StacyS

ASHLEY!!!!! YOU DID IT!!! I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!! WOW... JULY 8TH? THAT'S JUST AROUND THE CORNER!!!!!! OMG, so so so Happy for you!!!!!!

Have you tried Syntrax nectar? It's a powder that's mixed with Water and it comes in fruit flavors like Twisted Cherry, Fuzzy Navel, Lemonade... I would recommend going to www.mybariatricpantry.com and ordering their sample pack. It's like $13 and you get a sample packet of 12 different flavors!! I ordered them pre-op and then tried them after surgery and ordered the big containers of the ones i liked! I'm actually drinking the Cherry one right now and I'm 9wks post-op! All the thick Protein drinks wouldn't go down so I had to have the thinner ones! To this day I cant really drink the thick ones.

I'm 9wks out and just started cardio. I do step class and kickboxing 4 times a week and then weight training 1 day. I havent had any weight gain, I've actually lost this week and my weigh-in isnt until Monday! (Today's Friday). I'm excited to see what results I get. As for DVDs, I know a lot of people do Zumba, but I actually go to the gym during lunch and do the classes there. Good luck to you!

I didn't wait at all.... I put Tapatio on everything and even added it to my chicken broth two days after surgery!!

What stage are you on?

What's happening is that your esophogus is trying to squeeze the liquid into a swollen stomach, which causes a back-up in your esophogus and it begins to contract! That's what the spasms are. Like a contraction when giving birth but in your esophogus. I had this pain for almost 5 weeks b/c I was so swollen. Everything hurt!! Water, juice, pops, soup, etc. I wasnt able to get a full 64oz of liquid in until a few weeks ago and I'm 9wks out! But... I can honestly say it does get better! As soon as your stomach starts to heal, you will be able to drink and eat normally, without the pain! It's perfectly normal and will go away! My advice is to take smaller sips and breathe, relax, and take your time!

Congratulations Lynda!! I'm only ahead of you by a couple of weeks!! It's such a wonderful feeling, isnt it!?! I weighed in this morning at 192!! 10 more lbs and I'll weigh what I did on my wedding day 4 yrs ago!! So excited! My hubby still doesnt really see how much I've lost yet but he will soon!!

Congratulations Lynda!! I'm only ahead of you by a couple of weeks!! It's such a wonderful feeling, isnt it!?! I weighed in this morning at 192!! 10 more lbs and I'll weigh what I did on my wedding day 4 yrs ago!! So excited! My hubby still doesnt really see how much I've lost yet but he will soon!!

That is so weird... I've only experienced this foamie thing when I need to vomit. And when I do "vomit" it's only this foamie stuff. But, this usually only happens when I brush my tongue too hard and make myself gag. Once I gag, I dry heave until I vomit this foam. But other than that, I've never heard of this unless you were a band patient. Very interesting..... I would advise you to call your doctor. Maybe the Nexium is not settling in your stomach properly?

My insurance plan only required a 3 month supervised diet!! Thank goodness! As for the process, you'll need to find a bariatric doctor who's in your network in Washington, then make your appointments with him first. Once you've done the supervised diet, whether it be 3 or 6 months, then they forward all your paperwork to your insurance company for approval. They compile all the documentation, but remember, you'll need 2 years of proof (medical records) that you've been 35+ BMI for those 2 years.

In the very beginning right after I was sleeved, I did experience a lot of weakness and I was tired a lot. But his also happened while I was on my 3 day pre-op diet. The weakness and lack of energy is totally normal since you're on Clear liquids. And, right after surgery, you're coming down from the meds they use to put you under, the pain meds, and the lack of nutrients. However, after a while, 2wks for me, your body starts to adjust and you are able to consume full liquids like Protein shakes and such, and the weakness and light-headed feelings go away. AND once you've started to lose some weight, you actually start to have a lot of energy!! Like for me, I was getting up outta bed w/out having to hit snooze 3 or 4 times! So, yes, it is normal but after a couple weeks when you start to get some good nutrition in, oh, and your Vitamins, you wont be feeling like that all the time!

How old are your kids? I think it all depends on how old they are and if they can comprehend what you tell them about your surgery. I have an 18, 4, and 2 yr old and of course I told my son, the 18yr old, and he was a little apprehensive at first, but he's been encouraging me to lose weight for years, so he was on board. As for the little ones, I didnt tell them anything. They wouldnt have a clue! Remember, kids are very loving and think the world of their parents! If your kids are like 8 or older, I would tell them and even show them a video on YouTube about the Sleeve and all it's about. I did this with my godchildren who are 9 and 10 and they are very supportive and think it's the greatest thing for me! And they love to visit me just to see how much weight I've lost since the last time we were together! It's like a game to them! Good Luck!!

WOW! You dont even look like the same person! You look amazing... so happy for you! And in only 5 months? Wow!! Congratulations!!

No, No, No! I'm definatly not trying to sell anything!!! I just stumbled upon them and was wondering if anyone had tried them! Wow...

Like the others have said, this surgery is not a miracle cure! It's a lot of hard work and dedication! The sleeve is only a tool to assist us in losing weight and keeping it off. With that said, I encourage you to do some research and see if this surgery is right for you! I have a friend who had a low BMI like you and she had it done. She is so happy and satisfied with herself since she had the sleeve done! She's actually one of the people who inspired me away from the band and directed me toward the sleeve! Even though we might think you (and she) arent really "heavy" enough to have the surgery, it's not our decision and who cares if you're not FAT?! If you've struggled all your life and you think the sleeve will help you, then by all means check into it!! The only roadblock I can see is insurance. If you're not going to use your insurance and will be a self pay, then your all good!! But if you have to use your insurance, you may have to "gain" those 4lbs to qualify if you have co-morbidities. You already have High Blood pressure but you require 2. Good luck to you and keep researching!! You'll find what's right for you!

Anytime!! Good luck with your pre-op diet! If you have any more questions feel free to msg me!

You know, I'm not really sure but I'm sure they do. I don't buy protein bars because they are LOADED with carbs!! If you do buy them, make sure the protein to carb ratio is 4:1. If it has 4g of protein then it should have no more than 1g of carbs. This should really be a rule of thumb for ALL foods, but especially processed foods!

Yes, of course you can!! I would recommend going to www.mybariatricpantry.com and buying some samples of the Syntrax Nectar protein powders. The samples come in 15 or so different flavors and you get 12 for like $13.99. I would also try Costco. They have a Premier Protein chocolate drink that is super good and low in carbs w/30g of protein. I believe I paid $28. for a case of them. In regards to the protein bars... check the nutritional values very carefully. Some of them are extremely high in carbs! If the carbs are more than 4 times the amount of protein content, dont use them! The ratio should be 4:1. If it has 4g of protein, it shouldn't have anymore than 1g of carbs.

Congrats on getting through it so quickly! What's your trick? Did you have to do the 12week class thing they require? My aunt has Kaiser and is going through the program to get approval but she has to go through a 12wk course and lose at least 10% of her weight.... Thanks!

Wow!!!! Simply wow!!!! You look so much younger now!! Great job!!!