Stephanie Stroup McIntosh

My pre-op visit was basically a review of the surgery to make sure I understand everything and then a visit with anesthesia. They checked my teeth to make sure there were no issues to be concerned with and if there were, they would just document it, and keep an eye on the area during the surgery. I also was given an incentive spirometer to practice on and use prior to surgery, because you will need to do it during recovery. They also gave me a special soap to wash the night before surgery and the morning of surgery. It wasn't anything too scary or crazy.

You will struggle with the amount for a while, but after the swelling goes down, you should be able to get enough Protein and Fluid. Once you can actually get the needed fluids, you need to make sure that you are to avoid dehydration. Until then, just get as much as your can but don't get too concerned unless you start having signs of dehydration. (very yellow urine, swelling/tingling in your extremities, etc.)

Thanks. I am usually getting around 80 for Protein. I am worried about the whole starvation thing. That's why I am asking about it. I feel like I do need more calories than I am getting.

My doctor gave me general guidelines for calories, but not for exercise. I log everything in myfitnesspal and they say I should have around 1200 calories to lose 2 pounds per week. I would like to lose more than that since I am only about 6 weeks post-op. I am not back to work yet, but go to the gym regularly. Today, I did 2-60min spin classes and burnt over 1500 calories just doing that. I will be at roughly 700 calories after I finish my Protein shake and still plan to have dinner tonight. This is high for me, since I had a Lara Bar, but I needed some carbs with 2 tough workouts. Usually, I am at roughly 800 calories per day. I get 60-100 grams of protein and minimal carbs. I guess I just wonder, based on my exercise, where I should be with my calories. I had stalled for about 2 weeks and was only getting about 500 calories then and started to lose slowly once I upped to 800, but I am still not sure where I should be. I will be going back to work in 2 weeks and have a very physical job. Prior to surgery, I had gotten a personalized nutrition plan and they had me eating 2800 calories to lose 3 pounds per week. Obviously, that is way too high now, but just wondering if anyone had any better info than me. I don't go back to the doctor for another week and a half.

I was sleeved almost 6 weeks ago. At 2 weeks, I got a horrible burning pain near my left breast. It almost felt like my underwire was poking me, but it happened even when I wasn't wearing a bra. It would come and go depending on how I moved. I did a self breast exam and had a friend feel as well. There was no lump. I was going to ask my doctor and then it just stopped. Now for the past week or 2, I have had the same burning sensation on my back. It is isolated to a small area and there is no mark or lump. It hurts like hell though. Anyone experience something like this? Thanks for your help.

Thanks. Its definitely not a gas pain and I don't think its an ulcer. I imagine it could be related to the nerve. There is no tingling or numbness, just a burning jabbing type pain. I see the doctor in less than 2 weeks. There weren't any available appointments for next week.

Awesome Post! My height, Surgery weight and goal weight are fairly close to you, so its nice to hear from someone so similar. Very motivational!!!!!!!!!!!

35 is typically the requirement with a co-morbidity or 40 without one. You would be considered overweight but not obese. I don't recommend trying to gain weight as a way of losing weight. You may be successful with a medical weight loss program that does not require surgery. How old are you? What is your height and weight?

It is up to the individual doctor and won't hurt you if you would like to do a diet based on high protein/low carb shakes. Many doctors vary their diet based on the BMI of the patient. The goal is to shrink the liver. Stay away from fat and sugar and your should be fine.

I weigh in a lot, probably way more than I should. I weigh every morning when I wake up and every evening before bed. I will even weigh myself after having a bowel movement. I will vary a little, but I am not too concerned if I am up by about a pound or so, unless I know I ate poorly. Don't put too much emphasis on what the scale says on a daily basis, but on how much better you feel and your non scale victories.

You have a higher starting weight, so you need more calories than people with lower starting weights. I know it seems strange, but you can actually eat too little to effectively lose weight. As far as your carbs go, just make sure that they aren't simple sugars. Get plenty of healthy grains, fruits, and vegetables, but stay away from actual sugar. Most of us ate simple carbs (white breads, Pasta, sweets) before surgery. Your body does need some carbs to be able to function correctly. Follow your doctors instructions and don't stress yourself out. You can do it.

Congrats. You can do it!!!!!!!!!!

You honestly probably won't know that anything even happened. I was given an IV and Fluid right away. My surgeon doesn't put in a foli catheter (for urine) unless he ends up having to do an open procedure or there is some other complication. I was even given the opportunity to go to the bathroom right before I left the pre-op area and then again as I got in the OR was asked if I need to go. It was more for my piece of mind than for them. You will be asleep by the time they intubate you. You will still either be asleep or not realize you are awake when they take the tube back out. Usually, they will give you some meds to help relax you as well.

I haven't tried the unflavored in a beverage, but I have mixed it into foods and I liked it. I didn't think it had a very noticable flavor. I did try the strawberry sorbet and their chocolate, and I liked them both. They even have a chicken broth that is tasty.

It depends how far you fell. If you ate healthy lean meat and veggies, you will be fine. If you went crazy at an all you can eat buffet, you may be in trouble. Definitely get back on the wagon now.

Make sure you choose a low carb variety.

I hope your surgery went well. I am just a few hours away in Erie, PA. You can do it.

I had to do a liquid diet for 12 days prior to surgery. I did cheat a little, which I immediately regretted. I would start fresh and do as much liquids as possible that are no sugar/low fat/ high Protein. Pre-op sucks, but it is important. You can do it. Buckle up and stay on the wagon.

Have faith in the process. More people are aware of the process now and are better able to gauge what you will need to do before having surgery. Don't let it stress you out. Do give up on sugar now! good luck

I have seen a lot of people asking about the out of pocket costs for the surgery. I have an 85/15 plan so I am responsible for 15% after my deductible. I hit my deductible earlier in the year with the pre-op testing and other doctor appointments. I just got the bill from the hospital today. $67,704.30 before insurance. That doesn't include the doctor. After the insurance discount and what the insurance paid, I am responsible for $1,562.72. I did get the bill from the doctor, but I don't have it with me. I owe him roughly $220. With all the pre-op and this, my total responsibility is approximately $2,500, but its worth every penny.

I had BCBS PPO when I started the process. They covered the sleeve. I ended up switching to a UPMC plan because of my job. I would definitely look into this more. Ask your doctor for the exact billing code and give that to the insurance.

I recommend logging each sip and each cracker between sips. That way you can really gauge the calories and make sure to make up for it the rest of the day or week. I run a restaurant and have a similar situation. We can do it.

Make sure you are eating slowly. You over eat most often when you eat quickly.

Are you having regular bowel movements? That could have a lot to do with it.

There was not even a mention of a colonoscopy. Unless you have some other warning signs for colon issues, you should be fine.