Miss Mac

Musiclover, just tell them you are channeling Janis Joplin tonight!

I agree with NMJG. I have been yo-yo dieting since 1978 and have lost the same 30 pounds probably twice a year. I gave up...I am 62 already and could barely walk because my spine did not want to carry the weight anymore. Sleeved 12/23/2013 and glad of it.

Most foods have not bothered me, but the first time I ate steamed cauliflower I was quite uncomfortable for about three hours.

I wouldn't rely on it totally, and it's not allowed on some people's programs, but I did have some my first week. I am at 3 1/2 weeks and was approved today for Phase IV already.

Ucjes, I posted a friend request on myfitnesspal so that I can look at your activity. I just came from my first post-op follow-up at 3 1/2 weeks. My nutritionist advised me to cut the shakes back from 3 a day, to one a day after strength training or exercise. She also told me to start getting most of my Protein from actual food and that too much whey protein can slow down weight loss. On a different note, I got permission to try out the Phase IV regular food part of the diet, so we stopped by WENDY'S for lunch and I got chili with cheese and ate 1/3 cup and it stayed down and did not fight back. OH YEAH!!!!

Back when I was yo-yo dieting, I had a successful 50 pound loss with the Atkins Diet. My mean old rotten ex-husband told me "Every time you lose weight you get jowls." Man, what an idiot. Now (9 years later)that I have my three week old sleeve, I am looking forward to kinder comments from family and friends about how good I look in skinny jeans!

Ditto with the others....at 3 weeks out, I have learned the art of planning, measuring, and leaving the last bite. It is getting easier, and I know that I am hungry more from weakness than from a gnawing, angry tummy. If I keep my protein up, it's not so hard to be satisfied.

When you can move and breathe comfortably and feel better than you have in years, that would be a good place to consider.

Care Credit bad...Credit Union good. I got burned by Care Credit for a dental bill a few years ago. I am still hiding from them.

If you heat they whey protein much over 130 degrees, it will clump up. A chef's thermometer comes in handy. I find that the protein powders mix up best in cold liquid. If I want something hot, I get the liquid to temp first. To the side, I blend the protein in a little cold water to make a smooth paste, then add it to the warmer beverage.

I know that Gas X Strips are for gas, but hey do refresh your breath instantly.

Omeprazole has been the best med I have ever been prescribed for reflux. I had taken it a couple of years ago after being prescribed by a gastro-enterologist for other issues. If I take it first thing in the morning about 1/2 hour before eating anything, it works all day.

Fortunately, I am enjoying a textbook recovery too. I had no trapped gas after surgery, and food is staying down. I am 3 weeks in and have my first follow-up with the surgeon on Thursday 1/16. My biggest "problem" is just orchestrating a schedule for meds, Proteins, measuring foods....that stuff. My heart goes out to those who have had difficulty or have to deal with children, work, or unsupportive families. It has definitely been to my advantage that I am retired and able to just recover and rest.

My NUT told me that my insurance papers would be submitted with my original weight/BMI from my first visit. My BMI was 40.1 and was in danger of going below 35. There was no problem getting approval.

Ladies, during the hair loss period, were you able to use mouse, gel, hairspray, curlers, curling iron......any of that?

Congratulations, Mythbuster on making this life changing decision. You can consider January 15, 2014 to be your new birthday. I wish you health and happiness, and hope that you have some good support from your family. Let us know how you do.

Syntrax....they have a variety of flavors. My favorite is grapefruit mixed with Crystal Lite Lemonade - taste like Fresca. Just tried their Lemon Tea this morning - pretty good. Also like Unjury Strawberry with Crystal Lite Lemonade, and Unjury Chocolate Splendor made with milk instead of water. For soup - Unjury Chicken.

I have BCBS Federal Employee. I had an approval in two days, but I had to call my BCBS Case Manager to get the information. She sent me an approval letter which I faxed to my surgeon's office. Their certification specialist was on vacation and would not have responded for two weeks. With the fax, I was able to have my surgery done before she even got back from vacation.

Oh...and another thing......medical service providers rely a lot on Press Gainey reviews and other surveys that their administration subscribes to for patient feedback. If you get one in the mail for Kaiser, fill it out and LET THEM HAVE IT! The surveys are there for you to have a voice to an third party. And don't worry about being anonymous. Someone from Administration should respond to you if you provide your name and address. Also, for anyone having a positive experience...hardworking staff really appreciate it if you actually have something good to say.