kczar

If everything goes according to plan, I should be an August sleever! I finish my six month diet the end of June, but my company's schedule rules out July as an option. So unless I have a hiccup with insurance (and I doubt I will), I should have a date mid-August. And Marley, welcome to the forums! When I first started considering WLS, I absolutely ruled out the sleeve since it's not reversible. But after doing a lot of research and talking with my surgeon, I think it's the best option for me. Since you have a medical background, you have a leg up on a lot of us here. Roam the threads and you'll pick up a lot of great information. Good luck!

Robbino, I have kind of done the same thing. My insurance requires a six month supervised diet but I don't have to lose any weight during that period. And I want to make sure my weight doesn't dip down below the minimum BMI. But now that I'm in the final month, I'm cracking down on making the necessary changes. I've already been working on not drinking while eating. I'm going to start replacing one to two meals with a Protein shake or bar. My big thing is going to be carbs. Maybe you can start making those kinds of changes now. Smaller bites, chewing thoroughly (those are tough for me!) And perhaps gradually cutting out some of the things you're going to have to cut out at least for a while (I had my last In and Out burger two weeks ago.) Lots of luck. You're going to do great!

You should be able to go to the company's website and use their store locator function. I picked up some of the Quest bars at the Vitamin Shoppe and they're pretty good. Their website will also let you buy individual bars if you want to try them (although I know you prefer buying them in a physical store.) I'm going to buy some bars from About Time to try. I love their Protein Powder and their site says they make the bars to order. I don't think you can get much fresher than that!

Cytosport and Isopure are available at GNC and Vitamin Shoppe stores. Sometimes you can find them at Walgreens or CVS. They taste pretty strong to me but if I cut them with some water, I can drink them. Good luck!

I considered trying the Unjury broth flavor but I've decided just to make my own broth and add protein to it on a per serving basis. Having done a liquid diet prep for gallbladder surgery, I found I didn't like the taste of commercial broth and I figure powdered won't be any better. I'll just throw a chicken, carrots, onions, garlic and a bay leaf in a pot with a bunch of water. My family can eat the chicken and I'll strain the rest and portion it out in an ice cube tray. Pop one or two into a cup, microwave and then add the protein powder!

PB2 has the same nutritional values as this version. It's actually the only one I was aware of. Plus they have a chocolate flavored on as well! I'd love for these manufacturers to come out with more nut butter flavors in powdered form. They're awesome! You can buy this from the company's website, through Amazon for find a store the carries them on their site.

Cool! I'm really happy that Mexican food seems to be a really great option after being sleeved. Being from Texas, we love our Tex-Mex!

Try entering his name in the physician's search box at the top of the page. It will show you anyone who's rated the doctor. Then you could send them a message to get their opinion. You can also read the reviews to help you make your decision. The interval between selecting a surgeon and getting sleeved depends on several factors. The surgeon's work load, insurance requirements, pre-op tests and evaluations, etc. Good luck!

Good luck! There's a poster here that's currently pregnant. I think it's Tiffykins. You might look for her about what it's like to be pregnant and sleeved. Of course, she is in her maintenance phase so I think her caloric intake is much higher than your's will be immediately post-op.

Good luck, Ilyssa. Please keep us posted on how you're doing after surgery.

I personally like About Time. They have very few ingredients and are sweetened with Stevia. As someone else said, get sample packs from a bunch of different companies and figure out what you like. There is a pinned thread in the food and Nutrition section and gives the websites where you can buy the single packs. If you're interested in the ready to drink (I personally think they all taste of chemicals), GNC and Vitamin Shoppe carry a variety of brands. You can return anything you don't like. Good luck on the liquid diet program. You should probably invest in different things to add variety. sugar free syrups, pudding mixes and PB2 Peanut Butter powder all allow you to create new flavors from the basic chocolate and vanilla. To me, that's a lot more cost effective than buying a bunch of different flavor powders.

Dooter, it is freakin' awesome! They also have PB2 crackers that taste like Nutter Butters. They're sold in 100 calorie snack packs and there are about 15-20 in a pack. You could easily break that pack up into 3-5 Snacks and be completely satisfied. I you have a Central Market in your area, they carry the product. Off topic, I just wanted to let you know I noticed your new avi. Although I loved your old one (I think it reflected your personality perfectly) you look really awesome in the new pic. Keep it up!

I think this is getting to be pretty common, and frankly it makes sense. My PCP had his gallbladder removed when he was sleeved last year. Why not go ahead and remove something that is likely need to be dealt with in the next year anyway?

Sending prayers you way, Delta. We'll speak through faith that it's just swelling and it will resolve itself quickly. Please keep us posted.

You got it, kiddo. Hang in there.

For a substitute for nut butters, you might want to try PB2. It's a powdered peanut butter that you mix with water. It's something like 45 calories for two tablespoons and really low fat. Plus they have a chocolate flavored variety! It mixes really well in protein shakes, too. You can order online from Amazon or the company's website (just Google it) or a lot of health stores carry it. The company's website has a store locator.

Have you checked with your insurance company yet? They can give you the exact total you'll have to come up with. Or you'll probably meet with the insurance coordinator on your first visit with the surgeon. They do a pre-authorization and will give you paperwork showing your portion. Good luck!

Apparently gallbladder removal is the second most common surgery in the US (according to the surgeon who yanked mine!) You'll do fine and will bless the surgeon for getting rid of it.

Congratulations!! And good luck tomorrow, madison.

Of course, the answers are going to vary depending in the insurance carrier. My personal out of pocket that has to be met is $2,000 before insurance kicks in at 80/20. The maximum OOP is $4,000 with no limits. That's why, after I had my gallbladder removed in February, I'm working to get everything fixed this year. In fact, I'm sitting in bed recovering from surgery to fix my deviated septum. Once I meet all my insurance requirements, I should be sleeved at no additional cost to me.

You might want to google World According to Eggface. She has a bunch of recipes for protein ice cream that sound delicious. Certainly better for you than any other frozen treat.

Good for you! Unfortunately, I can't really contribute to your thread since I'm pre-op but it sounds like you're ready to stop rationalizing and get back on track. It's great to hear that even at your stage, there is still work to be done. I think that's much more realistic than thinking everything's perfect once you hit goal. Good luck!

Congratulations! And you're probably like me. As much as I love LB, I can't wait till I have clothes that aren't from there. Sounds like you're almost at that point. Keep it up!

I love your attitude! So many people complain about the "hoops" they have to jump through for insurance. In this case, it's either caught a problem early (although we're going to maintain there isn't anything to worry about!) or it will give you proof that you don't need to be concerned with any breast issues. I'll say a prayer for you and believe it will be just a blip on the radar to your ultimate destination - being sleeved. Keep us posted.

The worst part for me was the guard they put in your mouth to prevent you from biting the camera. But I'm pretty claustrophobic. Fortunately, they knocked me out right after that and next thing I knew, I woke up in recovery. Good luck, Dadto2! You'll be sleeved before you know it.