EllaJo

I know I'm not crazy...but I'm waiting to be called to do my psych eval... I already see a counselor... Hopefully they don't deny me... I don't think they will, but it's scary...

Thanks everyone for the support! It took 2 1/2 hours to finish the 'test' it was 700 questions! I'll see the examiner next week to discuss! Ekkkk! All I've got left is the appointment with the examiner, barium swallow, and 1 last nutritionist appointment before sending off for approval!

I just got a call from the scheduler at my hospital. We scheduled my EKG and chest x-ray for the same day as my next nutritionist appointment. And my labs and UGI are going to be the same day as my last nutritionist appointment in May. I'm just waiting to get my psych eval scheduled! This means that it's getting close. I'm so nervous and excited at the same time... I'm excited for my new life. But I'm nervous about the pain of surgery and the emotional pain of 'losing food' I'm trying to get that under control now... But right now I know I can splurge once in a while... But after surgery my small banana of a stomach won't allow me to. And it may sound dumb, but it scares me.

Unless it is time to eat I have to keep myself VERY busy. Running errands, work, school work, talking to friends, exercising. Anything at all to keep myself busy and my mind away from food.

My nutritionist said that with the solotron multi vitamin the only others I need are b12 and chewable calcium citrate.

Went for my 4th of 6 required nutritionist visits today and the scale is finally moving! Thank goodness! I've only lost 5lbs, but I'm so motivated now! Just wanted to share my progress

I do the same! Out dollar general also carries a few flavors... I suggest putting the container in a ziplock bag if carrying it with you... I have had one bust in my pocket and one bust in my purse... Not a fun mess to clean up...

Yes the ones with caffeine are usually in a black container. When I need it I drink a bottle or two of Water with caffeinated mio in the AM. It helps a lot.

I have a nutritionist appointment on Friday, February 15. It is my third of six appointments with the nutritionist and I still haven't lost anything. Not even a pound. I am having trouble with two of the things I need to do, exercising 3 times a week and only eating 1/2 cup of rice, bread, potatoes, etc. a day... I don't want to disappoint my nutritionist... And I have to lose 12 lbs by the end of the 6 months of supervised diet... I'm so afraid that I won't be able to have the surgery... Anyone have tips, tricks, or advice? Anything and everything will be greatly appreciated! I don't know what to do...

Yes! I've even put a few drops of MIO flavoring in it to make it like a snowball. Or even freeze crystal light Water in an ice cube tray and crush that up... Just to mix it up. I use my ninja blender to chop it up fine

Congrats!

Stopped using a straw No sodas or caffeine Replacing breakfast with a protein shake Using smaller bowls/plates Eating shaved ice when craving ice cream or other sweets Using my fitness pal to track nutrition

I've been using my fitness pal to track my nutrition and exercise... I'm trying very hard to control my carbs...but 21 years of a carb eating habit is hard to change... I have been drinking a premier Protein drink (30g protein, 169 cal, 3 carb for breakfast since my first appointment in December. And my Snacks are usually a string cheese or a yogurt. I have also given up sodas and drink all Water or 1%milk. I do good the first half of the day... It's lunch and diner that's hard.. But I KNOW that I NEED to do this. Thank you everyone for the kick in the butt that I needed!

I have to lose at least 12 lbs in my 6 month preop phase in order to get approved... Now I have 5 months left... And 14 lbs to lose since I gained 2...

Yesterday was my 2nd nutritionist appointment and I was dreading it. I knew I had gained a few lbs since the first visit and I really didn't feel like hearing about my failure. My nutritionist didn't come down on me hard at all. Instead she praised me on the fact that I cut out soft drinks, caffeine, and got in one protein shake a day. Also I started making better choices when eating out. My goal for the next month is to limit myself to one starchy carb a day and to exercise. These new goals are to be added onto the changes I have already made. I'm glad she didn't come down on me about my gain. I NEED to lose for next month.

I have to pay the co-pays for my various pre-op appointments and $200 co-pay for surgery. Then everything else is covered. I have Humana insurance.

How does upping calories help to get out of a stall?

I am feeling the exact same way! My surgery won't be until May-June. But I wonder the same thing... Once I'm not hiding from the world will I be able to go out and celebrate and have lunch or dinner with friends without looking weird for eating such a small amount. And will foods other than protein shakes and jello make me sick? I sure hope not. But even so I think it will be so worth it.

That's is so awesome!

Great idea!

My first nut appointment is on Dec. 13! I wish it was sooner... But that's only 3 weeks away.. Hopefully someone will cancel and I can have their appointment... I was hoping to have surgery in April-May... But it will be May-June... Just wanted to share my excitement of finally getting an appointment and disappointment of how far away it is...