BitterSweet*

I have no idea! What I do know is that the Patches are allowed as part of a smoking cessation program pre-op, with the intent being that an individual will completely stop all nicotine products. You'd have to check with your team to clarify what their requirements are because it seems that these bariatric surgeons have such different protocols. The patches may not be a problem at all for some and prohibited by others. I hope it works out for you! Smoking is a hard habit to kick. Good luck and let us know what you find out.

If smoking cessation is a requirement for surgery, then yes, you will be canceled even the day of if nicotine is detected in your system. They will do a urine cotinine test or a blood draw to check for cessation.

You're definitely not alone. I read a post a while ago by someone else here that made me understand things a bit better. The poster said she would never be able to stop her destructive habits with food on her own. She said the sleeve provided her with a stop sign that she never had before, and with the inability to abuse food, many of the struggles you speak of were no longer possible. Forced change. A stop sign and pause to give you time to continue your OA meetings and counseling. If you take advantage of your stop sign, embrace change and continue therapy, I think you'll do fine.

You are very welcome. I know you'll do great and please stay in touch. =)

Perhaps something for reflux would help. Either an increase in what you're already taking or a different PPI all together.

Definitely approved. Congratulations!

Under the circumstances, wouldn't you rather stay and let them figure out what's going on? A slight temperature increase after surgery is normal. A fever is not. Anything above 101 F is considered a true fever post-operatively. If you think you're frustrated now, go home and let this undetermined problem persist. You'll end up in the ER with them starting from scratch trying to figure out what's going on. I'm sorry you're having this slight complication; I wish that weren't the case but it is. True fevers are present for a reason. Are you taking pain medication (hydrocodone or oxycodone)? Oral narcotics (pills and liquids) contain Tylenol, which is a fever reducer as I'm sure you know. If you are already taking those meds that contain a fever reducer and you STILL have a fever, they are rightfully concerned. You are right where you need to be. Let them get this issue resolved so that you can go home free of complications and can focus on getting healthy and dropping your excess weight. As hard as it may be, patience is necessary in your situation. Praying that all will be well and that the rest of your recovery goes well. Take care.....

@@christina1979, consider this. If you are working out consistently, a good 300 of the calories you are eating get burned up with exercise. If your daily intake is only 500-600 calories, you are forcing your body to thrive on a net 300 calories or so per day. Weight loss is not going to happen that way. Your body will continue to hang out right where it is because you need more caloric intake. Get rid of that scale and break out those jeans! Once per week, attempt to try them on and you will be amazed. One day you will wake up and they'll just slide right on. We're here for you, and you can do this!!

You need more protein and calories. When you factor in the exercise that you're doing and the calories that are naturally burned from routine activities, you probably only have a net caloric intake of 200-300 calories per day. Your body can not thrive on so little fuel, and until your caloric and protein intake increases (fats included), that stall will linger. Eat more calories!

The human body is not designed to thrive on 500-600 calories per day. If your intake is anywhere near that, you need more calories. I don't think a lot of people realize that if you force your body to function on 600 calories a day, it will comply....... by decreasing your metabolism to a standstill (stall) and refusing to budge. In the long run, you'll end up gaining weight at a normal caloric intake. Don't do that to yourself. Your body needs balance, which includes fat and carbs. Balance your meals, eat the Protein first, increase your calories, and drink more Water. Also, you didn't indicate if you know for certain whether you are meeting daily protein goals. If you are not, that alone can cause a stall and cause your hair to fall out. Count your protein, not the fat, and eyeball the carbs. Supplement your foods with unflavored Protein powder if you need to. You can do this. Surgery is done, there's no going back. What you are doing is not working and I would be in tears out of frustration. Stop regimenting your food so much. Change it up but still follow the protein first rule, and stay off of the scale! Get out a pair of pants that are 1-2 sizes too small and start using that as a measure of progress. Before you know it, you'll be able to fit them. It will happen. You didn't make a mistake, just hang in there. Hugs to you.

It is normal for your blood sugar to spike after surgery. It's just a response that happens as a result of trauma one's body endures. What is unusual is for your doctor to personally call you. Is it your serum insulin level that your doctor was referring to, or an elevated blood sugar? Those are two different things.

Stay off of the scale, get in more calories, and increase water and exercise.

I've been researching VSG for over 7 months and I still feel like there's more I need to know. Only a few weeks of contemplation would have me in a tailspin. If you qualify already and have no hoops to jump through, you are lucky, but this can't be fly-by-night decision. There's just too much involved; too many things at stake. Under your circumstances, I would delay the surgery and begin researching if this is something you can committ yourself to doing. Have you researched the bariatric surgeon? Met with a nutritionist? Whatever you decide, good luck to you! =)

Read the earlier responses. Someone exlpained it well.

Instead of the "what if" I die questions, change it around and ask yourself "what if I don't change?" If your health fails and your children have to become your care provider, then what? If you don't change where will you be in 10 years? Will your health improve or fail without this surgery?Will you be healthy and full of life, ready to squeeze and kiss on your grandchildren 15-20 yrs from now? Ask yourself those questions instead. What you're feeling is normal, but you must recognize that and then focus on what led you to this choice. I made myself a small vision board to help me remember why I have chosen this. You can do this!

PB2 is sold in WalMart and Target as well. I don't if that's in all locations of course!

I agree with taking something for reflux, and try changing the temperature of the water you're drinking. Add something to it like crystal lite or some G2. If it's plain water, the surface tension of the water is intolerable to some. Additives change the tension, and a temperature variance may also help. Hope you feel better soon, and I really hate that you dealt with incompetence at the hospital.

Drooling.

Many prayers coming your way, and good for you for taking a stance. I'll be checking for updates from you.

I'd like to know the answer to this as well. Great question.

What @@Kindle said is accurate. It is just Water weight that you will lose and it is only temporary. It's a nice trick to use if you have an event and feel bloated and squishy. =) When I do it, it's for the effect the epsom salts have on muscle soreness; a drop in water weight it just a pleasant side effect, especially if you are really pushing lots of fluids to stay hydrated. The hot, salt bath will give you a temporary view of your weight without water retention. Same effect you'd get spending $100 bucks for a weight loss wrap in order to squeeze into a dress or garment.

Increase your protein, decrease carbs, change your exercise routine and the intensity of it. Get your labs checked to make sure nothing else is going on. Track your food to determine your daily counts; you may not be eating enough calories.

Unless you have a fever, pneumonia or bronchitis, it won't really matter. You do need to let them know the day of surgery and it would best to phrase it as, "I'm getting over a cold" instead of "I have a cold." Sick people have surgery all of the time, and if you give them a reason to cancel you, they may just do so. If you're not febrile and you don't have chest / lung involvement, I wouldn't mention it until the day of surgery. If your head cold turns into a chest cold, that's a different story. That would increase your anesthesia risks and coughing spells on new incisions and a cut tummy will suck. I hope you feel better soon and hood luck with surgery if you proceed.

@@finediva, if you really want to see a drop in water weight, go for an extra long walk (like 6 miles) at a normal pace, nothing strenuous. When you get back, soak in a hot bath with epsom salt in the water. Dry off and weigh again. It is astonishing.

Drink more water, increase the length and speed of your exercise and stay off of the scale. Keep meeting protein goals and it will happen.