want2clessofme

Make the soup and mashed potatoes with skim milk and add one scoop of powdered dry milk - bumps up the protein. And - you aren't going to be able to eat much. 1/4 - 1/2 cup or so ...

Prayers going up!

My NUT suggested drinking skim milk .... double whammy! Liquid and 8 grams of protein to boot!

I am 5 days post surgery and worried that cooking for others would be really hard. Especially on a holiday weekend. I have had no problems cooking, serving food to my husband, grandkids, or guests. I always set a place for me - a pretty saucer and small (1/2 cup ) appetizer bowl with 3 ozs of protein soup, or a small, pretty juice glass with 3 ozs. of protein shake. I eat the soup with a baby spoon - the kids got a kick out of it. The reason I can do this is: I am not hungry! The pre-op diet got easier after a few days too.

Thanks for all the prayers! My surgery went very well! Actually got moved up to first surgery of the day - so they rushed me through pre-op stuff. No time to get nervous No nausea (love Zofran) and no narcotic pain reliever either- just extra strength Tylenol, Meds for stomach cramping and PPI worked wonderfully. Up and walking within an hour out of recovery. Barium swallow was good - but yucky tasting. Kept down liquids 2nd day - one oz. at a time. Two nights stay in hospital. Had a great night's sleep last night - in my own bed. Up and around, walking, sipping ... incisions bruised and a little sore ... but feeling great!

Me too! Looking forward to a healthy future Sending prayers your way!

Yes! Just chew it well

Two suggestions are hummus and vegetarian refried beans for the mushy stage

@ wordnerd: It is not "misleading" to say you can't swallow a large pill or vitamin after having this surgery - it can get stuck! This had nothing to do with "food bites." She was asking specifically about purchasing vitamins and drinks.

I am going to "follow you" - got a feeling this isn't how things will end Don't give up ... never give up! Maybe a few sessions with a NUT would help?

This should all be covered prior to your surgery. Vitamins - in fact all medication must be chewable, liquid or crushed and added to small amount of food for the first 4 weeks. After that, nothing bigger than an M&M can be swallowed - FOREVER! Adult Gummy vitamins are an example of chewable. You will need non carbonated/caffeinated, low fat/sugar fluids to drink: Crystal light, sugar free jello, popsicles, soup broths, teas ... 64 ozs. of fluids per day. You may want to buy some ready-made protein shakes or whey isolate protein powder. Some surgeons have their own products they recommend. Also, I got rid of all my drink cups with straws - can't use straws anymore. Get the kind that allows you to "sip" from the lid. Hope that helps. This forum is great for getting info. Check back often

Thanks for sharing!

So glad this question was asked! I enjoyed all the responses and has helped ease my mind Thank you!

I This may help with not eating so fast. Also, use small plates, bowls or ramekins work well.

Prayers going up for you!

I called BCBS Fed yesterday and they said to call the provider (of my chest xray) and have them re- bill it as preop test for diabetes control ... not for weight loss and it should be covered. I will let you know how that comes out

You look wonderful and healthy!

Thank you both!

I too, have BCBS Fed (basic) and have received billing statements denying coverage of pre-op required tests - even though they DO cover WLS. Do I pay these - or wait for final approval? Also, I am covered by my husbands BCBS of Michigan - any chance they would cover what my insurance does not? Thanks for any info ...

I am so glad you asked this question! I just received a statement from my BCBS (Federal - basic) stating that "we do not cover treatment related to obesity, weight reduction or dietary control." They have denied paying for my chest xray and say I owe the $241 to the provider. I have a psych. eval next week, a cardio clearance appt. the week after and am wondering if I am going to be billed for all of those - not to mention the EKG, physical, consults I have already done. They also want a more recent sleep study done. My insurance DOES cover wls - so I am confused as to why they are not approving payment for all the test requirements.

I love your sense of humor! Who could NOT like you?

I was told the same thing by the doctor at the clinic. It's the "dance with the insurance company." My BMI is currently 35.1 because I had a bad case of diverticulitis and was hospitalized for 7 days on ice chips for 6 days and clear liquids for one - just prior to my first appointment. So what I did was go to my primary care physician (who I see every 90 days) and have them print out my weight and BMI's for the past 2 years. I gave the clinic the copy. The advice was to not lose any more - but try to eat healthier.Hope that helps