Katcloudshepherd

Preface: This is NOT a complaint, it's a statement of fact. I'm so not enjoying food anymore. Eating is a chore. I spend my whole day working to do everything I'm supposed to do. Got to get my Water in, got to get my Protein in, got to chew, chew. Must wait to drink, must stop drinking 15 minutes before eating. Eating is now nothing more than something I have to do three times a day. All those food commercials that are meant to entice me--turn my stomach. I have no desire for sweet stuff. I'm sick to death of sweet stuff. That being said, I wouldn't go back to the pain I was in before the weight loss. Enough bitching. Count my blessings and move on.

Hello and welcome, I was on prescription Nexium before my surgery on 12/11/13. I had an upper GI prior to surgery and had a hiatal (sp?) hernia repaired during surgery. I continue to take my prescription Nexium at night to prevent any acid reflux. I have fallen into bed too tired to get up and take it---with no ill effects. I'd wouldn't trade taking prescription Nexium every day for the weight loss. The osteoarthritis I have in my knees was SO much WORSE before my surgery. They still hurt BUT not nearly as badly as before. The pain I experience from my herniated and slipped discs in my back has decreased so much I don't even need the prescribed topical pain killer gel. So yes, I have to take prescription Nexium but I wouldn't go back to the way things were period. Kathleen

I didn't know the VA did this surgery. I am a veteran of the cold war but am blessed with health insurance through my job. Yes, I would be very upset at having surgery without meeting the surgeon first! Jeez, why is it acceptable for this type of unprofessionalism towards veterans which would NEVER be acceptable towards non-veterans? Secondly, the surgeon is performing a medical procedure ON YOUR BODY without actually meeting you first? What the frack? I wish you the best in your recovery. Blessings, Kahleen

I love it!!!! I don't have any chocolate pudding right now but y'all made me laugh out loud!!!! Thank you for the morning chuckle : )

Hello everyone, This morning I have been extremely light headed. My surgery was 11 weeks ago. I've been getting in the 64 oz. of liquids and getting my 60 g. of Protein in. I'm not diabetic, do not have high blood pressure, in fact my blood pressure is usually low. I've been light headed before-usually when moving from a seated or reclined position to a standing position. This morning it is not only at those times but even when I'm resting in a seated position. The good thing is, I've got a follow up appointment this afternoon with the surgeon's office. I'll defintely ask the nurse practioner what it could be. The only thing I can think of is that I'm not able to consume any carbs. I only have room for the protein during my 3 meals a day. Anyone else get light headed at this point? If so, was there a cause diagnosed? Thank you, Kathleen

lupin1500, Good luck with your surgery. I was a long time coming to the decision to do it. With my many joint problems, I reached a point where I just had to do it. Your youth will be a big advantage. Your body should recover more quickly, especially without co-morbidities like diabeties or high blood pressure. It sounds like you are doing everything you can to prepare yourself. I think you'll do very well. The only advice I would give is to walk, walk, walk and walk some more after you have the surgery. I did and it seems to help disapate the gas PLUS it helps prevent blood clots. I hope you have a routine surgery and easy, swift recovery. Blessings, Katheen

Hello everyone, I was in the hospital for 2 nights. I can't imagine staying just one! I was on some really good pain meds. I walked every time I got up to go to the bathroom which was about every 2 hours or so. Helped to get the CO2 out of my body quicker. Kathleen

Ladies, We've lost some insulation which once kept us much warmer. I know I'm using my little ceramic heater as I type this and I have a shawl wrapped around me. Before the surgery--I had NO problem keeping warm. I also have times when I get too warm. I'm 49 and haven't had a period in a year now so that's not too unexpected. If you're not around my age and experience getting too warm--I can only guess your body is going through such radical changes so quickly--it probably is having a hard time keeping your body temperature at a noraml range? Hope y'all find your comfort level. Kathleen

Yep, I had a bout of constipation early on after my surgery. I use fiber in orange juice in the morning or I add fiber I ordered online to my foods. I use Barn Dad's fiber. It's unflavored and has 7 grams of Protein per serving as well. I got it from bariatricpantry.com and then I saw it cheaper on Amazon. I only go every couple of days--my food intake is such that I only eat enough to go every couple of days. I find I MUST drink my Water, eat my fiber, move around and exercise and I don't have a problem being regular. Kathleen

I got this surgery because I had to. My knees are so much better-my back is so much better. The weight loss I have had so far has drastically impacted my level of joint pain--for the better!!!!! I'm so very fortunate that I didn't have other comorbidities. Kathleen

I'm very surprised he chose the lap band. My surgeon said he would not recommend that type of WLS for me. One hundred pounds is NOT a failure. I wish him the best. Politically, I don't agree with him but as a fellow human being--I wish him the best of health. I am glad I had the sleeve it was the best choice for me but everyone is different.

I had a great deal of energy after the surgery and then about a month and a half out--I hit a period of low energy. Then at 2 months out--my energy started coming back and I had more energy. I think everyone is different. Our bodies all react to the surgery differently so I would be willing to bet our energy levels are different at different times as well. My food preferences have CHANGED big time--for the better. Everything I eat is sweet. My supplements are sweet, shakes are sweet. I feel as if everything to too sweet. I CRAVE savory foods now--the opposite of sweet, cottage cheese, plain meat, greek yogurt without sweet etc. I'm not complaining in the least--I'm happy that I'm not attracted to sweet stuff--that's exactly what brought me here to begin with. Good luck on your upcoming surgery. I hope you have a routine surgery and easy recovery. Blessings, Kathleen

I agree with proudgrammy. I did exactly what I was told and I never threw up once or had nausea. It is NOT worth the risk of doing damage to your still recovering body. You just have to ride it out and be patient. Easy for me to say--I know, much more difficult for you to do. I know I was SO excited to eat and chew cottage cheese when I was allowed to eat it. Blessings and good luck, Kathleen

Hello everyone, I have been denied by my insurance,(Humana PPO, Federal Employee), for Supartz injections in my knees. These are injections made from rooster combs which help with osteoarthritis and other knee problems. I understand the actual drug is expensive. I just can't help but wonder since my insurance spent a good deal of money on my surgery last year, if they are going to start denying me medical treatment for other things. Anyone else have this problem? Kathleen

BigGirlPanties, I've left a message with the Doctor's Clinical and Surgical Coordinator. I asked about contacting the insurance company. My last converstion with the doctor was that the insurance company wanted a doctor of THEIRS to talk to him to "justify" the treatment. I had the Supartz injections treatment a few months before I had the WLS. I had no problem with my insurance company then--same insurance company now, same doctor. I was due to have the Supartz injections treatment again this month as it had been 6 months since the previous treatment. My knees are so bad that my doctor said they need to be replaced but I'm too young. Replacement knees are only good for about 15 years--if you are NOT overweight. I'm 6 years out from the age of 55 where knee replacements are normally done. I'm trying to put the surgery off as long as possible because it is major invasive surgery replacing your knee joints. My knees are the one of the MAJOR reasons I had WLS. I'm even willing to pay for the treatment myself, (I'm hoping I have enough money to pay it over time),--that was the other question I asked was how much if I pay out of pocket. I'm afraid if I pay out of pocket--the insurance will never pay for it again. Kathleen

sassypants, I used to be a person who made fun of people who got Botox--guess what--Now I'm the one getting Botox. I had cheek filler injected several years ago when I lost 60 pounds using legal speed--otherwise known as prescription Phentramine. I'm glad I did--that filler is still there and doing it's job. My face would REALLY be different if I hadn't gotten it. Once I have been at a stable weight for some time, I'm getting filler again. Because gosh, darn it--I'm frackin' worth it. Dr-Patient, YOU GO GIRL!!!! Rock those clothes and do not allow anyone to deny you your full poetential for weightloss. I can't help but think there may be some element of jealousy behind some of the comments many of us recieve. Before my surgery, I was a person who isolated herself and wasted too much time on what others thought of me. Since I've lost some weight--I've gained more confidence in myself and I can honestly say--I won't be takin' crap from anybody anymore--I've endured too much and accomplished too much to live a healthier life. Blessings to y'all, Kathleen

Hello everyone, I have Humana PPO as a federal employee. They do not cover the drinks, supplements or scar cream. I was disappointed but not surprised.

Scorpion11, I completely understand. I have to REALLY push myself to get out of bed and go to work. I'm tired most of the time. I had more energy a few weeks after surgery than I do now. I do work out--have to really push myself to do that too. I go to the pool for exercise, since I pay a pretty penny every month for a gym membership. I go 3 days a week in the pool--30 minutes of aerobic activity in the pool and about 15 minutes of toning and stretching. I think I'm so tired all of the time because I'm only getting in a few hundred calories a day, I'm getting all of the 60 g. of Protein required and the 64 oz. of Water. I just CANNOT fit any more food. I'm 6' tall and I really think the fatigue is because I can only eat a few hundred calories a day. I take all the required vitamins/supplements as well. Can't wait until the weekend when I'll be able to sleep in. I haven't had hair loss YET. I'm dreading that. I only wash my hair every other day, when I work out in the pool. I wet my hair and apply conditioner before I get in the pool. I've tried various swim caps but none are large enough for my long hair and big head. I wish you luck. I'm hoping eventually I'll be able to consume me calories and my energy level will come back up. Blessings, Kathleen

I had the leak test the day after surgery. The worst thing was the taste. I just swallowed and got on with it. I'm not a person who throws up easily so I am lucky in that instance. I didn't have any nausea after surgery but my doc gave me 3 different anti-nausea drugs. I was able to rinse my mouth out imeadiately after the test and that seemed to help. Hope everything goes well for you. Blessings, Kathleen

I saw my chiropractor less than two weeks after surgery. My surgeon told me at my week one follow up I could see my chiropractor as soon as I was comfortable. I had my surgery on 12/11/13 and saw my chiropractor on 12/23/13. My back is as crooked as a politician, (literally). Seeing my chiropractor regularly after my surgery has helped me tremendously since there is really no other remedy for the curves I have in my spine that shouldn't be there. My chiropractic doc wanted the surgeon's clearance too but my surgeon said it was up to me and my comfort level. Didn't hurt a bit--of course I think I was still taking the pain meds--so that's probably why I didn't have pain. I know since I've lost weight my back is better and so are my knees! Sure wish I could find a doc who could help my knees as much as my chiropractor has helped my back. Blessings, Kathleen

Hello everyone, I've been getting an upset stomach after I take my Allegra in the morning. It is taken on an empty stomach 1/2 hour after I have taken my synthroid for hypothyroidism. I only take 4 meds--synthroid .088 mg, Allegra 180 mg. Zoloft 100 mg. and Detrol LA 4 mg. It could be the other meds but I highly suspect my Allegra since it's a larger pill. I had to bite it into smaller pieces after the surgery--still take it in smaller pieces. Anyone else get a reaction with prescription meds? I'm going to try taking it with food tomorrow. Kathleen

My orthopedic doc prescribed Voltarin gel. I apply 2 gms. per affected area every 4 hours. It is an NSAID which goes through the skin. I have a severe back problems and knee problems. Check with your orthopedic doc or primary care doc and see if you can get the Voltarin gel. I hope you can get it and hope it works for you. It has helped my herniated disc and knees that are shot. I take Tylenol also. I also take Esther C vitiamins and fish oil to help with the inflamation as well.

Wow!!!!!!! I'm so happy for you. That's how I measure my sucess is by smaller sizes. I don't pay that much attention to the scale as much as how loose my clothes are and my ta-tas ; ). Kathleen

Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!! Y'all look FAB-U-LOUS!!! Your description is so accurate of where I am. Thank you, Blessings to you and your wife, Kathleen

Welcome to the site!!! Wishing you the best of luck on approval and I hope you have a routine surgery and an easy recovery. Blessings, Kathleen