BLERDgirl

I use MFP. It does have the feature where you can add or create recipes and save them. I start my day with completing it for the day, In the evening I adjust it for what I actually ate and add in my exercise. It give me a good way to not only monitor my protein, but also watch my macro nutrients.

Do a search on the forums for vegen alternatives. There are loads of them from soy isolates to pea, hemp, brown rice, etc.... Here's a recent thread.

I had to have an ultrasound of my legs to check the circulation. They saw no evidence of DVT or poor circulation, so the IVC filter was just precaution. I also walked in recovery and was pretty mobile post-op so I didn't get those compression boots they put on pts in the hospital.

I received a handbook on my first appt with the surgeon outlining the entire process start to finish. We had to attend the seminar before we could get a date with the surgeon. I don't actually know exactly when they requested pre-certification from my insurance company. I received the letter in August and my date was set for September. I still had to complete my sleep study, and nutrition class.

Pretty much what @InnerSurferGirl said. I aim for 100gms of Protein a day. I buy foods with minimal ingredients, and as few artificial or man made ingredients as possible. If I can buy organic, non-gmo I do so. I do't eat a lot of bread, white rice or crackers. I do eat brown & black rice occasionally as well as whole grains.

It's best to get that info from the surgeon since the requirements can vary program to program.

I would recommend buying from GNC,Vitamin Shoppe or a similar online retailer. If you don't like something you can return the unused portion for your money back I used ProSource no carb because that's what was given in the hospital. It's very thick and sweet, but I would add it to herbal tea to thin it out. I used Isopure unflavored. Check the Vtamin stores, there are several brands out there. It's a matter of taste really. I use the Isopure drinks but I only drink the tea and coconut flavors. I dilute them with water. I also use the unflavored powder and add it to Soup. Word of warning, unflavored means no flavoring added, not tasteless. There will be a slight flavor to even the unflavored powders but I find that using herbs and spices helps cover that.

I used Scarfade gel for my VSG incisions and also some pretty significant scarring I had from facial shingles. IIRC any treatment decreases effectiveness after 6mths and is completely ineffective after a year because it's completely new skin by that point.

@@Cutepretty1 - I think it was a combination of the things I did, my positive attitude and most importantly my doctor's skill and technique. I was already worked out regularly before surgery. Particularly core strengthening exercises. When I woke my abs were sore, but not painful. I didn't need pain meds and I could get in and out of bed unassisted. My surgeon uses water, not air to check for leaks so no gas pains.He does the procedure laporascopically via robot, so there was minimal cutting. I worked in hospitals for many years as a Child Life Specialist. It was my job to explain medical procedures to pts. so I was familiar with pretty much everything going on. I had no fear, no tension. I also have a pretty high pain threshold. So minimal pain, lack of nerves. I was up and walking, sipping easily. The worse thing to happen to me was I had to have a PICC line instead of an IV and I got a rash from the tape.

It most likely is. Are you taking a PPI?

Try the clear drinks. The milky shakes can sometimes cause problems for folks. Also try getting some unflavored Protein powder and adding that to broth, clear Soup or herbal tea. When adding to a warm liquid it's best to dissolve the powder into a small amount of warm, not hot Water and then add that to whatever liquid you are having. It's also best not to add the powder over direct heat. Common protein requirements at 60 -100gms per day. Call your nutritionist and ask what your protein goal should be.

That's acid. Unlike heartburn the acid build up that comes with this surgery can feel exactly like you are describing. Call your doctor and get a PPI. Prilosec is not a reactive drug. You can take it whenever you have an acid attack. It needs to be in your system which is why taking the prescribe dosage daily is important. Typically it take 3 -5 days to effectively make a difference.

Try to take a deep breath and relax. Perhaps even take a vacation from these boards. Not everyone wakes up in pain or is miserable the first few days/weeks/months post -op. This was absolutely the easiest thing I have ever done. I woke up and walked in recovery. I had zero pain, no gas no nausea or vomiting. I have tolerated every food I have tried. I am not a unicorn. You may just be one of the ones yo have a bad free surgical experience. RELAX I never for one single minute regretted this surgery.

I agree. Call your doctor and let them decide. Better safe than sorry.

I wear shapewear.

No there are other options. My doctor implanted an IVC filter. My BMI was waaay over 60. I didn't have injections or meds to take of any kind. You can leave the filter in indefinitely if you choose. I had mine removed 3 mths post op.

To many variables to tell. It all depends on when you see your surgeon, what sort of pre-op testing he wants, what sort of pre-op testing insurance requires and how fast he schedules. It could be as short a 1 mth and as long as 1 year.

I agree with @@TinyTink, you may want to seek counseling or at least attend a few support groups. I was a need to know person. Not because I was ashamed, but I am like that pretty much about everything in my life. However if it comes up in conversation I own it. I do so intentionally because I want to remove the stigma that this is the "easy way out" or something I should be ashamed/embarrassed of. However, that's my personality. Even as a fat person I was pretty outgoing. Most times if someone asks how I am losing, I simply say, "a lot of hard work." However today I was having a conversation with a neighbor and she mentioned another neighbor remarked on my weight loss and then said she was considering WLS. I told her I had gotten sleeved, but that wasn't the end. I still have to eat right and exercise and *that's* the hard part. They see me going to the gym nearly every day, so they know I am working hard. My admitting I had surgery felt natural and organic. I view my WLS as self care. It was time to take care of me and that's nothing to be ashamed of.

@@Leesa926 - self care is not being selfish. Most job will replace you without skipping a beat. Do not live and die for your job.

No. I had no pre-op diet at all other than the usual Clear liquids the day before and no eating after a certain time prior to surgery.

My nutrition class wasn't covered. I paid out of pocket $200 for that. However when I have my follow-ups and meet with the nutritionist it is covered in the bariatric billing. I still had my $45 office visit copay. I did not have a program fee. I had 3 appointments with the bariatric team pre-op and a 2 - 3 hour mandatory nutritionist class.

Compression clothes are pretty much sold anywhere sports attire is sold. I have Champion, Nike, Fila, Addidas and Under Amour brands. I've bought them everywhere; Just My Size, Kohl's, Target and East Bay. Just make sure they say compression in the description. I never used a girdle, but you could try maternity or medical supplies stores for those. I look for pants that come up high to support my stomach and just make sure the tops are long.

It may be one or it may be a combo of both. Try giving yourself a rest for a day then trying again but adding the new food one at a time. This way you have a better idea of which one is causing the reactions.

What is your food plan per your nutritionist? Whatever that is follow it & do not compare your plan to another's .

I didn't have them I had an ivc filter placed instead