wasabi

And mix something nasty into it like cat litter so you don't go digging for it. Do NOT collect $200, go directly to the trash can!!!

I think I'll probably be on one shake or isopure a day for the rest of my life. That easily adds 35-40g protein. Then coming up with 25-30 more isn't too bad, right?!? I'm looking forward to puréed food, but nervous at the same time. Oh and by puréed I don't mean puréed chicken, bleh!

I would say it was nice, but not really necessary for my mom to stay. She only stayed one night in the hospital with me and one at home.

My doc says 4 weeks. It isn't fun!!

Yes, it's called VSG. When I was researching whether or not to get the sleeve, I came upon something about ghrelin and it just described me to a tee. When you get the sleeve, they remove the fundus part of your stomach where most of the ghrelin is made, so you feel less (or not at all) hungry at first. We will begin making more ghrelin again, but not nearly as much. It sealed the deal for me to get this surgery. I'm only 7 days out, but I'm loving my sleeve. The hunger is only barely there and only when my stomach is truly empty. I would never have been able to stay on a diet this low calorie for even two days if it weren't for my sleeve. It rocks!!!

I had a "blip" on my EKG as well. They sent me to a cardiologist after I thought I had all my pre op stuff done too. I went to the cardiologist, where they did another EKG that came out fine, echocardiogram that came out fine, and a stress test that came out fine. I'm only 37, so I was probably the healthiest person they saw all day! I was cleared about 5 days later.

I just accidentally drank my 8 oz shake in 30 min instead of an hour like my doc suggested. It didn't hurt and I felt no restriction. I'm 6 days out. Is this okay? Is it because its a liquid and drains right through my pyloric valve? When will I start feeling restriction?

Omg, I'm sitting here waiting for my mom to pick me up to take me to the hospital!!! Getting so excited and a little nervous. More excited though. I have total confidence in my surgeon. Eeeeek!!!

Thanks everyone! It went great! I get to leave the hospital today and am in very little pain. It's more like cramps than pain. Leak test looked good and I'm drinking tiny amounts of broth and water every 30 minutes. Now if I could just pee I can go home!!

An extra protein shake would be better than "eating" something.

I take Wellbutrin too, and the doc said to get the non time released kind and crush them for 4 weeks.

Thanks!!!

How do you crush your pills?

Yes I learned a long time ago that the generic doesn't work for me but the brand name does. It's the same for my Dad who is on it too.

I'm shocked they told you to take it, being an extended release pill. I also take Wellbutrin XL and I have to have crushable Wellbutrin (read not extended release kind) for four weeks starting the day of the surgery. But yes, I could see that sitting in your new tummy and causing havoc.

I'm kind of thinking about this a lot. I'm already on my pre op diet and no way am I cheating on it, but I really wish I had gone out for steak and lobster before I started it!!

I read two tablespoons of water (or crystal light) and the crushed pill. I know it sounds nasty, but it's a small sacrifice for the huge gift we are getting!!

My doc said to crush my pills for 4 weeks. I'm a doctor-listener. I found a pill splitter at Target, but no crusher. On my way to Walgreens!! Thanks!!

Yay! Congrats!!

Oh and they cover my surgery 100%. But I have already met my deductible and out of pocket max for the year. If not it would have been 90%. The psych clearance was not covered either which is weird since I see a psych regularly anyway.

My BMI is right at 40 and I got approved after the following (no 6 month wait): Cardiologist clearance Gastroenterologist clearance Psychiatrist clearance Blood test Stress test EKG ECG Fluoroscopy and chest x ray Gall bladder and liver ultrasound Nutritionist Clearance This all took me about 2 months to get done, and 1 week wait after submittal to insurance. I have UHC Choice Plus.

Very cool! Thanks for sharing. Keeps it real since when we look in the mirror we don't always see what we really see.

So bad news. I'm going through a divorce right now (which is a good thing) but my lawyers paralegal just emailed me and they want a significant payment. I'm on a very limited income until this all gets settled and I get my assets back. He knows this, but still wants to be paid and rightfully so. So I have a REALLY hard time asking for help and money from my family. Good news. My surgery is next Wednesday and so, I'm on the liver reduction diet. I'm pretty proud that even though I'm upset, I reached for my Protein shake instead of some carby something or other. It's ok to still be emotionally eating right? I mean as long as I make the right choices. Overall things are really on the up and up. I have a GREAT support system and not ONE if my family or friends has said or even implied that they think negatively about my surgery. My mom is going to go to the hospital with me and stay with me after. My ex is watching my kids for 2 weeks while I recover. My friends have offered to bring homemade broths for me during recovery. I'm going to be going to school for my Masters hopefully in January and moving into a new place in the next 6-8 months too. All exciting things and all a little scary too. My friend sent me a quote that says, "If your goals don't scare you at least a little, then you aren't challenging yourself enough". I think that's a great mantra for what I'm going through and making all of these HUGE life changes. I'm excited to be the new me both physically and mentally.

Please let us know what you're eating to get 65g on real food! I'd love to know as I'd love to eat real food eventually too!!

My pre op instructions say specifically to remove acrylics and gel nails. In all caps.