The Travel Guru

Whey Protein Isolate Protein Shake 117 calories Dunkin Donuts Wake up Wrap 150 calories Babybel Cheese 1 Light 50 calories Deli Meat Chicken Breast 2 ounces 50 calories Deli Meat Roast Beef

Whey Protein Isolate Protein Shake 117 calories Dunkin Donuts Wake up Wrap 150 calories Babybel Cheese 1 Light 50 calories Deli Meat Chicken Breast 2 ounces 50 calories Deli Meat Roast Beef

I have Horizon BCBS of NJ as well. I weighed 267 on my visit to my surgeon, I am 5'5 and my BMI was 44. I had no problem being approved. I don't know what they consider a low BMI tho to cover the WLS surgery. Just wanted you to know that I have the same insurance as you and received approval. My surgery was on Jan 2, 2013. Don't give up, and def appeal if your denied.

When I started this journey, I thought I would be a slow loser as well. So I set a plan on what I would eat, even tho I knew my stomach would be smaller. I decided to eat mostly protein, and cut most all carbs out no pasta, rice, bread and no desserts, candy, chips etc. I also made a decision to eat 6 small meals a day, again of mostly proteins. I love to eat, and am happier when I do eat, so the 6 meals helps me curb the hunger. For me cutting out the carbs has really helped in my weight loss, I have lost 40 pounds in two months. I do feel if I did not cut the carbs out I would not have been able to loss as I did. Its a strange thing, even with my stomach as small as is, It can really handle anything, so I watch everything and use the app "loss it" which counts my calories, proteins and carbs daily. It really helps me figure out my day.. And I don't get on the scale every day, maybe once or twice a month. I think my making your own plan on which foods to intake it might help. And protein is so important, esp dense protein as it fills you up so much more than carbs. If you want I can post my daily food choices.. Don't give up, it will happen..

I went to my surgeon back in August 2012 for a consultation, with my BMI being so high (44) he said I would not have a problem. His office staff set up all my appointments, my three month appt's with my NUT, and all other tests that you have to go thru. They printed out a sheet with all my appointments on it. A couple days later, they called and said I was approved for surgery. While visiting with my NUT, she was the one who told me what I should be eating and she also monitored my weight. I did not have a pre op diet (every dr is different). I only loss 4 pounds prior to surgery which I had on 1/2. And all went fantastic.. I could not be happier.. Good Luck in your journey, it will all be worth it in the end..

Oh and the meds.. I crushed them, put in a teaspoon with apple sauce, and they went down fine.

I am two months out. I had a hard time as well. I put water or diet ice tea (given to me by the hospital) in one of those small medicine cups (got them from the hospital) and just sipped on it, when it was done, I refilled. I did the best I could. I did not force any liquid's down. Each day it got better and I was able to get more down.. and I am doing great now..

The night before my surgery I was excited too, I could not wait to get there and start my new life. Two months out and 40lbs down, and I am thrilled with my new lease on life. I would not change a thing.. You will do great, Good Luck!

I started my journey back in August 2012. It took almost 6 months before I was able to have the surgery, I was sleeved on 1/2. I was frustrated that it was taking so long.. but it comes before you know. Just have some patience, it will happen.. Good Luck..

I forget to mention, I use the app "lose it" great app. It counts my calories, protein's carb's daily.. I normally don't go over 800 calories a day..

I am two month's out. I don't eat bread, pasta, rice, beef, sweets (desserts), candy, lettuce.. I do eat, eggs, chicken, deli meats (chicken or turkey), soups, cheese, beans, seafood, pork (soft), veggies cooked/steamed really well, 1/2 banana,mashed potato's. And of course the staples.. yogurt, cottage cheese, jello etc.. Protein shake daily, and I only drink water or unsweetened/diet iced tea and 1 cup of black coffee a day. I can usually take 3 to 4 ounces of any of these foods at a time..

On my puree stage here is some of my intake.. Protein drink (twice daily), Eggs or Egg whites, scrambled than mashed with fork. Egg drop soup from Chinese restaurant (I did not blend, just ate it as is). Low fat cream soups. Jello, Cottage Cheese, Yogurt, 1/2 banana mashed, apple sauce. Tuna with a bit of low fat mayo, and put in blender, mashed potato's.. Hope this helps.. good luck, you will do great!

I was a yoyo dieter all my life, so, I had to have my gall bladder out several years ago (pre sleeve). I use to get those pain attacks all time. I had no issue's after my gall bladder was taken out, my surgery and recovery went well.

I was sleeved on a Wednesday, and went into work on Monday. I have a desk job, so it was not so bad.

You are def not taking the easy way out. Getting sleeved still requires lots of work. Yes you can only eat small portions, but you still have to watch what you eat. Your choices in food still have to be the right one's. It is said here many times as well as my Dr telling me. The sleeve is a tool, to help you along, but it won't stop you from eating bad food choices. Which for any food addict is a struggle.. So no, don't feel guilt, easy way out, No way! Good luck, you will do great~

You certainly will enjoy food again. I am 2 months post op. And I enjoy everything I am allowed to eat, I do not feel deprived at all. I stay within my 800 to 900 calorie (as per my NUT) using "lose it" app (its free). I have decided to stay away from most carbs (which is my choice). I eat mostly protein. I eat 6 small meals a day, and feel quite satisfied. My sleeve tell me when to stop with the restriction it gives me, which sooo helps with portion control. I have struggled all my life with food, it really did become my enemy, and made me feel awful. The sleeve has become my friend and guides me through. I could not feel any happier with my decision. I feel fantastic. I can move with ease, I can make steps, I am not sweating all the time. I am off all my meds.. I feel as if I got a second chance on life. Give it time, all will fall into place, hang in there, life will get better..

I felt the same way you did, so wondering if I did the right thing. First two weeks were the hardest as you are limited to so little choices of food. I am 2 months post op, and everything is going great. As of March 6, I can eat any foods, or course in moderation, or what my sleeve can handle, a couple ounces at a time.. When I do eat I don't feel deprived, I put in my dish what I think I can handle and that's it. I am done.. It is just a great feeling to be able to feel satisfied and not deprived. You will get there, hang in there follow your instructions from your Dr and your NUT and you will do great.

I was thinking Lap Band when I went for my first visit with my surgeon. After he went over three options with me. Sleeve, Lap Band, Gastric. We decided on the Sleeve and I could not be happier with my choice.. He said he hardly does any more Lap Band's and the Sleeve was a good option for me. Its been 8 weeks, and I have not had one issue.. Good Luck on your Surgery, you will do great..

You are now at the worst part of your journey, but I promise you each day you will feel better. By my 3rd week I felt completely normally. Just do as Dr and Nut have instructed and all will fall into place.. You will do great!

I am 8 weeks out, and that feeling def goes away. Hang in there it will get better!

Jacee.. "ball point pen" lol. That was my biggest fear as well, my dr told me I should not be hungry, but that was not to be. So I have learned to eat the right foods staying within my calories. And with the size of our stomach's we can't get very much in and really do feel full . I do not feel deprived at all.

I just posted this reply in another forum, so I copied and pasted.. I was sleeved on 1/2 and I felt hungry all the time as well. I thought it was just me until I found this forum (thank goodness) and then realized that everyone is different. My hunger has really not gone away, so I eat when I am hungry and keep my calories per day between 800 and 900 a day (as per my nut). I have learned tho, that Protein will full me up quickly, which works out perfect, so I make sure I get lots of protein's in, and I stay away from most carbs. I usually eat about six small meals a day. I am down about 36 pounds, and happy with my results so far.. I use the app 'Lose it" to track my calories.. So eat when you are hungry, its the choices of food that will matter the most..

I was scared too. I remember being wheeled in the operating room and staying to myself "what am I doing". Fast forward 6 weeks later, and it has been the best decision of my life, I would not change this gift I have been given to control my portions for anything. The first few weeks were rough, but nothing that you can't handle. I was in work 5 days after surgery and did fine. By three weeks out I felt totally myself and was ready to take on the world..You will do fine.. You will have lots of questions and this forum is great, so come back often, because it will get you thru.. Good Luck, your sleeve will be your friend...

I also should have mentioned, since you are a Feb sleever, you might still be on liquids, or light foods.. When you start added more denser foods (proteins), such as deli meats (turkey), you will feel full longer than when you are on the liquids.. If you want a menu of my daily foods let me know...

I was sleeved on 1/2 and I felt hungry all the time as well. I thought it was just me until I found this forum (thank goodness) and then realized that everyone is different. My hunger has really not gone away, so I eat when I am hungry and keep my calories per day between 800 and 900 a day (as per my nut). I have learned tho, that protein will full be up quickly, which works out perfect, so I make sure I get lots of protein's in, and I stay away from most carbs. I usually eat about six small meals a day. I am down about 36 pounds, and happy with my results so far.. I use the app 'Lose it" to track my calories.. So eat when you are hungry, its the choices of food that will matter the most..