BLERDgirl

I had mine done at UPenn by Dr. Williams. I can honestly say I LOVED my experience with them. I had zero issues and felt well treated by the hospital staff.

I agree with others. Eat before and bring along a spare. Then politely decline. Since you are still on liquids drink a shake before and bring one with you. The rest is mental. Have in your mind that you won't be partaking and then congregate in the non food areas so you are further away from temptation.

Shop online. Just My Size has sweat wicking workout clothing. I'm sure many other plus size retailers will as well. ETA: Knixwear brand makes sweat wicking panties up to a xxl Jockey has a boy cut wicking panty up to a 2x

That's odd. It seems she would have to be employed by either the surgeon or the hospital. Even if she is an independent contractor the surgeon could ask to have her removed from your case. If you really feel you have no alternative but to no longer use that practice then it's a matter of will insurance cover or are you able to self pay for f/u visits. Since regular bloodwork is an important pat of out follow up you also need to take that into consideration. Contact your insurance company and find out your options. Also make the surgeon aware that his staff and most importantly this RN is driving patients away. I would send it to the surgeon and the hospital CEO in writing.

You've been in for quite some time. Here's hoping the next few days are uneventful and pass quickly.

Completely normal. I always make sure to have protein before and after a workout. This fuels my body so I burn fat not muscle. Typically pre-workout I make a protein smoothie. Afterwards is usually a light snack of almonds, a bit of cheese, or another smaller, protein shake.

@@Campbedo - Hello. I'm from Philly as well. Where are you having surgery?

I don't I eat healthy fats but keep them low. I also do natural sugar from fruit and such and on occasion real sugar or raw honey. I am allergic to artificial sweeteners.

I only weigh once a month. I can monitor my progress better with a tape measure and my food log. If I am eating properly and exercising I lose. For the first 6mths I only got weighed at the doctor's. Now that I won't see the doctor again until September I weigh at home. I weigh the same time of day, in the same place every time. Weighing in different locations and different times of the day will always give you variable weights.

I think it depends on what you are mixing it with. It mixes really well with cold beverages. In coffee it takes the place of creamer to me. In soup there is an ever so slight change in consistency, which is why it's helpful to to premix it separately and temper it into the hot food.

I think it's just luck of the draw. You can try doing exercises that focus on building up core strength and hope you can develop muscle mass to take up some of the lose skin, but there just is no guarantee.

I prefer unflavored protein powder as well. I used Isopure unflavored. I don't always want a shake and I can mix this with coffee or soup/broth. When mixing with hot things I find it better to dissolved the powder separately and then add in off the heat.

@ - Pre-op is a pain in the rear and brace yourself now because depending on your doctor's protocol you may have 2 - 4 weeks of full or clear and/or liquids. I had 2 weeks of full liquids and by week 1 I was ready to toss every Protein shake in my house out the window! The saving grace was finding unflavored Protein powder that I could add to Soup or broth to cut the constant sweetness of the shakes. The upswing is those weeks eventually come to an end . Like many I just sucked it up and made it through those 2 weeks. I have no issues or complications, no vomited or slimed and can eat what I want in a reasonable portion. So when you get fed up just remind yourself this is all temporary and this is training for the new eating lifestyle you are adopting to live a healthier life!

You have to stop snacking on popcorn, nuts and chocolate. It's not going to be easy, but if you want to lose you need to figure out healthier alternatives.

If I might ask, where did you have your surgery done? You could ask your PCP to follow you, but as mention you run the risk of him not being as familiar with the needs of a VSG pt. You could try switching surgeons for follow up, but you likely will have to get insurance clearance. I believe the first couple of f/u are included in the surgical fee ( 2 wk - 3mth visits) so they may not want to pay another doctor. Another choice is to speak to the surgeon himself about how rude you feel the staff is. Be honest and let him know exactly how you are feeling, even if you need to write it in a letter. Or, you can ignore the rudeness and continue to see a surgeon you like. Perhaps seek out someone who can follow you from the 6 mth f/u onwards.

Call your nutritionist and discuss alternatives. Greek yogurt is a high source of Protein, smashed Beans or refried beans may also be acceptable if you thin them out with a bit of broth. Just call the nutritionist and brain storm. That's what you paid them for.

Please try and take a deep breath and relax. If you pray or meditate, now is the time to do so.There are fair more people who have little to no problems than there are people who have complications. It's just the complication folks are more vocal. I mean, how many ways can you say "I was fine, it was easy."? I can only speak for myself. This absolutely was the right decision. I should have done it 100lbs ago. I was morbidly obese when I was sleeved and have a very long way to go to even being close to a normal BMI. I had zero pain, no gas, nausea or any other issue. I was walking in recovery and did not need and pain meds while in the hospital or once discharged. I have shown a loss every time I go to the doctor. I am nearly 8 mths out and currently weigh myself at home. I only weigh once a month and I am still showing a loss every time I step on the scale. Yes my firs weigh in at 2 weeks was a big loss, but the other have been more moderate, between 6-15lbs. I am perfectly fine with that as long as the scale continues to go in the right direction. You will be fine. Tell yourself that and then fine some time to be alone and clear your thoughts.

Have you tried the protein waters? I believe they are non dairy.

@@LousPeachy - It is possible, but again it takes extremely high amounts. Up to 100gms is still within the safe zone. However this is one of the reasons to get regular bloodwork done. If it is too much it can effect your kidney's. This is why it is important t try and eat as balance a diet as possible.

Have you spoken to your doctor yet?

@@JustWatchMe - Do you have LA Fitness in your area? My gym has classes 6 days/8 times a week. 9am M -S and 6pm T, Th. I think yoga and pilates are also supposed to be easy on the knees.

This is why you never, ever compare yourself to others. Some people are slow and steady losers. Not everyone will have those big giant numbers. As long as you lose the weight, what's the rush? Continue to follow your program, the weight loss will happen.

Water aerobics. My gym also has water weights so you can get in some light weight lifting.

It depends on the medication she is on. The Vitamin K in certain green veg can intervene with the effectiveness of the drug. This is why she needs and intensely medical monitored weight management program.

Find another doctor. You may have to do a medically supervised diet for a few months to take off some weight before they will schedule for surgery, but my BMI was in the 60's when I had my surgery and I had a much easier post-op time of folks on here with half my BMI. If the program doesn't offer a medically supervised diet, check if your insurance has a nutritionist you can see. You need more than just a printed out handout.