Montana Gal

I have seen it at Walmart and 3 of my local grocery stores, usually in the health food section or next to the peanut butter in the regular isles. Target too!

​I have Osteoarthritis in my feet, knees, hips and right shoulder. I had a hip replacement in 2013, that was my "ah ha" moment. I asked my surgeon and PCP about Bariatric surgery and they were both extremely supportive. I need my knees replaced and surgery on my right foot. Though the VSG won't improve the damage already done, they pain has decreased significantly and I can take long walks now. I am 49 and have 70 more pounds to go. I plan on putting off surgery as long as possible. In my opinion, yes, it has improved the pain. I hope this helps some. This forum is an excellent place to ask a lot of questions!

@@kmorri, I was so embarrassed every time I flew that I didn't even ask for a seat belt extender...I usually just tucked it under my shirt as well and folded my arms over it so the flight attended would not see. Oh my, never again!

I was really overwhelmed after my Pre-op class. I had the same questions running through my mind as you did. I decided to take two days off from it all. Then, I sat down and slowly and quietly went over the information they handed out, taking it all in slowly. I then went on the computer and found this forum, I logged in every morning. It all started to come together. It will for you as well. Ask a lot of questions and keep in contact with your surgeons office. ​

You survived all the curve balls life threw at you and excelled! I am so happy for you. Thank you for sharing your story and a big congratulations!!!

I believe that you are truly an exceptional person Inner Surfer Girl. Your spirit, honesty and commitment have been an inspiration. Your posts and replies are always filled with intelligence and compassion. You deserve a very loud "ata girl"!!

I would love to take horseback riding lessons without fear of hurting the horse. Most of all I would just like to be able to walk without using my cane.

Welcome @Watcherloseit! If your on your 8th day post op, then in my opinion the worst is over. For me, the first week was the worst. Between the pain, nausea, gas and a few tears I was so happy to have that week over! I am so excited for you Watcherloseit! Move through your surgeon's recommended phases slowly, don't try to add foods too early. If you follow the plan, meet your Protein and Water intake goals, take your Vitamins and remember to stop drinking fluids 30 min before a meal and 60 min after you will do amazing. It does seem overwhelming at times, but as each day passes it just becomes a part of your daily routine. Ask a lot of questions, the veterans and newbies on this site all have a wealth of information and are extremely supportive. "Self-worth comes from one thing - thinking that you are worthy". Wayne Dyer

@@Sajijoma, that's absolutely wonderful!

@@NTXGal, I am glad you came to a decision using your "gut feelings", I have learned lately that following our intuition when it comes to life's decisions is so important! My gut told me to keep pushing, I felt I had to do all the leg work for my bariatric clinic and constantly call and push for things to get done. All the pushing was worth it in the long run. The good thing about the decision you made is you can change your mind at anytime if you begin to feel this current path is not working well for you(I hope it does;-)!!!Good luck to you and keep coming back for support.

@@Kindle, my heart and prayers go out to you during this rough time. I am so glad you are seeing your therapist. I have suffered with suicidal thoughts since 2006, sometimes they come back full force, but as you know there are many ways to beat them back into submission! I have enjoyed your posts over the past few months, you are an inspiration ​!

Most of the nutrition and health food stores in my area sell individual packets for most of their Protein powders. They range in price from $1.50 to $2.99 each packet. It is sure a good way to test beforehand. Most of them will buy back the product if you are not satisfied:-)

C​congratulations, you look amazing!

​@@bunnyh, welcome! My pre op diet was full liquids for ten days, followed by Clear Liquids for 3 days. I too thought the scale would not move, then all of a sudden I dropped 6lbs, then another 7lbs during the clear phase. 13lb weight loss in total before being wheeled into surgery:-) Try and be patient and diligent...it will come off for you as well. I stopped watching the scale everyday and made sure I got all my Water and Proteins in. I used Isopure during the clear phase, sold at GNC where I live. I got enough of it to use during the post op clear liquid phase. Hang in there, you will do great!

​Good morning, ​I am 8 weeks out and I began walking about 1 week after surgery. Like all the others say, start out slow and listen to your body. I started at 20 minutes walking my dog per day. I am now walking her on hiking trails about 45 minutes to an hour. All the up and down walking on hiking trails sure makes for some hard, good exercise! Start out slow and you will do great, best of luck!

​@@Andrea72, I agree with @@kranky813 make sure to mention the depression to your surgeon tomorrow at your appointment. The one thing that helped me at my follow ups was to bring a list of questions to ask as well. I get so nervous at those appointments I forget what I was going to ask. It does get better, at 3 weeks I cried for no apparent reason. I did get out and walked in nature as soon as I could....that helped so much. Work real hard at getting in your Protein, Water and Vitamins. I made the mistake of starting the Vitamin B12 late, once I started on that like I should have, my depression lifted a little. Hang in there and keep coming back to this forum, I wish you well.

​I agree with @@JamieLogical, for me food and t.v. just go hand in hand. It's an old unhealthy eating habit I have had to change. If it happens now, I will grab a healhy snack on my approved list and eat mindfully. Even closing my eyes and enjoying the taste of a good apple and eating it slowly. Something I never did before. Hope this helps some, good luck and hang in there!

​@@CowgirlJane, that didn't sound trite at all! I too have felt very "asexual" and feel that some of my family(brother especially) and friends don't even really see me as female. I feel I am left out of conversations that are about feminine things, because they don't really see me that way. I look forward to caring for myself in more feminine ways, like paying extra attention to hair and makeup, having my nails done and wearing certain kinds of clothes that make me feel feminine. I am starting out small doing so now. I totally understand where you are coming from, thank you!

​On about the 5th day I drove my mother to Walmart and walked around for awhile hanging onto a grocery cart...slowly! Being 2 months out I am finally feeling like myself again. Each day gets better and better, hang in there:-)

I was told it took 1.5 hours from the time I was wheeled into surgery then recovery.

Welcome @@koddie, this forum is a wonderful place for questions and support. Keep coming back! Yes, it is definitely a lifestyle change, but it is up to you to make it "for life". The only thing I said goodbye to was my maple French toast bagels, I knew that they would be the one thing that would lead me back to eating the way I did before surgery. I agree with @@JLilley417, this is not a "never again" diet, but a major change in the relationship with food and how and what you eat over the next coming months until you are in the maintenance phase. It is completely normal to be scared, but you will not fail if you stick to the guidelines your surgeon gives you. Protein and fluids will become your new bestfriend. Ask a lot of questions and keep seeing your therapist, I wish you the best of luck on this amazing journey. It is well worth it!​

@@garciagiss I forgot to add the psch evaluation in the steps I had to take. All of the steps mentioned were required by the bariatric clinic and not the insurance. Great response OKCPirate, wonderful information!

Welcome Garciagiss! I can only speak from my experience. I contacted the Bariatric Clinic I chose and asked them what was required of me to get an appointment. First was a letter of referral from my PCP, second they wanted medical records from the past 3 years. I was then scheduled to attend an educational seminar and a visit with the nutritionist. After I completed all of those steps I was given an appointment with the surgeon for consultation. The last appointment before my surgery was a class given by the bariatric nurse. The whole process took about 6 months after making first contact with the clinic. This will vary greatly between the different bariatric groups, insurance requirements and hospitals. I wish you well on your journey, it's well worth all of the effort!

That happened to me as well. I found an unflavored Protein powder and mixed it with unsweetened almond milk, a little splenda and some PB2 powder(powdered Peanut Butter with 85% of the carbs and fat removed.) It's only as sweet as you make it and helped me get my protein in easier during the first few weeks. Hope this helps, hang in there it does get better.

I agree, the only thing I have found in a bottle is Isopure sold at GNC. They have different flavors like grape, mango, fruit punch and even some made with coconut Water. They are not small bottles, I usually drink half for my one serving. Takes a bit to get used to the taste, but it's packed with Protein. I did not see latte flavored in my store though. Hope this helps.