toler48

@@slowbutsure Sounds like you are doing great! Right now I'm in the "waiting for medicare approval" stage. I did fill out a pre surgery form yesterday. I think the waiting is the hardest. Do you have any tips for those of us in the pre-op phase? Keep in touch

@@kitcrv Congrats on the weight loss! In the Fat Free FairLife you get 80 calories/13 g Protein in 1 cup. When you add some Protein powder you really pump up the protein content. I got my goodie bag from the nutritionist today with chewable Vitamins and Calcium plus some unflavored protein powder. The only Protein Bar I've managed to like is Pure Protein. I got some Pure Protein powder and a shake to try.

@@reallyrosy This is a brand called FairLife. It comes in skim to whole and has a lot of Protein. Google it. I still haven't tried the Kefir yogurt. Wish it came in a smaller container. Passed all 4 visits required for Medicare. They are submitting for coverage. They said it will take 2-3 weeks to get that back, then they will schedule the esophageial (sp) test (and I'll do the colonoscopy at the same time), THEN finally schedule surgery. I'm still hoping for the end of Sept.

Well, tomorrow I have my final PA and NUT visit. Then they will submit to Medicare for approval. I will also get this stupid boot off my foot! I feel like a slug! I haven't been able to walk for a month and I actually miss it. I've been doing core workouts but those aren't walking. On another note, has anyone tried the FairLife milk? I got some and it's really good, high protein also. Ok, nervous, I'll admit. Keeping fingers crossed. Later folks

@@reallyrosy Been doing some exercises at night. Yes, I can swim but don't have a swimsuit. Quit buying them 20lbs ago LOL

When I went to GNC and got the Isopur, I asked about what if I didn't like it. They said they would refund my money, and the next day I took it back and got a full refund. However, I agree that more companies should have samples. The gal at GNC told me I could try another one but I told her I hated to do that. I just don't like the idea of getting one of those huge containers, opening it, then probably returning it. Seems like too much of a waste. Plus, yes, they are expensive. At least with samples, you are only wasting a cup of milk. Well, went to foot doctor this morning and found out I have a stress fracture in my foot! In a boot now, another 2-3 weeks of no walking or treadmill. All the other bones in my body are in great shape, but my left foot has a problem. This is the second bone I've broken in it. Not doing anything crazy either. Sigh

Kate, Wow that is wonderful. It will encourage more folks our age. I imagine a lot think they are too old.

Rosy, I've tried them raw and cooked, they just don't work on me. Cococat, I totally forgot about the Premier Protein. I'll have to get some and try it. Thanks all Cathy

I've been testing Protein drinks. The best one so far is Sprouts brand whey Protein. My granddaughter and I tested some last week. Isopur=2 thumbs down. Quest=2 thumbs down. Even tried a Vegan Protein Powder, and I won't say what we both said at the time, just say nononono LOL Tried the unjury, not too bad, but the vanilla was too sweet. I got some Muscle Milk to try. I keep hearing that my taste buds will change, possibly, after the surgery. That is why I don't want to stock up on anything. Just trying different ones to see what I like now. Anyone have any others that they like?

Wow, constipation is a bigger problem than I thought. I figured just a few people had the problem. Seems like it is universal. I have never found a food (prunes, apples, etc) that has helped me. I could eat prunes all day and nothing would happen. I have been taking the Aloe Vera juice, mainly because the PA said it would help any issues with the stomach before, and help healing after surgery. He said it would help constipation, but, since I have never quit the Metamucil powder, I don't know for sure about that. I am going to have to be sure to ask about what else I can take after surgery for the problem. Ladyputt1, I haven't started the pre-op testing yet. I didn't want to make any appts until after I knew I was approved. Although, guess I could make them anyway. Can always cancel. No, no, no, that is not the way to think. I WILL be approved, I will!! I do have my heart doc appt, had to do that anyway, it's in Aug. So far, all my doctors are behind me with support for the surgery. I have some awesome doctors too. I've been side-lined the past month and a little more with foot problems and haven't been able to walk or work out. It's really frustrating. I see the foot doc tomorrow and sure hope he can find a solution. Cathy

@@skoob Yep, my hubby too. But he will be there for me and has gone to all my appts, except for the first one (he was out of town)

Good Luck to you Steve!! Be sure to keep us updated.

@@jenjen2781 I am on Medicare/United Health. I'm 67. I've heard that Medicare gives approval fairly easy. They have a 4 month waiting period, for monthly weigh in's. I see the PA and NUT for the last visits on Aug 6th. After that they will send in for approval. Then I'll schedule all the pre-op testing. I gotta tell you, I am ready for the surgery. I want to get control back and this will help. My friend needs the surgery, but she doesn't understand why I want to do it. She asked me what I was going to do about all the saggy skin after weight loss. I told her I'd deal with it the same way I have dealt with all my scars, it's me. There are plenty of ways to deal with a bit of saggy skin, which actually I already have because of yo-yo-ing for so many years. It's sad that that was her first concern. Not how great it would be to be off the high BP and Chol meds, or the diabetic meds or the CPAP. THOSE things are just another reason I want the surgery. To get healthier! I could care less about saggy skin. Geez Sorry, I'll get off my soap box now LOL

Do NOT feel ashamed!! I think that is one of the biggest problems we have all had to deal with and get over. We should all be proud of the fact that we have made a decision that is going to give us a healthier, longer, more active life. Don't look back, look forward. You are NOT crazy. Be strong.

When I was trying to decide, I went on YouTube and watched what seems like hundreds of videos from people who had had the different surgeries. There are 3 main types, bypass, band, sleeve. There is a lot of information available online. Of course the other thing is which one your doctor would advise you to have. My doctor now primarily does the sleeve. He said it has the best results with the least amount of problems. Especially problems with absorbtion (sp) of nutrients. To me, it is the least invasive. I didn't want a hunk of plastic inside me. Besides the fact that the band could slip, there is the idea of having them poke me in the tummy to find the "port" to adjust the band, when needed. I have a problem with needles LOL Also, the stomach is still all there. The bypass does just that. They cut apart stomach and intestines and bypass the major portion of the stomach, but, the stomach is still there and still shooting out the "hungries". I actually like the idea of 85% of my stomach being cut away and taken out. I will have control back! Some people don't like that idea and that is fine. Everyone has to find their comfort zone. Good luck.

I would think your doctor would have told you what you could have, especially if you are this close to surgery. My doctor doesn't require any pre-op special diet, and has told me that, but he said he would go over it all again during the pre-surgery appointment (which would be 2 weeks prior to surgery). I'd call the doctors office and ask.

@@jenjen2781 Hi there, everyone here is great, you will get lots of support. I was raised in Dallas, live in Tucson now (since 71). Like you, my hubby isn't all that excited about my having the surgery. He's in the "try another diet" camp, or "just set your mind to it". He truly doesn't understand and it is frustrating. I do have my daughter here and have her support. My son supports me from afar, he lives across the country. The only really disappointing lack of support I've gotten is from a life long friend. She thinks it's silly. However, she also needs to do something, she is over 300 now. She isn't ready though. I am ready. I'm hoping to get approval and have my surgery in Sept. You'll have to keep posting updates so we know how you are doing. Good luck!! Cat

@@HealthyJudy Have you thought of trying the Aloe Vera juice I mentioned before? It might help, and can't hurt. I sure hope you are right. I didn't have a 6 month diet to go on, just 4 months of weight check in. If Medicare doesn't cover it, I'm out of luck. I have my final NUT visit and final weigh in on Aug 6th, then they will submit for approval. When approval comes through I start all the pre-surgery testing. Hope things "work out" for you

Well, I guess I've got a new mark in my favor to get the approval for surgery. Woke up from my nap on Tues. afternoon with a headache, feeling shaky, never felt like that before. Did a finger stick and it showed 447. Went to ER and they gave me saline and got it down to 210 and sent me home. The ER doc was less than useless, started quoting the book to me about high BP, high Chol., high sugar blah blah blah, like I was a two year old. Never asked about history or anything! Hate doctors like that. The only thing that was different for the day was the foot doctor had given me a shot that morning in my foot of Dexamethazone. He said it MIGHT have caused the spike. Went to my PCP the next morning and he put me on Januvia. He said that would be a good thing as far as Medicare approval. Then after surgery I'll be able to drop it. Just going to be so glad when all this is over.

The PA at my doctors office told me to start on Aloe Vera juice. He said it would help after surgery with healing and constipation. I found some at Sprouts that isn't too bad. It's by Lily of the Desert. It's not flavored but the taste isn't too bad. I still take Metamucil powder in Water in the mornings. Don't know what I'll do after surgery, maybe the softener pills.

Ok, passed another hurdle this week. Went in for my physc eval and passed. She said she saw no reason to hold me back from the surgery, that she saw no reason for me not to go forward. Have to admit I was a little scared about this visit. Guess we all probably are. So now, I have a second NUT visit and that same day I will have my fourth and final visit with the PA. This is on Aug 6. Then! They will submit to insurance and I will keep my fingers crossed that it goes through and I get approval. Phew, I also, after the ins approval comes in, have all the other docs and tests to get through. Never easy is it? Later friends

@@ellynmae Welcome! Sounds like you and I may be close to the same time surgery wise. I'm hoping to have surgery in Sept maybe Oct. Going to depend on getting all the tests done after approval in Aug. I had my third PA visit today. I had lost 3 pounds. That dosn't sound like much but I can't lose too much before trying to get approval. Ins gal says I'm on the edge as far as BMI is concerned and can't go below 209. My surgeon doesn't require a pre-surgery diet of any kind, at least he said he wouldn't for me. I have my Phyc eval next week. Keep in touch! Cat

Thing is, he has gone with me to the two PA visits and the 1 NUT visit. He was out of town for the very first visit with the surgeon. He says he has looked at information online, what exactly I don't know. Yes, he can control himself food wise. He could stand to lose 20lbs or so, but no one in his family has ever had a weight problem. He may not realize it consciously, but I think he is trying to undermine me. We have been married 45 years, so I can read him pretty good. He isn't controling, but it's more a passive-aggressive type of thing. Wow, just realize I said the same thing about my friend, hmmmm A lot of time I will back down and say ok I won't do that or get that, just to keep the peace. This time NO! I want this, I NEED this. This is for me and it's about time I do something FOR ME DAMNIT. Sorry for that but it's the truth. Ok ENOUGH whining. Gonna put my big girl panties on and meet with the PA tomorrow and continue this journey STRONG. Love all of you and thank you for YOUR support! I know I can come here and vent anytime.

Cococat I always thought having a tribble would be cool LOL Don't have any cats right now, miss that too. I like weird stuff too. Sci-Fi fan big time. Yes, my friend is her own enemy. Something will happen and she'll say, "well guess that's my wake up call". Then she keeps hanging up LOL no, not funny really. Now, it seems my hubby is not totally on my side. This evening he tells me he still isn't sure about the surgery. He thinks it won't do for me what I want it to do. That all I need to do is put my mind to it and I can control my weight. He referred to my continuing to smoke after I had lung cancer (I'm 25 yrs clear). Yes, I did, I kept smoking until 2002. I was basically forced to quit because I knew I would never be able to take care of my granddaughter (born in 2003) if I continued to smoke. I quit and never looked back, no problems, no withdrawal. BUT As everyone knows, one cannot stop eating. I've "put my mind to it" many times over the years. All of us in the position we are in, have done the same thing. I just don't know how to get him on my side. Should I even keep trying at this point? I do have total support from everyone else, especially my daughter and son. I want to tell him, let me at least try, give me support to try my hardest with this tool. I want a new life!! Sigh

Bubbletoes, sounds like you are doing great!