zonetracy

Yes, why would you need a liver biopsy? Or maybe why do they require one? if there is a medically necessary reason for it your insurance will likely pay, but not if the doctor just likes to do it. Also weird if he won't continue with the surgery even if you opt to pay for that piece yourself.

Sounds weird to me. I myself might be looking for a different surgeon. If he accepts your insurance that should be the way for you to go and pay your out of pocket maximum, not some $12,000. Also, check with your insurance about the doctor supervised weight loss classes they may accept them if they were recent.

Its not standard at my surgery center but i had one because i mentioned being diagnosed with a hernia. She wanted to check it out before. If you don't have previously diagnosed hernia or other stomach issues it may not be required at your surgery center.

My surgeon didn't give me any numbers until I asked, "what is the average pounds lost per month?" and she said about 12.5 pounds. So @@TexasGirl86 your 70 pounds in 6 month is 11.67 pounds mathematically which may be the average at your surgery center... just a thought anyway. Maybe just look it at as the average and not necessarily what you will do.

I use milk with my Protein shakes. I'm not fond of Protein Shakes in general and took some time to find a good one for me. My surgeon and nutritionist also recommended that i use 2% milk for the 2 weeks while on liquids post surgery. I'm assuming for the extra calories as its hard to get enough of anything right after surgery. I have moved on to 1% milk now and only 1 shake a day as i'm able to get most of my daily protein from foods instead of shakes. Not sure if this is an option for you but some people have mentioned Fairlife milk - www.fairlife.com - which has less carbs, calories, and more protein. I will try it as soon as i find some in a store near me.

I have the hardest time taking compliments. Ever since i was little people would say, "Tracy, you have the prettiest eyes!" I would run and hide, say no I don't, etc... and like @@GirlOnFire said the easiest way is to take the compliment. Eventually i learned to say thank you then move on or change the subject. This has worked the best for me so far.

I've only lost 23 pounds since my surgery date and only those who know me well can see a difference. Most everyone else hasn't said too much.

Click that little gear thing way up top by your name then click "my tickers"

Congratulations, you look fabulous!

@@Rogofulm Thank you for that article. I'm a details kind of person and that really helped

Leftovers for me... 1.5 oz Parmesan Crusted chicken and a brusslesprout.

I took 3 weeks off because I had the STD to do so, but could have easily gone back at 1.5 to 2 weeks without any trouble.

I've been trying to get my walks in or some sort of activity pretty regularly and I'm supposed to start working in resistance. But I had surgery on my shoulder just before my sleeve and it's not supposed to have weight yet so I'm kind of limited for now. I'm getting there though.

@@cuchas Yes, i hit 4 weeks today and I've been at the same weight since last Friday. Hanging around 253-254. When was your surgery date? Mine was 6/10. I've seen lots of threads with the advice of keep following the plan and it will start coming off again, so i'm sticking to the plan. I've been getting 500-800 calories per day, usually around the 600 mark.

I just did a google search for your topic and found this - http://eatfatlosefatblog.com/how-to-configure-myfitnesspal-for-a-low-carb-or-ketogenic-diet/ - it looks pretty good. Good luck and let us know if it works

Congratulations everyone! My first big goal post surgery is to get below the 250's and I've hit the dreaded 3 week stall... grrr... I hope it doesn't last long. I've been stuck at 253 since last Friday. 500-700 calories per day. The past 2 days I've been trying to get up to 800 calories per day to switch it up.

I knew it would be a challenge for me to find a Protein powder or drink that I liked because I can't stand artificial sweeteners. So i went to the store, bought several different single serving size powders with Stevia in them instead of the artificial sweeteners and found one I liked that way. My doctor and nutritionist both stressed finding one i really liked because i would be drinking it a lot. The one I found for me is the chocolate one here - http://healthyplanetnutrition.com/ - it only has 6 ingredients and 100% natural. 15g protein and 80 calories (23 if you mix with 8 oz milk). Happy Hunting!

They put the needle in the back of my hand, which I preferred because I felt I wouldn't have to worry about bending my elbow and cutting off the IV flow. The worst part is the initial poke but once that's over the sharp part retracts and a small flexible needle thing is left in your vein which you can hardly feel. Easy Peasy

I'm a supervisor at my work and see lots of FMLA forms come my way for my employees. On the intermittent ones you don't even have to have specific dates but just a frequency and duration of the appointments or treatments. The health care professional will fill out the form with that information. Usually says something like 2 times per week, 4 hours each visit depending on your needs. That's how it is at my work. Oh and the final appproved forms that go to your supervisor don't say anything specific about your condition, just how long you'll need off.

I was sleeved just over 3 weeks ago and i still have my gallbladder. Just yesterday at my post-op with my doctor she gave me a prescription to take for the first year to help prevent losing my gallbladder. I turned it in at the pharmacy and i'm waiting for it to be filled and I don't remember the name of the drug. Did your doctor give you anything like that?

Congrats on making it to the half way point! The time will be here before you know it

If you work at a place that has employee assistance program (EAP) you can often times get 4 free counseling sessions. My psychologist tried to go that route with me but she did not work with the particular mental health company that my work uses. My insurance covered it though. Good Luck

I'm pretty sure the statistics i read were that sleeve patients on average lose 60-70% of their excess weight, then the rest is up to you. I think i googled weight loss surgery long term weight loss. You should get all kinds of statistics. Also, i see a lot of people on here who actually make it to goal weight. There is a lot of support here to help you along the way

I'm 3 weeks out and getting about 500-600 calories a day. I saw my surgeon today and asked her what I should be getting. She said 800-1200 per day once I'm able to eat more.

I was undecided about the band and the sleeve for awhile and decided on the sleeve. I was sleeved 3 weeks ago and my main decisions were this... a couple friends both have the band and they both throw up their food often if not daily. I really hate throwing up. And after i got to reading more i found that over time the complication from the band seem to increase and i was worried i would be the person where the band would cause a lot of problems I didn't want. Good Luck with whatever you choose