BeagleLover

I saw a segment on TV, "The Doctors," about a laser to tighten the skin on the thighs.

I think you need to call your surgeon!

I am continually in awe of the courage of all who go through this process.

I know one thing--- I want to see the before picture alongside the picture of you in your wedding dress!!!!

How are you doing?

Sure, you can use stevia-- it's a natural leaf. My NUT also said Splenda (good for baking or hot food items), Sweet N' Low and Equal are all OK for anything cold. As far as the chicken broth is concerned, I think unjury chicken Soup would be best. It has great reviews on taste and is made of 100% protein isolate which is the best protein, most absorbable, for the body. Of course, you can add spices to that too. The UNJURY unflavored protein can be added to any kind of food, both hot and cold, so it's quite versatile. From what I've read, lots of people also like the Syntrax nectar flavors.

I've never tried them... do they have Protein in them?

Welcome! I feel most comfortable with the sleeve. It doesn't have a complication rate of the lap band, nor the re-routing/malabsorption of the gastric bypass. A big plus is that the part of the stomach the produces the hunger hormone is removed. I think that will make it easier to stick with the program long term.

Welcome! I agree. I have really learned so much on this site... so many people willing to help! I had the same feeling about the sleeve. I never felt comfortable with the re-routing done in gastric bypass. I am PO'd that my primary doctor knew I had metabolic syndrome, then became pre-diabetic and NEVER mentioned it! One day I was watching "My 600lb. Life". The doctor said that he couldn't require his normal 50lb. loss for a particular patient because her situation was so dire that she wouldn't make it that long and mentioned a "less drastic" surgery, the sleeve gastrectomy. I changed primary doctors over it. I'm hoping that the sleeve will help me get rid of diabetes and sleep apnea for good.

First, I found this post a little hard to read because the sentences seem to run together. As I understand it, you have lost 55lbs. since February. I don't know about you, but I couldn't lose that kind of weight dieting and exercising on my own.

I'm having trouble wrapping my head around 135lbs. in 2 1/2 months! Are you kidding me!!! You are smokin'!!!!!! How do you feel physically now as opposed to when you started? Are you able to get around a lot better?

You lucky dawg!

Yeah...I have about $800 of custom-made mouthguards for bruxism sitting in my bathroom. They have a tendency to travel across the room while I'm sleeping. They must jump out of my mouth or something! Hey, at least you HAVE them! I know from personal experience that dogs LUUUUUV mouthguards--- only the expensive ones! Oh yeah, you WOULD! It would have all these teeny tiny needle holes in them! You'd better put on your reading glasses and check those babies out!

If I were in your shoes, I would *write* your insurance company and ask them if they would accept reports of the medical tests/procedures that would be transferred over to the new doctor? Same question for getting credit for the 3 months of nutritional meetings you've already gone to. I would feel more comfortable having it in writing and not have to worry about another person in the insurance company say, "Uhhh, we never said that!" Hope it's not that big a problem for you!

Yeah...I have about $800 of custom-made mouthguards for bruxism sitting in my bathroom. They have a tendency to travel across the room while I'm sleeping. They must jump out of my mouth or something! Hey, at least you HAVE them! I know from personal experience that dogs LUUUUUV mouthguards--- only the expensive ones!

I used to use a CPAP mask, but hated it. I was fitted for a dental appliance that g-r-a-d-u-a-l-l-y makes your lower jaw move forward a very little bit. I wear it at night and does not disrupt my sleep the least bit. I was told it should last around 1 1/2 years before you need a new one. I suggest looking up ear/nose/throat practices and see if they fit dental appliances. It takes awhile to ramp up lower jaw forward because they have to do it so slowly to avoid TMJ issues, so I would look into it soon. I would definitely ask beforehand how long it might take to control the apnea episodes given your sleep study results. I would want to make sure that the problem is solved before surgery.

First, welcome to our site. The psych appointment is not for therapy or treatment. It is a one-time meeting to determine if you understand the pros and cons of the surgery and give an written report (opinion) on your readiness. It is also to make sure you know that this is not a "magic bullet"--- that you understand that, although you will probably lose some weight, you have to make a considerable effort to get down to a healthy body mass index (BMI) and continually to keep yourself at a healthy weight. I think you are on the right track checking out this site... you will certainly learn a lot about yourself, pros and cons of different types of weight loss surgery, Protein drinks, pre-op and post-op diets and how to maintain your weight. It does require knowledge and pre-planning to do well. You are in a good position since you are young enough that your skin is still elastic enough to adjust to weight loss. To directly answer your question, I think your doctor would honor a 2nd opinion. The comment about possibly being able to get surgery in December rather than next month may have more to do with the insurance requirements. Many require your going to a meeting with an assigned nutritionist ("NUT") once a month for either 3 or 6 months. There are other requirements such as an EGD and possibly other medical tests.

Sounds like you've successfully stepped over the tacks put in your path! Congratulations!

Here's another place for samples: http://www.nashuanutrition.com

Call your surgeon!

Likewise--- I agree with @Beckyyb93 What courage! Being a parent, I think, does change one for the better. Please keep thinking of them and be careful about mixing alcohol with the other drugs you are taking! Lots of people have died from mixing the two. What is your new career? How did you start on that path? Does it fulfill you? Remember, you've lost 139 frick'in pounds man.... time to be PROUD!!!

I've heard that walking helps a lot. Let us know if that helps.

OK, I'm warning you ahead of time, this MAY be boring! So don't say I didn't warn you!!! [source: my NUT] meal plan Example Morning Meal: 1 serving of Protein shake 1/2c. oatmeal (plain/unflavored), farina, grits, and other hot cereals (do not add butter or sugar) Snack: 1 c. sugar-free pudding [cheesecake flavor is great] Lunch: 1 serving of Protein Shake 6oz. fat-free, low sugar yogurt (<20 grams sugar/serving) Snack: Sugar-Free Gelatin Dinner: 1 serving of Protein Shake 1/2c. unsweetened applesauce Bedtime snack: 1 serving of Protein Shake 6oz. fat-free, low sugar yogurt (<20 grams sugar/serving) 1200 calories per day 60 - 80 grams protein per day (closer to the 60 for women; closer to the 80 for men) <= 125g of total carbs per day If you want to make the Protein shakes really good, I suggest "The Bariatric Foodie Guide to Perfect Protein Shakes." Not looking forward to this myself.

Each doctor has their own rules about it. Did your nutritionist give you instructions or a sample meal plan?

There is a great bariatric support group at Medstar Montgomery in Olney, MD. The bariatric coordinator is Kenny Alexander (301) 774-8881. http://MedstarMontgomery.org/Classes. The next meeting is July 30th from 6 - 7pm. When you walk in, you need to tell them you are going to this meeting, on the 2nd floor.