5DoxieMom

I was self pay in the U.S. I wish I would have done my research....I would have went to MX and saved ALOT of $$$$ After reading so many posts on this site regarding MX that are positive, I would have had no problem with it. In fact, I think the more popular doctors have so much more experience doing so many procedures, they may be better than some US docs who haven't done a bunch (if that makes any sense)

Shelly...Syntrax is a brand of protein mix. They have many flavors, including fruit flavors, strawberry, lemonade, cherry, fruit punch. I have a couple tubs in my pantry....to me they're just as nasty as any other. But some people like them. You can go to their website and order samples....it used to be something like $15 for 10 samples.

Oooooh I feel your pain. At 6 months out, I still try to get 1 in a day. The only ones I can drink are the ready to drink Premiere shakes from Costco. Even then, they have to be super cold, or partially frozen. I pour it into a 4 oz dixie cup, so I can't smell it when I drink it. So, maybe if you try drinking from a really small cup, or something else so you can't smell while drinking....I don't know, but I know its hard. First thing post op I drank Isopure ready to drink from GNC. It makes your mouth kind of 'puckery', but the taste was tolerable. But then, I've heard other people say that they hate Isopure. I hope that you guys find a shake that you can tolerate. Best of luck to you.

It really is hard to recognize new feelings and sounds from your new stomach. It took me about 4 months to get used to things. At 7 months, I don't have anymore weird noises, and I'm used to the new 'normal'. I think at first that "something stuck air trapped" feeling we get is due to swelling. Not sure, just a guess.

I'm 6 months out, and still crave some sweets....Its a battle. But, I have found out that white carbs are addictive....the more you eat them, the more you crave. So, I try really hard to stay away from them. When I want something sweet, I usually have a protein shake or bar. Sure, it doesn't taste as good as a peanut butter twix, but I just try to keep reminding myself that stuff is like poison. This surgery isn't magic, but it sure does make things a lot easier!

You can also make faux popcorn out of cauliflower, Dr. Oz had a recipe for it. I chop it into popcorn sized pieces, lay it out on a baking sheet, bake at 420 for about 12-14 min, then I sprinkle white cheddar popcorn sprinkles (from Cost Plus world market), and its yummy. Of course for this one, you've got to make sure you're cleared for crunchy foods!

The reason you find more people with RNY is because more people still get RNY. My guess is you will see that tide turning in the next 5-10 years. I agree with this statement. I believe that insurance companies are more likely to pay for RNY, but I see that changing too. I know medicare pays for RNY, but last I heard, didn't cover VSG.

I originally wanted the band, because I didn't know the sleeve existed. Once I found out about it, I knew it was for me. I'm over 6 months out. Even though I am a slow loser, down about 45, with 38 to go, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. I don't even think about it anymore. I now automatically go for the protein first. I do have to really make a conscious effort to get all my water in. The first couple months were rough getting used to a new way of eating. I have some days where I feel like I can eat a lot, other days not. Good luck in whatever you do. I am over 50 and have been overweight since I was born! I could have NEVER lost the weight without the sleeve. Now, we'll see if I get to goal, and the real test, can I keep it off. I haven't had chocolate in over 6 months and I don't even miss it. (except for the choco flavoring in my protein shakes)

Sounds like a kidney infection,

I asked. And if I needed my gallbladder removed and it could be directly related to WLS, they will not cover it. But, my insurance has no idea I had WLS, because my PCP (whom was totally on board with WLS) is very forgetful, and 'forgot' to mention it in her dictation, so it has never made it onto my list of diagnoses, (wink). I'm 6 months out, so I'm feeling pretty safe. One benefit of being a slow loser, is its easier on the ol' gallbladder!

My health insurance provider, Pacific Source, excludes all WLS, AND any complications that may arise from it, should a person go out and have surgery on their own.

I had mine at a same day surgery center in Coos Bay, Oregon. Check in 8 am, walked out at 2:30 in the afternoon feeling a bit out of it, but OK. I live about 1 hour away, so went home for the night (in my own bed with my doggies). Went back the next morning for leak test and routine IV fluids. Then the day after that I went back again to have my drain pulled and officially 'released'. No regrets. I would much rather be at home than in a hospital.

I'm 6 months out as well, and have only lost 42 lbs, but I have not given up, I keep pluggin' along doing what I'm supposed to do. I attribute my slow losing to being over 50. I get in my treadmill 4-5X a week, Protein and Water. I am strictly staying away from all white carbs. I know its frustrating, I feel your pain. Especially when others have lost soooo much. But, I keep reminding myself that I could have never lost this much without surgery. Slow is better than not at all. Has yours been slow, or completely stopped? I have only lost 2 lbs over the last 5 weeks.

I had my surgery in Oregon by a great surgeon. I didn't have a NUT, the RN in the office did the only education session that I had to attend. ($550.00 for 45 min) I believe she is available for questions as needed, although I have never needed to call her. They have support group meetings once a month. I was given a binder of instructions. I had a follow up at 6 weeks, other than that...not much. BUT, I know they are available by phone, if I should need anything. It might have something to do with my being self pay.

Sarahcc, You certainly are a good loser. I have only lost 42 lbs over the last 6 months. I am exercising 3-4 X a week, for 45 min to an hour. I haven't tried rice, pasta, or crackers since surgery. I get in my protein and water. I think its because I'm over 50....excuses excuses. Anyway, I need you to come over here and rub up against me, because I want some of whatever you got! Congratulations, you look wonderful and yes, I am jealous!

I am 6 months out, and I am a food addict. I am only down 42 lbs....down 2 this week after a 5 week stall. So for me, 38 lbs to go. I think about food a lot. Some days are worse than others. I am hoping that I will become less interested in food as time goes by. I am over 50, so I think losing may be a little harder. I say if I can do it, anyone can. I might be slow, but I'm still a LOSER. And honestly, if I never lost another lb., I would still be happy I had the surgery. I fall into the overweight category now, and for that, I am thankful. Of course, I will try to get to goal, and believe that I eventually will.

Don't know how far out you are, but when you can eat, you will be able to get much of your protein from food. I still supplement with one premiere protein shake a day (from Costco), these are the only ones that I can drink. I, too, spent hundreds on expensive protein crap that I couldn't choke down. I have found that even with the premiere ones, they have to be really cold (or partially frozen), and I drink them out of a small cup, so that I am less likely to smell it while drinking. The smell of some of those things makes me heave, Ick-o. One time I tried to drink one directly out of the carton and couldn't do it, I don't know why that makes a difference, but for me it does.

You can try prilosec over the counter, it is a proton pump inhibitor, just like dexilant, but much more affordable. If its acid, then prilosec should do it. It can take up to 48 hours for complete relief. that's the only bad thing about PPIs.

For me, the crazy noises lasted for a couple months. It almost was like my stomach was growling, but I knew I wasn't hungry. Crazy noises are normal. I don't think you're overeating.

I'm almost 6 months and in the same boat.... down 41 lbs. missing A LOT of hair. No weight loss in 5 weeks.

Under the tongue. Sub="under", lingual="tongue"

Intrinsic factor is necessary for the absorption of B-12, and it is produced in your stomach. Since most of our stomach is gone, there is less intrinsic factor produced, so, in turn, less B-12 absorption. Taken sublingually, it is absorbed....that's why we take it that way. At least that's what I kind of remember from nursing school, so I might be a little off. My surgeon only suggests supplementing once a week.

I am almost 6 months out, and have averaged 2 lbs for the last 2 months, sorry, it hasn't picked up again, but would love to hear from someone has.

Well said Circa!

Randalljohn, Yes. I am 5 months out, and I have quite an appetite. I have not gained any weight back, but have not lost in over 5 weeks. I know that days that I focus on protein, and really push the water, then I do better. But if I have a half piece of toast or something else with carbs, then its all over for that day. I know a lot of this is in my head...I am totally obcessed with food. My stomach doesn't really growl, but I always want to eat. It's a battle to say the least. You are not alone. I, too, would appreciate any suggestions. Counseling, yeah, I tried it. I know its not what I'm eating, its what's eating me, but I can't seem to identify what IT is.