SpaceDust

There are actually tons of posts that mention being required to do a 6 month medically supervised diet for insurance. It's often the main reason for the long gap from starting the process to having the surgery. You'll see discussion of needing to have 6 or 7 appointments with their NUT or dietician, for example. It's true that it isn't the main subject of discussion in a lot of cases, though. Did you have specific questions, or were you just curious? I'm one of those who also had to do that, by the way. Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using VST

It makes me much happier, for sure. It feels like I'm indulging in being normal without sabotaging myself. By the way, glad should have been half, as in I use 3-4 oz. of skim milk along with a full cup of coffee, chilled so the Protein won't get clumpy. It does work fine to make decaf drinkable, too, I found out at work today

Yes, add some sort of liquid, like a light sauce, stock or water. You shouldn't need a lot, just enough to add a bit of lubrication, so don't think you need to turn it into soup! Also, if you aren't already doing so I recommend rough chopping or cubing the meat so that the fines are shorter to begun with. Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using VST

It's perfectly normal, and something that's posted about regularly. If you do a search on "hair loss" or "hair falling out" I'm sure you'll get a ton of hits. Here's a high level summary: Extreme weight loss and shock to the body (like, oh, major surgery ) often result in a fair amount of hair loss a few months after the surgery, and it generally continues for several weeks to a few months. Most people find their hair gets thinner, but generally speaking most don't develop bald spots. There's not much that you can do to prevent it, although ensuring that you take good care of yourself nutritionally, getting your Protein in, getting plenty of rest may keep it from getting worse than it has to. You may find that taking Biotin will assist in getting it to grow back in more quickly, and some people swear by other treatments, but in general, it will happen, it will run its course, and it will grow back.

Yup, perfectly normal. It's major surgery, so it would be more wierd if you weren't at least a bit nervous!

It also depends on the person. I'm likely to want to read or listen to music at some point - I have for every surgery I've had where I spent a night in the hospital, as I will likely be awake for at least a few hours. Plus, my surgery center doesn't have tvs in the patient rooms, but they do have wifi. Therefore, I will want my tablet and phone, plus earbuds. Others may not need that entertainment factor, but I find it helps distract me from discomfort. I will also bring my CPAP, though I quite probably won't need it (my apnea is pretty mild). I'll have lip balm, deodorant, soap and shampoo (I'm sensitive to some soaps and fragrances, so it's safer). I'll have underwear and socks. I may bring pajamas for comfort while walking around, since I know from experience that I really don't like wearing the gowns. I'm going to wear yoga pants, an oversized shirt and slip on shoes to the clinic, which I will also wear home. I'll have a small pillow in the car for the 35 minute ride home. Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using VST

There's a difference between sugar coating something and being snarky about it. You can be up front and direct without being insulting or cruel. Attack the action or the attitude, not the person. Here's an example for you: "This has been addressed before. Your doctor or NUT should have already told you this, but eating X three days after surgery may cause serious issues with your staple line and is not allowed. Follow your doctor's directives." or "Really?!? Are you an idiot or can't you read? Don't eat X, moron!" I'm exaggerating, but I hope you can see the difference between straight up facts and reminders that are respectful vs. snarky sarcastic snipes that lose the message because they make the target angry. By the way, as others have mentioned, this sort of thing belongs in the rant forum. Plus, all of these things have been ranted about before, many, many times. Might I suggest doing a search? Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using VST

Oh, I won't deny that it can be irritating when essentially the same question has been asked and answered thoroughly three topics down the list. But in many cases we're dealing with people completely new to using online forums. Many don't have the least idea where to start, but they are desperate for information, help, support. I don't always remember that as well as I should, but I try.

The correct response to a repeat post is to help the new member of the family out. If it's simple, give a correct answer and move on. If it's more complicated, the answer might look something like: This question comes up quite often. The high level answer is xyz. But if you're looking for more details or a bunch of other opinions, check out this thread from earlier this week: [insert link from thread here]. You can also use the search function and look for [abc] to find other threads about this. That way, you help train a newbie and still give useful info. Look at you, offering the same support that you want! Feels good, right? Or if it really irritates you, just drive on by to a post that doesn't bug you, as others have said. Someone else will help out the noob.

Sure. It's 3-4 protein shakes and a small dinner, to total no more than 870 calories. To ensure proper portion/calorie control, my dietician recommends using a frozen entrée like Lean Cuisine or Healthy Choice.

Well, today wasn't too bad for the first day of the pre-op diet. I even had a little bit more than 100 calories left over, and I'm not hungry, though I should go have another glass of water before I go to sleep, methinks. I'm glad I decided to start one day early, though. I have a hard time thinking I'm going to lose 10 lbs in one week on this, but hey, that's what the sheet says. 10 lbs, 7 days, 870 calories a day. Go, me!

Just confirmed today that I'm allowed my beloved coffee and tea, just be cautious right after the surgery in case I have any tolerance issues initially, and get in plenty of Water and I'm good to go. I do like to make my morning Protein shake with fresh brewed coffee (poured over ice to chill) and a glad cup of skim milk. That seems to be enough to hold me for 3-4 hours. However, I do live in the Seattle area, and yeah, I do indulge in the occasional latte (not this week, though! ). I have gotten away from all the sugar, and generally go for a grande, skinny, sf latte in whatever flavor entertains me that day. I, too, confess to being a Starbucks gold card holder, although I actually usually go to a small locally owned stand. I fully expect to continue my occasional treat, albeit in a short size age I get past the first several weeks post surgery

Thanks, Andy. While I really wanted to do this much sooner, in retrospect I have to say that I think the extended prep time has been to my advantage. I've had a lot more time to become comfortable with what I need to do, understand the risks thoroughly, and become more inspired by the people here who are struggling through it bit sticking with it, and those like you who have shown me what success looks like and various paths to get there (Not going to turn into Bette Midler and start singing "Wind Beneath My Wings," I promise ) That said, yup, I'm excited! My husband is excited for me, too, and being extremely supportive, which makes it even better! Trish Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using VST

I just finished my "Farewell to Fattie" tour. It wasn't an over the top food funeral, but I did have a few of my favorite foods this weekend, and I refused to feel guilty about having a small piece of carrot cake among those faves - since I'll be just finishing my post op liquid diet on the day of my birthday, my husband and our best friend made a special birthday cake for me as part of the "tour". I've still managed to lose 3 lbs over the last 5 days, so I don't think I carried it too far Today the pre-op diet begins in earnest and goes through next Monday, with surgery on the 2nd. I did some trial runs so I know I've got this, but I'm still a bit nervous. Good luck, everyone! Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using VST

Thanks, all! I'm having a bit of the "what am I doing???" anxiety this morning, but it will pass. I'm excited at the same time, so it does feel a little odd B-) Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using VST

For those looking for sf Torani or DaVinci syrups, check at your local restaurant supply stores. In my area, Cash & Carry its the place. Smart & Final is another common one. These are generally open to the public and the prices are usually really good. Our Cash & Carry stores literally have an entire side of an aisle full of the current syrups, including lots of the sf options.

I definitely have health as my primary motivator. I'm a type 2 diabetic and have high cholesterol. I'd be lying if I didn't admit that the side benefit of looking better didn't play into this, though, and there is nothing wrong with that.

If it really bothers you, there are some ways you can keep your food warm longer, though I'm afraid none of these would work when eating out . First, it helps if you warm your plates before serving your meal - you'd probably have your best luck with stoneware type plates for this. You can put them in the oven on low or use one of those heating pads that are meant for pre-heating dishes. You could also think about setting a heating pad under your plate at the table. Second, there are some dishes that are specifically designed for slow eaters, and there are pediatric sized ones that might be appropriate for us, as well as larger ones. They work by having a chamber underneath the dish that you fill with warm water at the start of the meal.