteria was different - and it wasn't necessary. (YAY! - because i was not able to regularly attend a wl group.) Each bcbs division has their own policy, I have been told. They don't have universal requirements for pre-approval. That doesn't really make a whole lot of sense, but it is what it is. If you speak with a representative, they will gladly send you a copy of their requirements, in much greater detail, than your coverage booklet. Good luck to you!

Oops! I forgot to mention .... Surgery is scheduled for January 5th! They were able to get me in rather quickly once all the papers were received. I hope you hear something soon! : )

I want to go sledding with my kids (14 year old twins) - not just take pictures or hold extra gloves. I want to wait in line for a roller coaster ride without the fear of "struggling" to get myself belted in. (forget the shear embarrassment of having to have the attendant help me out!). I CAN'T WAIT to have a real "family picture taken. I have avoided cameras for as long as I can remember. I want to go to a sporting event and not "have" to sit in the nosebleed section because I want a backrest and I feel uncomfortable sitting in front of people. I really just want to become more of an active participant in my children's lives - not just an onlooker.

Mine took just under 5 weeks to get approved. I was told that they can take up to 30 business days to make their decision. : (. Alas, it did come! Be patient and stay focused! Good luck to you!

This is my 2nd time around. I was denied three years ago. I started the process again in early October. I barelled through my tests / consults by Nov. 3. Insurance was sent info for approval immediately. They took just under 5 weeks to issue a formal approval letter. That was, by far, the hardest part of the process. Keep your chin up - and be patient. I was told by an insurance rep that they can take up to 30 business days to make the decision. Good luck to you! Keep focused!

At the top of the writer's post - adjacent to the time that it was submitted (at the top), there is a little box with a checkmark that says "like it". My only other thought, is that could be an option affiliated with the use of Facebook or Twitter. Hope this helps!

Keep up the positive attitude! It is very hard, I know. I was denied once - 3 years ago. I began "the journey" again this Fall. I was the model patient, counting calories / Proteins / carbs, etc.....losing 17 lbs during the intake process. All appointments were completed in a very timely manner. Papers were sent to Insurance for final approval. My anxiety was higher than ever - as I was afraid of the possible outcome. One week, no response. 2 weeks, no response. 3 weeks, the same. I felt like I was on a roller coaster at times. Excited, afraid, angry and hopeless. With the Thanksgiving holiday and my growing feeling of hopelessness, I will admit, I quit documenting my daily intake. Luckily, I managed to keep on track with my "Protein first", low sugar, low carb diet. I really need to measure and document again - as it really served as a good tool for me. (While I am eating all the right things, I find it all to easy to keep dipping into the sunflower seed bag, and I'm fairly certain sf fudgsicles don't really fit into a healthy food category.) Just shy of 5 weeks after the insurance submission I received an automated call from my ins co regarding my "upcoming hospital stay"! Neither my doctor or I had had any contact from them - and then I got this call out of the blue. I had all but given up. I was a bit pessimistic, or scared to Celebrate quite yet, still. I phoned the company for confirmation and to have them fax a copy of the approval letter. It was approved - FOR REAL! My surgery is scheduled for Jan. 5th! I feel like I am rambling...... What I would like to say is never give the hope. It is a very topsy-turvey ride, but one that can be endured with continued focus. Good luck, and remember that there are lots of people there to support you on your journey.