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Everything posted by BLERDgirl
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How do I link a YouTube to this board?
BLERDgirl replied to Kate M's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I suspect you have to use the full web version and not the app. Let me switch over and try. -
Veterans, what's your best day of surgery advice?
BLERDgirl replied to Elizabeth21's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Relax. If you are going to a hospital in the States, pack light. I bought a tooth brush, extra large panties, deodorant, my iPad & charger and my cell phone. I woke up having to pee! I was in recovery and they gave me the choice of a bed pan or the toilet. I choose the toilet, they wheeled me to the door and I practically ran inside! So I started walking in recovery. I had no pain, and no gas. I never used the morphine pump or any pain meds. It didn't really hurt. I've had worse menstrual cramps. I think not being fuzzy headed with pain made walking easier and you want to start walking ASAP. However, don't try and be a hero if you need something for pain, let them know. Congratulations! -
Best Place for Buying Protein Powder Online
BLERDgirl replied to Disney_Girl36's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
There is no best, there is what works for you. My suggestion is taste several varieties and not just the popular brands before you commit and buy a large quantity of anything. Some can be bought online at places like Amazon, vitacost or Bariatrics Choice, some can be bought at drug stores like CVS/Duane Reed/Rite Aid, some can be bought at stores like GNC or Vitamin Shoppe. I even picked up a few at Whole Foods. Others can be purchased directly from the manufacturer. Talk to your nutritionist for guidelines as to Protein and sugar levels per serving. Then go out and buy single serving packs or samples. I personally think it's good to have several varieties; liquid Protein, premade shakes, shots, and powders. For a while that will be all you are drinking and the same thing repeatedly is going to get boring. -
I have to take Calium Citrate+D and I take 1,000 IU of D3 AM/PM.
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Disappointed insurance denied
BLERDgirl replied to Mz. NuNu's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I agree with everyone else . APPEAL Always exhaust every option to appeal. Meanwhile don't give up hope. Stay with the good eating habits you've learned. -
No me. I was a plus sized fashionista before surgery. In fact one of my goals is to be able to shop in brick and mortar stores. When you're plus sized it take herculean efforts to look cute unless you want to be content with shopping at Lane Bryants and Avenue. But online there's ASOS and JIBIRI and Sole Society.... I could go on and on. I would often get asked if I had my clothes made because they didn't know there were so many styles in my size. Truth was I spent money on nice clothes and if need be tailoring. I spent money taking shoes and boots to the shop to get straps lengthened or heels cut down to a height I could walk in. I kept my hair done and only went without makeup if I was going to the gym. The day I can walk into a store in the mall and buy a head to toe look will be a happy day indeed.
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Peanut butter, can anyone recommend a good brand?
BLERDgirl replied to Homecie's topic in Post-op Diets and Questions
Exactly you read the label. I buy those that say peanuts or peanuts & oil. I'm currently enjoying raw almond butter. The ingredients is simply raw almonds. -
Peanut butter, can anyone recommend a good brand?
BLERDgirl replied to Homecie's topic in Post-op Diets and Questions
Something to consider when choosing a Peanut Butter or nut butter. PB2 ingredients. I don't like the added sugars in processed nut butters. Since I never eat more than a tbsp at a time I'll take the fat in the organic brands. -
As long as you are getting in 60 grams of protein you should be fine. I like having a few of the premade ones as an on the go safeguard. If I wake up late and need something before the gym or if I'm going shopping with friends I feel better grabbing one of the premixed drinks so I'm not going without or making a bad choice on the run. I couldn't agree more. You need to to taste and see what you like, and what you can tolerate. Don't let your doctor's office sell you something you can't ingest. I'd love to try the fruit flavors, but they have stevia and food dyes. The allergy struggle makes things much more challenging. The other thing I'd recommend is investing in a magic bullet, ninja bullet, or some type of smoothie blender. If I want fruit flavors I will freeze 100% fruit juice in ice trays and mix the the liquid Protein with a little water. I can't get as many flavor combinations, but it adds a little variety to the vanilla/chocolate mix.
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Heading back to ER again, prayers please
BLERDgirl replied to nprcowboy's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Maybe back things up even more and try ice chips instead. Or those sponge suckers that you dip in water and suck on. It may keep you from getting dehydrated -
How does Sleep Apnea complicate the VSG date?
BLERDgirl replied to Slimsoon1988's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Part of the reason I was so reluctant with my sleep study is because I have conditions that make things like dry mouth and frequent bathroom tips through the night the norm and I felt like the sleep center refused to listen to them and wanted to attribute them solely to my weight. I the nerve damage to my face means I am naturally a mouth breather. I often have my mouth slightly open even during the day. My abnormal tonsil makes me snore. I often sleep on my belly as a result. For the sleep study you either sleep on your back or side. I have bladder frequency. Drinking 6 -8 glasses of Water a day means I was often going to the bathroom every 30 minutes. All day, every day. When my doctor tried to treat it with meds, one didn't work, one made me blind and one I ended up being allergic to. The one I was allergic to actually stopped the frequent trips to the bathroom. When I was taking it I actually could sleep through the night. Without it I just had to go all the time. When I explained this she poo - pooed it all away saying it would end once I had the cpap despite the fact that my previous sleep study in 2008 didn't show any signs of apnea. I was glad my insurance nor my doctor required me to be on that machine prior to surgery. I would have sucked it up and done it, but disliked every minute of it. That mask hurt my face where the nerve damage is. -
Like many I have always had a weight problem. Chubby kid, that grew into a chubby teen and eventually turned into a morbidly obese adult. The one thing different is I always thought I was cute. I was't ashamed of my curves and had an active and happy social life. However in my 40's things started to change. I got uterine cancer and was told that excess weight could put me in a line for a recurrence. I would diet on and off, losing and gaining 30 - 50 lbs each time. I was a frequent exercisers but slowly things like walking became more of a challenge. At 45 I had a wake up call. I got a severe bout of facial shingles that completely knocked me on my butt. I promised then and there to do better for myself. I joined a gym, began working out and once again lost 35lbs. Then I got sick again and regained it all plus 10 more. I have multiple allergies and between that and the after effects of older illnesses, I was on a cycle of get better, get sick, regain. A friend of mind had GPS and did really well. I decided to investigate for myself. I looked at 2 local hospitals programs, gathered my information and decided between the GPS and the sleeve. I decided the sleeve was for me and went with my friend's doctor. My process couldn't have been easier. They provided me with a binder that listed all the testing I needed to have done.The doctor sent in the request for authorization to my insurance company ( I was approved on the first request). I didn't have to lose any weight pre-surgery. They quite literally walked me through the whole process. I had a vena cava filter placed as a precaution and on 09/18/14 I had the gastric sleeve done laproscopically. Hospital course was a breeze. I was walking in recovery. In fact I had to pee and they asked if I wanted a bedpan or could I walk. I opted to walk. I had to go so bad, I practically ran into the bathroom and the nurses laughed. I was in the hospital for 2 days. Only mild pain, no worse than a bad cramp and not gas pains at all. They arranged a visiting nurse since I live alone. She discharged me after my 2 week follow up since I was doing so well. I am 6 weeks post op. I'll be having my vena cava filter removed as soon as possible. So far I'm down 32lbs and feeling great. My biggest challenges are being a vegetarian with food allergies on an already limited diet, but I am making it work! Best decision I ever made. In fact, I wish I had done this sooner.
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Started purée diet today. Help!
BLERDgirl replied to alyssadietrch's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I did Prosource no carb unflavored and orange flavored. I mixed them in herbal teas or in my soups. -
I had 3 appointments with the bariatric team. I saw the nutritionist at each appt. I also had to take a 2 hour nutrition class.
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nope everyone is very different. Some are just taking a multi-Vitamin and others like myself have a full range of vitamins I take a multi 2x's a day. calcium citrate with D 2x's a day D3 2 x's a day B12 subliminal 1x a day I also take my regular supplements: Biotin and ZyrtecD I had to crush my vitamin for the first month. I get my bloodwork check at my 3mth next week. I'm hoping to stop the calcium & B12 and drop the multi down to once a day.
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Started purée diet today. Help!
BLERDgirl replied to alyssadietrch's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
See how it goes. As long as you don't get sick it's between you and your doctor. -
Started purée diet today. Help!
BLERDgirl replied to alyssadietrch's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I just described that upthread. It was delish! I just winged it. -
Started purée diet today. Help!
BLERDgirl replied to alyssadietrch's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I add greek yogurt and a bit of shredded cheese. I stir it all with a whisk and then cook over low heat or in the microwave, stirring frequently. If you cook in the microwave you have to undercook and allow for carry over cooking. -
Started purée diet today. Help!
BLERDgirl replied to alyssadietrch's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I think so as long as you get it mushy. I'm not really a cold Cereal person. I've had grits and I've have oatmeal. I did make up some ricotta like I was going to stuff shells with tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning then baked it with a tiny bit of shredded cheese. It was really good and I didnt miss the shells at all. -
What's your BMI? I was the proverbial "healthy fat" No comorbs like hypertension, diabetes, etc... I exercised regularly. Everyone n the family lived to their 80 & 90's. My gramps was 102 when he passed. I did have a really high BMI which probably put me well in the at risk range.
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Started purée diet today. Help!
BLERDgirl replied to alyssadietrch's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
From my book: eggs Egg substitutes Canned Water packed tuna (mixed w/ low fat mayo if desired) Canned salmon pureed Beans Pureed soupa Pureed chicken, beef, turkey, pork Milk (1% or lowfat) Light yogurt greek yogurt Low-fat, small curd cottage cheese Almond milk Rice milk Light soy milk Hot cereals, all allowed, Quaker Weight Control oatmeal is Higher in Protein & Fiber Cereals - plain flakes w/o nuts or dried fruit pureed canned fruit, no sugar added, packed in water 100% juice diluted w/ water Unsweetened applesauce Pureed vegetables Whipped potatoes Vegetable juice sugar free gelatin/popsicles Sugar free/low fat pudding Glad the second go round with the eggs was better for you! -
how long is the Gastric Sleeve surgery ?
BLERDgirl replied to boosh10's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Different doctors have different protocols. I didn't have a EDG , but I did have chest xray and an upper GI. -
The "Idiot's" Guide to Easy Answers for the Nosy People in our Lives.
BLERDgirl replied to LipstickLady's topic in Rants & Raves
You are my bestie. That is my mantra as well. -
Spanx is a brand of shapewear. Usually made from spandex many wear them under their clothes to help smooth out their look.