Kindle

So basically you agree with everyone that posted negatively about the OP, you just didn't like how they said it. The topic was whether or not to use GoFundMe as a source of funding for a non-essential surgical procedure. I and others thought that was a tacky idea and something you, yourself claim you would never ever do.

I wanted a horse when I was in 6th grade. My dad said sure, but you have to pay for it. He gave me chores, including staining the fence and shed that would house my horse. I worked all summer and after school and weekends cleaning pools, cutting flowers at a local wholesale florist, loading hay, weeding, sorting potatoes, picking strawberries, trimming trees, feeding livestock, whatever. Finally, after two years of saving, I got my horse. Saving and only buying what I can afford was a lesson well learned. Definitely gone are the good ole days. BTW, congratulations, @@Salinagetssleeved !

Who was her surgeon? You can't make that kind of a statement based on one single case. I went to an International Center of Excellence with standards higher than most US hospitals. My surgeon actually taught laparoscopic technique to surgeons in the US and Canada, including Harvard. He worked with the original inventors of the lapband and most recently the Obalon balloon in getting both devices FDA approved. I had zero pain or nausea postop, I was up and out shopping day after surgery and back to work in 7 days. Couldn't ask for better care or outcome. Now let's talk about the US surgeon who removed my gallbladder. He supposedly repaired an umbilical hernia that I never knew I had because it wasn't visible or palpable for the last 47 years. Now I have a big gaping 1/2 inch hole above my belly button that I can poke my finger through and is bulging with tissue protruding through it because his "repair" of a nonexistent problem didn't work. The best part is he is denying it exists. My PCP confirmed it, an ultrasound tech confirmed it, and even his own nurse confirmed it. I need a second surgery to repair it, and I would go back to Mexico in a second before I let this US Doctor ever touch me again. So according to your logic, no one should ever have their gallbladder removed or hernia repaired in the US because the surgeons don't know how to close properly.

Your friend didn't fast for 2 weeks. They were probably put on a preop diet of protein shakes to shrink their liver. I did protein shakes for 16 days and then clear liquids only for 24 hours prior and nothing at all 12 hours prior. The 12-24 hour fast prior to surgery is pretty much universal. I did this for every surgery and most bloodwork I've ever had as well as colonoscopies. Of course you'll be hungry but it's only 1 day. Just gotta Suck it up.

Yes, it's a state by state thing. I have my own insurance too and my state (Idaho) opted out of WLS coverage. So no, short of moving to another state, there were absolutely no policies available to me that covered it no matter how fat or how many comorbidities I had. I went to Mexico which in the end was a better option anyways. My surgeon down there was better credentialed with more experience and a lower complication rate than any of the surgeons around here. And no insurance hoops to jump through. Obamacare insurance sucks big time....much higher premiums with higher deductibles and less coverage than before. NOT a fan! Good luck to your boyfriend.

Yes. Both the Raw Fit and Raw Protein. I was lactose intolerant and couldn't do artificial sweeteners for the first 4 months postop and this was one of the proteins I could tolerate. Since they contain insoluble seeds, they are different from other protein powders. They don't dissolve completely and have a gritty texture. It's best to mix in a blender bottle so you can shake them before drinking to resuspend the parts that settle out. They taste good and the texture didn't bother me....I actually add ground flax seed to most of my protein drinks anyways and it does the same thing.

If you did it over would you do it there again? Absolutely. I had a great experience...as good, if not better than any surgery here in the US. In fact, my US surgeon screwed up my gallbladder removal (left me with a hernia) and I really wish I'd gone back to my VSG surgeon in TJ instead of letting insurance pay for it here. Did you feel you got personal attention? Yes, only 5 patients in the clinic. Nurse checked in on me all night. The volume on my TV remote didn't work so she even adjusted the volume for me. Office manager made all of us chicken broth to sip on in the clinic the third day as we waited for our fluoroscopy and drain removals. Driver went out of his way to get us a medical fast pass across the border since my sister's flight was earlier than the usual departure times. I've gotten emails and phone calls from the followup Doctor, surgeon and nutritionist checking on my progress....they do this for 3 years postop. They have always been available for my questions. Did you ever feel unsafe? Never. Marriot staff was super friendly. Even the Walmart staff were helpful....gave us advice on how to hold and handle our money to not draw attention to ourselves. Walked to the Starbucks from our hotel twice a day. We were transported most everywhere by the OCC shuttle other then when we chose to go shopping on our own time. We were advised which cab companies would be safe to take. Was there anything you would have liked to be different? I was having such a good time with my sister I would have liked to stay longer. Is there anything that would help me to know ahead of time (any advice)? Read every thread you can on this and other WLS forums. It will prepare you for the good, bad and the ugly. Would I be better off in the house or hotel? The Marriot was perfect....helpful staff, onsite restaurant, free Popsicles and bottled Water, in room movie rentals, and a pool for my sister.

I never measured or tracked my food or counted calories, so I can't give you numbers. But When I reached my surgeons goal I started adding calories in the form of more fat and carbs. I was already pretty maxed out on protein calories. Switched from skim to 2% milk. Regular Greek yogurt instead of 0% fat. Switched from PB2 to real peanut butter. Ate more fruit. Traded a couple protein bars for some whole grain Kind and Ancient Grain bars. Started adding Kashi Go Lean cereal to my Greek yogurt. I ended up losing another 22 pounds, which was 12 pounds below my personal goal. I was actually getting a little annoyed because I didn't want to have to buy MORE clothes in a smaller size. But finally my body just stopped losing when it stopped and I've easily maintained within 4-5 pounds of my lowest weight for over 14 months. I would have been happy even 20 pounds heavier if that's where my body wanted to be. It's just a matter of figuring out what you are happy eating and what kind of lifestyle you are willing to maintain long term. Maintenance is boring, so you gotta like what you do.

I think this a very bad habit that a lot of WLS patients don't even recognize as a problem. How many posts have you read about how "it takes a lot more food to feel full...my surgery has failed" or "how do I know when I'm full?" I know it took me awhile, but it was like a big AHA! moment when I realized using the "fullness" feeling to tell me when to stop eating was NOT the right thing to do. I also used to eat whenever I was hungry. Well, that's not necessarily good either, since I feel hungry every couple hours. But now it's like, so what if I'm hungry? No one ever died from feeling hungry for a few hours. I'm by no means perfect, but recognizing the error of my ways and changing what I use as a trigger to start and stop eating has helped.

My mom has a very sensitive GI tract....multiple food intolerances, reflux, IBD, etc. the only Vitamins she can take are whole food based vitamins. All others cause pain, nausea and/or diarrhea. Based on her recommendation I had been taking Source of Life Gold chewables long before surgery. Postop I didn't like the sweetness of the chewables anymore so I switched to Garden of Life Vitamin Code for Women capsules as well as their calcium and vitamin D supplements. I used to take Iron, but my labs came back high so I stopped. They are loaded with Probiotics, digestive enzymes and contain synergistic ingredients that maximize absorption. I like the idea of whole food vitamins instead of chemically synthesized vitamins. They contain micronutrients and cofactors that just can't be duplicated in a lab. For B12 I take Source Naturals methylcobalamin sublingual. (Methylcobalamin is better absorbed than cyanocobalamin) And ditto to the taking with fat part. I always take my multi with a fatty meal, a couple spoons of Peanut Butter or regular cottage cheese.

Drink the coffee alone, no creamer Next day Drink some of your creamer alone, no coffee. Compare results to narrow down the cause of your symptoms. Could be either or could be the combo.

I had to give up coffee for different reasons (it gave me bad heartburn) and I, too was very sad. I ended up turning to tea. I have about 12 different kinds in my cupboard right now. The closest I found to satisfying that morning coffee craving is Republic of Tea Double chocolate Matte. I brew a double strength cup and add 1/2 and 1/2 and a splash of premier chocolate Protein. Gives it a mocha flavor. You could try it with your hazelnut creamer (unless that's the culprit, of course) But the good news is once I had my gallbladder removed I can tolerate coffee again, although not in the volumes I once did. However, I still enjoy my teas.

Here's a little test you can try. First thing in the morning before you've eaten/drank anything, take a 16 oz container of cottage cheese. Eat as much as you can, fairly quickly. Eat just until comfortably full, not overly gonna be sick full. Measure whatever's left and subtract from 16oz. That's your capacity and it may be smaller than you think. It is normal for your stomach tissue to relax over time and for your restriction to become less. I reached my max capacity around 14 months. And if I relied on my sleeve to limit and control my portions at this point I would definitely regain, easily. So I only eat until satisfied.....I can't remember the last time I was full. In the end, WLS success comes down to you, your head games and your choices, the actual surgery and restriction has very little to do with it. I have a 4-5 pound bounce range and if I pop even one pound above I go back to strict Protein and veggies until I'm back down. I pinpoint any bad habits that have come back and stop them. (i.e. Snacking in bed, grazing on weekends, carby breakfasts, etc). In extreme cases of loss of self control I do a few days of preop liquid Protein diet. This really shuts down the carb cravings and gets my head back in the game. It's empowering to see I can actually do it. Good luck. Take back your control!

I had a drain to empty the first 3 days. Just once or twice/day....No big deal there. I was allowed to shower day after surgery but was told to hold off on complete submersion in baths or hot tubs for two weeks. Really no care needed for the incisions. Steristrips and glue came off on their own in 7-10 days.

The multivitamin I take every day contains probiotics. I also eat yogurt with live cultures every day. I get 64-100oz of fluids in every day. I always take miralax after any surgery until I have my first BM. For a long time I took milk of magnesia every other day or so in order to poo because all the Metamucil and Benefiber and gummy fiber supplements didn't help at all. Then I figured out they were all soluble fiber, which can actually make constipation worse. Turns out insoluble fiber like apple pectin and ground flax seed was the key to normal, soft, daily BMs for me. I mix insoluble fiber in my Greek yogurt and protein smoothies every day.

Your metabolism doesn't seem all that low. 1200 calories seems to be a very common number that many post-WLS patients need to stay at after reaching goal. (Some higher and some lower, of course) And just remember, if that's what it takes for you to maintain 271 pounds, you'll probably have to eat even less once you are at goal. It takes a lot less energy (calories) to maintain 150-170 than 271. Hopefully with VSG, and by following all the dietary and lifestyle changes, it should be easier to stick with those lower calorie requirements than it is now. But in the end it's all on you, not your sleeve. I'm only 2 years out but if I relied on my sleeve to control my portions I would certainly regain. Long term success depend on the new habits, coping mechanisms and choices you develop, not your sleeve restriction.

I planned on two "last suppers" before I started my preop. The first was a huge Thai dinner and the second was a Mexican feast complete with margaritas. Unfortunately I was working long days and was too tired after work to bother to go out. So I started my preop with no Hoorah. Fortunately, after reaching goal, there's been nothing "off the table" for me so I've had plenty of Thai, Mexican, pizza and all the other stuff I've always loved. Haven't had to say goodbye to anything except beer (can't do carbonation)

PPIs also interfere with calcium absorption. This causes your body to draw calcium from your bones, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. So if you are a long term PPI user, you should be taking significant calcium supplements (taking Vitamin D and vitamin K at the same time can help with calcium absorption) and have bone density scans to assess your status. Blood calcium levels do not reflect what's really happening with the calcium levels in your bones.

Your tummy is super swollen right now so what you are experiencing is normal. I was on fluids for 3 weeks and I couldn't tolerate plain Water, lactose OR artificial sweeteners....they all hurt like hell. I lived on diluted fruit juice, pedialyte, broth and pureed/strained Soups with unflavored Protein powder added and best of all decaf herbal tea. Warm liquids went down better and camomile was very soothing on my poor beat up sleeve. The soups gave me a huge variety to choose from so I didn't get bored. I went through dozens of different Protein shakes and used Torani syrups and pureed fruit to give even more variety. Once on pureed and then soft foods I could only eat 1-2 tablespoons every few hours. I hated eating and drinking...such a chore. But by 4 months all my intolerances were gone and I actually enjoyed eating again. By 6 months I Was eating and enjoying tiny plates of real meals. My sleeve volume doubled between 6 and 12 months. Now I can eat anything I want and it's my head controlling portions at this point. Be careful what you wish for....Believe me, I'd love to go back to the days that I would be full on 2 tablespoons. Good luck!

???? bless your hearts

Sorry you're having such a hard time. Bummer. Hope you feel better soon.

Go to the "Don't Sweat the Stall Stuff" subforum or better yet use the search function and type in stall. Spend some time reading. Your questions have already been answered a few hundred times. In fact, this isn't even the first stall post I read today. Seriously, people.....search function.

Use the search function and type in stall. Your concerns have already been addressed a few hundred times. Better yet, just go straight to the "Don't Sweat the Stall Stuff" subforum. That's where your post should go.

Anyone get this? I'm having a hard time finding a decent plan. I'm specifically looking for coverage for a certain period after surgery, once I'm home to cover things like leaks, strictures, dehydrating, etc., not the "travel insurance" most of the medical tourism companies offer. my health insurance specifically excludes WLS and any complications.

Actually I don't think my doctor's responses are the norm. I read so much about how other's US doctors won't touch them afterwards. I'm lucky to have such well informed, unbiased medical team. Even my gastroenterologist was supportive and non-judgemental. The US surgeon that removed my gallbladder, however, was an ass. He proclaimed that going to Mexico was a very bad idea and I was "lucky to be alive". He had his nutritionist contact me because he was sure I wasn't properly counseled on how to eat. After a 5 min conversation, she proclaimed I'm doing great, congratulated me and actually mentioned she didn't understand why he asked her to call. And the even more ironic thing is I actually have a postop complication from his surgery. He left me with a 1/2 inch hernia where one of his incisions didn't close. Now I need a second surgery to close it and have to wear an abdominal binder in the meantime. Believe me, I'm wishing I had gone back to Obesity Control Center to have my gall bladder removed! Anyways, I would check around with your doctors and the bariatric specialists in your area to make sure they will be open to taking care of whatever you may need postop.