TheRealMeIsHere!

My insurance covers over the counter items, as long as the dr. writes a scrip. Also, some of the vitamins will be discontinued as you are eating a wider variety of foods, so it is not forever.

I'm 18 months out and my ONLY regret, is that it wasn't an option 30 years ago.

I hope to get a panniculectomy soon. I have ALWAYS had a tendency to pass out, when I get grossed out. It is a vaso-vagal response, in an instant, with very little warning, my BP drops to 60/30 and I am DOWN!! After surgery, I realize that I will have drains. My doc suggested I desensitize myself to what it will look like. I need pics, the more graphic, the better and info regarding drain care and daily life while they are in. As I live alone and DON'T want to be on the floor every time I catch a glimpse of them or have to clean the site, empty drains, etc....

Egg beaters (makes great egg-nog shakes!) ff ricotta (season as if for shells) ff plain greek yogurt with splenda and extract (experiment with different extracts) unsweetened cocoa (tastes like mousse) or lemon or lime juice. Egg white powder has the least taste of all that I have tried. Good for adding to things to give it a Protein boost. FF cream soups with tuna, chicken, baby meats or fat free cheese blended in. Here are some of my recipes http://ormcbariatric.wordpress.com/ (January and August 22) Protein that contains minimal carbs should always be first. I still eat very little foods that are non-proteiny, as I eat such a small amount that I rarely reach my protein goals.

EAS AdvantEdge RTD is my fav, also Pure Protein Frosty chocolate powder blended with water and ice. FF cream soups, ff cheese, ff ricotta, ff cottage cheese, ff plain Greek yogurt, egg beaters (great for an egg nog shake), tuna or chicken (even baby meats as long as it is stage 1) blended into the soup. With the ricotta you can season it like for stuffed shells and heat, or I have a recipe for cannoli cream.

WOW....Just WOW!!! YOU look Terrific!! I am SOOOO jealous of your tummy, it is so flat!

Ruby Tuesday is AWESOME about this! I got it from my nut at a support group.

Congrats! OMG That is sooo AWESOME!!! Please tell me how you did it. What, specifically did you put in the appeal?

Just looking to connect with some people, maybe an exercise partner

Not sure what special interest forums you are referring to.

TERRIFIC!! Feels good, doesn't it! Bet you are in better shape than when YOU were 20.

Puree is not as gross as you think. It doesn't have to be pureed meat, get creative and think outside the box. You could have soft scrambled egg with cheese, just mash with a fork FF Plain Greek yogurt with unsweetened cocoa powder or extracts and sweetener, lime juice and sweetener, etc.... chicken salad made in a food processor, with some extra mayo or greek yogurt for moistness. Ricotta cheese-seasoned as if for stuffed shells, top with sauce. Here is a link to some recipes, that I STILL eat, just because I enjoy them!! http://ormcbariatric.wordpress.com/ (January post and August 22nd) There is also this site http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/ http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/30539-awesome-tuna-fish-sandwich-soup-recipe/page__hl__protein__fromsearch__1 http://www.murfsurg.com/pureed_recipes.htm Hope this info helps.

Could be Water weight or constipation. I've gained 3-5 lbs overnight, at times, but then it DOES go away, as long as I keep doing the right things. I also take Miralax and Colace every night, due to constipation from all high Protein foods and VERY LITTLE fruits/veggies.

Thank you for the pic, that doesn't look too bad. What about where the tubes come out of you? Do you have pics of that? What kind of care is involved with the drains and incisions? Do you have to move carefully, so you don't pull or disturb the tubes? I know my doc will give me all this info, but I REALLY need to desensitize myself to the harsh reality and possible grossness! LOL!

Or if it hangs below the pubis, that is what my doctor is using for justification, because I don't get the rashes. She feels pretty certain ins. will approve.

I'd be afraid that carbonation could stretch the sleeve, but once in a while might be ok.

Thank you for posting the question. Thank you all for the great responses. I have stopped worrying about my upper arms, but would love to cover the upper thighs, without looking like I'm trying. On to my research....into the great links that were given!

You look wonderful!!! Though I know that other people saying that does not help. I where a size 1, 2 or 3 and look ok with clothes, but I know what I REALLY look like, with all the skin, and still see myself as FAT!

TOTALLY understand the surreal, your too fat to be here, feeling. I am a size 1, 2 or 3, depending on where I shop, and feel almost like a fraud. Like I have no business buying such sizes. I look pretty good in clothes, But...I know what I look like naked, with excess skin, and it ain't pretty!!! LOL

NEVER, in my life, did I think I would say those words!! My goal was 115, when I hit 120, I considered myself close enough and figured the other 5 lbs would just happen. I am now 112lbs. That is still a normal BMI, but how do I keep from going lower? I physically cannot eat more, I don't want to add junk food just to boost calories. I'm still only eating my protein because my tummy can only hold 1/2 cup at a time. That means only occasional bites of veggies/fruits and rare bites of pasta/potatoes/bread/rice.

As far as I know, it is not a chemical process to remove fat from dairy. In un-homogenized milk the cream rises to the top and is removed

It's NOT healthy, long term to not eat fruits/veggies. In the meantime I am taking my vitamins, as prescribed. Again, not a good long term solution, but as my stomach expands, will be able to have more variety.

I do eat peanuts, so am getting some good fats, there

I believe in moderation, which is why I used the word 'regularly' As my stomach expands, I will be able to have more variety. I occasionally have a bite or 2 of something else, besides protein. But, I feel great and am very healthy, all blood work has been perfect, and he checks EVERYTHING! It's like donating blood when I go, LOL!!

Some of the advice has been helpful, but I will not return to my old habits, that is how people regain the weight, after a few years. I am following a healthy low fat diet, not processed foods. I don't deprive myself, I just limit sweets and junk foods to an occasional bite. My nut told me to add a few extra calories at a time (1-2 extra bites at meals) so as not to increase calories too rapidly, that makes sense. I asked the question while I was waiting for a response from my nut. As my stomach expands, I will be able to include fresh veggies/fruit. My health is EXCELLENT and my energy through the roof!!