Cris in Miami

@@MaryC94, yes, the shakes are for pre-op. For two weeks before the surgery, you drink only the shakes (five per day). The goal is to shrink your liver and have you lose weight before surgery. A two week supply was $225 and yes, you buy from his office. They weren't bad. They come in assorted (chocolate, vanilla, strawberry), though I asked for only vanilla and strawberry. They don't taste bad and you get used to it after the first three days. The key is getting through the first three days. I remember crying on day two and telling my boyfriend I was miserable, which was mainly due to headaches. But again, after the third day, I was fine. After the surgery, you will drink protein shakes as you aren't eating much and need to ensure you get your protein. I still drink protein shakes, mainly on my way to work as my first meal of the day. Try different ones until you find one you like. And I prefer ones that are already made. I bought a huge bag of protein powder at BJs and after a week or so, decided it was too much hassle to mix my own. I'm always on the go, so grabbing a premixed one out of the fridge is my answer. I have found I do not like Muscle Milk Light (too sweet), cannot stand Pure Protein (tastes like chalk), but can handle EAS AdvantEDGE Carb Control (get it at Walmart; $5 for four shakes). My favorite is Premier Protein, which is 30 grams of protein per bottle and the vanilla is pretty good. Haven't tasted the chocolate as I'm more vanilla. Upside is, great coupons in the paper every few months for $4 off. Downside, can only find it at one Walmart (in Pembroke Pines, where I live). But, you have to try out which ones are good for you. Noel will give you a list, which will become your Bible.

The pre-op class is with Noel and Melissa in the lobby of the office. Basically, it's what to expect day of, and the days/weeks after. They will also give you information on vitamins/supplements to take after, as well as the type of diet to follow for the first month, what you are able to eat/drink. Honestly, I don't even remember what I weighed the day of surgery. I have a rough idea. I lost about 14 pounds during the two weeks of the shakes and did not cheat once. The first three days of the shakes were horrible. I had such a headache. The rest of the time was a breeze. I think since the surgery, I have lost about 50 pounds. Again, I don't remember what I weighed exactly. I just know I had to give away my entire wardrobe, even PJs. I had to buy all new clothes, including bras. Just don't go crazy buying lots of clothes because within a month or so, those new clothes won't fit anymore. I never wore a belt before and now, wear one because the jeans I bought are now too big. And I don't want to keep spending more money, LOL.

I had my surgery with Dr. De la Cruz on August 25, 2014. So, I'm six months post op. I was in the hospital one night. I also had a hernia repair, so I won't lie, I was in pain for the first week and just out of sorts for the next week or so after that. But, now everything is okay. I am 25 pounds away from my goal weight and 40 pounds away from my dream weight. I'm wearing regular clothes (no more plus sizes) and it was the best thing I could do. It's a lifestyle change and you have to adapt to eating very small portions and never drinking with your meals. The times I have gotten sick have not been from overindulging, but things like eating too fast or drinking fluids with my meals. My palette has changed and extreme sweets make me cringe now.

I wish your doctor's office would have told you this from the start. My nutritionist told me at our first appointment that Aetna would not approve it if I gained one pound during the six months.

I had mine performed on 8/25/2014 by Dr. Nestor de la Cruz-Muñoz at the University of Miami.

With Aetna, if you gain one pound during the six month waiting period, you are denied. This was a policy change from earlier this year. Each carrier has different rules.

I can understand. I was in such pain the two days after, I seriously regretted the decision to do this to myself. I also had a hiatal hernia repaired which added to the pain. But, the next day, I felt a bit better, and the next, and the next. Today I feel tired and sore, but much better than earlier in the week. I can't consume 64 ounces of Water as hard as I try. Most is about 35 ounces, which worries me because I don't want to get dehydrated. It'll get better love. In six months, you're going to look back at these posts and realize how far you've come.

Love, your surgery was only four days ago. It takes time for your body to heal. I'm not a doctor, but I'm sure your gasses are still present. I have gas after drinking Water and it's been five days for me. It's a day by day thing. You have to view this as a tool for your new life, not a magic resolution. I think I read on here others who weighed more after surgery than before. Let me see if I can find it.

Don't be a slave to the scale. You're bloated, swollen and full of gas. Give it time. In a month, get on the scale and compare your weight. You should be pleasantly surprised.

VVV, I was sleeved on 8/25 and I regretted it for about two days after. I was in pain. It does get better. You start to realize what gives you gas, what you can tolerate and what to avoid. I've learned everything except broth makes me gassy. Lol. TMI. Each day will get better. You had major surgery. Your body needs to heal itself. You've been through a trauma. But, you took the first major step in getting the surgery. Keep your chin up.

Hi John. It didn't take you overnight to gain weight, so losing weight isn't going to be overnight either. The weight will come off and you've already done a great job. Don't be a slave to the scale. Keep doing what you're doing and it will continue for you.

I also have an office job. I am taking a full two weeks. My body needs to heal.

Fruit punch and grape. I made it halfway through the fruit punch and sips of the grape. I'm going to try again tomorrow, but if I can't get them down, I'm supposed to start protein shakes Friday. I have vanilla and strawberry to try and hopefully, I like them. I did enjoy both flavors of the Optifast.

Haven't been able to drink much of the Isopure. Makes me want to puke. So disgusting, even with Crystal Lite flavoring. Am able to hold down Water, Jello and broth. Nutritionist wants me drinking 64 ounces of fluids a day, at a minimum. Can't reach that, but I'm trying. Very gassy. Staying with my mom for a few and she's rubbing my back to help with that. sleeping on the couch because it feels better to be on an incline. Trying not to take painkillers, but need them at least at night. Tried Tylenol and it did nothing for me. Abdomen and between breasts are so sore. Doesn't hurt to walk, but does hurt to get up. I'm walking hunchbacked.

Was sleeved on the 25th too. Hiatal hernia repair too. So much pain. Broke down and cried this AM regretting my decision. Have to stay strong, but it's difficult. So glad I found this group.

I don't think I've ever been in such pain. I had my gallbladder taken out in 2001 and there were complications. But this tops that. I'm not a lightweight in the pain department. Trying to stay positive. It's a struggle, but the end is worth it. I was told it would be more difficult with the hernia repair. Just trying to be strong.

Had my gastric sleeve on 8/25, as well as a repair of a Paraesophageal Hernia (Hiatal Hernia). Was discharged today, 8/26. Was having pain related to the hernia repair in the hospital, but now that I am home, my abdomen is sore and painful. I know, this too shall pass. Having so much trouble drinking this large bottle of Isopure. It's neverending. It will get better. Just have to remember that. Hello to all.