jjinWA

It all has to come in time. Be sure to give your body that time. It needs to heal. When I started walking the first week after surgery I was lucky to get in 2000 steps. Then before I knew it I was reaching 6000 and then 8000 steps. After a couple of weeks I was regularly getting in 10000 steps each day... That is almost 5 miles. Keep in mind all these step achievements were a combination of 2 or 3 short walks each day. Now after 3 months I get 10000 steps in each walk! I average 9 to 12 miles each day, usually achieving this in 2 walks. Never did I get fatigued because I listened to my body and did not overdo it. Just remember to build up your exercise gradually and you will meet progressive goals as time goes on.

I relate to the 'tired' comments, the 'life will never be normal again' comments, etc., because I said those very same things and I felt the very same way! BUT that was when I was only a few weeks out. Now after 3 1/2 months out I can honestly say that life is returning to normal. I do have my energy back and my eating habits, though entirely different then in the past, are certainly becoming a normal way of life for me. I love the new me even now with just 49 # loss. I cannot imagine how life will be when I reach my goal, but regardless getting there is no longer such a struggle. You will get past the first couple of weeks and life will settle in to a new normal and that will be a good thing!

I had BCBS Regents. I did not have those high deductibles so I guess every plan is different. I paid $30 for each dr visit copy when preparing for the surgery. My actual surgery I had to pay about $600, some for the surgeon and the rest was for the hospital. It is very important to understand that out of pocket is different then deductible. And it is important to understand that contracts with each hospital and surgeon is very individual and specific to their agreement. If in doubt what you will pay contact your ins company and give them your surgeon and hospital names. They will tell you in more detail what your costs will be.

I can relate but now that I am on the other side as they say I can see how much this is all worth it! Going to Mexico has its own concerns and I cannot speak to that as my surgery was here in the US. BUT with that said I can tell you I have done tons of research and read ALL the posts here on this site. I truly think that there are good surgeons in Mexico, and for those that cannot pay the huge medical fees charged here in the US, I am soooo thankful that the Mexico self pay option is exactly that, an option! I am extremely close to both my daughters and I cannot imagine life without them. If I did not think Dr. A. Ortiz was a safe option I would certainly be holding them back. It will all go splendidly well and we can all be on the losers bench in January!

Yes, it will be good to meet up with you. I had the Sleeve surgery over 3 months ago and my daughters are also going with the sleeve procedure. We will be in the hotel the night of the 7th. When we get closer to that date I will get back in touch with you and we can set up a place and time to meet.

My NUT approved once I got past the 'soft' food stage. There is air in the smoothie if blended by any of the emulsifiers, no matter what the brand. Letting it sit for a bit though helps.

My thyroid issues were never discussed as far as prepping for my WLS. My levels were in the acceptable ranges however. I have been working with my PCP since my surgery to get the correct dosage. Seems things have changed a bit over the past 3 months, but nothing alarming.

I am going to call the. And see if they are willing to work with my daughters when we return from Mexico. Keeping my fingers crossed.

I am 3 1/2 months, but honestly I take careful bites if I eat red meat. It is pretty hard to digest. I limit meat to very special occasions. I much prefer to stay with ground up hamburger or chicken salad. That stuff goes down much easier!

I have been a slow loser every since I had the surgery. But that is OK. I am on plan eating 800 -900 calories a day and exercising. I don't want to compare to others because we are all different and our bodies respond differently.... Based on many factors. Age, male vs female, overall weight loss required, height, etc etc. I see it if I have not gained this week I am a success! Ha. Steady eddy as they say. I have eventually reached my goals along the way and have not set time limits on when I should get there. First - one-derland. Met that goal. Next reach my low weight that I achieved on my last diet. Met that goal. Next lose 50 lbs. very close to that one (I am at 49 today). Next goal will be to get in a size 10. Have not seen those jeans in YEARs. I will eventually reach my final goal and go into maintanence. No idea when that will be, but yes! I WILL get there. All of us will if we stick with the plan! What a great gift this tool has been for me!

Your blood work should indicate your b12 levels. Mine results indicated very low so I take b12 shots. Made a huge difference in my energy.

This documentation process with the PCP worked for my breast reduction as well. Insurance paid for that surgery for me. Back aches, shoulder pain.......

Love love love these! Not fond of the choc peanut butter version though. The Carmel is great!

The slimmies.... Hate it! I seem to be lucky with being able to eat almost anything, BUT I find if I over eat I have that reaction. I am trying to learn what my FULL tummy signal is. I think i am still eating too fast and my tummy does not register full until after the fact. I must admit though that beef (other then hamburger) does give me pause and I eat very little of steak, roast meat, etc. If I eat too much, here comes the wonderful slimmies. I was driving my car the other day and had to pull over and spit! WOW.

I was dead man walking until my blood labs highlighted that I was extremely low on b12. Doc prescribed B12 shots and I am like a new person. I get in 11 or more miles a day now walking, walking, walking. I am retired so I have the time and I hate sitting still now. I have to be up and moving. Good thing is even the dog is loosing weight. Poor girl! Ha! She sees the leash and says "really, again?" ????

When I asked my dr which was more important... Water or protein... I was just not able to get required ozs/grams in each day. He said WATER!!!!???? he explained that protein is important but it may not mater if I am dead from dehydration!

Try the syntax nectar protein powders. Not milky and a bit lighter. I also like the click expresso (decaf for me) protein powder. A nice change to my premier shakes that are milk based.

LMAO. ????

angel, everything you shared here worries me. First you must drink your water. I cannot tell you how important it is. I know from experience and learned the hard way. Right after my surgery I became dehydrated because I did not get in the required water. This caused severe constipation. My dr suggested something stronger then just Benifiber. I took Dulcolax. She also prescribed that I have an ennema (fun ????). Well, this was successful as far as the constipation issue, but I became severely dehydrated because of all the loss in fluids. Ended up in the hospital ER with an IV drip. 400 calories is not enough! Your body needs more then that to function. You need to be concerned with malnutrition. Get in your protein requirements and it will help with your weakness. Keep with the program and get in your water and protein and you will see progress in your weight loss. A lot of us have complained about stalls, etc only to find out a few more calories and a bit of exercise moved us back into the weight loss stage.

It amazes me how I looked at 64oz of water as an impossible requirement. Now at 3 months out I actually crave my water and get in way more then 64 ozs. I walk, walk, walk! My hubby purchased a belt that carries 3 water bottles. I am constantly refilling them each time I walk by a place that has a water fountain. Our bodies require lots of water. Listen to your body!

I bought the nutribullet 900 watt. I love it. It makes great smoothies. Crushes ice like a dream and the drinks are nicely emulsified. Can't get that with any blender. The ninjas, bullets, etc are best tool for emulsifying the condiments you put in your smoothy. Can't imagine a protein drink without it!

My hair loss started way early, at about 6 weeks! Hate it but I know it is temporary. I am 3 1/2 months now. Hair still falling out, but it has slowed a bit. I can really see it thinning, but keep telling myself it is worth the sacrifice. I also notice the difference in texture. Now very fine and limp! I used to take great pride in my very thick hair. Ooohh I miss it!

Drink lots and lots and lots of water. Did I say drink lots of water? YES! I had to do a second barium swallow the next day and the tech cussed me out because I still had residue from the barium swallow from the day before! He said it turns into cement if we do not drink enough water to flush it out! Enough said. Drink your water! ????????????????????????????????

Taking time off work may be easier for some then others. Best of both worlds would be to take FMLA and do surgery during Christmas break. Most companies are slow during the weeks in Dec.

I stay on plan, eating right, and getting in plenty of exercise. My weight loss has been slow (in my mind) BUT I have never gained and that is enough for me. I go more by my dress size then I do by weight cuz I know the exercise is toning me and muscle does weigh more then fat. I have dropped several dress sizes during my journey so far. I'll take it and smile to myself as I look in the mirror each day. I pull out my jeans from the dryer and fold them, thinking those are so small, they can't be mine!!! Steady as she goes I say! I will be living this journey for the rest of my life. I will get to goal eventually.... Based on my own personal success and not based on other people who are working through their own journeys. Hang in there and love yourself and you will get there.