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Hoarding is a mental illness...one that you can't "fix" for him. If you want to be a help to him and the others in your life you have to prioritize yourself first and take care of yourself. This seems like a very tough situation.

I'm sure I'll be an anxiety-ridden mess once this settles in and hits me, but right now I am so excited. I finally have my surgery date (revision) set for May 22nd! I start my pre-op diet this weekend (basically, as soon as I get to the grocery store). I was actually hoping to be doing all liquids (I find it easier than having to navigate the weird world of food), but I'm doing two shakes, one Protein bar, and one "sensible meal" a day. Should be do-able. My schedule has suddenly become jam packed with support group meetings, pre-op testing at the hospital, a surgery education appointment, an appointment with my surgeon to discuss pre-op testing results, an IVC filter placement date and all the rest. I have the feeling I am going to be a very busy girl until surgery...ha!

May 22nd for a revision. I'm hoping they can do the two procedures in one. We'll see.

Maybe it's just because I'm a wimp, but I think I would be one hell of a squeaky wheel if I was under a ton of pain after the surgery and none of the meds were working. I mean, sure, there will be pain--it's a major operation--but you shouldn't be in that much pain that you feel it's excruciating or something. There are plenty of different pain killers out there. I'd definitely be on the horn to the surgeon and asking for something different. They really don't want you in a ton of pain. People recover better if they have their pain under control and are able to move around and do their walking to relieve the pain, etc.

Yeah, I'll second the Premier Protein shakes. I've been taste-testing in preparation and it's the best I've found so far. And I love most brands of the high protein, sugar-free hot chocolates that you get from bariatric places. For some reason they have less of an aftertaste for me.

I think you're smart to start walking now. I really need to do the same thing. My knees and back, though...ugh. BUT, it's not like they're going to miraculously improve the day after surgery when I have to be walking, so I should get it started now. A good reminder.

Not true. One large egg has nearly 7 grams of protein. Four grams of that is in the white, 2.7 grams is in the yolk. One cup (8 ounces) of egg whites (only) has 26 grams of protein and just 2 carbs. And yes, the protein in eggs is incredibly good for you and the amino acids in eggs are 100% bio available.

I sometimes wonder if insurance companies deny the first attempt on purpose, hoping that people won't resubmit or appeal the decision. I'm sorry to hear about your difficulties. I'm with Dr. Strickland at the same obesity center, but I'm self-pay so no help on that front, I'm afraid.

I'm out of pocket and I paid $220.00 and it was an hour session. She went over my weight history in some detail, made sure I wasn't anorexic (lol) or had unreal expectations of the surgery, and then we spent the rest of the session talking about what type of support and habits to put in place now so that I can be successful after I have the surgery. I enjoyed the session and got a lot out of it, to be honest.

Do you have Planet Fitness near you? It's just $10/month for their lowest plan. No contracts. And they're pretty accepting of all fitness shapes and sizes.

You don't even have to brew it. Fill a pitcher with cold water, add a family-size decaf green tea bag ( or three or four regular bags) and stick it in the fridge overnight. In the morning remove the tea bags and you're ready to go.

I'm pre-op, but I think my Vitamin regimen will pretty much be close to the same when I'm post op. I cannot swallow a pill, so I'm a professional when it comes to chewables. I take - - Centrum chewable as my main multivitamin. - Os-Cal Chewable Calcium plus Vitamin D ('lemon chiffon' flavor) - probably the least-chalky calcium I've found that is not a chew. 2 a day. - Vitamin B Complex - sublingual - Nature's Bounty brand - Glucosamine chondroitin Chews - Spring Valley Brand. Two daily. (I take this for arthritis, most people won't need it. I plan to do a liquid after surgery for just a bit)

In a cruel twist of fate, my brother has always had issues keeping weight on, so I've seen all his tricks. Some suggestions: Add fat to your diet. Butter on veggies, cook in healthy olive oil, cheese in your morning eggs, etc. It doesn't take up much more volume in your tummy, but will add calories. Drink some calories. Again, not suggested for most banders, but every day my brother drinks milk, juices, and even has an occasional milkshake. Again, all in an effort to get in calories. He also does soda, but we can't do that, I don't think, with the sleeve. Add Protein powder to everything. He scoops it in oatmeal or yogurt in the morning, generally, but it can be hidden in a lot of places. There are protein powders that are specifically for people that are trying to put on weight. HIgh quality Snacks - He eats a lot of nuts or nutbutters on apples, etc. and cheese sticks for snacks. I'm not sure if you can fit those in, but it might be easier to eat more often. Passing out after eating is odd, though. Low blood sugar would mean passing out, but after eating, your sugar should be higher. I'd have that checked.

TNP??

If you can get it for the same price, and your doctor has a good reputation for the surgery, I don't see the issue in staying there if that's what you decide. This struck me as odd, though: I don't really agree with that. My surgeon has said point-blank several times that until they get inside the abdominal cavity, they will not know what they are dealing with as far as the band and scar tissue goes. I asked because I asked if they were going to do any pre-op band testing or anything. He said several times that even if they do tests and everything looks great, until they have an eye on the stomach, they're not going to know what they're dealing with. That's why my surgeon won't guarantee a revision will happen in one procedure. He'll take out the band and then evaluate whether there is too much scar tissue to do the sleeve.

I'm happy to hear you're safely out of surgery. Sorry you are experiencing pain and fever. You are still in the hospital, I trust? I hope they get your pain and fever under control so you can get a little sleep tonight. Ask for different meds if this isn't doing it for you.

I think you really should. That's what support groups are for. You'll get a lot more out of the support group if you're honest about where you are.

Ew, there's something you don't want to look up on Google Images. I'm assuming it's the acid in the soda that helps with this, not the bubbles? I'd be concerned about drinking carbonated beverages, but I guess flat soda is an option.

I sincerely doubt this, since there is minimal "malnutrition" problems with the sleeve. My guess is he treats RNY patients who do have malabsorption issues years out. The fact that he seems unable to differentiate the two is concerning. Well, it's up to you. You certainly can take his advice and try alternative methods of losing weight. Or, if you're set on WLS it looks like you'll need a new PCP.

I'm in the same position as you. My surgeon will open me up to remove the band, and if there is too much scar tissue he will sew me up and wait to do the sleeve three months later. If everything looks good, he will sleeve me in the same procedure. I'm self-pay so I am hoping that he can do the two in one procedure (I will have to pay nearly double to have it in two procedures), but what's most important is that I have a good result without complications. Complications will not be covered by my insurance. So, I'm happy that my surgeon will do what is best and safest for me.

I think the issue is that our sleeves hold such a limited amount of food that most doctors feel it is imperative that we get in Protein first, then vegetables, then fruit...then if any room is left, carbs. It's all about high-quality nutrition. I personally plan on following a low-carb diet when I'm done, but I'm sure I'll have days when I have treats or eat whatever I want.