samuelsmom

There are a lot of commercially available shakes out there-- Premier Protein, Muscle Milk Light, and GNC Lean all come to mine. My personal favorite I make myself: 1 cup skim milk 1 5 oz container of Dannon light and fit greek yogurt (your choice of flavor) handful of berries (optional) Put it in the blender and it is a wonderful thick shake and over 20 gm of protein. Good Luck.

Interesting thread. I think knowing the risks and doing appropriate research is critical regardless of where you end up having surgery. It is just a reminder that surgery should never be taken lightly and that each person really needs to weight the benefits and the risks.

What has helped me my entire life has been a few sayings from my mother, a short and round Sicilian lady who commonly wore a house dress, ankle socks, and Reeboks... Her 2 sayings were: "No one is going to ruin my beautiful life!' and "When I get up in the morning and look in the mirror I see a beautiful child of God." She has been gone nearly 12 years now and while a miss her terribly, she truly had a beautiful life. I am so grateful that I got to be her daughter. So please feel free to adopt these sayings, I have been using them for years!

I have read through all the posts and have enjoyed all the thoughtful insights. For me, it was impossible to really determine a weight because I had no frame of reference. My joke has been "I weighed 10 1/2 pounds when I was born and it hasn't gotten any better! The concept is foreign to me and even now I can't imagine shopping in "Misses" because I never have as an adult. That being said, when I went to the psychologist for my pre-op clearance she asked me what my goal was and I remember saying that really didn't care, however I would be thrilled if the first number was a "1." Also starting at 299lbs, it would mean I had lost 100lbs. Yes, I am one of those who like round numbers! When I said that it seemed like a distant goal and I was not sure I could attain it. Today I am down 80 pounds and that goal is in sight. It's hard for me to comprehend that I now weigh less than when I got married to my first husband 27 years ago, or that my clothes are now 16W instead of 26W! My initial goals were wellness related, and they still are, however, I am enjoying a little bit of vanity too

@@irishgypsy Dr Ku was my surgeon also! How are you doing?

You'll find a lot of the same issue on this forum. There are really many reasons such as underlying medical conditions, metabolism, exercise, age, and gender. The big thing is that you are losing and if you look back one year ago today, think about the great strides you have made! Keep up the good work!

Looking great. Congratulations!

This is not that uncommon and has happened to some friends of mine after surgery. What has worked for one of my friends is keeping hydrated at all times. She is also careful to get up slowly. In the morning you might want to sit by the side of your bed for a few moments and give your body time to adjust.

Great news. It is scary to think that you could have ended up in an emergency situation with the band. Hope your recovery continues and is Uneventful!

I've been on a special project for work so not able to be on much this week. I was so hoping to read good news- and I'm so sorry that things have not improved. Is she able to eat anything at all? What are they doing about nutrition? And how are you holding up?

I love this thread! The things I do have really surprised me because I did this for health reasons only- I couldn't care less about fashion! However, it is so much fun to buy nicer clothing that fits and looks good that I am having great fun! Another thing I am enjoying is being able to enjoy walking without huffing and puffing!

As long as you get the appropriate amount of Protein and calories that should be fine. I think it is a very good idea to avoid foods that get stuck! Good luck!

No change-- still at 221 . sigh...

@kimpossible67 I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Condolences to your entire family.

@elladvyne Good Luck with your surgery! I am doing well though seem to be in a holding pattern now-- hopefully will break soon!

I was not able to be in the bed in the hospital or at home for the first few weeks. So I slept i a recliner for 2 weeks. It was so odd because I really didn't have pain, I just couldn't get comfortable. The doctor's nurse told me this was very common for people who are side or belly sleepers.

I was told to shoot for 1 ounce per hour for the first day and to increase it slowly to a goal of 4 ounces per hour after I got home and then gradually increase to the 64 ounces per day. Doing it slowly is wise. Good luck and hope your recovery continues to go smoothly!

I am 5 months out and can eat about 3 oz of lean Protein like chicken. At 5 weeks I could eat one or two ounces. Are there any foods where you do feel the restriction?

@@elladvyne How's it going with the pre-op diet? Are you ready for your surgery?

@@jessiquoi What is the fb link? I had my surgery the day after yours.

Wow, I think all of the comments above should be laminated and required reading for all bariatric patients! I applaud you for coming back. You are 70+ pounds down 1 1/2 years out! Celebrate that victory. The advice above is great. You are also starting out right by logging your food. If you go back to the basics you will get back on track. Log meals, Protein first, no grazing, Water in... The only thing I can think to add is that since you have been grazing to plan for 3 meals and 2 Snacks at defined times. My favorite snacks which keep me comfortably full are a greek yogurt in the morning and an apple or Protein Bar in the afternoon. Good Luck.

My mother used to say with some frequency, "If you only lost weight, the boys would be lined up around the block to date you; you have such a pretty face." Honestly, it didn't bother me because I knew her heart was in the right place. When did it stop you ask? When my sister, who was thin and never had a date said, "What about me? I'm thin! Are you trying to say I'm ugly because I don't have any dates?!" My poor mother hemmed and hawed and tried to back out gracefully. I don't recall her every saying that again! PS: All of this happened a long time ago. My sister and I did eventually date and marry and raise families of our own!

@@dandylion_23 Ok, the insurance company MUST have a booklet which is called the certificate of coverage or evidence of coverage. Some companies have different names, but it is the same thing. It is the written contract which spells out what is covered and any specific requirements, such as pre-authorization, 2nd opinions, etc. This is a legal document and your company has it. I would recommend calling the insurance company and asking about this. While some insurance coordinators are amazing, not all are. I would not wait until next month to find out. Good Luck to you.

@@erinm51 Denying you when you meet the criteria set by the insurance company is, in my opinion, discrimination. Please don't tolerate it. And, if you do get denied, make sure you appeal!