melissa73

AngelEyesInNJ you look awesome! Are you exercising a lot? What is your routine and what are your favorite foods? I am 19 days out and seem to be stalling at the moment.

Check this out folks! Something we should all keep in mind. Iron Absorption Goat's and cow's milk can affect the absorption of iron; you should never drink either at the same time you take an iron supplement, because both of these types of milk are high in Calcium, which limits iron absorption. According to a fact sheet from the University of California-Davis, some studies have found calcium supplements and dairy products to limit the amount of iron absorbed from a meal. Because of this risk, never take an iron supplement with milk. Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/285111-iron-supplements-milk/#ixzz2aewoBHA9

Ok, so my new favorite pre-op shake is: Chocolate Unjury (1 scoop) 1 cup of 1% Milk 4 Ice Cubes 1/2 a frozen banana 2 tbsp of PB2 (powered peanut butter - only 45 calories, 2 grams of fat and 5 grams of protein!) Combine in blender or Nutribullet (I have the bullet) Enjoy! Hope I can do this post-op at some point - maybe not right away but perhaps when I can have pureed food.

New discoveries this week since I have been doing the 2 week liquid diet. 1) I don't like GNC's vanilla whey Protein - too much of a weird whey/protein taste/after taste/smell 2) unjury chocolate Power is better but still not my favorite 3) The Nutribullet does wonders to mix the protein better (with ice) better than a shaker bottle 4) The Unjury chicken Soup is barely passable by itself (I never like Chick broth anyway) but I am looking forward to mixing with instant potatoes and fat free refried Beans 5) Cytosport Monster Milk (Chocolate) IS MY MOST FAVORITE WAY TO GET IN PROTEIN (warning: it's wicked expense, most because I buy it premixed in the bottles, which I think also helps dull any protein taste.) 6) I have a new respect for Jello and greek yogurt.

Hey folks are we aloud to have honey post op? I was thinking of adding to the plain Greek yogurt. I wasn't sure if this was a no no for our new stomachs that may be vulnerable to bacteria. Thoughts?

I was a chubby kid starting around 11 years old (gained a pot belly). I had major knee surgery when I was 10, which left my left leg out of commission for years to come - though Junior High. My weight fluctuated in JH and HS and into my freshman year of college. Then the summer between freshman and sophomore year I was some how inspired to follow a TV workout (weight lifting) show every morning and then walked 2 miles right after. The remaining weight I had, dropped off quite a bit – I was fitting into a size 4 pair of jeans. That lasted about a year and then I started to gain again after I arrived home from a semester in Rome, Italy. Upon my arrival back home I got depressed and decided to transfer to a new art school. This was one of the best moves I ever made! I moved to Savannah GA and had the best 2 years of my life and college life. The whole city was my campus and I did not have a car so I had to walk everywhere. I also made an effort to run in the beautiful park there too. I dropped down to an astonishing 120lbs. and was getting crazy attention from guys, especially since I was in a male dominated major – 3D animation. The honeymoon lasted for 2 years and then after graduation I moved to Delaware for my first job and took on a different life style. I have since moved all over the country for different jobs and never really found my balance again. I have dropped and gained weight off over the years (just turned 40 last month). The past couple years have been the worst though, I lost my Dad in Oct. 2008 to a very long and painful disease and moved from Boston back to Atlanta after his passing. Then I just fell into a long deep depression that last for about 3 years until I got the right medication. Now that I am 40, I am ready to be 40 and fabulous! I want to feel balanced and feel good in my skin again. I have not dated in 4 years and I would like to get back to that too. The thought of dating is a bit scary and exciting for me but I am ready to get off the sidelines and play an active part in the game of life. I have surrendered so many opportunities for fun and happiness, that now I don’t want to waste another minute. I am a person who feels there best and most whole when I am at a lower weight and it’s been a long time since that has been the case. Love and prayers to all of you as you embark on your journeys for weight loss success, happiness and fulfillment! August 15th is my big day!

What a story you have! God bless you and I hope that you reach a place of peace and happiness with yourself. :-)

Good Luck!

Oops, I thought I read 15th, you are the 5th. Good luck!

I am the 15th too!

I agree, that's a good idea but I am taking 2 multi-vitamins a day so I need to fit the first one in somewhere the day when I am not touching milk or calcium. Do you take a separate Iron supplement? Perhaps I can do that and it won't matter when I take the multi's.

I am! In Marietta GA on Aug 15th.

I am! I am getting sleeved in Marietta, GA on August 15th!

Day 2 of just liquids. Planning on doing it for 2 weeks before surgery on the 15th.

Hi CBee, I am actually getting my surgery here in Georgia and Wellstar Hospital. My putting everything (About $16,000) on a credit card with a 0% interest rate until 12/15/14. Fingers crossed I can pay it off before the promo rate expires.

I'm scheduled for August 15th!

Hi Ladies, I am getting my sleeve on August 15th. A little nervous but also excited. I just turned 40 on July 16th and I am looking to make my 40's+ way better than my 30's. Good luck to us all and thanks for all the support!

Curveyweezie, thanks so much for you info. This is great to know! THey have closed enrollment for the remainder of 2013 but 2014 could be an option!

Hi Sleever Peeps, I am signed up for my surgery date. I have already jumped through the various hoops/dr. visits/blood tests (approx $2000 out of pocket). I am freaking out a bit because I am paying 100% out of pocket. I have insurance but I am self-employed and there are NO policies that exist across the entire insurance industry that offer WLS. :-( I am wondering what people have been paying Mexico and here in the US if they were paying out of pocket. Anyone want to share with me what they have experienced? My surgery is supposed to be in Atlanta and the package price (not including pre-op dr. visits and blood work) is $18,800 (EEK). Thanks in advance for you posts! Melissa73

My understanding (from my own experience and research is that independent insurance policies (ALL OF THEM, NO MATTER WHAT THE CARRIER) does not include WLS in their offerings. I was also told by insurance agents that it is customary that WLS is only an option if you 1) have a group (company) policy and 2) that the company that you or your spouse works for need to have at least 100 people or more working for it. Sucks, I know. I am very salty about this...