Bvl

I purchased one of those plates right after surgery. It does work pretty well. Very heavy and expensive for one plate, but you do get a good 30 minutes of warm food. http://www.amazon.com/HotSmart-Hot-Gourmet-Plates-InstaHot/dp/B001VE1YM2/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Most might, but there are some plans (read: mine) that have a total bariatric exclusion policy. I was cash pay despite having a BMI over 50, high BP, etc.

That's funny you mentioned this. I tolerated the vanilla shakes ok before surgery, but after, NO WAY. I ended up finishing up the box by holding my nose, and then taking a small sip of coffee before releasing. That bad. I donated the rest of the case to the food box at church. Lesson learned - no overbuying from now on!

I struggled whether to post this or not, but it helps me put into perspective the reason I had this surgery, so I hope it is taken in that light and might help a few others. British actor Richard Griffiths died today at age 65. If the name isn't immediately bringing a face to mind, he was most widely known in recent years as playing mean Uncle Dursley in the Harry Potter series. I remember his portrayal being exactly as I imagined it in the books. I also remember him well from Naked Gun 2 1/2. He was a huge talent, and will be greatly missed. He was also, just as we are (or were), obese. I remember he was big in Naked Gun, and then I saw him roughly 10yrs later in Harry Potter and thought "whoa, he's put on a lot of weight". Most of us can relate. He died of complications from heart surgery. Now, I don't know what caused the surgery in the first place, but it seems likely that his weight played a role. It's a reminder that we just don't see that many overweight people in their golden years. So, as Easter dinner approaches and I lament that fact that I can't dine on all the ham and rolls of yesteryear, this sad fact helps keep me in check. RIP Richard Griffiths.

It is the 2nd pinned thread on the pre-op board. The universal must have is chap stick / lip balm, and a small pillow to place against your stomach while you walk. I wouldn't take too much - you probably won't be able to use much. One thing I found invaluable if you are a light sleeper is a white noise app on my phone - there should be a free one if you search the app store. The IV machine is kinda noisy. Good luck!

Hey earlier March sleevers - do you find that you still take Gas-X fairly often? When I don't take it, I have a lingering dull stomach ache, even when not eating. Taking it definitely helps. I think it may also be some general irregularity from all the protein / not eating any roughage.

I've questioned these differences in nutrition plans from the start. It's the same procedure universally - why do the diet plans vary so much? I am only allowed soft foods beginning on day 21, and no meat of any kind until day 48. BTW, I'm not questioning or challenging anyone's plan VS mine - I'd just love meatball a week from now instead of five weeks. #pitypartyforone

I am 9 days out, and had my first follow-up with my surgeon at six days out where I asked the same question. I was able to drink a lot at one time, especially on an empty stomach. He advised me that we really cannot rely on our new stomachs at this stage to tell us when we are full, and some people do not get the same "full" feeling as others, so it is best to stick with a timed regiment of drinking. He recommended an ounce of water every five minutes. I found a free timer app on my phone, so I just use that and take a drink every 5 minutes. Seems to be working so far, though it is still hard to get all the fluids in!

I realize, as a guy, that women are treated more unfairly than men with all aspects weight, particularly by other women. That said, and though I'm not screaming it from the rooftops, I will tell anyone who inquires about my weight loss that I've had this procedure. Though it wouldn't be lying to say I've decreased my carbs and calories, upped my liquids, etc, it wouldn't be the whole truth either. Everyone knows someone struggling with their weight. Suppose I saw a client who congratulated me on my weight loss and asked how I did it. Let's say I told them all of the reasons except for the one main reason, the reason we are all here, how I lost weight. Wouldn't that give them fuel to say to their overweight daughter, son, sister, mother, whoever that BVL did it on his own, why can't you? That just doesn't seem fair to me.

That doesn't seem right. I just had surgery there on the 7th, and it looked like there were plenty of patients. It is a fairly new facility, so I can't imagine it would shut down so quickly. Perhaps your insurance company is no longer doing surgeries there for some reason?

I was sleeved on Thursday, and discharged today. Had some serious buyer's remorse that first night from the gas pain, but once I passed the upper GI, things got better. I gained nine pounds in the hospital. I told the tech "you realize I paid to go the other way, right?"

Wishing everyone the best today - off to the hospital I go!

Yup - in Dallas.

The first three days are the toughest; after that, it gets easier! I am having surgery on Thursday, and am on day 11 of the liquid diet. Try to change your flavors up as much as possible so you don't get burned out, and keep to a consistent schedule for drinking each day. I try and drink a shake around 8am, 10:30am, 1pm, 4pm, and 7pm. This has helped me not get super hungry between shakes, and makes it easier to avoid temptation. Also, I started to burn out on the sweeter shakes (ensure high protein) very fast. Someone on here suggested the Unjury chicken flavor, and that is pretty good. My favorite protein mix by far is the Whey Gold Standard Double chocolate. If you mix it with skim milk, it nearly tastes like a chocolate malt. Good luck!

This is a totally different type of thread than the inspiring ones I've been reading for the last month. I want to see what people, if anything, will miss about being big / overweight. I think the immediate answer that comes to most people's minds would be "nothing". But, as I've been overweight since I was 6yrs old, and since it's been so much a part of my identity, there are a few things I think I will miss. Please bear in mind that this thread is not intended to question my or anyone else's decision AT ALL. I am stoked about making a life altering change one week from today (surgery date 3/7). I will experience so many things in life that I've been missing out on. That said... People remember me. Granted, the attention is probably not positive, but it's still there - not unlike a kid acting up for negative attention. In my job, I, more often than most, run into old faces from high school, and they remember my name. I was the fat kid, and by the, that is not a misnomer. There was probably one other person growing up in my school that had the same level of weight problem as I did. So, I stuck out like the proverbial sore thumb. But, I never go unrecognized. I think a part of me will miss that. What I will definitely miss is not knowing whether any new friends I make in the future really like me for me. Would they still like me if I was 150lbs heavier? Because my current friends do. I've had steady friendships since elementary school, and though I'm sure they have been concerned for my health, they have never cared about the excess pounds. I think, as a fat kid growing up, I've actually been able to sustain tighter relationships with people because the people I identified with, and who me, were never the superficial type. And, to end on a lighter (pun intended?) note, I'm really gonna miss my gut serving as a hand warmer!

Here here! We'll all be rockin' it a week from today. The pre-op is tough - my doc requires a two-week all liquid diet. So I feel ya. You will be fine - just think about the greater goal!

Howdy Dallas friends! I live near Coit & Campbell, and am being sleeved by Dr. Victor Gonzalez at Forest Park on March 7th. I attended the informal meeting at Season's 52 yesterday. So great to meet a lot of you there, and to see how well you've done. I'm in the middle of my pre-op diet right now, which has been more of a struggle than I thought, and reading everyone's successes is helping taking my mind off of, well, any solid food!

March 7th is my date! I'm also in Texas (Dallas area) - seems like it is kind of the mecca for WLS surgery.

I'm not sure actually. The company providing the equipment (Medigy) contacted me today and took a payment. I guess that gets the ball rolling, but I have no idea what the time frame is.

I had my first sleep study on Monday. Went into thinking I was probably ok, since most have told me that I don't really snore. Apparently I was wrong - was brought in Tuesday for a second study with a CPAP, and today they called and told me they would be sending me one. I have to admit I did feel more rested after the study with the CPAP - I guess it's one of those things that you don't really know you have and how it can make you feel until you finally experience a night of actual good sleep? Also, once a lot of weight is lost, wouldn't the apnea (potentially) go away?

Yeah getting there. I think once I get through this battery of tests this week (sleep study, EGD, psych eval) I'll be more excited How about you?