trekker954

I was kind of in a daze, but my first thought was OMG, I really did this and was so excited that I was still alive. Yeah, really. I just listened to all the commotion and nurse chatter going on in the recovery room. The nurse said they would be moving me to a surgical care unit for an hour and then up to my room. I just remember waking up in my room, I think the nurse woke me to go over the logistics of the room and how to administer the pain meds and how to call for them. I was pleased to see it was a private room and really huge. I was hooked up to so many things (fluids, pain meds, medical socks that apply pressure), heart monitor, cateter (although they did pull that out first thank God), ugh, probably forgetting something, I couldn't freely get up. The nurse set up my cell phone with longggggggggggggg cord for me and I made my calls to let my family know I was alive, to let me sleep the rest of the day and to come the next day and spring me out. I did not any gas pain either. But I wasn't disconnected from all the stuff for many many hours, and that delayed my walking the halls. grrrrrrr

Goodwill. Most have certain sales too Color of the week give me 50% off. Most have a designer section but it's obvious whomever is sorting doesn't know their designers. I'll often find white stag in that section. Walmart. Then in the regular section I found a gorgeous pair of lucky Brand $3 with a 50%off. My price $1.50.

I'm six months lost 70 and maintaining since introducing carbs in vegetable and fruits. I'd like to lose another 8 pounds. I could probably eat the burger but not the bun, I wouldn't even attempt that. Certain foods fill me up while others do not. If I eat anything sweet I get a tummy ache. When road tripping I got two taco bell tacos but discarded the shells.

I wasn't permitted veggies until 4 months and still at 6 months use them sparingly but it's nice to add a little crunch.

I pretty much have a Greek omlet every day. Stir up small amount each onion, spinach, tomato, one egg, add sprinkle of get cheese. Pinch salt and pepper. I may switch up the cheese or vegetables. I also have genepro with my morning cup of coffee first thing when I wake up. I feel if I start my day right I'll stay on plan.

Online is the only place I know.

Believe it or not, My fitness pal has a communion wafer as 1 calorie, 1 sugar and 1 carb. Who knew????? lol I would just wait a couple of months. I've had communion wafers disolve in my mouth, to ones that were maybe stale and potentially had not so soft edges going down. If you chew, you could take it earlier just chew. I'm sure you can decide knowing your own church host.

I can't imagine why. The odds? We shouldn't take Nsaids after bariatric surgery. It sounds silly to me

we had our conversation about a year ago. How did you consult go? Are you self Pay or did your insurance approval come through. Good luck and let us know how you did.

I mix GENEPRO Protein with my morning coffee every morning. The rare occassions I don't have coffee, I will take a shake in the morning instead. I average 80-90 protein a day. @thinn2010, I started off losing slow and had that 3rd week stall when I moved to puree. Between months 2 and 4 1/2, the weight flew off.

@Shelleyp42997 I had a phone call with him. He wanted me to pay up front, and then he would submit docs and see if insurance would pay. I know it doesn't work like that. He was pushy to get me in quickly. He said he didn't need any pre op tests or anything. I thought it was weird. Had posted my conversation here and everyone told me to run far away from him. He definitely plays on desperate patients emotions to lose weight. I ended up using Dr. Rosenthal, Chief of Bariatrics in Cleveland Clinic in Weston (CCF). He's excellent, and is known to fix other botched mistakes. CCF has a great support program and is a Center of Excellence. I was covered by insurance but did require a lot of pre testing to make sure I was fit for surgery. If you are self pay and looking for cheap, I'd keep looking or probably opt for Mexico. I just did not have a good feeling about Choi. I guess you have spoken to him yourself though. What were your thoughts?

If i knew then what i know now, i wasted so much money stocking up on protein powders, shakes, syrups, gas x, mouth spray, milo, two and four ounce cups, all stuff I read about here that others loved but I never used. I went overboard and wanted to be prepared and thought I'd be confined to my house for weeks. I was up walking the air conditioned floors of Walmart and target for exercise and recovery three days out. It was august in South Florida. I settled on premiere protein pretty quick and just used that pre and post op. I had an easy recovery so never needed gas x or mouth moisture. I also settled on the patchmd vitamins after learning about them postop so I have a cupboard full of pill vitamins I stocked up on and I won't be using them anytime soon. I should have shopped in goodwill during my drastic weight lost phase especially slacks for work because I sometimes only lasted a week or two in a size. Sent from my SM-N910T using BariatricPal mobile app

During the drastic losing stage I advise everyone to shop in goodwill. I learned my lesson after shopping for work clothes in Macys, I literally spent 1 week in size 14 pants and 2 weeks in size 12. Now that I've introduced carbs back to my diet my weight is slowing down. I'm in 10 pants, sometimes an 8. Sent from my SM-N910T using BariatricPal mobile app

Most of us have trouble drinking water post op. Some say it has to do with the ph. For a few months it's best to flavor it. Get some crystal light powder or ice tea. It doesn't have to be much but it really helps so you can meet your fluid goals. It does get easier. I think I was around 3 months when I could easily drink a bottle like I could precisely surgery, although I still at 6 months prefer to flavor it. Sent from my SM-N910T using BariatricPal mobile app

A good surgeon and nutritionist will monitor your recommend vitamin supplements and monitor your blood labs. They have adjusted my vitamins at 2 months and six months. My next labs are at one year. Just stay on top of your follow up with regular check ups. It doesn't stop after surgery. A good plan is followed up for a year. Sent from my SM-N910T using BariatricPal mobile app

How do you know she had pain and suffering. I'm 6+months out and other than a week of discomfort post op, I've felt fine, better and better as I lost 70+ pounds. Don't scare the newbies that they will be in pain. I didn't even take the pain med after day 2. Sent from my SM-N910T using BariatricPal mobile app

Unfortunately yes, hunger and cravings return. It's easy now. I've had ton of food challenges due to vacations, cruises, holidays and stress but stayed strong and on plan. I noticed at around 5 months when I was near goal and NUT wanted me to introduce vegetables and fruit back in which = carbs, I did have cravings and felt hunger often. I knew going in, my sleeve is a tool. I lost 70 lbs very quickly. I know it will get harder but I continue with my plan, no bready, pasta or sweets. Weight loss is very slow now but it continues. One day at a time. I ate a sourdough pretzel today and an hour later had incredible pain on my right lower quadrant. I guess my tummy had something to say about that. Sent from my SM-N910T using BariatricPal mobile app

I lost quite a lot of my thick hair. No one noticed, mostly my family. What's annoying now as its growing back in is I look like I stuck my finger in an electric socket- think static electricity. I have all this squiggly short hair sticking out all over my head. My hair is not usually frizzy. I hope I'm describing it okay so you get the visual. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

Could be rougher seas, smaller ship so more motion. You likely weren't eating much at 6 weeks versus now at six months. I'm six months now and took cruises at 6 weeks, 10 weeks and 4 months. I did not notice any sea sickness. I wouldn't be concerned. It may have been something else and or just not good food choices. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

Everyday Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

I knew the importance and did so well at first especially when I was off recuperating. Sip, sip sip. Everyone needs to be mindful once you feel back to normal and life kicks in. Busy with work, errands and family I found hours passed, I'd be out and about without even a bottle of water. My body felt it. So be warned....continue to stay on program with your water because it's so easy to forget!! Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

I'm almost six month out, been dropping weight consistently, although I still do occasionally get cravings which I've kept at bay. My biggest cheats may be a couple of extra cashews or two popsicles in one day. I've avoided most bad things; no problem. I know my will power is being tested more and more. I can definitely see how some get into trouble. I just found out the girl scouts start selling their Cookies tomorrow. I've always participated. I do not have any girl scout relative or even friends who kids are girl scouts. I know so there is no excuse I should even be thinking about this. But I hate the thought of seeing them outside the supermarkets this weekend. I know, I'll go shopping at 9 pm at night.

Don't do what I did. I went out and stocked up on the list given by my doctor. But then found out about patch MD and purchased that only to find out at my 2 week post op, the NUT told me the one multi Vitamin patch was enough. My labs are all good. I was not allowed to be on Vitamins during my two week pre-op, nor two weeks after. Make sure you know when you doctor wants you to stop all meds and vitamins.

are you on a direct flight and where are you flying from? Often its the flights into the US that have stricter policies on liquids. If flying directly into Mexico without a US connection, depending where, you may be able to bring yogurt and such. If you are on a one meal plus shakes for the pre surgery diet, you might make up some turkey and cheese roll ups. You may have to resort to powders and bring a shaker bottles if you are on liquids only prior to your surgery. You'll need that for the flight home as well. how soon before and how soon after your surgery are you flying? I suggest you bring a full size, yet flat pillow to put on your tummy and then the seatbelt for your trip home. Those pillows, even on the long flight if in coach are crappy and won't cover enough.

Your doctors plan is typical. Basically 3 high Protein shakes a day and one healthy meal (fish or chicken, no carbs) avoid fatty meats. It's only 2 weeks. Read forums on Protein Shakes. Premium protein is good. Found in walmart, Sams and costco. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App