BLERDgirl

I need to engrave this on a pillow. *That's* the key thing in all of this to me. Not just losing, but keeping it off.

Even if you don't get sick I don't think it's wise. Part of why most of us are overweight is because can't stick to a "diet". Foods tempts us even when we know it's not good for us. In retraining our bodies we are hopefully trying to learn new food habits. For most of us the liquid phase is only a few weeks. Mine was 2 weeks of full liquids. I'll be honest. I was ready to throw those drinks out the window after 1 week. I stuck it out. I want to finally learn how to tel myself "NO". I didn't want the lure of food to continue to rule my life. I sucked it up and stuck it out for the full 2 weeks. Yes I wanted to chew. I wanted it sooo badly it wasn't even funny. My sister even came over once with a cheesesteak & fries. I don't even eat meat but that smell was tempting. Then I remembered I just went through surgery to help put me on the path to better health. I just wasn't willing to chance that by not following orders. Looking back, I think I'm glad I did. Not because I think I would have gotten sick, but because I won the mental game. I wanted to change how I viewed food and I think that is the real battle that will decide if my weight loss sticks.

No at all. Protocols vary from one doctor to the next for both pre and post op. For me part of the reason to attend the seminar is to figure out if this is the right program for you. I looked at another hospital near me and I didn't like it. I then checked out the program I ended up choosing. This doctor didn't require a pre-op diet. That wasn't the reason I choose him, but in retrospect I'm happy I did. My point is, if you have options of other hospitals in your area, I would check them out. Ask questions and compare programs and then decide which one best meets your needs.

@@Peace Love & Sleeve - Are you doing protein shakes of any kind? If all you can do is keep liquids down that might help you get some nourishment, even if you need to dilute them with water. Even some of the protein enhanced waters like Propel might help.

If you are over 18 and you feel this is the right thing then you have to decide for yourself if you really want to do this. It's your choice. You can't convince or talk someone into something. So you have to decide for yourself if you can do this and stick to your guns and follow the bariatric diet you will need to follow in order to be successful.

No unless you are self pay. Otherwise it's just go through the process. A few things I suggest you work on that they may not have told you to do is work on eating more Protein. You have to post-op so it helps to already be in the habit. Likewise with eating really slow, chewing your food until it dissolves and separating your eating from drinking by at least a 30 minute window before and after. If you smoke or drink sodas, now is the time to stop. They are no-no's for surgery and bariatric diets. Join a gym or start some sort of exercise program. These will all be part of your life post-op.

I'm sorry I honestly had an unremarkable course. No depression or sadness about missing food. No gas, nausea or vomiting. I didn't have pain and so far I've tolerated everything I try to eat. I felt pretty much back to normal within about a week. Stopped getting super tired that I needed a nap midday probably around week 3.

You had the sleeve done in Oct and lost 100 lbs and your surgeon isn't happy? I'm sorry but that's darn good and he needs to go eff himself.

I haven't from the the OP, but I will say in this case "Suck it up" wouldn't be a bad thing. She had like 2 days left before she transitioned to purees. I was ready to toss Protein drinks after a week so I totally understand the feeling. It just seems that if she made it this far, 2 more days wouldn't kill her.

@@shahada - If you have a Protein powder you like try adding that to your oatmeal. It will increase the amount of protein you are getting for the day. I use plain unflavored that I can mix into everything. Try adding black Beans, lentils or even quinoa to your salad. They are also good sources of protein. Greek yogurt is also a good source of protein. I buy FAGE 0%.

@@Kindle -sending happy healing thoughts to both you and Abraham.

I didn't postpone but I would suggest asking the doctor how long you can safely postpone for. They will be able to give you the best answer. I can answer the other questions. My out of pocket expense was $400 plus copays. (I can't recall if that included the $200 for the nutrition class or not). I had 3 appts with the bariatric team, 2 visits with the sleep center for my sleep study, an upper GI, chest xray, Pulmonary functions test, ultrasound of my legs and an appointment with the vascular surgeon because I had an IVC filter put in prior to surgery. I paid copays for the bariatric appts, 2 sleep center appts., & the vascualr surgery appt. I bought my supplements and Vitamins from the drug store and not my surgeons office so they weren't extremely pricey. I will say this. If you can, join a gym or start some form of regular exercise. I literally had no problems with surgery at all. I was walking in recovery, never needed pain meds & had no issues with gas ever. I think the fact that I had been exercising regularly may have helped. Either way, it couldn't hurt.

I agree. Proteins are what will help keep you full. Here's my handy plant based Protein chart.

@@catherinecaddle - Have you met with a bariatric sugeon yet? My PCP wasn't even involved in my insurance request. My bariatric doctor submitted the request. He was able to write the letter of medical necessity. My Primary only found out when the insurance company CC'd her a copy of the authorization.

You didn't. FYI - don't ever allow an employer to make you feel that you have to devulge personal information such as this. It's illegal. You didn't need to tell her anything other than you had a personal issue that requires time off and you are making her aware 3 weeks in advance. She can ask, but all you have to say is it's a personal issue.

Would they still write you the letter if you called them? It might be worth paying out of pocket for an office visit if getting that letter is indeed necessary. Just check the employee handbook and see if they legitimately can require it from you. I would also start communicating everything in writing and keeping a copy of it If things get really messy you want a paper trail.

This is my best advice to people having trouble eating. Super slow. Take one teeny bite. If you are using regular sized utensils, you don't want more that ¼ of the spoon filled with food. Chew, chew chew until the food dissolves in your mouth. Then wait 2 minutes. 2 full minutes. Then if all is well take another bite, and repeat. It will take forever, but as long as the food is moist and soft enough it should be okay.

@@Joann Valdez - Did you lose 100 lbs since pre-op or since surgery. Either was I would think that's a good weight loss. As for the hair thinning discussion. So far my hair is still okay but my finger nails are a hot mess.

@@samuelsmom - I never had a clear liquid stage pre or post op. My practice has a manual. It's not online, but they have one. I am one of those exceptions being a vegetarian and having allergies. Many people come here and vent, when they need to go back to their nutritionist and say, "This isn't working for me." The answer may be "suck it up" or it may be "try almond/soy/rice/hemp milk, try soy Protein powder." It may even be a third option I haven't thought of. Regardless unless you go back or call your nutritionist you won't know.

You can try getting your fluids and Protein in one go. If you are dehydrated or malnourished you are going to feel bad. Protein drinks really are trial and error. This is why it's helpful to work with your nutritionist. Sometimes the big name ones aren't going to be your cup of tea. My NUT gave me a list of acceptable drinks but also gave me basic guidelines of at least 15 gms of protein per serving and no more than 6 gms of sugar and just try to keep carbs low. Armed with that info I went around and tried various powders, pre-made drinks and liquid Proteins. Initially I used CVS brand whey Protein powder and Prosource no-carb Liquid Protein. Then I started using Isopure unflavored whey. With the CVS brand I mixed it with almond milk, FAGE 0% greek yogurt then added a ton of ice and a little bit of Water. It would take hours to slooooowly sip but I kept adding ice keep it cold and as long as I went snails pace slow I had no problem keeping things down. The Prosource no carb was good for mixing with herbal tea. Isopure mixes well with everything. Yogurt, juice, hot Soup, tea or coffee. When I started eating I found I had to go super slow. I would put a super small bite on the very tip of the spoon. Chew that until it dissolved, wait 2 minutes before I took another bite. My first egg took an hour to eat, but I kept it down. In between I walked. At 2 weeks post op. I was cleared to drive. At 3 weeks I resumed aqua fit class.

What does you employee handbook state? It's times like these you need to reference that and follow it to the letter. If they give you flack then you can file a grievance. They usually back down when you have your ducks all lined in a row. Also you didn't need to tell her what it was. It's none of her business.

I didn't have any issues with gas. I did begin to have a slight issue with acid around 6 weeks but my doctor increased my omeprazole to 40mgs & that seems to have resolved things

Congratulations on the positive attitudes and teamwork! Sounds like things are going great!

Congrats! I can't even remember the last time I was in onederland. Can't wait to get back there

@@BHoenig - I always ask what guidelines they have been given by their nutritionist. No one is judging but some questioning is required if we are to offer advice. One of the main things I suggest to anyone having difficulty meeting their Protein goals or feeling frustrated is if they have discussed this with their medical team. Especially since many come here to vent but don't go back to their team and try to work out a more livable solution.