Ageekygal

They worry about dehydration from coffee especially right after surgery as it is a diuretic. You have a hard time getting in your fluids right after surgery and they want you to be well hydrated. It is also a appetite enhancer and often a trigger by itself for many folks to eat. I am on the six month program and am slowly weaning myself off caffeinated coffee to hopefully avoid the headache from giving it up as I get migraines and/or bad headaches few times a month already ( I am a coffee snob too and drink Gevalia I have been for 25 years as I used to have it delivered). I don't drink soda at all so no issue giving up caffeine that way

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your post! I read it and saw myself. All my lab tests--wonderfully normal including the EKG. I am the life of the party--people literally change the dates of parties and BBQs if I am working (I work at a hospital and have alternating weekends) so I can attend. I admit, my knees and back get painful if I walk too far, gardening is getting tougher and I am getting lazier to the point of being a couch potato so that is why I am doing it! I will be 56 when I get my surgery this fall and I can't wait to feel better and have more energy! I am glad there will be a more active future for me

I believe your friend has had serious issues with her own body acceptance and eating disorders so is experiencing a more severe reaction to your having weight loss surgery--it's hit her to her core. I think that's why this may be such a huge knee jerk reaction as it reminds her of her own internal fight and it brought up some very difficult psychological issues she has dealt with. Its disheartening that she is not ready to understand this is for your health and not just for looking thin but understand that she too has to fight her own battles and is just not able to reconcile this right now and may never be able to. Give her a week or two then consider writing her back and list every physical ailment you suffer from due to your weight--including a shortened life span. Give her real scientific data. Tell her that your not looking for a "pretty" body and don't want to be rail thin. You will most likely have sagging skin, temporary hair loss and whatever side effect you can think of so she knows it's not just a quick fix and it isn't a miracle "cure" for being obese. It is also not cosmetic surgery--liposuction and body contouring is. She may need to know the surgery itself is not the end to improving your health but the entire program is--psychological therapy, physical therapy and dietary guidance to help you think of your health first and choose a healthier lifestyle. This is for life, not just 6 months. If she finds that she comes to a place mentally to accept that then you would still appreciate her support as a good friend as it will be the most difficult journey in your life so far and need all there'll you can get. Let her know you will still be you, just healthier.

They are testing caffeine and coffee to see whether or not they affect appetite. Here is one (albeit small) blind study. I for one like that decaf coffee may be good for me and does seem to be decreasing my appetite--a little. http://www.precisionnutrition.com/research-review-coffee-hunger

Ah, this is a good question since it is one I had on my mind recently. I am in the 6 month program--only my first month! Thank you all for clearing that up

I have not had surgery and I occasionally have the dumping syndrome. Its awful!! I almost faint from it. Fortunately it hasn't happened in quite some time. I hope that doesn't mean I'll be likely to have it after surgery--uh oh....

I agree with Miss Mac. I started my 6 month pre-surgical plan and am slowly weaning myself off caffeine and sugar. I cannot have artificial sweetners as they give me headaches but they are also very bad for you as they are linked to many serious medical issues--even Sucralose (Splenda) which is in most Protein powders! I am trying different protein powders with Stevia (all natural plant) and adding a tablespoon of them to foods I like such as cream of wheat Cereal and smoothies. I have researched that there are different qualities of whey protein too! I will add more as I get accostumed to them. So far so good with that I have learned many wonderful and helpful ideas from my dietician and therapist. I have been changing up my Snacks to be a fibre and protein (like celery and hummus or been dip, a banana and pecans, veggies and Greek yogurt that you add a little powder ranch dip in for flavor, etc.) which takes hunger away and leaves you more satisfied. I am starting to de-stress a bit as I have leaned (not surprisingly) my eating bad foods is stress induced. The program is definetly worth it and I'd recommend it even if your insurance doesn't require it! 6 months of this plan to help you for a lifetime of good health and weight loss is absolute worth it to me.

What happened? What surgery did you have?

I recently started my required 6 month program and will likely have surgery in Oct. or Nov. As well! I figure I'll have lots of support from the Center's team, wean off the coffee and get used to protein shakes during this time, LOL! I need to do my sleep apnea test and not sure if anything else since all my labs were great. I'd love a mentor too but I also find lots of help in many threads right here.

I don't have a fee but I do have a co-pay for my appointments with the psychologist, NP, RD and PT. which is $20 each time I visit one. The psych is 90 minute appointment and the others vary. It does include a group class monthly with one of those specialists as well. You can call them anytime or contact them online. It's quite comprehensive and they are truly supportive and helpful! The center has won all kinds of awards and I can see why. So my "fee" is about $200. This is in Portland, Oregon.

I am just starting my journey and have to go through the 6 month dr. assisted diet and tests. I know I will have to use liquid Protein shakes and I am very picky so have been doing some research already. I sent for a sample of one which is sprouted brown rice and hemp (wonder if i'll feel good after drinking it....). Biggest issue I am finding is they almost all have some artificial sweetener. I cannot have artificial sweeteners such as aspartame (Equal) or Sucralose (Splenda) as they give me a severe headache. I have found that Sucralose is in most of these drinks! I use organic cocoanut palm sugar in my coffee now which is fine. I can use cane sugar but that's what we are trying to eat less of and no drinks I have found use it anyway. Although natural, agave has a higher glycemic index than sugar and honey is no better either--but again they don't use these either in the shakes I have found. I tend to eat organic, natural food and find too many chemical sweeteners taste bad to me. I must be super sensitive because even Stevia (which is natural) has a bad aftertaste to me which makes me nauseous so and I cannot use it. (Did find one with stevia). I imagine dealing with nausea after surgery will not be helped by drinking something that makes you even more nauseous! My hope here is someone out there has had a similar problem and found the answer. Anyone? Ideas??? I am worried before I even start!

Went to my "welcome" meeting today to get set up for 6 month "plan." Met some support specialists (dietician, PT and psychologist). Really nice group of folks! It did seem scarier though as it means I am now on the difficult journey to being sleeved!! While there I had my BMI and some other weight to muscle test, EKG and took the written psych eval. I go back for 2 appointments on May 8. I found out there are really 4 surgeons to choose from! Now I am more confused.... Anyone have any experience having their surgery by Dr. Patterson, Dr. Halpin, Dr. Jan or Dr. Reavis? I would love to know your experience! My husband came with me as he was still hoping I won't get the surgery--that by some miracle the "plan" by itself will be enough. I think the videos and talks have helped him realize a miracle is unlikely to happen and surgery is indeed in my future.

Hello! I am 55 years old, happily married to a wonderful, active husband for almost 22 years now and have struggled with weight since I turned 30. Childless by choice. My weight issues started right after I got diagnosed with severe anxiety disorder and panic attacks. I went for therapy for a few years and need to stay on the meds for life which help me immensely. I got diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia a couple of years after that and had to have 2 brain surgeries, tons of meds including steroids which caused my adrenal gland to shut down and I gained over 60 lbs. in 6 months! I felt like someone grabbed my big toe and blew air in it until I became a round ball like the in a cartoon. I am only 4' 11" so that's a lot of weight!! Then--pulmonary embolisms which I nearly died from (just can't get rid of me that easy though...). I have recovered from all that and feel pretty good--except for the weight of course and need to lose about 90-100 lbs. I am a animal behaviorist with a veterinary medicine background and clinical science. I admit I am a nerd and love science! I also have a background in acting and singing (performed on off-Broadway and Lincoln Center). Don't do that anymore (well I sing for fun). Love, love to play in the garden, have backyard chickens, 2 ponds with friendly fish, 2 awesome dogs and a sweet indoor kitty. We travel a lot and have a live in house sitter to care for the "zoo" while we are gone. I teach backyard chicken classes too I start my 6 month pre-sleeve program in 2 Days!! Woo Hoo!

I love the lists! I think its an excellent idea to bring it to the hospital the day of surgery and use before when you are nervous. I start my 6 month long program (doctor assisted diet, psych eval, PT, NP, RD, etc.) on Tues!! Some of the things I won't miss: Hoping there is a 2X after the 1X's on the rack of blouses. Not taking long walks. Hating bathing suits. Saying "whew" when I lock the seat belt on the plane because I was so worried I'd need the add on one. Wondering where I'll get jeans for a 4'11" size 20 woman that look good.

My husband is currently being "trained" to not set me up for failure! I just set up my first appointment for my mandatory 6 month doctor assisted weight loss program. I have instructed my darling to start throwing out or donate any food he wont eat within the next month in the pantry. I will do the same with foods I normally eat. I will re-stock with "acceptable" foods. He also knows that I will become all kinds of crazy if he tempts me with naughty foods when I tell him I am on strict foods. Gotta love my hubby, he is a real trooper <3

Just google vegan protein shakes--there are some! I am just starting myself so can't give you much more info--good luck in your journey

Ah, no wonder you were so willing and not turned off by it! Veterinary medicine is often ahead of human medicine as we are willing to try things with animals that may not seem to palatable to people. Our long term success is then transferred as if its a new technique. I actually injected stem cells taken from my own dogs fat into her knee over 7 years ago with good success and am hoping it will eventually be offered as a treatment for humans and accepted by insurance. Keep up the good health

It's been done in veterinary medicine for as many years as I can remember. It's not necessarily done the same way as it is in humans but it works great

I also really liked the ingredients in Garden of Life Raw. whey Protein may not be good for people who have problems with dairy and Iprefer the more natural products. Sprouted seeds are incredibly nutritious and healthy--much more than dairy. I just hope I can deal with chalkiness of Raw if indeed it is. I appreciate everyone telling me the things you did or did not like--it is so helpful! I ordered a sample of About Time. I also notice those mixing bottles will be important to have to remix the shakes while sipping them. I will also take a closer look at the liquid stevia drops! That would be so wonderful if I could use those without issues! Thank you, thank you and keep your experiences coming as it is immeasurably helpful to not only me, but I bet lots of others as well

You must tell your surgeon too! Your surgeon brings money into this hospital and they will listen to him. Write the administrator and the hospital board. Give very specific documentation of each problem--including dates and time of day. I work in a large hospital system and we give surveys to each patient and actually look at them! If we find issues we work to fix them. We also listen to the surgeons as they bring in funds for us to stay open (we are a non profit trauma hospital).

At least she confided in you that she feels jealous. It would be much worse if she didn't. She is also taking responsibility for her feelings and saying its not your fault (which it isn't). She is being honest with you and not hiding it. Be grateful of that and try to work through your friendship and help each other. Its a big adjustment for her as she is so used to being the "skinny one" in the friendship--we all have our roles and it's just changing a bit. It will be better if you both talk more and work through it together. Wonderful job loosing weight

Thank you all much. At least a couple to try and if I have to make my own, well I have time to experiment.

Garden of Life Raw Fit is one I ordered! I'll see how it goes. Garden of Life Raw Fit is one I ordered! I'll see how it goes.

I chose my name "geekygal" as my education and experience is in animal behavior and clinical science. That also is why I have a dolphin as my avatar. I do love science fiction and am a big Star Trek fan even through I am 55! To follow the previous posts, I found my stripper name via a generator and its "Heidi Heaven Fire" but that's not the first one I got. The first one was a bit too politically incorrect for this forum, LOL!

I live in Beaverton and am waiting to start the 6 month doctor assisted diet program to have the gastric sleeve surgery. My insurance covers it and they are supposed to call me next week. Would love to keep in touch and hear your stories!