mbrinmn

Good luck at the gym. I'm almost 4 weeks out...my one month surgiversary is this Wednesday. I still pretty comfortable with chopped and thickly pureed foods. Although last night, I indulged in one small onion ring at dinner with the family, taking small bites and chewing as well as I could...had no problems. Would like to move on to more solid foods, but I just get too full too fast, so sticking with the thickly pureed or chopped stuff seems like a good place for me right now. I find that I truly don't miss or crave anything. My downfall was bread and I haven't really missed it. I don't miss most things I used to crave like potato chips, cheeseburgers, steak, etc. I can eat so little that seeing those items come in big servings almost makes me sick. I did found out, however, that I have no issues with really cold beverages or Cold Stone ice cream. No instead of the "Gotta Have It" giant cup, I just get the baby serving. I did try the "Like It" serving size, but couldn't finish it, either because it filled me up or it was too rich. My whole question or issue is about getting enough Protein and Calcium and how best to do that.

I had to resort to Dulcolax suppositories. I hadn't gone in almost 9 days. The first 7 were not bothersome, just worrisome. Then came day 8 when I felt I really had to go, but could not. By day 9, it was starting to get uncomfortable so I ran to good ol' Walgreens and decided on the suppositories because of their fast action (15 minutes to an hour). It took me 4 suppositories in four hours to finally feel cleaned out. Still take Miralax every other day and that seems to be helping now. I guess all my old colon just needed that little help.

I have heard that both Flax Oil and Fish Oil help keep elasticity in your skin so that as you lose, your skin will be elastic enough to shrink a bit, back into place. Of course this is much easier for younger people than it is for my age group (50 and over). I just thought I'd pass this along. I went to a sleeve support group meeting on Saturday here in Minneapolis and one of the ladies had gotten this information from her nutritionist.

Thank you so much for your positive and motivational message! I really appreciate it.

I had a wonderful experience with my surgery in Tijuana in August (the 27th). We all go through those what ifs, but we are not the only country in this world with good, trained specialist doctors. Just the only country that makes medicine so much more expensive than it needs to be and out of reach for the middle and lower classes. In this country, good, attentive care is for the rich...the ones rich enough to pay for all the right insurance and rich enough to pay for a bunch of stuff that the new Obamacare insurances won't cover. Plus, I had no trouble seeing my U.S. doctor for a check up. She was little shocked, but then she ran through the list of things she assumed would have been missed in lab work...but nothing was missed. I'm 50 and they even tested my samples for pregnancy. My U.S. doctor even referred me to a nutritionist, which I needed for insurance purposes. It is going to be 110% better than anything you're imagining right now...believe me. I made a bunch of new friendswhile there that would say the same thing. If you want some extra assurance, I can see if I can get you in touch with them too.

Hello, glad I found this forum. I just had my surgery August 27 and I seem to be really stuck at the same weight, which I lost in the first two weeks, when I was just on the broth post-surgery diet. Are there any tips, besides exercise, that might help me? What did all of your doctors tell you your Protein intake should be in the months after surgery...and for how many months? Maybe that's my issue; not getting enough. I just started walking since I'm at my almost-4-week mark and okayed for light exercise. Also, what should my calcium and Vitamin D intake be? I'm worried I'm not getting enough calcium at age 50. Thank you, Marybeth

If possible, I recommend that everyone/anyone watch the movie "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead." It was incredibly motivational and you might have a whole new outlook on different veggies like kale (which I personally have not tried yet.)

Fawnb71, Welcome!!! As Lindalue mentioned, we just had a small meet up with four of us, but we had so much fun and got a LOT of information from everyone. Lindalue and another member are going to set up the next meeting, we all decided that Saturday mornings seem the easiest with all our different work schedules and such. Hope you'll be able to make the next one!

I'm right with you. My surgery was on August 27. Since my pre-op diet and then the surgery, I've lost about 28 pounds, but am stuck right there. I've been reading all over the web about the "3-week stall" which maybe we both have. I'm just glad my close are loose, I dropped a size, and am feeling good. I'm sticking to my prescribed diet habits, except I don't think I'm getting enough protein, so I started putting packets of unflavored protein in my morning yogurt. Maybe more protein will help star up the weight loss again.

I finally started the Miralax power too and what a difference. I had been "clogged" up for 9 days. I wasn't uncomfortable until about the 8th day, but it just worried me. Started taking the Mirilax then and got the good old pipes cleared out two days later. Now I've been taking it every other day instead of Benefiber every day. Mirilax even has packets that you can carry to work or out to dinner.

Is there any way to invite people to this message board? The were having a hard time finding the chapter link.

Missed some of you at breakfast this morning. Had a great time. Hope you all can make the next one. New members Lori and Linda are going to pick the date and place. Both are having their surgeries in late October so would like to meet before then to ask more questions.

I did the same thing before my surgery...ate everything as if it were my last meal. But now you're on the right path to surgery. Best of luck!! o

I was sleeved almost 3 weeks ago, but have only had two good bowel movements in the time I've been home. The first was painful because it seemed like it was long over due. The second was fairly normal. For both I found it necessary to use laxatives to initiate them. I'm eating a ton of Benefiber and taking a probiotic. I also started eating the new Chobani Greek yogurt with oats in it...it's fabulous. But still no regular bowel movement this week. Can anyone give me some frame of reference for when I might expect normal bowel activity without the use of laxatives? I know each case is different depending on the individual, but I'd really like some insight to this dilemma.

Alleluia! Dulcolax suppositories did the trick after 10 days of nothing. It took me three suppositories over about two hours. And let's just put it this way...I'm 4 pounds lighter than when I weighed myself this morning. Wasn't really bothered by the constipation until yesterday. Today it was worse. Now I feel so much better.

I was sleeved on August 27 and have only managed to lose 15 pounds. Of course I'm happy with 15...it's better than gaining that much. But I keep hearing about all these people losing so much more since their surgery. On the pre op diet, I lost 11 pounds, so I'm down a total of 26. Do you have any tips on what is making your weight loss so dramatic?

I went through Specialized Bariatrics and my surgeon was Dr. Jacqueline Osuna. I cannot even begin to tell you about the high level of care I received!!! Of course it's nothing like here in the U.S. because there is such better organization and less government interference. The hospital I was scheduled at was called Hospital Mi Doctor. It was small with no frills, but the rooms were nice, very clean, and each had their own bathroom. And the staff - from the nurses to technical and admin staff - was excellent. Everyone spoke English...some better than others, but I never had a problem being understood. My total bill was $4300. That included 3 nights hotel in the beautiful Tijuana Marriott (with a pool that you can use the first night before you head to the hospital the next morning for surgery...when you are released from the hospital and go back to the Marriott for two additional nights, you won't want to open yourself up to any type of risk of infection). The fee included transportation from the airport and across the border, then back across the border to the airport when I was ready to fly home. And it of course covered the surgery and all medical care: lab tests, EKG, IV, medication, Xrays, etc. I was so amazed at how the staff was so caring...as if you were the only patient...even though they had a highly organized and systematic approach to the entire process of getting patients in and out. I met so many nice people too. I really, really, really recommend Dr. Osuna or her husband Dr. Lopez. They also practice with a doctor who is younger and has done many surgeries, but not quite as many as Drs Osuna and Lopez so the price for his surgery is $3999. Here is the link: http://specializedbariatrics.com/

Remember that this all about you, not them. Everyone has a different opinion about this surgery, even my supportive friends were hesitant about it. You'll get a million different opinions, but the only one that counts is your own. While it may be very nice to have their support, if your husband is on board, then you have all you need If they make you feel that uncomfortable, ask them not to bring up the subject and ask your husband not to divulge anything to them. Then go through your steps, have the surgery, and let them see your successes after the fact. I didn't even tell my parents or my sister until after I got out of the hospital and back home. Now it's a moot point. Sometimes it's not always best to share EVERYTHING with EVERYONE...even if you do consider them your best friend/sister. It's nice your husband is supportive. For me the surgery was quick and the recovery has been amazingly fast. I didn't even need someone to "take care of me" after about the 2nd day after surgery. I came home days after surgery and didn't require any support of any kind...as in physical support. But since you and your spouse are close physically and emotionally, it will be really nice to have that kind of support close by. It has been 3 week today since my surgery. I'm eating pretty regular foods, just mashing, smooshing, or pureeing stuff. I have not residual pain other than my incision areas are itching as they scab over and heal. I don't live with anyone and it has been a piece of cake for me. If something were to go wrong, I'd just call an ambulance or get myself to an ER. Probably at that time I'd maybe tell my family about the situation...or maybe not. I'm 50 and don't feel the need to share everything with my family at all times even though I love them all very dearly. If you want to chat more, my email is mbrinmn@gmail.com. I'll be happy to be your long distance support as you go through the process. Good luck, Marybeth

It's weird. I'm not uncomfortable and I don't feel sick or cramped up. It's just that I am not doing any #2. I haven't since last Saturday night. Another member recommended Miralax, which I bought but haven't tried yet. The Benefiber is NOT working! Just gives me more gas.

Hello Everyone, Did you know that there is a chapter group that can be found at: MN - Minneapolis/St.Paulin USA BariatricPal Local Chapters Started by GardenLady, June 04, 2014 We are meeting this Saturday at the Perkins in Fridley because that is a fairly central location to the metro area at large. We're meeting at 10am under the name "B Pal". We are trying to meet monthly at various locations, but have only managed to have our last meeting at the Olive Garden in Maple Grove in July. Hope one or all of you an join us. Shoot me a note if you think you'd like to come...just so I get a big enough table. My name is Marybeth Reed. I can be called or texted at 651-231-2465 or emailed at mbrinmn@gmail.com Would love to meet you and hear about your success!

Hi Everyone on this site... Did you know that there is an "official" Twin Cities Bariatric Pal site? There are a bunch of us meeting this Saturday (Sept 20) at the Perkins in Fridley (because this is centrally located for metro area). We're meeting at 10am. The Perkins is on University Ave., just a bit north of 694 and really easy to find. Hope one or all of you can join us. I am going to ask the host to seat us under the name "B Pal" so people can find out table. My name is Marybeth Reed and I belong to a couple of message boards. The twin cities chapter one is pretty active. You can find it under this information: MN - Minneapolis/St.Paulin USA BariatricPal Local Chapters Started by GardenLady, June 04, 2014

Perkins on University Ave. in Fridley at 10am on Saturday, September 20 (this Saturday) It just north of Hwy 694 on University Ave.

I love those Quest bars...they taste just like candy bars. I haven't tried Muscle Milk yet. I'm stuck on Lean Body because of the great taste. I'll have to sample some Muscle Milk. I did end up buying a Protein supplement in capsule form, so we'll just see what happens. Also bought beef liver pills for protein and Iron. That will be interesting too.

I'll try to get their early and tell the host/hostess that our group is called "B Pal"

How about we do Perkins at 10 am on Saturday September 20. The Perkins in Fridley is on University Avenue, just a little north of 694. How does that sound? That gives people time to wake up and get the day started, and then have the rest of the day to do other stuff. Hopefully that will give some people outside the immediate metro area time to make it too! We can change the location often. Next time we could do it further south or east. I know driving is not always everyone's favorite thing to do, but everyone is a valued member of the group and it is really nice to meet face to face.