Bandedbut

I've been slow and steady too. 1-2 lbs a week. At 3 months I've lost 33 lbs. sonce surgery, 41 total. That is where my Dr. wants it to be. I have no issues with any food, and can eat quite a bit, so I definately have to be very careful what I eat.

My Dr. requires 4 weeks of full liquid diet after the sleeve surgery. This doesn't count any pre-op time. Then a week (or 2!) of pureed, followed by another 1-2 weeks of soft. I know every surgeon is different, but everywhere else I read 2 weeks of full liquid. I am guessing it is because I was self pay (US), and don't have a follow up until 4 weeks after, and even then it's only by phone, so this reduces the chances of complications? I am NOT looking for permission to do something other than what my surgeon recommends (or admonitions to stick with his guidance!) I will be discussing with the nutritionist. But I'm curious how many others are supposed to stay on liquids longer than 2 weeks? Were you given clearance AT an in person follow up? When was that? What is the follow up care of Insurance patients vs Self Pay, whether that is US or Mexico. I'm a 2 hour drive from my surgery center, and was told all follow-ups would be virtual.

I KNOW stalls are inevitable, and weightloss isn't a smooth line. Just curious how typical patterns have been? I didn't hit a stall at 2-3 weeks, possibly because my plan was full liquids for 4 weeks PO. I had a decent loss the first month, then 5 pounds the second month. Hoping this was just because I was transitioning to regular foods. As far as food, I am following the plan, no cheating, but I really can eat a healthy amount, and am getting in all my protein and water. Just wondering if I will be a slow and (hopefully) steady loser, or if others have experienced a slow spot in the beginning then bigger losses later? Yes, I'll stick with the plan, but for those of you that have tracked monthly or weekly loss, what was your pattern? Were slow months related to anything specific like holiday's, vacation, stress, or sliding?

OMGoodness! I can't imagine how frustrating. It takes so much mental preparation to get where you were, only to stop it at that point. Good for YOU that you didn't go on an eating binge, that would be so easy to do, I know that would have been a struggle for me, but keep repeating to yourself you will get this done and it will be amazing! Hugs and patience to you!

I don't think you can stretch it out this early. Some say you can't stretch it out, some do. Shrug. I'm 7 weeks out, and I don't weigh or measure. My Dr. and nutritionist just said to pay attention to when I'm full and stop. I can eat quite a lot of soft pureed type foods, like cottage cheese, soups, or pudding. Sounds like you are right on track and doing fine! I've lost 23 lbs since surgery. A typical breakfast for me is 2 scrambled eggs and 1/2 avocado. For lunch I had 1 slice of deli turkey, 1 baby bell cheese, 2 strawberries (YAY just got cleared for fresh!) and 4 snow peas from our garden. Dinner is some chicken and roasted sweet potatoes, snack was some Sugar free pudding, and I also fit in a protein shake. Last night was baked fish and roasted cauliflower. My calories have been about 1000, which my Dr. was fine with. I was told if I'm tired to eat more protein.

I am 7 weeks today. I have lost 23.2 since surgery, 31.6 total. I weigh myself weekly, the last 2 weeks it has been 1.8 a week. Slow but steady. If you lost a lot in the beginning, it's exciting, then disappointing when it slows, but totally normal. My Dr. recommends only weighing once a month. Make sure you are getting enough protein. Your starting weight, age, gender and metabalism are all things that affect your rate of loss that you can't control. These last 7 weeks have seen a lot of adjustments to our body, from surgery, then progressing from liquids, purees, soft to "regular" food. I can eat quite a bit of pureed, liquidy type foods, but much less eating more solid food, so I'm sure that will make a difference. I remember one past diet I was on, it was super structured, and I was consistent with exercise and food. I lost 3 pounds every 3 weeks. Not one pound a week, but nothing, nothing, then bam, 3 pounds without doing anything different.

I am 6 1/2 weeks PO, (Feb 23) and was handling soft foods well, and completely sticking to plan. On Easter, I had ONE corn chip, and within minutes I had a pain like I had eaten glass just under my right breast. Hadn't experienced anything like that with other foods, It lasted until 3 in the morning! I start "regular" foods on Thursday, but now I am definately more nervous!

I am 1 day behind you, 5 weeks post op today! I start soft foods today, after 4 weeks full liquid and 1 week puree. I'm looking forward to salmon tonight with some roasted veggies! My dietician said to get in a protein shake so I have 30 g to start, and while the rest of my protein should come from food, the focus should be on paying attention to my body's cues, eating slowly, chewing, and stopping when I am full, vs tracking and measuring. I was surprised, I've heard others say to always measure, but it made sense... at this stage. Stop when I am full, vs a measured amount that may be too much or not enough. Also getting into the pattern of scheduled meals vs the all day sipping. Puree'd foods I am able to eat quite a bit. I am not enjoying coffee like I used to (yes, I'm allowed coffee) but struggle without caffeine so I start my day with the Cafe Latte Premier Protein shake. I'm curious too as to what others find they no longer like.

I am 3 weeks out today too! I’m still on liquids for another week, that’s just my Dr. it’s hard seeing others at same place eating soft foods! Today though I’ve been “grazing” all day. Since I have no issue with liquids, nothing is really filling me up. I’ve had a protein shake, soup, sugar free pudding with almond milk, more soup, yogurt, and jello. Not really hungry, but totally not satisfied.

Thanks. 3 weeks tomorrow. Definitely has gotten better, but still getting them. Trying to get more walking in, but the weather has not been cooperating! So much rain!

How long did you have issues with gas pain? I'm 2 1/2 weeks post op, and still experience sharp pains on my left side and center just under my left breast. It is worse after drinking, and this pain is not helped by walking, but Gas-X does seem to help. I am walking regularly. It's the only pain/issue I have had. I am still on full liquid diet. I remember gas pain lasting a long time after my lap band, but it was all in my shoulder. Anyone else experience this and how long did it last?

I was sleeved 2/23/23 at West Medical in Tarzana CA. Cost - $10,000. Time from first consult to surgery was 3 weeks. I had a psych eval phone call, and one zoom nutrition class on post op diet. Pre -op tests were done through my insurance, including EKG, labs, chest xray and sleep apnea test. Days on the PreOp liquid diet is based on BMI. The surgery is outpatient, but if there are complications, it is possible to spend the night. My surgery was scheduled for noon, and I was back in my hotel room by 6:00PM. I did pee before I left, but pretty much the requirements were being awake enough to put your clothes on. The facility was clean, and they welcomed my husband and tried to make him as comfortable as possible, but they said most family don't wait there. It was raining, and we were 3 hours from home, so he didn't really have anywhere else to go. We spent the night before in a hotel so we would not have to worry about the long drive in LA traffic in the morning, and the night after in case of any complications we would be close by. I would give every staff member I encountered 5 stars. From administrative staff to the nursing staff, they were all wonderful and very responsive. When I arrived, there were 2 patients Post-op, and the nurses were very supportive and caring. My consult was done with a bariatric Dr., but not the actual surgeon. He had been sleeved as well, and has a great repore with patients. I met him day of the surgery as he assists. He was also the one that did my follow up call 5 days later. I met my surgeon right before the surgery, but nothing since. He didn't even talk to my husband after, even though it is a small facility and he was right there. There will be another follow up call 4 weeks post op. I have phone numbers to call if there are any complications, I haven't had any, but I have no doubt they would be handled promptly and taken seriously, although remotely. They want to be notified by any ER or urgent care facility if necessary. PostOp full liquid diet is 4 weeks, then 1-2 weeks pureed, and 1-2 weeks soft. All in all I had a good experience and no regrets, but I do lack the relationship with the surgeon and follow up support. I've joined a local support group through my insurance, and am finding my way with groups like this.

Echoing what Liveabord and Catwoman said! I got a smart scale from Amazon. Very helpful for those weeks when the number on the scale doesn't change, but maybe your bone or muscle mass increased and fat went down. Or your water weight increases, mine is still low post op. Also, from previously tracking my many diet attempts, it was never in a smooth linear line. One particularly regimented diet that I followed religiously, I lost 3 lbs every 3 weeks. Not a pound a week, but literally nothing for 2 weeks, then 3 lbs. It followed that pattern for 5 months until I stopped. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1UX8RW?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

So sorry to hear this and all that you are going through! Wishing you a speedy recovery!

What did you eat with the hummus? Anything or just plain? I love hummus, but with raw veggies or pita bread! So I've been wondering what my options will be for it.

I had the lapband, and at first it worked well and I reached my goal. I had it because it was reversable. Then I experienced the complications that so many others have, and had to have it removed. I gained all the weight back. I have 2 friends that also had the lapband and also had to have it removed. I was happy to be thin, but at the expense of constantly throwing up, really bad GERD, and landing in urgent care twice because I was so dehydrated. I would highly advise against it! I am now 2 weeks post op with the sleeve, (at 62) and finally optimistic again.

I am 2 weeks post op (sleeved 2/23/23). Overall doing well, but I get sharp cramps on my left side, mostly if I take too many sips to close, and also closer to the center, I guess heart burn, but didn't have an issue with that before. Anyone else with that issue?

That incident is quite frightening, and things like that are the reason we no longer venture down to Baja, even though we live in San Diego. BUT, that being said, it's in a different part of Mexico, and where they were was a level 4 travel advisory. You will be picked up from the airport, and personally escorted to the medical center. Are there risks? Sure, but you could also slip in the bathtub and die of a head injury. Would you never ride a ride at an amusement park because someone else died on one at a differerent park? Ok, that might be stretching it, but you can't bubble wrap yourself. Take reasonable risks, and you will be rewarded once you've had this surgery! I get a little nervous traveling, and a lot nervous before this surgery, so yes, I was scared just traveling to LA for mine! So happy and relieved it's over and I've started on this journey. Good luck to you, whatever you decide!

I'm from San Diego area, but had my surgery in Tarzana. Good luck to you!

Interesting! Opps, I guess we all learn something from each other!

I've never liquified it, never occured to me, and I've never seen where we need to?. I have just eaten it as is (I am 12 days Post Op) It's a little variety from another Protein shake!

This is something you would need to talk to your HR dept about. My understanding (and I could be wrong) is that each company negotiates their rates with the insurance company, and there are things they can choose to not cover in order to keep the costs down for ALL employees. They can't just add it for one person. Bariatric surgery is getting more common, so maybe your employer might choose to add it durning the next open enrollment period, or, to cut rising costs, eliminate services. Unless you have a life event (like loosing your job, marriage, birth of a child etc) your husband can only add you to his plan during open enrollment. And your company's plan can't change until the next open enrollment. Most companies that wouldn't be effective until Jan 1 2024 (but not all, my company has open enrollment in the spring) Find out first if your husbands plan even covers it, and what the deductible/co-pay would be. You could start all the presurgery requirements now, as that usually takes about 6 months. Sounds like IF, everything works out, the soonest you could have the surgery under insurance (and a lot of things could go wrong to not align) would be Jan 2024. Or, do self pay and you could be recovering in a matter of weeks. There are low to 0 interest medical financing plans, and you can even pay those bills with an HSA or FSA card. It all depends on your financial situation and patience. I totally understand your disappointment, I felt the same way when I found out it wasn't covered under my insurance. I had determined the VSG was the right path for me and had my hopes up, and was crushed. I didn't want to wait any longer, and self pay was the best option.

Sounds like you are doing great! I had a concern too, that I was literally eating(sipping) all day, but was told once we progress to solids it will be different restriction.

I loved seeing your monthly losses in your signature! I have no idea what is realistic, so I found that helpful.

My insurance didn't cover it either, as Catwoman mentioned, your employer needs to add it to their plan, and I was told no going around that. I ended up as self pay, and using my HSA savings. Because I have a high deductible plan, I figured even if I was able to go the insurance route, it would cost me 7K in my deductible, and I would lose months and months of time jumping through insurance hoops. There are clinics I'm sure all over the country that specialize in just bariatric surgery, I went through West Medical in LA and had a great experience, it was $10K and only took 3 weeks from 1st consult to surgery. Mexico clinics start around $5k, and while I know some have had great experiences that route, I just wasn't comfortable. It's very possible you have a local bariatric Dr. that takes self pay. There are also financing options with credit cards like Care Payment that offer no/low interest rates. Don't let money hold you back!