Back~To~Amy

I even saw the nutritionist and she told me not to worry about it. Just follow what they say and I will be fine. I just rescheduled today for June 5th too. How cool. I would love to have a sister sleeve buddy off the boards too. If you are interested in chatting, my email is amyh@tx.rr.com. I will give you my number off line. BTW, where do you live? ~Amy

I have the same surgeon and there are no specific preop protein requirements..The goal is less then 1200 calories and less than 120 grams of carbs. Did you get the folder with about 45 pages in it at your appointment with Dr. Nick? ~Amy

I so hope I'm posting one day about being cold. I am soooo hot natured I'm sure due to my weight. I'm tired of breaking a sweat at the least little exertion. It's just awful especially when I keep my air low! ~Amy

After my doctor appointment the other day where I chose my date, I met with a rep from Bariatric Advantage. It was good because I got to try everything. However, I almost feel like I might be being taken by a salesman. Of course, his products were the best and no others compared nutritional wise. However, I detested his Meal Replacement Protein powder for the preop diet. When I tried to talk about other options like powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury and the likes, he just wasn't having it because they aren't Meal Replacements with all the Vitamins and minerals. After surgery, I could use those but prior to surgery he was insistent I needed meal replacement shakes. Also, his vitamins were specifically made for pre and post Bariatric surgery and, in his opinion, there just wasn't anything else out there comparable. I understands he is a salesman, but geeze, his stuff wasn't cheap. The preop shakes, bars and "chips" is $180.00. The one month postop is $129.00 and the vitamins (multi, Calcium, b-12 , and d) will run me a little over $100.00 every 3 months. I don't have a problem spending money for my health. I do have issues with spending more than necessary just to have Bariatric specific stuff and for their protein meal replacements I detest just because the salesman's opinion is that his stuff is the best and because he feels I need meal replacements (instead of just protein shakes) during my preop. I'm not sure exactly what I'm looking for here. Maybe, to know what y'all are using and your thoughts of using bariatric specific products. Thanks in advance for your thoughts and opinions. ~Amy

Love that! ~Amy

I'm still sampling protein powders and having an issue. I don't know if I am doing something wrong or if my issue is just something I'm going to have to live with. I put my protein powder in a blender bottle and shake, shake, shake. No matter how much I shake, it still doesn't completely dissolve. It still has little "pieces" of protein powder in it. Is it something I'm doing or not doing or just something I'm gonna have to live with? Also, if I want to mix my powder in a warmed soup, how do I do that? Put the soup in the blender bottle? If so, do you warm it before or after the protein powder is in it? Thanks!

Welcome! You will find all kinds of information here and lots of helpful people. Best of luck to you on your journey. ~Amy

Okay, here it is. http://www.wheatoniowa.org/programs-services/weight-loss-surgery/patient-education/diet-and-nutrition.aspx I have no idea what it says. It is detailed though so it may be useful for you.

Mine stuff says no raw veggies until 6 weeks out too. Sorry! I have a link to another surgeons site that I will try and find and post to see what that doctor says. It seems there are so many thoughts and opinions from all the professionals.

Aaww! You poor thing. Hang in there and keep the end picture in mind.

Just read it. It says avoid all fruit exct for bananas for 6 weeks. I'd say to proceed with caution if you try it.

My nutritionist says fruit with any kinds of seed or any that is acidic is off limits for weeks (can't remember the exact amount right now). Acidic fruit may not be tolerated bu the tummy and the small seeds like most berries have can get caught in the suture line.

Yup. They bill more when insurance is involved. Doesn't seem right, does it? ~Amy

I am so sorry that you are going through what you are! I hope that things turn around for you soon! Hugs!! ~Amy

I posted 100 reasons to lose weight on my blog. Although some are personal, a lot of them are things I think a lot of overweight people can commiserate with. Check them out if you like. http://myjourneytoamy.blogspot.com/?m=1 ~Amy

I'm a girl so I have no personal knowledge of your topic but I have heard weight loss does that for guys. Great "side effect". Congrats and enjoy your new ability! ~Amy

I know my benefits were chosen by my company. I think it is really crappy of them to basically say yeah we cover bariatric surgery only to find out they chose benefits so bad anyone would be stupid to use it when they could cash pay for cheaper. I have a huge issue with this and plan on nicely letting them know. My company is really good to us so maybe they don't know the bariatric benefits are so bad it saves us money to pay cash. ~Amy

I think you can do either or a combination of both. I happen to do a combination. Some lowfat stuff is very good, some not. I pick and choose. Mayo and cheese are definitely full fat. Hot dogs, bologna, pepperoni are low fat. Those are just a few examples, but you get the idea.

I have BCBS and I only know the approved amount for the hospital. It is in the $42,000 range. Because my bariatric benefits are only 50%, I would have to pay half of that amount, $21,000. Also, my plan has out of pocket maximums, but not on bariatric surgery. There is no out of pocket maximum. So, based on just that, you can see why I am choosing the $12,000 cash pay option.

I'm looking into Vitamins and have a couple of questions. 1.) will I be able to use gimme vitamins immediately after surgery or do I need to find a liquid or dissolvable form, 2.) should my Multivitamin have Iron or no iron it it and 3.) any recommendations on good tasting vitamins? Thanks!

I actually considered looking for a surgeon who doesn't use a pre op diet. I haven't started mine yet, but I'm sooooooooo dreading it. Count yourself as lucky!

I see several of you are from Keller. I am in Coppell but most of my family live in Keller. I'm scheduled for surgery with Dr. Nicholson on May 22nd.

Wow! You look awesome. It people like you who inspire me!