BKLYNgal87

Eventually your body will become acclimated to the diet. You will have a very difficult time continuing to lose weight if you don't start an exercise program. The key is both diet and exercise.

Yes everyone is different and everyone's instructions are different. You'll probably be fine as long as you're not on the pain meds. But it's not a good habit to get into to ignore your doctor's advice.

Thank you for sharing. I can't begin to fathom how difficult it has been to lose your sister. I applaud your bravery to make positive change in your life. Looking forward to seeing more from you!

Before you head off to Mexico or give them any deposit, you need to check your insurance policy handbook and see if there are any coverage limitations for complications of surgery performed outside the US. If it doesn't specifically say it won't cover medical costs of complications, then you don't have to worry about insurance not covering you if you have a problem post-op. I agree with Maharet, you should find a new GP because this surgery requires a lifetime of follow up and it's best to find a supportive doctor. The first big post-op testing you'll need is bloodwork at 3 months post-op to make sure you are not suffering any vitamin/mineral deficiencies among other things. Internal Medicine docs certainly can do post-op care, they do it for all sorts of surgeries, not just bariatric. Your doctor is just trying to avoid potential liability. As for not "medically clearing" you, this is irrelevant because your insurance isn't paying for the surgery. It behooves your surgeon in Mexico to medically clear you before surgery, however. If you determined there are no coverage limitations in your insurance policy regarding surgical complications then it doesn't matter if you've been cleared for it in the US or not, unless Dr. Alvarez requires it. Still, I say find a new GP.

I personally cannot lose any weight no matter what my calorie intake unless I exercise. You eating 800 calories and managing 100 grams of protein out of it sounds pretty good. I really think you've hit a plateau because your body has become aclimated to the diet. Exercise in some form (elevated heart rate) every day will kick the weight loss back into gear. Take it slow and enlist the help of a professional, if you can, to prevent injury.

Awesome work! I am inspired

I wanted to add that a 140 lb loss in a year is astounding, and something to be truly proud of, especially since it sounds you've mostly worked on the nutrition part of it. Congratulations on your success so far! The home stretch is always hardest as Cheri said but with hard work, sweat and determination you'll get there!

I saw you said the last two weeks you had been using an exercise bike. Had you been on an exercise program previously post- surgery? I think the only way for you to continue to lose weight is to step up the exercise, big time, to the best of your ability of course. If you are new to working out then I suggest you seek the guidance of a fitness trainer in the beginning.

Darn phone app. Was gonna say it depends on the individual patient's needs. People who need to lose 200-300+ lbs may not lose all the weight they'd need to with the sleeve. A lot of surgeons will do a two step surgical intervention, first the sleeve then bypass.

It depends on what is right for the individu patient

Everyone has those "am I doing the right thing?" moments. It's completely normal. This is a life altering surgery, but I kept looking at it as if I don't do this now, years down the line I will be suffering greatly and wish I had done it. As for difficulty swallowing, the first 24 hours post op they don't give you anything by mouth, and you shouldn't be drinking or swallowing any pills. In fact I couldn't take any pills at all for a week. Yes your throat is sore from being intubated during surgery but you'll also be on pain meds so for most people it's manageable. After your barium swallow you can ask if they'd allow you to take any lozenges if you are in pain. Good luck and smooth recovery!

Cheri - Thank you so much for sharing. Your insight and advice is always spot on. You look radiant, especially in the photo with your daughter . Congratulations on all your success! PS: You certainly look like you've got your hourglass figure back. Love your fashion style!

Wowza! Sexy guy!

Yogurt liquifies fast in the stomach. And it also leaves your stomach faster than dense protein. If you are taking an hour to eat it then it's more like you are having 3 oz every 30 minutes, which is totally normal.

I too got the growls. I have them worse now that I'm on soft foods and back at work. When I got them and I was on the pureed stage, I went for a sugar free fruit popsicle (which pretty much counts as a liquid). That put the rumbling to rest until I next ate something. Fluids will also help some in between meals.

How about this: you will most likely be on some sort of insurance mandated diet for either 3 or 6 months. Most insurance companies require this. Use that time to diet on your own. If you lose the weight and manage to keep it off, then you may not need the surgery after all. My surgeon has turned away patients from surgery who did extraordinarily well on their pre-op diets because he's a believer in WLS not being for everyone. There are plenty of people who are not successful long term in diet alone (like me), that's when it's good to think about surgery. For me I believe as long as you lose the weight and become healthier it doesn't matter how you go about it, as long as you are successful. Is surgery drastic? That depends on the individual's circumstances. A lot of people need a drastic intervention in order to change. Sure there are risks to everything in life and this needs to be weighed against potential benefits. Only you can decide.

I remember how tough it was in the beginning, I'm only 1 month post op (as of today ). But I can tell you as each day goes by you will get a little better. And by a month post op I am willing to bet you'll be back to your old self. JerseyGirl always gives great advice. I also used a heating pad and it was a life saver in my first week home. You should ask your surgeon's office if you can take some Gas-X strips. It may help, it may not, time and hydration are the best healers.

I've never used unflavored jay robb for soups. I use isopure unflavored whey protein and though it doesn't mix that well, there are tiny little clumps usually, it doesn't turn into egg soup. Maybe someone else has better suggestions for making use of the stuff you have.

Soccer girl, let me tell you I can relate. We're close in age and I also have a killer bad back. I did everything short of daily narcotics because I didn't want to develop dependence. I've used muscle relaxants long term and had epidurals as well. The only thing that ever really ameliorated the pain for more than a day was exercising - more specifically rowing and weight training my back muscles. But once I started skipping the gym a few days I was back to pain central. I am so sorry to hear about your struggles. I too got this surgery to tackle my back pain. Losing the excess weight and correcting posture will be the best, most permanent solution in the end. If you go in for the surgery they recommend, I wish you a speedy recovery. Keep us posted! Hugs!

Wow so inspiring! Keep up the great work

It wasn't for me because I didn't have a working relationship with any of the doctors involved in my surgery. I had a great experience!

LOL well you posted in the correct forum. I also am curious about that

There's a lot of very insensitive people out there. The nurse in your surgeon's office should know better though!! You've accomplished so much and you have a lot to be proud of - I'd be mad too if someone rained on my parade. Besides, the data is clear. People who lose weight via WLS are less likely to gain back the weight than people who opt for diet alone.

I wouldn't worry about how many calories you are getting in at this stage but since you're still clearly on liquids I think 400-500 a day is to be expected. 80 grams of protein is great. When you progress to pureed and soft solid foods you will consume a lot more. I was sleeved 2 days before you but I am long past liquids, now onto soft foods. Everyone's plan is different. I get about 600-650 calories a day from different sorts of protein (shakes, beans, meat, dairy) and a little cooked vegetables. I also am back at the gym which has helped my energy and mood.