tamg26k

That is exactly where I had my pain - shoulder and back. The only thing that did trick for me was getting up and walking. I walked every 2 hours for the first 3 days and it went away. I didn't have any pain from the surgery just the anesthesia. Best of luck...it does get better...ALOT !!!

I had RNY and was prepared to do the 2 week liquid diet but I was not required either. I did 3 days of Protein shakes prior to surgery with no problems. As far as the psych evaluation, I found it to be a complete joke and waste of money ( I had to pay out of pocket) I filled out a questionnaire with no less than 500 questions that worded the same question 100 different ways. There would be one weird question interspersed in all the questions. I'm guessing the Doctor only focused on those answers. Who knows. I did read every one and answer every one completely honestly. I wasn't going to have anything or anyone derail my surgery. Best of luck with your pre-op prep!!

I paid for my surgery out of pocket. I had to pay the surgeon and the anesthesiologist prior to surgery and I had to pay the entire hospital bill the day of surgery, prior to surgery. I wasn't allowed to make payments. It was a little upsetting seeing that the vast majority of people that go to the hospital for any reason at all are allowed to make payments if they owe a balance. Still am extremely happy with my decision to have the surgery, no regrets, even if it takes me the next 2 or 3 years to pay off!!

Amazing job to my fellow Missourian!!! Very inspiring!

I have yet to attend a support group meeting but have been thinking about going. I'm not sure if I'll get more benefit now or after I hit my goal weight. I 'm with you, I get a lot of good info right here. The posts are really helpful, everyone has an answer for everything. Getting some good info for the holidays is not a bad idea, maybe I'll look into the next meeting. Thanks for the post!

My plan provided sample menus for every phase of transitioning back to solid foods. I never consumed the amount of food that was suggested. I remember taking medicine cup sips of Water and thinking I would never ever be able to drink 12 ounces much less 64 ounces. I don't remember at which week I was in but it does get better and easier. My advise would is the same as some of the above posts - focus on getting as much water in as possible and getting your Vitamins. My NUT advised to get your Protein but gradually lead up to the 60-80 grams a day. YOU CAN DO THIS!!! Keep yourself hydrated! One thing I do now is that I always have several 32 ounce water bottles in the refrigerator. I know that I have to drink 2 a day. I recycle the bottles and use the same 2 or 3 for a few weeks. If I drink a Protein shake from powder I will also add 3 times the amount of water to increase my intake. I also never eat in between my meals. I eat 3 times a day and have a pretty good amount of protein at each meal. I usually have no problem getting in the 60-80 grams a day. Best of luck!!

I completely agree with @BlondeBanshee. You should trust your instincts. You know your friends better than anyone. In my case, I told my family and 4 of my really close friends. At social gatherings if someone asked I told them I had weight loss surgery. I also stress, more than the surgery, I made a complete 180 as far as eating habits. The surgery is a tool, none of us would be successful without putting in the work. This is what I stress and I steer all conversations towards this. My friends have been really supportive. Most are really trying to follow in my path, minus having surgery. If people ask I want to be upfront with them but I don't broadcast the fact I had surgery. Best of luck!

I switched to Protein powder. I usually go for a whey isolate protein mix. It his the most pure form of whey protein - usually low calorie, little or no fat, no sugar, and little.no carbs. In my opinion, not nearly as good as the Premier Protein shakes, but I can spice them up a bit with sugar-free syrup or stevia. I've been adding this to sugar-free pudding to make a protein pudding that I have for Breakfast and a few spoonfuls at lunch and dinner as a little desert.

@@jenn1 prosciutto is actually paper thin Italian ham, the best being Prosciutto di Parma panchetta is Italian bacon Being Italian I found it to be my sworn duty to offer the slight correction! lol Both are very delicious! Thanks for your reply. There are a lot of great posts here and many,many recipes that I will be trying in the near future. Have a good day!

@@Jonathan Blue Congrats on your Surgiversary!!! I've enjoyed reading your story - truly inspiring!!!

My NUT said they were fine for me to take pretty much right after surgery. Just like @@James Marusek , they were way too big and were getting stuck so I switched to the chewable for the first 2 months. I recently found a calcium citrate capsule at Vitamin Shoppe that goes down really easy. Same dosage as Citrical - 2 capsules 3 times a days in 2 hour intervals. I love them- easy to swallow, I can zip down the street to get them when I'm out, and they are really inexpensive!

I am nowhere near as far along as most of you but I only eat 3 meals a day with no Protein supplement shakes in between my meals. I focus on getting 60+ grams of protein from my meals only. I think I may have had 2 or 3 snacks total( usually almonds) since my surgery. My NUT emphasizes getting off of liquid Protein as much as possible since liquids move through the pouch easier and faster than solids making us hungry faster.

@@James Marusek I love my Ninja blender too! It was one of the better investments I have ever made!!

@@morganamazing Congrats on getting through the surgery, Now the fun part begins! Just try to take things one day at a time. My best advise post-op is to throw away your scale! Seriously! I don't get stressed out weighing myself everyday. I rely on how my clothes fit. When I do "weigh in" every 2 or 3 weeks I usually always have a significant weight loss and that high keeps me going for the next 2 weeks or so. Can't wait to hear how things are going for you. Best of luck!!!

Everyone brings up really valid points. The answer is that there is no right or wrong answer. You have to do what you feel is best for you. Personally, I started out thinking I was going to get the lap-band. After attending the initial seminar I changed my mind to bypass, The key for me with RNY is the malabsorption and the suppressed cravings. This surgery has worked out really well for me so far ( almost 4 months post op -down 86 lbs. since surgery). Whichever surgery you choose will be the right choice for you! Good luck!!

I also use the fitbit flex. I love it, You can get different bands really cheap on ebay if you want to change colors. As far as tracking, I try to get in 7500-10000 steps a day. I do whatever I can during the day to increase my movement. I also love the dashboard. It's a good way to track Protein.

Pinterest - search weight loss surgery, gastric bypass, or bariatric recipes. I get a lot of good recipes there

@@lulabelle607 @@Lkk0158 Best of luck!!! You both will do great!!

@@Bufflehead This sounds delicious. I am trying to stay away from red meat. I was a vegetarian for about 10 years during my 30's and now just cutting red meat from my diet. I'll do this with chicken! Thanks for the tip!!!

@@Rogofulm They are, hands down, my favorite pre-mixed Protein shake, In fact they are far better then any powder I have tried. They are definitely my fall back breakfast fix.

I agree with the other, it doesn't sound correct. Unfortunately, I was also self pay and am paying off my surgery. I was able to get a credit card with a really high line of credit that had zero interest for 12 months. Perhaps something like this is an option, I pay monthly now and will figure out what to do when the 12 months expire. I also had surgery here in the US so it was quite a bit higher. I was very upset that my insurance didn't cover it, but went through with in anyway and I am sooooo glad that I did. Hopefully you will find another option that is better. Good luck!!!

I switched a few weeks ago to a capsule and they go down easy. I take 2 (they are 250 mg each) 3 times a day. I started a topic on this a few days ago just to get feedback on the absorption of the capsule and was met with mixed responses on this site. After checking with my NUT I was told they were completely acceptable. I just need to make sure I get in 1500 mg a day spaced out in 500 mg doses 3 times a day. I bought them over the counter at Vitamin Shoppe. The brand is Solary. It came in a bottle with 240 capsules. They are really inexpensive to boot!

I was pretty much cleared for anything - in moderation - after the first week or so. Officially, I was cleared for everything at my 1 month check-up. Best of luck!!

I was not given the option of removing the discarded stomach either. I know from past experience with other cuts and wounds that I had, If it is hot to the touch, it is possible infected. Something I don't think you want to chance, I'd call your surgeon. Best of luck and wishing you a quick recovery.

I love the premier Protein shakes from Costco! In my opinion, they are the best premade shakes around. I bought the calcium citrate chewy bites from BA and liked them alright. I just switched to a calcium citrate capsule from Vitamin Shoppe that goes down really easily, I got the ok from my NUT on them and love the fact that I can zip down the street to pick them up instead of ordering. They are also about 1/4 the price. I've also switched to the Centrium chewable multi vitamin and they are pretty good. I find it really interesting that same surgery but different surgery centers have really different guidelines as far as the supplements that are required.