MommyTawnie

Thank You ladies!! It wasn't really 47lbs in 1 month more like 36!! 47lbs is from the day I started my 6 month supervised diet. Either way I can't believe I am almost to onederland!! I am loving the sleeve and although I have my moments of feeling like I'm going to get sick I eat 1 yes 1 baked lays chip and my stomach settles instantly. I have started back on tea, but not sweet "well sometimes I mix 1/4 sweet with 3/4 unsweet" I use the truvia and love it. I am getting in lots of water a day and like I said before my Meat is my Number 1 priority no more side fixings first. If I still feel "hungry" I may take 1 bite of something else, but that always finishes me off. LoL this tool has been amazing and to all that say it's the easy way out. You have no idea how much work/effort it takes to eat correctly and drink the full 64ozs of fluids a day.

In my post op hand book the doctors office gave me it states "nothing to drink 30 minutes before a meal or 30 minutes after a meal" 90 minutes is a long time to go with out something to drink. Think about it if you wait 90 minutes before and after a meal you are going 4 1/2 hours a day with nothing to drink. How is that healthy for your body? Not to mention the 30 minutes its suppose to take you to eat your meal.. That brings it to 6 hours a day with nothing to drink..

The gas was the worst part for me.. After it passed and my drain tube was taken out at a week post op I felt WONDERFUL!! No pain I even went off my pain meds at 3 days post op "gas went away" Everyone is different so although some may say they had no pain others may say it hurt really bad. Your body is your body how high is your pain tolerence? I to had a kids natural and it was nothing like that pain..

My name is Tayna and I was sleeved on December 21, 2010 by Doctor Keith Chung surgery was done at Women's and Childrens Medical Center in Lake Charles, LA "yes they operate on men at this hospital as well" They even have a bariatrics floor for there patiants.. He was recommended by a friend, and after having the problems I had with Doctor Felix Spiegel I decided to go to a different doctor "office wasn't to clear on what steps I needed to take for insurance and never called to do any follow ups during my supervised diet" Doctor Chungs staff have been amazing every step of the way. They took great care in getting to know there patients and I would recommend them to anyone out there look for a surgeon in or around the Houston area. He is a perfect 10 in my book.. He sits and goes over every question I have and he has made follow up his number one concern. Even before surgery I got calls asking me how things were going and letting me know what was left on my end before they could submit.

A friend of ours was denied by aetna the first time they submitted because there wasn't enough documentation and they wanted a sleep study "she had no comorbidities" after the sleep study and gathering everything else up and sending it in herself she was approved within the week..

With Aetna and I am speaking from eperience. They require a 3 month supervised diet with the supervision of a dietician/exercise therapist "usually dietician counts as both" and the supervision of your pcp and a pych eval. With the 6 months you are supervised by your pcp, you need 1 meeting/consult with the dietician and a pych eval. No matter if you do the 3 months or the 6 months they also require a 2 year weight history and mine requested a sleep study. Also for them to approve they require a bmi of 35 or higher with comorbidities or 40 or higher with out.. I did the 6 months charting as well as the sleep study and 2 year history and was approved within 10 days

I use miralax started using it a year ago, and I must say it works wonders. Also it is in powder form and can be mixed with anything "doesn't have a taste" Also I would maybe look in to taking a stool softner for a while if you are having problems with constipation. I use the phillips stool softners and I haven't had any problems since surgery..

Shakes are normal. Your body is going through a lot of changes, and has to catch up to itself. Are you getting in enough meals/water. I find that if I don't eat for a while I get really shakey. I eat and within minutes feel better. Also I have found that when my body temp drops I start shaking.

I would get it checked out asap.. I had a similar thing happen to me last night only I was awake when I started tasting it. I got sick and up came dark blood. I took a hot bath to calm myself down and went to bed. First thing this morning I called my doctor to find out what I needed to do.. They explained to me that it is sometimes normal to have blood come up, and not to panic. The only time they worry about it is if there's ALOT of it.. If you are really worried about it don't hesitate go to the doctor or ER asap. You don't want to take any chances of having a leak or damage to your stomach. P.S. stomach acid can sometimes leave that bloody taste in your mouth.

I've seen that episode as well, and wondered the same exact thing. Then I told myself the reason the trainers are pushing for them to get in more calories is because they are burning calories like crazy with the 6+ hours of exercise in the gym. Our doctors put us on high protein diets before and after surgery to make up for the lower calories our body is taking in. It's the protein our body needs to keep from loosing the muscle. I am getting in on average 500-700 calories a day at this point "4 weeks out" Eventually I will be able to take in more calories. As for now the weight is coming off and my muscle tone hasn't changed at all..

I'm going by my doctors orders where solids are envolved. I am calling the doctors office in the morning because about an hour ago I burped and up came old blood. I don't know how common this is so I am getting it looked at asap.. I am however going to switch back to liquids on my own for a few days and see how that helps. Maybe my stomach just needs the rest.. I don't think it's a leak or anything however I'm not a doctor.. Anyway just wanted to update on what's going on with the pain.. Calling doctor asap in the morning..

I will be 4 weeks post op tomorrow. I am down 32lbs in the last 4 weeks, and have been feeling amazing. Now I am dealing with what feels like gas pains again. My body has been real achey and I haven't felt like doing much around the house. I started back to work at 2 weeks post op and although I was cleared to resume working "manage a restraunt" I feel like I started back to quickly.. I am really considering doing the 5 day sleeve test, and let my stomach rest for a few days. I have been on solids for the last 2 weeks and have had no trouble at all with them. I get in my meat first and usually that's all I get in at a meal.. I am waiting the 30 minutes before and the 30 minutes after to drink something, but even then it feels like I drank to soon.. What's going on with my body? Is it normal to have pain at 4 weeks post op? Is gas a possible cause for the pain? Lots of questions and the doctors office was closed today so I am reaching out on here.. Thanks!!

I am 26 and My surgery was done on December 21, 2010.. Best decision of my life "besides marriage and kids"

I was sipping on Pickle juice 5 days out, so I am sure you will be just fine. You chewed chewed chewed and then spit it out. Good job!! I hate to say I did the same thing with the actual pickle that was in the package. I chewed chewed chewed and then spit it out because I felt like I was going to get sick for doing something I wasn't suppose to be doing.. Tell hubby it has to stop!! If he wants that sort of food knowing that it's an addiction to you then he needs to enjoy it elsewhere. If you got your craving out of the way without swallowing then you are ahead of some people.. It's going to take a along time for your body to adjust to not having it as a crutch or anything else you may use it for. Eventually you will be able to sit and enjoy a SMALL portion of your favorites, but try not to over indulge and always get it out of the house when you are finished with it.. I have found it keeps me from going back for little nit picks here and there.. Deli Sliced Turkey Breast and Light Cream Cheese have become my new favorite. 1 slice with a little sliver of cream cheese is a perfect YUMMY snack!! Plus it's like 14-16 grams of protein can't beat that.. Stay strong and fight the urges you will overcome your addictions!!

I was in your same shoes a couple of weeks ago. I was really shaky, and started having bathroom problem "tmi sorry" I called the doctors office and they told me it was normal. Our bodies are going through big changes and the shakiness is from not getting in the same sugar contents we were prior to surgery. Your body will adjust eventually, but until it does try getting in 2-3 more grams of sugar to help adjust your own blood sugar "I never take in more then 6-7 grams of sugar at a time" if that's what you may think it is.. Also you have to try to get in your liquids your body can only go so long before it will dehydrate, and you don't want that this early out. Heck you don't want that at anytime in the recovery process.. What I did was took a sports bottle "32 ozs" and filled it with ice water. I would sip sip sip on that all day until I had finished it. I would fill it up again and usually finish half of it the 2nd time around. But I was getting in other liquids through out the day so I wasn't to worried about finishing the whole 2nd bottle.. The more time passes the easier it will be for you to take in more and more liquids. Just remember no liquids 30 minutes before or after eating anything "I conisidered broth a meal"

My doctor did 24 hours of clear liquids then before I went home I was put on a full liquid diet. Started the mushie faze "with no chunks" at the same time.. At my 1 weeks check up he told me I could start chopped meats at my 2 week mark.. I was shocked because of all the long liquid/mushie faze post I had read on here, but every doctor is different and I wasn't about to not follow my doctors orders. I went back for my 3 week post op visit and was cleared to start back on salads at my 1 month mark "January 21st" I have progressed pretty well. I take my time eating "usually takes me 30-45 minutes to finish 2-3 oz of food".. I am getting in plenty of liquids and I have lost 26 lbs in 3 weeks.. It couldn't get any better then that.. Always follow your doctors order no matter how crazy they may seem. They are the experts on this stuff not us.. We learn as we go they are there to help us through.. Best of Luck to You!!

All right ladies this has been nagging at me forever now so I have to ask. From your experience what happend to the girls after weight loss? I was a big chested person before I gained the weight "DDD at 140lbs" I am now an "I" moving down to an "H". It's really freaking me out that I am going to be stuck with skin instead of girls. Did this happen to you? How or should I say What did you do to keep it from happening? I don't mind loosing some, but I would prefer not to loose them all. Well maybe down to a regular D instead of a 3D. Crazy question I know and I do hope nobody takes offense to it, but it's a serious question/concern for me..

That happens with me, and what you are probably going through is heartburn/acid reflux. It was horrible at first like something was trapped there. It would happen the minute I would take a drink or try to swallow any bit of food. If your doctor doesn't have you on a PPI call the office and see if they can prescribe you one, and if they do have you on one, see if they can try a different one.. "I'm using Nexium" It's really helping me with the Lump in The Throat filling and I am able to get more liquids down now. Never be afraid to call your surgeons office to explain to them what's going on.. They are there for you as a patiant, and they will help you get through anything, but first you have to make the call.. Best of Luck!!

Oh the joys of being able to just shop again... I sooo can't wait for that day. LoL as for Bra fittings you get a better idea of what style/size bra you need if it's sized with out a bra. Anytime I've been sized I remove my bra put back on my shirt and let the lady do her part on finding me the right size. And no you are never to old to shop victoria secret.. My sister in law is 42 and still shops there. Grant it she has a small small build, but still she shops there, and we will be small soon enough right? I just can't wait to shop clearance. LoL I told my husband there are always wonderful clothes on clearance, but they are always to small, and they NEVER have any 2x-3x shirts that would fit me on clearance. I can't wait for the day I can shop and walk out with a new wardrobe for the same price of 2 new outfits in the plus clothes.. I am sooooo lighting up right now with the thought of all the clothes I'm going to buy. I may not have any fashion sence but gosh darn it I have a sister in law that dresses sooooo cute, and can help me along the way to learn what suits me and what doesn't.. Have fun shopping "just don't over do it, your still loosing the weight" and forget what other people my think...

Depending on which private insurance you picked up. The rest of the cost should be covered by them.. I would call insurance and explain to them what is going on and what you have already paid for this surgery. If the private insurance you picked up before surgery is anything like most peoples private insurance 20% of the remaining cost is what you would owe if anything. Unless you met all deductables before surgery "$13, 658" I'm pretty sure you met all out of pocket expences. Try not to stress over the whole situation it could cause major problems for you. Call who you need to call "insurance, hospital, etc." and figure out whats going on.. My husband had back surgery over a year ago, we had paid all of our out of pocket for the year so it was covered 100%. 3 months later we recieved a bill for $129, 000.. We called insurance and explained to them we had met all out of pocket and couldn't understand why in the world we were recieving a bill for any cost. They fixed the problem and just like that we owed nothing to anybody. Mistakes happen call around and see what can be done to fix it.. Best of Luck!!

I think everyone on here has probably had those feelings at some point during any weight loss journey. My thing is I know I am loosing weight I just can't picture myself smaller then I am now. It's been 5 almost 6 years of me being 100 or more lbs over weight. I am use to seeing myself in this body. I don't remember what it was like when I was smaller, but I'm trying to get myself to get past the whole "the weights won't come off" stage.. As long as we stay positive anything is possible. The goals we set for ourselves can be reached!!

I just left you a post on your topic.. Hope it helps some.. Always remember follow what your doctor says, and try to push the mushies if that's what you are on. Don't get down if you are only able to get in a bite or 2 before you are finished "our tummies are tiny now" Drink plenty of liquid and always try to get protein in first!! I am 3 weeks out and I am down 25lbs since surgery. Which the doctor said is amazing at this stage!! Find something that will settle your stomach first, and then try to get in a couple of bites as you go. It takes me a good 30-45 minutes to take in 3-4 maybe 5 bites depending on what time of day it is. Don't stress yourself.. Your body will adjust to the new changes eventually.. It's up to you to make sure you are getting in the right nutrients and food your body needs to recover/loose weight.. Best of Luck!!

I can not believe it has been 3 weeks since surgery!! I am down 25lbs since day of surgery and feeling wonderful.. I get to start back on Salads in 11 days "1 month mark" I started my chopped meats last week and have been progressing from there. Everything is feeling wonderful, and from what I gather it only gets better from here. I can't believe I am actually loosing the weight.. It feels AMAZING!! I get to start back at the gym with light weights "5lbs max" so that will start the toning process. It's been a rough first 3 weeks, but not anymore.. I have decided my body is going to do whatever it wants to do, it's up to me to make sure I get the right foods in. I am so so thankful for Dr. Chung and his staff.. They have been amazing people.. Just wanted to share my update..

I was sleeved on Dec. 21st and was cleared for chopped meats at my 2 weeks mark "all doctors are different mine allows solids at 2 weeks" I started with some leftover turkey that we had frozen and was amazed at how good it tasted. I blended it at first because I was afraid of hurting myself.. 1 thing I have found that settle my stomach are the lays baked chips "big no no I know" I eat 1 chip and my stomach settles.. You are going on 3 weeks have you thought to try any egg drop soup from a chinese place, or possibly cream soups? You may not be able to get very much in at this point "I was only able to get in 3 spoons and I was finished" As for the protein I have finally found 1 at the Viatimin Shop its called Pure Protein "35g a can" It taste like chocolate milk and is really low in carbs/sugar. If you could drink a can through out the day you would be getting in atleast 35g. Which is sounding better then what you are getting in now. Are you dealing with stomach acid/heart burn? That could be a cause of you not wanting to eat/drink anything. I know I suffered with it horribly, and was prescribed nexium a week later I feel 100% better and I am able to eat a little bit more "still never more then 4-5 bites lol" Best of Luck to You.. Find what works for you, but still follows doctors guide lines..

I have no problem at all with the water. In fact I am taking in 4-16.9oz bottles of water through out the day. It's the protein shakes I am having problems with. I think I finally found one I like "taste sooo yummy, almost like chocolate milk" so I am fixing to buy a case and really start pushing myself to get it in. 1 can has 35ozs so you add that to the meats I consume I will be getting in a pretty good amount of protein after this. You really have to push yourself with the amount of water you consume. I thought I was getting a uti or worse kidney stones because my urine turned brown "tmi sorry" I talked to the doctor and the meds he has me on can cause the brown urine. I was just fine, it still scared me into drinking more and more water. LoL