Tammy310

I have a host of other health issues and years ago my gastro doc told me no straws and no gum. (I can't burp ~ strange but true). Regardless, in regard to the styrofoam and take out cups I just tear a little notch on one side of the lid and drink from that. (Looks kind of like coffee lids do when you lift the notch) This way, no straw and I can go to movies, etc. without worry of what cup I'm getting and I don't have to remove the lid to drink.

I just wanted to post and say that I'm not "really gay," but my brother, my aunt and several of my very close friends are. I think it's great that everyone is here to post and support each other. I'm sorry that no one ever finished the story, I was excited to see where it went. Good luck and CONGRATULATIONS to all of you! Both in WLS & family, bear, etc. stuff. I'll be checking back for that story...

@smb: That's funny. Don't cram too much, you want to be healthy enough for the procedure. My surgeon's office told me that they don't REQUIRE pre-surgical weight loss. It's a plus but not required. According to them, once you start the liquid pre-op prep it will happen on its own. Good luck. @Dorrie: Technically my insurance should just go right through because I work for the facility where my surgery will be done and we are "self-insured." I only need them to pay the doc. According to him they do NOT require a prescribed amount of weight to be lost ahead of time. They only care about shrinking the liver (because it's laparoscopic) and that will happen during the liquid prep. _________________________________________________________ Thank GOD because I've been trying like heck to lose forever and even since April I've only lost 3lbs. I've counted every calorie, cut out sweets entirely, I'm practicing 3meals a day (which is more than I ever eat). there is NO WAY I could figure out how to lose 24lbs. This process is a complete eye opener, that's for sure. I am in awe of the many that seem to have gone through like a breeze.

Hey all, I'm just wondering... why does everyone's protocol seem so different. It's all the same surgery so what's up? Example: just to get my insurance approval I had to have 3 nutritionist meetings, 3 support group meetings, 1 psych visit, 1 letter from my doctor to the surgeon stating that I'm a bariatric candidate. THEN they apply for approval to the insurance. This is a process that I understand can take up to 2 weeks. THEN I'll get a date for two weeks in the future during which I will do the liquid diet AND I believe I must have several series of diagnostic tests that will include a clearance from my pulmonogist and a pulmonary function test. Luckily for me I got to skip the required sleep study because I was diagnosed with OSA in 2008 and already have the machine. I see some people post with no testing or things scheduled and they have their date now. (??!?!) also, what pre-op tests can I expect? I've seen EGD, Xray, etc. Another issue I'm seeing is the pre and post-op diet. My doc said 2 weeks pre-op all liquid except one 300 calorie healthy meal per day. and 3 cups leafy greens. I'll probably do it for lunch at work so that people don't ask questions and get in my business. Post-op is in 5 stages and each is a minimum of a week (could be longer depending on my tolerance): clear liquid, full liquid, puree, soft, then regular. I've read some posts where people are having problems but they are coming out of surgery and going right to the table to eat the same old stuff. Why is this so confusing (and scary) ???? Input please? ~Tammy

Thanks so much! You give me hope Congrats on your surgery and Wish you a speedy recovery. I'll look forward to your future posts.

Is achy honestly the worst you feel? I've been wondering how that would go because I am allergic to almost ALL pain meds. So I was planning on going "au natural" myself. No worries, I know people have different pain tolerances. I won't take your answer as gospel.

I've had pulmonary issues all my life and it seems that every time it was that TOM I got sick with whatever was going around. The one thing that helped me was that I start drinking AIRBORNE at about the second week in August (just once daily) and I continue until the pollen is done in May. I haven't been hospitalized in 5yrs because of this. I also get a flu shot each year and a pneumonia shot every 5. I'll pray extra for you. Feel better. and no worries about the whiney...we're all here to talk and listen. ~ Tammy

@ lzuri: I imagine that they'll want some tests from me then. I have a whole host of issues and qualify with a BMI of 37 because I'm so messed up in every other aspect. lol This is probably the only time being sick works in my favor. (how bad is that) hahaha

mine said the same. Will they actually tell us afterward? Anyone been told???

I have a new vice...my nails. I do them myself...polish off, file a little, new color on... by the time I'm done I'm no longer hungry. and my nails look GREAT!

I asked the surgeon, what if I lose so much weight that my BMI gets better...will the insurance company deny me? He laughed and said they WANT you to lose. The insurance only goes by first office weight. LOL I'd still love to see double digit loss before. Good luck to you!

Thanks Dorrie. Luckily for me, I've had to give up most of my food addiction to other health issues. I'm hoping that my "head hunger" won't be hard to control. At least (since I've come here) I now know to expect it. I do trust my doc and the facility and program are a rated as "center for/of excellence" whatever. So, I pray for a positive outcome. I do appreciate the support from the forum and all of you "big losers."

Hello.. you've definitely come to the right place for help and support. I've been logging in daily and everyone here seems awesome about posting and sharing. There is a great wealth of knowledge and personal experience here. Welcome and good luck!

I believe this is the case. you have to log into the chat room. I did for like 10min and no one was on so I played around with my settings and i was out. most people look like they checked in in the afternoon. I can't so I guess I'll just be posting.

I, like 612belly, actually like the ISOPURE zero. Perhaps you're drinking the wrong flavor? Tonight I tried green tea. Not bad. A little more drying than the others (if you can believe that) but they're good over ice. just not the green apple melon one. YUCK.

ok...to any of you on...I'm gonna log in and stay there, stop by. PS. it is 6:50pm EST

You may be sore but you're on the right road already because you've already checked in with your support group. Congrats and I look forward to your post-op comments/posts.

you look great...so much younger and happier. I like the new "attitude" in your eyes. Congrats!

So happy for you! congratulations

I haven't had surgery yet, as a matter of fact I won't even get a date until September (so maybe october surgery. ) However, I'm 5'5" @ 220 and am built pretty solid. Therefore, every time I mention WLS to anyone I get some sort of BS response: You're not big enough to have surgery ~ I'm 90+ lbs overweight All you need to do is excercise ~ I have a gym membership and I use it as much as my asthma will allow. Calories in = Calories out ~ I eat 1500 cal or less daily therefore (in theory) my max weight should be 150lbs. Have you tried cutting out the bad stuff ~ I don't EVER drink soda, don't eat fried food, don't use salt, drink skim or 1% milk...what else would you like me to do? (all due to other health problems) It's frustrating to say the least and I just want to scream at them that this is my last resort, not my first option. I've done my research I've modified my lifestyle. I'm not doing this to just be skinny, I want to be healthy. Regardless, now that I've made the decision to have it done, I just tell people that "I'm still considering it but I have other things to do first." When the time comes to actually get it done all everyone will know is that I'm out on vacation. Your final decision is yours to make and I hope that you find support. If not, WE are here for you.

If it's any help, i've had several people with Fibro tell me that it gets better after weight loss. I can't wait to find out for myself. Please keep me updated. ~ and CONGRATS on the date! you sound super prepared.

I'll let you know when we try it out. Maybe people just don't realize there's a tab for it or perhaps they do it after hours. We'll see.

will do!

Just a note, Vertical Sleeve Talk also has a Gastric Bypass forum. The web address is www.RNYtalk.com . At least it follows the same format (which you may be used to by now).

Best wishes to you! great job on the pre-op, I hope I can be that strong.