BLERDgirl

@@AJP1243 - Perhaps instead of making an entire post complaining about rudeness, which honestly is just a disaster waiting to happen, you just make it a point to be as positive as you can be while you are here? It might be a much more productive use of space.

I'm 3 mths post op. Have you been to the support groups? I was just at the one at Presby on Saturday. I'm doing really, really well. I feel like a broken record saying this but I honestly had no problems. I started walking in recovery, I had no pain so I didn't need the morphine pump, no gas, no constipation, no issues with any foods or drinks. Losing steadily and feeling great. The staff was great when I was in the hospital and I love the team I see for follow up appointments. Sam the nutritionist is always so positive and encouraging and I LOVE having that handbook. I have a lot of allergies and I actually took the pages out took them with me when I was shopping for my Vitamins and Protein drinks. I feel really well taken care of with this program.

I think I'll be dangerous. I mean I make a dollar stretch now, imagine what will happen when I'm buying smaller clothes and can shop in brick and mortar stores! True fact: I once got a one shouldered gown for a semi - formal from LB for $6 brand new! I got many compliments on that dress.

I can and have. I'm really good at coupons and sales. Nevertheless I get your point. Congrats on the new clothes.

You've made it this far, you'll be able to handle whatever comes next.

Since you're at risk of dehydration that soup in important. Once you are stabilized you can worry about everything else. Right now you're doctor is trying to keep you out of the hospital.

I had my surgery a few days before you and am about where you are. This is the #1 reason why you do not compare yourself with others. You are doing terrific. It is your journey. If you cannot deal with your friends remarks then the next time she says something, simply say, "I am doing well and my doctor is pleased with my progress." Otherwise you're going tomake yourself crazy.

I too had no pain, no gas, nothing. I could drink no problem and felt pretty good. I asked to go home after the first day, they kept me for 2. Some of us just have an easy time of it. Be happy.

Sorry this happened to you. My nutritionist calls it stacking and it is uncomfortable. Walking is good . If you have tums or omeprazole it may help. Sadly the only thing that really helps is time. It may be a few hours of discomfort. You may need to wait a while longer before eating cream or wheat or eat even slower.

Every program is different. My nutritionist says that 3 -6 months is average time hen going through insurance although a year is not out the ordinary. As mentioned the requirements vary slightly from program to program. I did't have a pre-op diet but many others did. I wasn't required to lose weight prior to approval. I didn't have an EGD or esophagus scope, but I did have an Upper GI/barium swallow. I did 3 mths with the Bariatric program but did not have to meet with my primary. Note taking is key. My program gave me a handbook that covers the entire process from pre to post op up to a year out. It has become my bible. I referenced it often especially those first few weeks post op. I would recommend anyone get a binder and keep everything organized and together. Most importantly do not give up. If you are committed and ready for this then make it your goal and work towards it.

Most days I don't. I rarely eat processed food at all and I typically do food prep every Sunday. However, in a pinch I like knowing how to eat in public and still be safe. BTW I personally don't eat chicken. I am a ovo-lacto vegetarian. However, my local pizza place does indeed grill it's chicken on a grill. I know this because the way the restaurant is set up you can see it. I ate at iHop at 6 weeks. I ordered a garden omelet and opted for the fruit as my side. I ate ¼ of the omelet, a few bites of fruit and took the rest home. It wasn't an everyday occurrence but I was out longer than I had planned and it was eat or get sick. I'm a long time vegetarian with multiple food allergies. I also have a very active social life and part of that includes eating out. I've learned long ago how to eat in public. Are there horror stories in the restaurant industry? Absolutely. However there are horror stories in the food industry period. Unless you are the one growing and harvesting every bite you eat, nothing is 100%. Don't even get me started on GMO's. The best you can do is be informed. I doubt I'll be eating at McDonald's anytime soon, but I won't ever say I'm never going to a restaurant or take out restaurant again.

Again it's know how to work a menu. If I order Chinese take and get steamed broccoli and steamed tofu with the sauce on the side, the sodium is minimal and well within normal range. If I order my salad from the pizza shop, not croutons and oil & vinegar on the side, again, sodium is within normal range. It's about being aware of where the dangers lie. If you feel safer not doing fast foods that's perfectly fine. We all must learn new habits to ensure successful outcomes.

@@simply_Me - My doctor was Noel Williams as well.

STOP IT! 33lbs is nothing to sneeze at. Do not compare it will make you crazy! You are following your program and losing weight.

@@lljenkins - Please take it with a grain of salt. No one is trying to be mean. Just relax. You are doing fine. Your weight loss is fine. It's a a tool, not a miracle and 14lbs in 2 weeks is perfectly fine and within normal range. Don't beat yourself up or get easily offended. Read a few threads and get a better feel for things. Most importantly do not compare your progress with anothers it will only lead to frustration.

Do a search on Tricare. For some reason there's been a lot of discussion on this topic lately.

I could have just been something that disagreed with you.

Again, it's early yet. You have to allow time for your body to readjust. Also those mental habits don't magically go away. You likely wanted nachos because you always had nachos when you went to the movies. You body associates nachos with going to the movies. Kind of a Pavlovian response. Just remember you just had the surgery. Follow the nutritionist recommendations and stop. Don't overeat/drink. try ant-acids when you think you are hungry in between. It takes a minute to tell the difference between head hungry and when your sleeve is full. Feeling like this now is normal.

I think we have different understandings. I was told that it would help, but I was also warned that it is possible to stretch the sleeve. I've heard of people not feeling full early on so it's entirely to overeat and be back at square one. What instructions did your doctor/nutritionist give you? Are you on ant-acid? Sometimes the excess acid can feel like hunger and it takes a while to be able to tell the difference. If you would like to friend me on MFP to compare food dairy's my username is Milaxx. I just don't understand why you would record 11,000 in calories and not look for ways to cut back.

I'm not understanding why you aren't even trying. How much Water are you drinking? If you stick to 3 or 4 small meals a day and drinking water in between you should feel full. Aim for Protein first. The closer you get to regular food the fuller you should feel. Did you doctor or nutritionist give you a recommended food plan? The thing is this is as much as mental game as it is a physical one. Instead of trying to see if you can eat a whole banana, why not see if you can eat a third of a banana and still be satisfied? You might be one of those people who benefit from keeping a food diary on myfitnesspal or somewhere. I typically start my day by planning my menu for the day. It makes me more aware of what I am eating for the day. I also make sure to allow for time to drink water to make sure I am getting in my 64ounces in . This is not a magic wand. You have to work to change your eating habits and it will help you.

@@Susanfnp13 Your energy level sounds about right for so soon after surgery. Just go with it. Your body is adjusting to all the new changes, it's perfectly normal.

I read about that. Health Partners is awful, I never opted for that. I'm assuming you have no other medical conditions. I was reading about the changes but since I no long have medicaid I didn't follow it closely. I'll see if I can find that information again.

Yep, This is me. I always thought I was cute. Still do. I always get compliments from program staff because I dress nice for all my follow ups. Never had issues with boyfriends or friends in general. @@AR40 - It's a mental thing which means the work is on you. Why not try some new things that you never did before? Buy a red lipstick and wear it every day. Get a nice dress or new pair of jeans that shows off your figure. Splurge on a fancy new haircut and/or color.

I can't wait until I can wake up fat.

What insurance do you currently have?I have Keystone 65 Independence Blue Cross and I'm pretty sure it's still covered.