JuliannaJ

I too started out thinking I was going to get the band, did research and well here I am almost three weeks out from being sleeved now and am so glad I did this!

You will need the typical lab work.....CBC, chemistry profile, plus an EKG. My doc also required a pulmonary function test and sleep apnea test but I think that is all I needed but my insurance covered it all

If you are able to eat and tolerate all foods some raw veggies might fill you up with only a small amount of calories but I think the big issue is to eat consciously....set time aside for the meal/snack and take the time to eat it, don't just eat throughout the day or while watching tv etc. that is how those calories and bad eating habits creep up.

Depends on your insurance company...mine was approved before I finished the requirements of my doc....this isn't usually the case but really depends on what insurance you have

It looks better!

Ok so why are they forbidden? I went out, ordered water and drank it before I realized I was using a straw...whoopsie...but I didn't have any excess gas or anything and I actually can get more fluids in by using a straw....so what is that rationale with no straws and no gum?

I found this online too...it is "pro-straw". I will def need to ask surgeon.... http://www.ehow.com/how_5663719_sip-straw-after-bariatric-surgery.html

I haven't swallowed gum since I was about 4 years old...lol. But I will ask the surgeon's office about the gum as well as the straw. Thanks everyone!

I have worked for a company for over 15 years and the small office I work in collects money every month for things that come up...like if someone dies, gets sick etc. That way we can send flowers or whatever and not have to have a collection. Before my surgery, two other gals in the office went out on disability and instead of just using our collected funds we also threw one a second baby shower and the other one that had abdominal surgery we all got together and put together a basket of clear fluids for her post op...including some vodka (lol) but also had magazines and things for her to do. I even took the time and made a card for her from all of us. So my issue is this...I got nothing and my feelings are really hurt. I cannot understand why my own office would not even send me a card when we send people in other offices cards and flowers when they are out. I don't want to have these feelings of resentment but I do. On top of all of this, I get daily emails or texts from them about my work stuff that they do not know how to do. No one bothered them or called them when they were recovering except to ask how they were...I don't even get that! And when I said something like I guess you are finally seeing some of what I actually do and why I end up staying at work so late, I got "well let me play my little violin for you". Up until now I thought these people were "friends" or at least friendly coworkers of mine and I don't know how to handle this. I am a pretty upfront person, if I feel one way I will say it but I am not even sure what or how to say something at this point.

I am so sorry to hear what you are going through. I was sleeved on 1/16/2013 as well and thankfully did not have any complications. You are in my thoughts and prayers! If it is still not healing, I hope they will culture the area and get you on the right antibiotics if you are not on them already!

The gurgling...definitely...still have it going on but not as much. It was so loud the dog was barking at it!

Today I got a lovely card and a gift card from my coworkers in the mail! Glad I don't work with losers and idiots anymore....lol

I am in the same predicament! I am going to increase the walking and see if it helps, but I stood on the scale today and was up by 1.5 lbs....don't know why! And I only lost 2 lbs last week but at least it was a loss. Still feel down though because I am not able to eat a lot of food let alone a variety of food so I think my body is just revolting against me.

Ok this is what I was told post op...should have 3 meals plus 2 Snacks...make each one last for about 45 minutes and do not drink for at least 30-45 minutes before the meal and 45- 60 minutes after a meal, you need 64 ounces of fluids and should drink 2 ounces every 15 minutes...given that this is what I came up with: 9am - drink 2 ounces 9:30am - 10:15 am - EAT 11am - 12pm drink 8 ounces 1230pm - 1:15pm - EAT 2pm - 3pm drink 8 ounces 330pm - 415pm EAT 500pm -6pm drink 8 ounces 630pm - 715pm EAT 800 pm - 930pm drink 12 ounces 10pm - 1045pm EAT 1130pm - 230am drink 24 ounces.... Still short by 2 ounces and only get to sleep for 6.5 hours which will be spent getting up and peeing since you just drank all of that water! No wonder no one can get their Protein and fluids in! I know every doc and NUT is different but didn't anyone ever sit down and do this math before they told the patients this? Can you tell I was bored tonight?

yeah see someone did the math and then told the patients this....this at least sounds more doable! I just try to do the best I can....

I was an accountant major and then switched to nursing...been a registered nurse for over 20 years...but that was very cool you picked up on that! LOL

See my other post and maybe this will help explain it.... http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/67240-fuzzy-math/

I use the GNC pro performance AMP chocolate powder (amplified wheybolic extreme 60) mixed with skim milk and it really does taste like chocolate milk. I DO 2 scoops to about 8-10 ounces of skim milk (I was doing half skim and half water but it depends on how I feel). Each scoop has 20 grams of protein. Three scoops has 280 calories. I bought the small bag first and if you do not like it, GNC will take it back. I also drink the Isopure clear protein drinks but some flavors are terrible. I drink the grape (tastes like weak koolaide). And the pineapple-orange-banana. But they are best super cold over ice and if you are preop and allowed to use straws they are not so bad. Each 20 ounce bottle has 40 grams of protein. These too are available at GNC. GOOD LUCK TO YOU!

I squeeze a bit of an orange into my water...just gives it a light little flavor taste and no aftertaste. Makes plain water just taste a little bit better.

I had such a tough time pre-op and slipped a little but post op is definitely easier!

Possibly due to swelling that happens in the first few days...I was able to do the swallow test easier than I could do water a day later but obviously it goes down.

Lack of food makes us cranky...lol...

Sleeves rule!

I hate that they "kick" people off of the show. I think everyone should be able to stay the whole time! That sounds like my routine for watching tv in the past as well...here's to a more healthy lifestyle!

I was there 2 weeks ago and oh so nervous (and excited). Prayers are coming your way!