samuelsmom

It is preferable to get your Protein from food rather than shakes. For me, I still have shakes for Breakfast sometimes because it is convenient.

Make sure you are prepared and that you meet the criteria. While there are differences with insurance companies the basic requirements are these: BMI over 40 or between 35 and 40 with certain co-morbidiites Long standing history of obesity (2-5 years depending on the insurance company) Attempts at weight loss unsuccessful There may be many more requirements, however these are the basic ones. Do you meet these requirements? If so, then be prepared to explain to your doctor your reasons for wanting the surgery. Hopefully she'll be supportive. Good Luck! Keep us posted.

Good Luck to all of you! I am 3 1/2 months out and honestly, it just wasn't bad. I drank (water!) a lot and had something every few hours. So a Protein shake in the morning, greek yogurt mid morning, shake for lunch, greek yogurt or SF Jello in the afternoon, and another shake for dinner. Lots of Water in-between. After day 2 I really was not hungry. Hope you all have as easy of a time as I did!

I believe you are correct that they are looking for people who abuse alcohol. Your couple of drinks should have no bearing on your being approved. The nurse who took my history found it extraordinarily amusing when I told her that enjoyed a wine cooler every year during the Super Bowl!

Some doctors do routinely, others do not. I did not have one. From what I have read those who do have them, they are normally removed within a few days. I would suggest asking your surgeon what his protocol is.

@@LipstickLady Best laugh I've had in ages! Thanks.

I wouldn't make myself crazy over it. Pick out good choices at meals. Are you hungry at the snack time? If so, perhaps you could save something from lunch that would make a good snack. Also, if possible, use a small salad plate when you go to the buffet and sit far away so you don't put too much on your plate or get tempted to take something not healthy as there won't be room for it! Good luck.

@Rogofulm Thanks for the tip. I have always had a very hard time getting liquids in. Before surgery I would have a cup of coffee in the morning and one in the evening. That was it for the entire day. I just don't enjoy drinking. In the pre-op period I worked to get the Water in and immediately post-op I was determined. Just the thought of dehydration and IV fluids had me drinking! And I found it pretty easy between the Protein shakes, yogurt, and water to get the 64 oz. I didn't think of it until I read your post but the hunger came back when I started solids and my Fluid intake went way down. Not sure if that is a coincidence or not. I will diligently try to get the fluid in and see what happens!

Back away from the computer! Really, this is just a discussion board...

@tfarr I don't count calories at all although I am "aware" of them. If you are eating correctly and losing weight I don't think there is a real need. I am careful with foods that I am prone to overeat. For example, I love pistachios and can eat a LOT of them without feeling full. I divide them up into single portion bags that works really well for me.

Fortunately it doesn't take long. For me it was about 2 days before the hunger was gone. After that I wasn't hungry at all. good Luck!

@Elode I was looking forward to having my hunger gone for at least several months. But alas, it was back within 4 weeks. Sigh.....

For those who are just starting out- there are surgeons who do the leak test during surgery so you don't have to do it the next day. That was one of my "must haves" and I was lucky to find a local surgeon that routinely does them intra-op.

At 8 weeks post-op it is rare to be able to eat that much without making oneself ill. Do you feel anything at all when eating that quantity? I agree that a call to the doctor is in order.

Spouses can and do say stupid things. I am so glad you went and spoke with him. In marriage we all need "grace." I hope it all works out!

Do you have a problem with Fluid retention? It takes the body a little while to equilibrate fluids after surgery. Be sure you are drinking enough fluids also. a daily weight for a few days might not be a bad idea. Be sure to do it at the same time and in the same type of clothing. If the fluid output does not increase or your weight starts to increase, call the doctor.

I can't imagine anyone NOT questioning if this is the right thing. For any major surgery, the risks and benefits need to be carefully considered. Glad you have started this program. You will find lots of support here! Good luck.

@@2/2015RN Are you on medication for the heartburn? I would call the doctor about that. For the fluids, after having surgery it is not uncommon to have a lot of Fluid on board. Keep drinking as much as you can and you should start having a lot more output. The sore throat should be about gone. If you still feel like you are holding fluid and the sore throat doesn't clear within a few days I would call the doctor's office.

@joego2014 I know the packaged meals are way convenient and I use them once in a while. Do try to keep that to a minimum though as "real" food is much healthier.

Yes, yes, yes! Move as much as you can. It will make your road easier!

Keep sipping all day long! The pudding and Jello can also count towards your Fluid requirements. For the next day or so, record everything you drink so you can see exact totals. If you are truly gettin in only 16 oz than a call to the doctor would be in order. Good Luck!

@Jordantaylor You have a wonderful start with your list. You sound motivated and ready for great things!

@@Katie Loesch-Meyer The Center that I went to has an actual fitness center in house which is part of a 3 month program. I am not in Florida but I would highly recommend a center that has a fitness center staffed with exercise physiologists. This has be invaluable to me; working with folks who understand the bariatric patient. I was very concerned with hurting myself and I have knee arthritis. I have not hurt myself yet and have made strides that I don't think I would have made without it. Good Luck.

Obesity is a multifactorial disease which requires a whole toolbox of treatment modalities. One of my pet peeves is when I hear a version of "it's just a matter of burning more calories than you take in." It is such an ignorant comment and drives me nuts!

I am glad that the center said that. I sometimes think people jump into surgery when indeed there are risks and they need to be carefully considered. Best of luck with your decision... Sounds like a wise one.