Khloé

I had an appt for a check-up with my pcp today. Turns out that I've lost 5 lbs in addition to the 37 other lbs I've lost on my own, bringing me to a total loss of 42 lbs! It's not much but it's a start. I've questioned if the sleeve is the right procedure for me, because there isn't any malabsorption so I'll be responsible for ensuring I eat the right stuff. Seeing as I've got close to 200 lbs to lose, I've never been the best at making smart healthy decisions, so you can see why I would question whether or not I was capable of doing so post-op. A 42 lb loss on my own shows me that I've already made changes for the better and that I CAN do this. Very reassuring! My pre-op diet starts on the 25th, and I can't wait to see how much more I can lose on my own before then.

You look fabulous!

My surgeon does the scop pay h behind the ear. I have to put it on the night before surgery.

Mmm... Claussen pickles

If they approved the sleeve but the doctor didn't do it, then I would think that it would still be approved since your surgeon *technically* only removed your band and never revised your stomach to the sleeve.

Good luck working out 4 hrs a day with a newborn, especially if you plan on breastfeeding!

Tonight my husband and I began sampling Protein shakes. I can only have nectar, Matrix, and About Time Protein powders, because everything else I've found either contains iodine or is manufactured on the same equipment as shellfish and seafood, and I have a food allergy to shellfish, so yeah. Anyhoo, this was actually the first time I ever tried Protein shake. I was kind of freaked out and scared I wouldn't like it, because, like it or not, I'm stuck drinking this stuff possibly for the rest of my life, and the idea of consuming something you don't like is just, well, bad. We tried Nectar Lattes Cappuccino, Nectar Lemon Tea, and Nectar Double Stuff Cookie. We both liked the cappuccino and lemon tea, but HATED the double stuff cookie. It just wasn't good at all, at least not to us. Both of us enjoyed the lemon tea the best. I have several other sample packets to try out (like 20), but I'm glad to know that, even if I don't like any of the other protein powders, there are at least two that I'm ok with. (And, in case anyone is interested on the reviews, you can check out my blog. The link is located in my signature. I have a sample packet of just about every flavor that there is of Nectar and Matrix and will be reviewing them all within the next week. The same goes for About Time Protein)

Sure! It's http://confessionsofacurvymama.blogspot.com/

Dallas area, Texas

They won't. You're good to go.

And as far as protein goes, you may want to buy sme samples to see hat you like. You can get them from BJ'S Bariatric and My Bariatric Pantry sites, just to name a few. Good luck! I'm still in the sampling phase myself.

I'm a 25 year old woman, which is a far cry from a 34 yr old man, but I decided to home in anyway. My surgeon has me on the Bariatric Advantage crystals that dissolve in Protein drinks post-op for the first 3 weeks. I'll be able to take regular chewables after that time. Centrum vites are good but ill be sticking with the Bariatric Advantage. Make sure whatever you use is a "Complete" Vitamin.

I kept calling the insurance company 'til I got my answer. Lol... They have a pre-review authorization number on the back if the card you can call and ask the status of your approval.

After submitting to insurance on the 11th of February, I was approved exactly a week later on the 18th! Scheduled for April 8th! That was the longest week of my life.

Release my inner fashionista by buying clothes I actually like that resemble living room furniture from the 70's, and not have to pay more money for the additional length and width on said clothing. Plus-size clothes are very unfortunate looking.

Depends on your insurance and how quickly you get the ball rolling. I have BCBS of CA. I had my first consult on Feb 1st, completed all the insurance requirements less than a week after, submitted to insurance on Feb 11th, and got a surgery date a week later. My surgeon could've scheduled me for March 4th but I wanted to wait 'til April to give myself time to prepare and get things ready. Had I not waited, I would've been sleeved 31 days after I began the process.

Should protein shakes be included in the 60+ oz of liquids I'm supposed to drink every day, or do the shakes count as additional fluids? I plan to mix my shakes with water, so I assumed I'd count it as water.

I had the same process. I basically had the same reaction as you, also relating to my childhood issues with my mother and now her recent diagnosis with cancer. So, yeah, I understand. And I passed the psych eval with flying colors. Knowing what your problems are and making the effort to fix them never count against you.

Totally LOLing at this thread! Found out some useful info that I wanted the answers to but didn't want to be the one to ask, and certainly wasn't going to ask my surgeon, "Am I allowed to swallow???" Hehe... Now debating on whether or not to tell my hubby all this. Hmmm...

My printout from my surgeon says whenever you feel ready. Heck of a lot better than after my c-section!

If you make sure to tell them about your medicinal allergies then they'll give you something to cover the pain that won't cause an allergic reaction. Best of luck to you!

And Colace is cheap. You can get like 160 capsules of the Walmart brand for less than $2.00