AggieSleever

Hi everyone! I'm up the the Seattle area and have a strange question... I've already done my pre-requisites, gotten insurance approval, but haven't set a date. They have given me the run around from day 1. There is NO support from their office. And they're quite rude if I have to contact them. Here's the question: Is it possible to change surgeons?? From the beginning, I haven't liked the office/staff/doc that I've been dealing with. Something just doesn't feel right. I've contacted another surgeon/office and they were AMAZING and SO HELPFUL. They are on my insurance! I'm so nervous that changing will screw up insurance and they'll deny me. I just don't want to have this life-changing surgery with a less than stellar doctor and staff. Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated. Thanks Much!

Has anyone had any experience with St Francis Hospital Federal Way Weight Management program? Drs Haroon Anwar or Troy Houseworthy?? I have BCBS Fed and need to use a "Center of Excellence". There's not a lot of chat about sleeve in this area. I'm a little worried, and would be so grateful for ANY feedback! Thanks!

Since embarking on this journey 3.5 months ago, I've lost almost 50 lbs (don't judge, I'm a slow loser!)... Only now, my hips and knees are aching all the time! Anyone have any aches/pains since LOSING weight?? I thought with 50 lbs less, I would be having less pain. Thoughts?

Maybe it is fro things changing or moving, but I was just wondering why my knees and hips picked now to start aching. After I've she'd 50 lbs and made it easier for them?!? I'm almost embarrassed to say that I haven't been working out, so that's not the culprit. I'm too scared to go to the gym. I have an enormous fear of being laughed at. Like a paralyzing fear... I'm hoping the more weight I lose, the less the aching will continue. Thanks for your reply. I'm inspired by your motivation!

I might be... it's just strange that I ache while at rest vs. before I didn't. I wasn't sure if it was a lack of vitamins, protein, etc...

Y'all are awesome! Thank you for the suggestions. I'm open to try anything... I'm going to see my surgeon's office next week, so I definitely will discuss. Very keen @@FrankiesGirl, yes, I'm an Aggie and a TX girl! I'm trying all these ideas!

Hi all! I'm 2.5 months out from being sleeved (SW- 265)... I'm just not getting my Protein in. I've tried multiple (and if anyone wants the lbs and lbs of powder with 1 scoop used, I'll happily send it to get it out of my kitchen) MULTIPLE protein powders. Both plain and flavored. I can't find any that I don't gag after 2 sips. I'm not sure if it's a texture thing or what... Anyhow, I maybe get 20-30g of protein a day... And yes, I know that's way too low. I'm at my wits end on what to do. I eat as often as I can. However, I can't even consume 1/3rd of a chicken breast before reaching the puke point. I've tried softer things (cottage cheese, tuna, yogurt, etc...) but it's still at about the 1/3 cup point that I start to get that full feeling. I'm looking for ANY suggstions. No, I haven't talked to my NOT because I don't have one. My insurance doesn't cover it and my surgeon's office doesn't have one. Any suggestions for protein boost?? Thanks!

Ok, I'm 4 weeks and 1 day out of the sleeve surgery. The first 3 weeks went well with 20 lbs lost. At 3 weeks, I became stuck at the SAME WEIGHT and from there have GAINED 3 more lbs... What in the FREAK?!? I eat virtually nothing. For example, today I had a babybel cheese round, 2 Ritz crackers, about 12 Oz of chicken broth (spread over 3 hours), and 1/3 of a shredded chicken taco with sprinkled cheese. And that was a LOT compared to what I've been eating. How in the name of baby Moses have I GAINED weight?!? I REGRET this surgery and have from day one! What the crap have I done to myself?!? Any experienced sleepers, please offer some guidance... I live in an area with NO support group, and my doctor sucks at support! I'm mad. Disappointed. Regretful. And I feel like this is just another "fat girl failure" to add to my many! Is 20 lbs all I'm going to lose after cutting out 80-85% of my stomach?? Grrrrr.....

@@AlliSan33 I tried the chocolate splendor with a banana half. It tasted good, but about 3 drinks in, I got the usual nausea. These protein shakes ARE stressing me out!! Good luck and keep up the good protein drinking!

Thank you ALL!! @@centlove8, I took a deep breath... I'm absolutely beating myself up. Nice meeting you too! @A New KK holy cow! You work out six days a week?!? That's impressive! I'm striving to be you! I've GOT to get moving! I can feel a difference in my clothing, but only on certain days. Other days, I feel the same... keeping moving, you're doing awesome!!

I have unjury unflavored powder. I've mixed it once in mashed potatoes, but it sat like a brick in my stomach. That was early in the pureed stage though... What all do you mix it with??

I can't find ANY shakes that I like... I've tried multiple recommended from reading the comments on various topics here. Every time I try any shake, I get excruciatingly nauseated. I'm getting so frustrated... But thank you all for the advice and comments. I don't feel as much of a failure now.

Well, I'm beginning to see, from the responses and what I've been reading, that this is normal. Oh boy are you correct in that the hormones are WACKY! I'm not a hugely emotional person, and I pride myself in being able to keep it together, but I had a full-on ugly crying meltdown for no good reason the other day. I freaked my husband out, but it kind of felt good (in a strange way) to cry. Thank you for the encouragement! Not that I'm happy it happened to you as well, but it is so comforting to know it happened to someone else as well! Thank you for letting me know! Yes, I need to remember to breathe! I'm bad about getting all worked up and down on myself. I'm trying to get the protein but it's been slow-going. I keep thinking there's no way I could gain 3 lbs of fat eating next to nothing. Thank you for your boost! Do you rely on this site for support? I didn't think I would need a "support group" at first, but I'm really wishing there was one around me now. I have been trying to eat protein first. It's definitely a different school of thought for me. The Ritz crackers came out of shaky desperation at work. I was hungry, shaking (from low blood sugar I guess), and I stupidly overslept and couldn't prepare any lunch to bring with me. Thank you for the good luck wishes. Good luck to you! Crackers are on my "list" (given to me by the crappy doctor) of soft/mushy foods that I can eat. They say whole wheat crackers (which, the Ritz were wheat, but that doesn't make them any better) on their list. While I try not to bad mouth the doctor, I will say, they suck at support and they suck at getting patients ready. I've made a board on Pinterest and have started collecting high protein, low carb recipes to try. I'm just not very good at cooking. Thank you for the help! I consider myself a "self-sufficient" person, but I am really benefiting from you and others' wisdom here! I 110% need to get the physical activity going. I have a strange fear of failing at anything physical, so I've not let myself go there. It's weird, really, as I was an athlete in college, but once I gained my weight I became sacred to do anything physical because I would look silly or stupid. Thank you for that little reminder that I need to get moving!! Oh lordy, I'm going to be a wreck if this happens every month. I was excited that I had lost weight, but to see those 3 lbs come back on, I was crushed. It's like I took 3 steps back. I just hope this isn't all I'm going to lose!!! Thank you ALL for your encouragement!

Thank you. The encouragement means a LOT as I'm at a low, LOW point. I'm having real trouble getting Protein in. And I'm just hitting the Fluid goal, barely. Thank you, again!

First, thank you all for your advice and replies! Sorry it took some time to get back. I should've listened to you all and my gut, but the crappy surgeon had a cancellation and I jumped at it. I'm 4 weeks post op. The surgery went well. After the pre-surgery visit on holding, I didn't see me surgeon again. Still haven't... He has ARNPs do all his aftercare. Looking back, I wish I would've gone with Puget Sound Bariatrics. They have quite the support system in place. Presently, I have none. Thanks again all!!

And I shouldn't do this on my phone... Sleevers NOT sleepers!

Thank everyone SO MUCH for the input!! I'm having a consultation with another surgeon tomorrow! I figure, at least I can get an idea of how another surgeon/staff approach the surgery and patient experience. I did contact my insurance and they advised it is possible to switch; however, I will have to resubmit the paperwork for approval (AGAIN). But, I do understand that is necessary. Again, thank you all so much for reminding me to "trust my gut".

I had my appointment on 7/7 with Dr Anwar. Let me know what you think about the process!

Wow. NO ONE has had surgery by these doctors or in the facility. That's alarming to me since I'm using this facility! And, the fact that 49 people read this but NOT ONE left a comment makes me curious about even posting anything again...

Howdy Sleevers! This is my 1st post as a lady with a surgery date on liquids... I'm on Day 5, and I am having a HARD time! I'm pretty sure I could be described as "hangry" (something another poster created as hungry+angry). Yesterday, we had skills competencies at work, and I'm lucky I got out with my dignity intact! I was SO hungry, shaky, dizzy, and FRUSTRATED that I wanted to punch innocent people in the throat. Like Godzilla terrorizing the city, I was lumbering through the delicate art of nursing, growling and sniping, while trying not to land in jail for accosting innocent bystanders who were drinking my beloved Dr Pepper. It has NOT gotten easier day by day for me. I know this is supposed to be a "lifestyle change" for us continuing after surgery, and I know it a mindset we are supposed to be learning. Therefore, am I a failure? Is this not something I can do?? IS THERE ANYONE ELSE OUT THERE THAT ARE HAVING GODZILLA-LIKE HANGRY ISSUES???

I think something may be wrong with me... I HATE protein shakes. I'm on the 3rd protein brand, and it's disgusting! My first shake was an EPIC fail as I made it with milk that I hadn't realized had gone "bad". Three gulps in, and I about lost my cookies! Yesterday, I tried a new brand, different flavor, GOOD milk and whil I managed to drink it, all I could think about was how gross it was. And, the thought of drinking another has made me nauseated... HELP! I have GOT to find a way to get all the protein in. I'm still in the pre-op phase, and I'm having surgery in 10 days. My fear is that if I don't like them now, then I'm SURE not going to like them post surgery! ANYONE????

I've hit a wall... a BIG, brick, reinforced with steel, hard wall. I'm waist deep in the "full liquids phase" of my pre-op and have surgery scheduled for June 24th. For the most part, I've stuck to the diet to a "T". I have mashed up an avocado within an inch of it's life and eaten it, and during the first week, I would do full liquids and very lean protein and veggies for 1 meal. I did fall off the wagon and land on my head one day, though. I called my husband crying and begging to cheat (with food, not cheat on him). We ordered pizza and I ate it and felt like crap. But NOW, in to week two, I'm beginning to waver. I need someone to tell me it's going to get better. Someone who has been there and done that. My husband is encouraging, but I need someone who's faced the full liquids demon, had their stomach chopped off, and is now skipping merrily on the other side to tell me "it DOES get better". Will it? I mean, I LOVE food. I love to think about it. Look at it. Smell it. Taste it. Watch shows about it. Plan trips around it. You get the picture... Please, please tell me it gets easier than this full liquids crap. I feel like if I have to suck down another nasty protein shake, sip another cup of broth, or listen to my husband and dog crunch REAL food then I'm going to need to be committed somewhere for mental instability! I feel like I'm losing my mind... HELP!!!!!

I'm really concerned about this as well... I have always consumed a LOT of liquids during meals. I read another post on here that someone has tiny sips during meals to help the food get down...

I'm really, really hoping that my surgeon will at least save mine so I can see it "live and in person" (to curse at it, or cry for it, I dunno...) Pictures just don't do the same as live! I laughed SO HARD at the menudo comment! Hahahahahaha....

CRAZYPANTS, you are WONDERFUL!!! THANK YOU for your words!