flmama

Can you try to schedule multiple appts on the same day to minimize? I have to drive 4+ hours, so while I don't have the employer issue, I need to consolidate for logistical reasons.

Whey is a byproduct of cheese production and is a dairy product not a soy product. There are soy Protein powders, but that is different from whey.

Big girl/boy panties. Its good for you and will help you stay in front of the pain. The payoff is worth the yucky taste. GL!

I have a tentative "late March" date...waiting on insurance approval now.

I need stuff to workout and run in...22/24 or 1x/2x range please!

You're doing great! My NUT said they aim for 10-15 lbs (15 being better!) on the pre-op liver shrink diet, so you will be fine! I am sure it is just your nerves. Good job on the 14 lbs!!

Some doctors say NO lifting until 6-8 weeks post-op. Mine is one of them. I've also seen some docs allow 5 lbs to be added each week, so you can lift progressively heavier things. Not everyone is cleared to lift at 3 weeks, especially if a doc knows you have young children...they want to save you from excessive lifting and strain to your staple line. Every doc is different.

Congratulations! Here's to lots of rapid and healthy healing! I'm a mama of young kids as well, and this is also my biggest fear. I hope you have lots of health! I have family coming for 2-3 weeks and then my husband hired a couple of mother's helpers to come in for a few weeks during the day while he is working. Maybe you can hire a college girl (or girls) for those hours during nap time when you know you'll need help lifting? Or all day if you can afford it? Best of luck to you!

This was a huge concern of mine as well. I am covered by insurance, but I did notice when reading my policy while researching, it specifically excludes complications and follow up care for any non-emergent procedure performed outside the US. So if for some reason I did have to self pay and chose to go to Mexico, I wouldn't be able to have follow up care in the States or any emergency care (at least paid for.by my insurance). I can absolutely understand why this would be a concern for you. Everyone's path is different. I hope you find a great fit for yours!

Laura, you're so bad. Now I want wine. OP - I can't imagine drinking soda flat. The carbonation is what makes it good! Maybe you can find some other drink to treat yourself with? I'm pre-op as well and my surgeon said my sleeve will dictate whether or not I can have a soda. His preference is that I don't, because there is nothing good for you in a soda, but if I want one, I need to wait at least 3-4 months. Then my sleeve will tell me whether it was a good idea or not. I'm weaning myself off of caffeine and carbonation pre-surgery. I'm attacking caffeine first and have transitioned to flavored sparkling Water. In a couple of weeks I plan on ditching that altogether too. I'm not having a food funeral, I'm having a bubbly funeral. *sniff*

Haha...put that baby right smack in the middle of your fridge door! Love it!

You look so beautiful! Good job!

This made me grin like crazy! Congratulations!!

There is a picture in the recipe link I posted.

I don't know what else to call it other than nesting...I feel like I did while I was waiting for my babies to be born! I have a list and am slowly tackling closets and cabinets and junk drawers and baseboards and under the beds... Nothing is safe! I just told my hubs tomorrow he can either take the kids and leave while I clean, or I'm putting him to work too! This house will be spotless before surgery (and before my mama gets here!). Anyone else go through this?

Congrats! When is your surgery? Mine is next month.

I haven't used him, but I did consider him. I narrowed it down to him and the surgeon I ultimately chose. It was just a feeling for me. I went with Dr. Hipp in Gainesville instead.

Yes, exactly! Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on your perspective), I still have 6-8 weeks before surgery...so I have plenty of time to scrub scrub scrub and organize organize organize!

The trick is you can NOT eat them right away. You need to wrap them up and put them in a big ziploc bag in the fridge and let them sit overnight. If you eat them right away, they're awful...they are crumbly and hard. But if you leave them in the fridge overnight, they have a much softer texture and don't fall apart.

Kind of like King's Hawaiian Rolls. You can also add things to it to it to make it savory or sweet. I usually make several batches at once. I've made a batch with Italian seasoning, a little shredded parmesan and some garlic. I've also made it with cinnamon swirled into it. It's great toasted up with an egg and a little cheese on it for Breakfast.

I hope you feel better soon OP!

I make Cloud Bread and use regular cream cheese and Cream of Tartar instead of baking soda. When I made it with FF version it didn't hold up as good and the additional calories/fat were very small and less carbs. It also tasted better. http://www.food.com/recipe/carb-free-cloud-bread-411501 This is the recipe I use. 43 cals, 2.8g fat, .3g carbs, less if you use liquid sweetener instead of powdered. Powdered Splenda has .92g carbs (basically 1) per packet. Liquid has none. It's negligible spread out over the entire pan, but every little bit counts.

I'm not pigging out, but I am definitely eating things I haven't in awhile...knowing that I won't eat them again for awhile or possibly ever again! I've had rice several times this week and plan on having sushi several times over the next few months. I'm not eating abnormal portions, but I am cognizant of the fact that the chance of me eating rice after surgery (ever again, since so many people have issues with it) is slim to none. I'm enjoying every bite.

I picked the "Body Weight" ticker (3rd option) and it has both weight and BMI.