BLERDgirl

My surgery was very much into preventative care. I think he was a bit on the conservative side with some things, but I didn't mind because it made me feel like I was in good hands. He also has a team approach which I like. He handled strictly the medical part of it and entrusted the nutrition part to the NUT. I came prepared to have a conversation about my eating plan with my NUT. As a person with ongoing medical issues I have long learned that if you come prepared to have an actual discussion, most medical personal will respond in kind. If they do not, then that's not the program/doctor for you. At my first meeting with her, I explained my allergies and was able to demonstrate I had done my homework. Perhaps its in my mind, but I felt like the meeting started with her not expecting push back on my part, but as we spoke she came around. I was able to ask questions and she gave suggestions. When I came back for my next appointment and I had done my research and found a few options for protein supplements and vitamins, I think she saw that I was serious. Bottom line for me was I felt listened to, not talked at. I also always felt I could call or email with questions and get a timely response. I like my entire team because I always feel like an individual when I go there. I had to look up a lot of stuff to figure out how to make this work around my food allergies & vegetarianism, but I also felt it was applauded, not discouraged.

My first month out my calorie range was 400 - 600, but my NUT was more concerned with me meeting my Protein and Fluid goals. Being low cal for a bit won't hurt. We have plenty of fat reserves to take care of that. I started the day with a Protein shake with ¼ - ½ cup plain greek yogurt, 1 scoop Protein powder and whatever mixin's I liked, often 1 tbsp of almond butter, sometimes a 1 - 2 ounces of fruit and some chopped spinach or fresh spinach leaves mixed with Water and served over ice. That was Breakfast and lunch was pretty similar. dinner was veg broth or clear Soup with ½ - whole scoop unflavored protein powder. In between that I sipped on my water.

Don't give in! You can do this, I know you can. Drink Water until you float, go for a walk, post on twitter, watch a funny cartoon. Do anything but break your pre-op diet. FYI - Buy some cacao or cocoa powder. I find when I have a chocolate craving it help to punch up the Protein drinks with a bit of that for that real chocolate taste.

Thanks for posting. It's nice to hear from others who had a pain free post op experience. I wasn't allowed to advance my food quite as fast, and I certainly didn't try to ride my bike, but I had a similar zero complications post op experience.

Not really. For some reason I was fairly positive going into this surgery. I had the usual things in place, living will, etc... But no good bye letters to loved one. In fact quite the opposite, I gave my siblings instructions to bring my electronics to me. I didn't want to leave them in the lockers.

Just saw you post on the other thread. PLEASE do not give up seeking a revision. No one deserves to be miserable and in pain. It may be a 4 hour trip but that's nothing compared to a life time of being uncomfortable. If I was you, once I was done setting things up with the new surgeon I would then report the old doctor. Your revision should be on his priority list since it means you were an unsuccessful sleeve and a negative reflection on his skills as a surgeon. I realize there are no guarantees, but he should be making every attempt to make sure things work out for you.

Yes it's pretty normal. Lower BMI's tend to lose at a slower rate.

You need a PPI such as prilosec or the genric omeprazole. Your body hasn't caught up to your new tummy yet and is producing the same amount of acid in a much smaller space. Additionally that new tummy is working hard to break down all the high protein you are feeding it. You can buy OTC or ask your doctor for a prescription.

Please continue to do your research. I am a vegetarian so guess what? I eat tons of fresh fruit and veg all the time. In fact tonight's dinner will be a small salad w/ protein. You will also be able to have rice, bread and pasta in small amounts. What may change is how your eat. What definitely changes is the amount of what you eat. You develop new eating habits, but this is not about deprivation. It's about eating in a more healthy manner. You need to sit down with your nutritionist and review what the post op eating plan will be for you so that you can prepare for that now. 2 weeks before surgery you should already know this so that you can begin shopping for protein supplements to use as you transition back to regular food.

Full is no longer the goal. Being sated is. Typically if you are feeling that old belly tightness feeling you've eaten too much. Stick your meal plan/calorie & protein goals and stop.

I realize food journaling is not everyone's cup of tea, but I think you need to at least starting off just so you can get a sense of what you are eating and how close you are/aren't to meeting your Protein goals. One bonus of this is you also get to see the hidden sodium and sugars in many foods. In short, it's a valuable tool. I would measure out food. 1 tbsp is ½ ounce. 2 ounces is ¼ cup. Think in those terms instead of a bite here and a bite there.

I don't concern myself with carbs either. I realize many do, but I look at quality over quantity. I try to make sure my carbs are complex carbs. I try to eat as cleanly as possible and with the exception of the protein powder and Isopure Nocarb drinks prepare as much stuff from scratch as possible. Most of my carbs are plants based.

The more popular recommendations from doctors are either whey isolates or soy isolates. I would look at the Protein, carb and sugar amounts on the Bariatric Advantage label and then search for whey isolates that have similar numbers. I too like Isopure, but there is the ever popular Premier Protein, and also other brands like EAS, Orgain organics, Muscle Milk, Syntrax nectar. I also used CVS store brand. It just takes a bit of time to read labels and then tasting to see which one you like. ETA: Piping Rock is very pocket friendly but does use a small amount of Soy Lethicin (-1%) in it's mix. I'm not sure if you want to be 100% Soy free or not.

Unfortunately it is. Between the high protein diet, the anesthesia and the pain meds, the body can get a bit backed up. You may want to ask your doctor for a a prescription for a stool softener like colace before you start to get uncomfortable. If you do a search on the forums there is a wide variety of alternatives that others have used. This is also one of the reasons why getting in all your water is important as well.

I was 414 at my highest weight and 412 DOS. A year later and down over 100lbs. The difference is night and day! So much more energetic and pain free. The bonus for me is that non weight related issues are even improved. I have severe allergies. In the past I was always having outbreaks and several times needed to go to the ER for treatment. Once I had a bad reaction and was hospitalized in a medically induced coma. I am happy to report I have not been to the ER in over a year! That is absolutely major for me. Being sleeved at this weight rather than RNY may take a bit longer to hit goal, but it definitely can be done. I'm hoping to be in the 200 at my next doctor's appointment on the 2nd.

oops. didn't post the first time.

I so get it. It's those unexpected NSV's that help you see this is working.

When you go into My profile. Look at the tabs at the top. The surgery date info will be under the tab for "My surgery"

Me hablo & leo un poco, pero es muy mal. Quizás se busce por "embarazada antes de cirugia". I'm a little out of practice, I hope I spelled that correctly.

I would appeal and include all missing information. People on this board do appeals and get approved quite often. If you feel you need this then you should exhaust all avenues of appeals before giving up. Talk to your PCP and make it clear to her that she needs to provide that information.

Does your program require a pre-op diet. I was 414 when I applied and 412 DOS. I didn't have a pre-op diet of any kind. I have Keystone 65 (a BC/BS in Philadelphia). Post op wasn't hard because at first your aren't hungry and my program didn't keep us on any stage too long. It was challenging, but not hard. Lose skin depends on genetics, age, race and exercise. So far I don't seem to have any but I think I may end up with some on my thighs. I work out 4 -6 days a week and wear compression yoga pants. I also keep my skin hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and moisturizing well. I figure once I hit goal, I'll look at things and decide if I need plastic or not. In the meantime I am doing as much as I can to not need it, but there are no guarantees.

It may not be the protein for you Try a few different brands and see if that helps.

Yes that's normal. Take it slow and don't force it. Are you doing any Protein shakes at all? You might want to add 1 or 2 to a day until you can take in more food in order to help get your protein in.

I just rinse. The grains are so small I would think soaking would make it mushy. I bring my (salted)water to a boil first then add quinoa. Boil on med heat with a covered lid for 6 - 10 minutes. Then turn the heat off and let sit for another 10 or until all liquids are absorbed.