magicalwoman

This sounds really good. I was reading in my notebook from my surgery center and saw ricotta, YUM. Thanks for posting this, it will be on my menu when I can puree foods.

All the shakes sound so yummy. How are you blending? Shaker bottles, blender, Ninja? Especially when you use fruits like peaches. Thanks for the info.

I am getting so excited, so anxious too. I am into serious calorie counting. I've been practicing my pre surgery diet for just over a week now. Have my final med check this Friday, it will be interesting to see if I've lost weight. I feel my pants a bit less constrictive. LOL We are going on our final camping trip over Labor Day, that will test me. We may not get out again for a while so I want to make it a memorable one. I am going to be careful about eating too. As long as no one brings the Fritos I will be fine. Oh my guilty pleasure.........Fritos. We come back from camp, I work on Tuesday, September 8th, then my surgery is Wednesday the 9th. I know I haven't eaten anything today (only Protein shake), but I have butterflies in my stomach!

Sorry about the insurance. A couple years ago my insurance made folks join this program (can't remember the name), but it was VERY pricey over $2K and was not covered by insurance. Then once you had this year long program under your belt you could apply to have the surgery covered. Since then we just need to do 6 months supervised weight loss with our primary care Dr. My Dr. and I discussed my surgery. I was in an auto accident in 2011, injuries I have only allow me to do limited exercise which is only swimming. So the weight piled on. Once I get rid of the weight, then I will need surgery on my knees and my spine. A truck hit me from behind at 60mph. I told my Dr. I can't ride a bike bad knee, I can't hike anymore, can't do dance or zumba, my back and spine are so bad, bulged C4, 5, 6 and 7. I've had all the injections I can have. The weight makes it so much worse. Anyway, I am thankful for my Dr. and where I am right now. Hopefully I can get fully fixed and enjoy this beautiful life.

I just found this site: http://milestogo.squarespace.com/post-op-food-phase-3-soft-food/ Looks like many great ideas.

I have tried many foods that I puree or mash. One I didn't think I would like, but I actually love is mashed cauliflower. I have zero calorie spinkles similar to Mrs. Dash that I bought at Cabelas and I just sprinkle a little bit. This way I stay away from salt and butter etc. How about oatmeal, cream of wheat or grits? I've read you can have cottage cheese and scrambled eggs. Not too sure I would try them. Google it, you will get a million hits and then just read, read, read. Another great resource is the Nutrition section right here. Best of luck, hope you find a good meal that has you saying yum!

Welcome Godsgirl! I didn't think EAS Protein shakes were bad tasting. I also have ISO FEmme Creamy vanilla Sky, lower in calories and higher in protein. There were two EAS I found, I think the one was Ultra. I have tried a couple but never notice the high calorie count. I also just ordered Syntrax Fuzzy Naval and chocolate Peanut Butter Creme (extremely high protein count). Then I ordered unjury chicken Soup flavor. I'm not home, and I think I have another kind, but I just bought it last night so I can't remember. Go to Amazon and type in Protein Shakes. You can get a lot of names and then begin to research. I'm not sure where you are located, but I have gotten terrific deals at my local Grocery Outlet. I have purchased 4 containers of the ISOFemme Vanilla Sky for $9.99 a 15.6 oz container. Online they are upwards of $25 to $30. Good luck, there are so many. And again, welcome to a great support group.

Hi Kristen, I'm having my surgery on Sept. 8th and I have great insurance. However, my daughter is out of work and wants to have her sugery. It seems like she is not making any progress at all. So many have asked her to just pay out of pocket, I think she was looking at around 6 thousand. I have heard and even the office staff at my surgery center told me that U of W does several free surgeries each year. Might be worth checking into. Keep posting so that we know how you are doing.

So glad they found this and you can have it addressed. Know our thoughts and prayers are with you! We are all in this together.

Congratulations on your approval! Funny how it is such a milestone for all of us, it was monumental for me and my nerves have been frayed ever since. I have a bit over 2 weeks and I am finally really getting excited. Best of luck to you on your amazing journey.

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That is an excellent price. We gave up our costco membership, but I can see if I can order online. I get my coffee pods that way. I just ordered my Syntrax Nector (fuzzy naval and Peanut Butter cookie), and unjury chicken broth. The other supplement I found is called ISO Femme. Protein Supplement for women. Makes protein smooties, Creamy vanilla Sky flavor. One level scoop with 8 oz of Water 115 calories, 1g of sugar and 25g of protein. I found this at Grocery Outlet, a 15.3 oz container for 9.99, I have three containers. I just want to be so prepared and I think I'm just about there.

I totally agree, but being honest and thinking about it....how many of us have tried every weight loss product, fad, and idea out there. Every juice, pill and food. Calories, carbs, Proteins...we've done it all. But Wheezysmom is so right, when it comes down to it, weight loss is not a quick fix, it is a life style and behavior. This is not only a weight loss journey, it is a discovery!

Just wondered if anyone has used or is using HCG for pre-op weight loss? I also ordered my unjury chicken broth and my Syntrax Fuzzy Naval. I am making giant steps.........to my surgery date of Sept. 9th

I don't want anyone to think I am using it. I agree it is not a great idea, quick weight loss, but not lasting. I am doing pretty good with my lemon Water, Jello cups, Protein shakes and lean cusine dinner or the likes. I'm lucky, I don't really like sweets, I do not like chocolate, I do not drink soda, however my worst habit (hard to break) I eat fast. I try try try to slow down, but it is so hard. I did in the past try HCG, but had no luck and never stuck with it. Just wondered.

WOW, I would never try chips of any kind, well at least I don't think so. Funny you mention this, today I am making peach salsa. It's cooking now. I am also making apple butter and pear butter. Good luck with what you decide and please be careful.

So I just found out, my insurance doesn't cover this. However, they do offer state employees a discount prescription card that will kick in when your Doctor writes an Rx for anything not covered inclusive over the counter supplements, and meds. So if my Dr. writes me a Rx for the supplements, I can use the card which generally discounts 10 to 50%. Guess that is better than nothing. Thanks for this information and at least getting me hunting that may save me some money.

What support and caring, from total strangers. I said it before, I will say it again...I just love this site. I am afraid, nervous, yet excited. All my friends here have helped me so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I just love this group. Each time I am here I learn more and have come to know that I am not the only one. Which was sometimes my thinking. I can't wait to stop avoiding mirrors!

Our local food bank has lots of baked goods, but breads and rolls not too many sugary things. Our oldest son volunteered there. They have lots of fresh produce from local growers when in season. When I saw this topic of poverty and weight loss, I thought of my daughter who wants so bad to have surgery, but is finding it very, very difficult to run the line of red tape with public assistance. There is not way she can work right now, not to mention if she could no one would hire her when she is 5'3" and over 300 pounds. She gets food assistance, but you hit the nail on the head it is food bank shopping and she has gotten packages like you mentioned. And in stores many times it is easier and cheaper to buy packaged dishes than buying ingredients and making fresh. Sad, sad state.

I was thinking a second opinion too. I am about a year down this road and finally scheduled for surgery on September 9th. Just like you I am nervous. The unknown will do that to you. I LOVE this site, so many things I have learned.

I just called them. I have to register online and then they will check it all out and let me know. They said it takes 2 to 3 weeks to get things done. I agree this could be a huge savings. Thanks so much for the information.

Your insurance paid for your shakes? WOW. I was assigned a worker when I started my journey (through my 6 months supervised program) she said she did not think it was covered. But I believe I read somewhere the meals and Protein shakes may be covered. I live in WA state and have Uniform Medical through Regence. It is certainly worth checking into further. If you don't mind what insurance do you have? When did you have your surgery?

I have some New whey 42g of Protein. I've heard it is not the best of flavor but it is ok. I have some chicken broth 10g of protein. Thinking of ordering unjury chicken broth. Any other thoughts. Thanks

All great ideas. OH dear oh the New Whey (fruit flavor). I will check out the Syntrax Nectars. I think I saw those. Thanks for such wonderful feedback.