Getting There

I'm taking a Prilosec Complete (antiacid)and a PPI daily. Drink average of 70 oz/day.

I'm here I had a nut meeting today - interesting. I'm feeling a bit disheartened. The NUT (who is also a PA) said I should expect to lose 60-80% of my excess body weight within 12-18 months. WHAT?!?!?!??! I was under the impression that it was feasible to lose close to 100% with 9-12 months. I started at 265 and my goal is 135....... If I only lose 60% of my excess (and it takes 12-18 months) I will be VERY VERY VERY disappointed - and probably resentful that I went to the extreme of surgery to only lose 80 pounds. What do you all think? Can I lose 130 pounds in 12 months with a reasonable (and I mean reasonable, not obsessive) amount of exercise and keeping on target with calories, protein, fat, carbs, etc.????

I'm 6 weeks out too and have been feeling hungry most days since my surgery. I met with the NUT today and he said to continue to have 3 planned meals and 2 Protein based Snacks daily (I've been doing this since the puree stage). It does help but doesn't eliminate the hunger. NUT said to give it some more time - just takes longer for some people's hormones, etc. to re-set. NUT also said to make sure to get 60+ grams protein (I've been averaging 72), drink 60+ oz (I average 68) and EAT SLOWLY (I've totally forgotten what a hot meal is!). It's nothing I can't live with but hope it's not permanent!

OK, OK - I know it's a long, extensive list. But we put our lives and so much more into the hands of our surgeons - the least they can do is answer a few simple questions. Right? I didn't include many questions about post-surgery guidelines as I already had that from my surgeon. You may want to ask about that, especially if you're having surgery in Mexico. Good luck everyone! For me, 6 weeks post-surgery, I'm very glad I did it. It's NOT easy. But it IS worth it

I guess a stylized sleeve wouldn't be it, huh? LOL

I've tried that too but I can't eat more than 1 egg so I switched to Egg Beaters. Maybe in a few more weeks I'll handle more than 1 measly egg. If not, I guess I can live with that

I don't mind Egg Beaters too much. I usually add some picante sauce (Texas girl here!) and/or a little sprinkle of low-fat cheese and/or some chopped onions & bell peppers. I do everything possible to avoid the Protein shakes - they are just too think now - ick!!!. I sometimes add 1/4 scoop unflavored Protein powder to yogurt or cottage cheese. I also drink a clear Protein Drink daily (I like the ones by Cytosport - whey Isolate Protein Drink - 130 calories, 32 gr protein and only 1 little carb). My goal is 60-80 gr Protein so this gets me 1/2 way there and gives me 17 oz fluids (actually 34 oz since I pour 1/2 of the drink into an empty bottle and fill both with ice & Water - sip these throughout the day). Of couse have an additional bottle of water & something else to get in the 60+ oz (man, somedays that's hard!).

* What is your re-admittance rate? * What is/are the typical reason/s for re-admittance? * How many of your patients have had leaks? How long after surgery were the leaks typically discovered? What was the resolution (% healed on their own vs. % needing surgical intervention)? * Other than leaks, what is/are the most common complication/s? What is your experience with these complications – how many and how resolved? * What would cause you to change to an open procedure? * How many rows of staples do you place? * Are the insides of the staples checked, too? * Do you sew over the staple line? * Exactly how do you test for leaks immediately after surgery (before the barium swallow test the next day)? * Is the part of the stomach that is removed also tested for leaks? * What size bougie do you use to measure the “sleeve?” How do you determine the size of the sleeve? * Can the sleeve actually be stretched by eating/drinking too much? On occassion vs regularly? Why? How to prevent? * What is the biggest factor in failure after this surgery? * What is the biggest factor in succeeding with this surgery? * What is your mortality rate? Of this, what % is attributable to the surgery itself and what % was from pre-existing conditions? * What type of post-surgery support do you offer? Is there any additional cost for the support? * Where were you trained? Are you board certified? How long have you done bariatric surgeries and what other types of surgeries have you done/do you do? * Why did you chose bariatric surgery? * How many sleeves have you performed? Over what period of time? * At what hospital will my surgery be performed? * Who will be my anesthesiologist? What is his/her experience, training, etc.? * Why do you believe you are the best surgeon to perform my surgery? What differentiates you/your practice from others in the D/FW area? * When can I return to work post-surgery? What will my limitations be and for how long? * Based on your experience, in this practice, what % of excess weight does your average patient lose with the sleeve? How long is the loss maintained? What can I do to increase my success? * Why do you feel that your pre/post surgery nutrition guidelines are the best? Have you tailored your plans for sleeve patients or do you use the same plan for sleeve, bypass & lapband? If the same, why? * Do your patients have a support group on FB or via other social media? Other than the formal support group/monthly classes, do your patients have informal support groups? How do I join these groups? * How much interaction should I expect with you vs. with your staff post-surgery? If mostly your staff, what is their training and experience with bariatric WLS patients? Will I typically see the same staff members on my post-op check-ups or will it vary? * Are your staff members, such as nutritionist, available for one-on-one consultations? If so, what are the charges, if any? * What are the requirements to become a "Center of Excellence?" (does this designation really mean anything?) * If I decide to go the self-pay route, is there coverage available for potential complications? If so, where do I get it? How much is it? Will the surgery center/hospital/other docs accept it 100% or could I potentially have additional out-of-pocket expenses? * I've read that most obese patients over 50 have hiatal hernias. According to your website, those are repaired during the sleeve surgery. If I'm self-pay, how is that handled? What if the costs associated with the hernia repair aren't fully covered by my insurance or what if I haven't meet my deductible? * Are there questions I should have asked but didn't? * What would you like to share with me?

Doing the "Happy Dance" for you! (Counts as exercise for me!). Way to go!!!!

My surgery was done in a surgery center, which I was fine with. As with your situation, there was a major hospital right across the street "just in case." My dad is a physician and he felt a surgery center was fine. There is no way I would have felt comfortable having this as day surgery. This is a major surgery and complications do arise. Stay in the hospital/surgery center overnight where you have access to pain meds, IV fluids, anti-nausea meds, experienced staff watching over you, etc. This is YOUR LIFE you're dealing with - no time to quibble over 1 (or even 2) nights.

I returned to work after 9 days (also a desk job). I could have gone back after a week if I had needed to. Just plan ahead so you have your fluids at work and ready. You won't be at your best, but you won't be at your worst either. If you can take more time, do. If you absolutely can't, then just do your best. Most surgeons have their own "rules" regarding hospital stays. If you have a choice, definitely stay one night in the hospital. I was given the option of staying 2 nights but felt ready to go home late afternoon the 2nd day. You will need the IV pain meds, anti-nausea meds, IV fluids (because you simply can't initially drink enough to stay hydrated). Many surgeons perform a leak test the morning after surgery. Best of luck to you!

I lost 9 pounds on a 2-week Protein shake only diet. Wanted it to be more but hey, it was a start! Good luck!!!

Sorry you had to stay an extra night but glad you're feeling better! It will get better and better from here.......

Are you taking an antiacid every morning? What about a PPI? I was initially just taking a Prevacid Complete every morning (surgeon's guide calls for 1/day for 6 months). I was feeling what seemed to be hunger (and at time still is!) but adding the PPI reduced the feeling. I also started eating 3 meals/day with 2-3 small snacks in between (at recommendation of the PA at my surgeon's office). That has helped too.

I've had plain old Nabisco Saltine crackers. Not many because like Mom of Things, I prefer to use what "space" I have for other foods. I haven't tried soda or beer - never was a beer drinker and could take soda or leave it. What about using one of the soda flavors they sell for the "make your own soda" at places like Bed, Bath & Beyond or Target? i did find something at the store that I LOVE LOVE LOVE! They are ZERO calorie/ZERO carb/ZERO sugar dressings by Walden Farms. There are 20 varieties of salad dressing. They also have sauces and other yummy items. I use the salad dressings as dips for otherwise plain, boring grilled chicken, put it on turkey burgers, veggie burgers, etc. AWESOME was to add flavor! I found them in the diabetic section at the grocery store - also at a health food store. You can order on-line as well.

Here is a list I've developed - some are questions I asked and many have been added to my list. This is a VERY long list, but hopefully some of the questions will be new to you I have a friend who is going to his initial consultation next week too and he asked for a list too. * What is your re-admittance rate? * What is/are the typical reason/s for re-admittance? * How many of your patients have had leaks? How long after surgery were the leaks typically discovered? What was the resolution (% healed on their own vs. % needing surgical intervention)? * Other than leaks, what is/are the most common complication/s? What is your experience with these complications – how many and how resolved? * What would cause you to change to an open procedure? * How many rows of staples do you place? * Are the insides of the staples checked, too? * Do you sew over the staple line? * Exactly how do you test for leaks immediately after surgery (before the barium swallow test the next day)? * Is the part of the stomach that is removed also tested for leaks? * What size bougie do you use to measure the “sleeve?” How do you determine the size of the sleeve? * Can the sleeve actually be stretched by eating/drinking too much? On occassion vs regularly? Why? How to prevent? * What is the biggest factor in failure after this surgery? * What is the biggest factor in succeeding with this surgery? * What is your mortality rate? Of this, what % is attributable to the surgery itself and what % was from pre-existing conditions? * What type of post-surgery support do you offer? Is there any additional cost for the support? * Where were you trained? Are you board certified? How long have you done bariatric surgeries and what other types of surgeries have you done/do you do? * Why did you chose bariatric surgery? * How many sleeves have you performed? Over what period of time? * At what hospital will my surgery be performed? * Who will be my anesthesiologist? What is his/her experience, training, etc.? * Why do you believe you are the best surgeon to perform my surgery? What differentiates you/your practice from others in the D/FW area? * When can I return to work post-surgery? What will my limitations be and for how long? * Based on your experience, in this practice, what % of excess weight does your average patient lose with the sleeve? How long is the loss maintained? What can I do to increase my success? * Why do you feel that your pre/post surgery nutrition guidelines are the best? Have you tailored your plans for sleeve patients or do you use the same plan for sleeve, bypass & lapband? If the same, why? * Do your patients have a support group on FB or via other social media? Other than the formal support group/monthly classes, do your patients have informal support groups? How do I join these groups? * How much interaction should I expect with you vs. with your staff post-surgery? If mostly your staff, what is their training and experience with bariatric WLS patients? Will I typically see the same staff members on my post-op check-ups or will it vary? * Are your staff members, such as nutritionist, available for one-on-one consultations? If so, what are the charges, if any? * What are the requirements to become a "Center of Excellence?" (does this designation really mean anything?) * If I decide to go the self-pay route, is there coverage available for potential complications? If so, where do I get it? How much is it? Will the surgery center/hospital/other docs accept it 100% or could I potentially have additional out-of-pocket expenses? * I've read that most obese patients over 50 have hiatal hernias. According to your website, those are repaired during the sleeve surgery. If I'm self-pay, how is that handled? What if the costs associated with the hernia repair aren't fully covered by my insurance or what if I haven't meet my deductible? * Are there questions I should have asked but didn't? * What would you like to share with me? Sorry for the long list - I'm one of those Type A's

If you've been working out with a trainer, perhaps you're building muscle which weighs more than fat? Just stick with it and you'll start losing again

I THINK that Vitamin Shoppe will exchange protein powder if you buy one you don't like. Might be worth checking out.....

Sleeved 9/10 Start of pre-op 265 Day of surgery 256 Today 234 Need to get my dwindling butt in gear and start exercising.......

I've just started using My Fitness Pal and it seems that it takes FOREVER for things to load. Or I keep getting a message that the system is down for maintenance and to try back in a few minutes. Is this common?

I'm on my laptop with a very high bandwidth connection (I'm at work and I work for a major telecommunications company - so I know my connection isn't the problem). Weird - but frustrating

Isopure Ready-to-Drink are Whey. Another one I like is by Cytosport - Whey Isolate Protein Drink. Comes is Tropical, Tangarine and Watermelon. A 16.9 oz bottle has 130 calories, 32 gr Protein, 1 gr carbs. I found this at Vitamin Shoppe. I've also heard you can get it at Costco.

Here is a list I came up with to share with a friend who is going for his consultation soon: * What is your readmittance rate? * What is/are the typical reason/s for readmittance? * How many of your patients have had leaks? How long after surgery were the leaks typically discovered? What was the resolution (% healed on their own vs. % needing surgical intervention)? * How many rows of staples do you place? * Are the insides of the staples checked, too? * Do you sew over the staple line? * Exactly how do you test for leaks immediately after surgery (before the barium swallow test the next day)? * Is the part of the stomach that is removed also tested for leaks? * What size bougie do you use to measure the “sleeve?” * What is the biggest factor in failure after this surgery? * What is your mortality rate? Of this, what % is attributable to the surgery itself and what % was from pre-existing conditions? * What type of post-surgery support do you offer? Is there any additional cost for the support? * Where were you trained? Are you board certified? * How many sleeves have you performed? Over what period of time? * At what hospital will my surgery be performed? * Why do you believe you are the best surgeon to perform my surgery? What differentiates you/your practice from the others in the D/FW area? * When can I return to work post-surgery? * Based on your experience, in this practice, what % of excess weight does your average patient lose with the sleeve? How long is the loss maintained? What can I do to increase my success? * Why do you feel that your pre/post surgery nutrition guidelines are the best? Have you tailored your plans for sleeve patients or do you use the same plan for sleeve, bypass & lapband? If the same, why? * Do your patients have a support group on FB or via other social media? Other than the formal support group/monthly classes, do your patients have informal support groups? How do I join these groups? * How much interaction should I expect with you, the surgeon, vs. with your staff? If mostly your staff, what is their training and experience with bariatric WLS patients? Will I typically see the same staff members on my post-op check-ups or will it vary? * Are your staff members, such as nutritionist, available for one-on-one consultations? If so, what are the charges, if any?

I'm 6 weeks post-surgery and am VERY happy with my experience. One of my best friends is now considering having the surgery as well. She has asked me what questions I asked during my initial consultations in order to choose my surgeon. I have my list, but I'm sure I didn't (and still can't) think of all of the most relevant questions. So, what questions did you ask or do you wish you had asked during your consultations that I might add to my list for my friend? Thanks for your input!

I was self-pay so some of my quesitons are directly related to that - I left out the obvious ones such as "how much?" I don't have my list with me, but as I recall they were: * What is your readmittance rate? * What is/are the typical reason/s for readmittance? * How many of your patients have had leaks? How long after surgery were the leaks typically discovered? What was the resolution (% healed on their own vs, % needing surgical intervention)? * What is your mortality rate? Of this, what % is attributable to the surgery itself and what % if from pre-existing conditions? * What type of post-surgery support do you offer? Is there any additional cost for the support? * Where were you trained? Are you board certified? * How many sleeves have you performed? Over what period of time? * At what hospital will my surgery be performed? * What doesn't my self-pay include, if anything? * Why do you believe you are the best surgeon to perform my surgery? What differentiates you/your practice from the others in this area? * When can I return to work post-surgery? Things I didn't ask but would if I were to do it over again: * Based on your experience, in this practice, what % of excess weight does your average patient lose with the sleeve? How long is the loss maintained? * Why do you feel that your pre/post surgery nutrition guidelines are the best? Have you tailored your plans for sleeve patients or do you use the same plan for sleeve, bypass & lapband. * Do your patients have a support group on FB or via other social media? Other than the formal support group/monthly classes, do your patients have informal support groups? * How much interaction should I expect with you, the surgeon, vs. with your staff? If mostly your staff, what is their training and experience with bariatrics and WLS patients? * Are your staff members, such as nutritionist, available for one-on-one consultations? If so, what are the charges, if any? That's my list thus far. I look forward to adding to it with the input from others