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Love the topic title!! I'm in the pre-op phase and honestly already sick of Protein shakes. I'm having RNY a week from tomorrow (4/25) and am so thankful for the one meal a day of 3oz chicken, 1c veggies I get. The idea of puréed food grosses me out right now (esp meat), but no doubt I'll be as grateful for that soon as I am for this one tiny meal now. Fingers crossed for a less eventful and dramatic surgery than yours and also for weight loss as great as yours (and lots of good Netflix to watch during recovery!!)

Congrats!! I'm having RNY on the 25th! Totally understand that feeling of being excited and overwhelmed at the same time!!

I'm still on the liver-shrink pre-op phase, but just used Beneprotrien (unflavored)'today in some crystal light and it was awesome. Smelled a little weird, but put it in a sports bottle with a small opening and it was fine. 25cal and 6g Protein per scoop. I can see it making some puréed foods higher in protein easily post-surgery. Following this post so I can read what kind of answers you get!

My kids are 2 and 5. My 5-year-old has begged to go to the beach since he could talk. It's upsetting to say the only reason I haven't taken him is because I'm too embarrassed to be in a swimsuit. I am scheduled for RNY on 4/25 and already have our first beach trip scheduled as a surprise for his birthday the last week of September. It's a great incentive and I'm so excited to take a trip like this as a healthier me (one who feels way more confident!)

Gorgeous lady!! I love how confident you look in your "after" pictures. Thin looks good on you!

This was INCREDIBLY helpful and I'm so thankful you took the time to write all of this out, James. I especially found your info on essential oils very interesting. The brand of oils I use has a proprietary formula for staving off hunger, but it appears grapefruit oil is used instead of fennel. I'm excited to look into using fennel as part of my maintenance plan. I so appreciate the time it took to put together a resource like this. Many, many thanks!!

Cigna was 4 months and a very easy process. 4 weigh ins/loss attempts (no loss required) with PCP within a 90 day period along with the psych evaluation, classes, visit with nutritionist and BMI of 40+ (or other health factors). Approval was submitted, then approved within the week.

They wanted to be sure I knew the basics of what RNY and WLS itself entailed. He wanted to hear me say that I understood this was a huge lifestyle change and what impacts it would have on my life and that I was committed to it. He asked what went into my decision to have the surgery. I don't think there would be an issue unless they hear you're having surgery for all the wrong reasons or don't seem competent to make such a big decision. It was a far less scary meeting than I expected. Good luck to you!

Scheduled for RNY with Dr. Wegner on 4/25. It's such a relief so see so many great things written about him and St. Francis as a whole here.

I have surgery scheduled with Dr. Wegner on 4/25! Noticed another couple of members posting on other threads in Memphis also. So glad to hear you've all had good experiences.

I'm trying to get everything bought that I'll need post-surgery (surgery date 4/25!) and am looking at things like pill organizers (I'm trying out the MedCenter 31-day pill organizer now), cooking tools for steam/purée, a more accurate scale, and more. Did you have anything that was a real convenience or lifesaver for you in terms of tools? Thanks in advance! - Melissa - Memphis, TN

Have you tried the Syntrax cappuccino flavor? Tastes like a frappuccino to me, especially if blended with ice. A little overly-sweet, but it has a good coffee taste and no caffeine. Amazon has sample pack bundles.

Somebody else in Memphis - yay! St. Francis here too - Dr. Wegener. How long ago was your surgery and how was your experience there? The small containers are an awesome idea! I didn't realize those were 4oz... super helpful in getting a better idea of portion. Thank you!

April 25 surgery date here! - Melissa - Memphis, TN

I ordered mine from Amazon. It's the MedCenter 31-day pill organizer. It sits on the countertop and has individual cases for each day and has slots for 4 times of the day. I use the Citrical petites (3 twice a day) and they fit fine. I like this pill case because I can grab and go because of the way it's separated... same for traveling.

Dying

An inaccurate scale?

Hilarious post. My surgeon actually used her as an example in the intro class I took. Basically, if WW and a personal chef/trainer/etc can't help her keep it off, that says something. It definitely does, but what does she care? She's making tons of money, and we all keep falling for it. Not anymore.

I keep going back and forth with this. So far, I've just been telling on a need-to-know basis. Certain family members and my best friend mostly. Everyone has been supportive. I feel lucky that I stay home with my kids because I can only imagine the petty gossip in my old work environment. I believe we're all partially in control of the direction this takes though, and the more we educate about how this is not something where people can say "Oh, she JUST had surgery to lose weight, so she took the easy way out," the better off we are. Those I've told have gotten the 2-minute crash course on how this is anything but the easy way out. I think that's changed how they've spoken about it with me and hopefully others. I'm not planning on shouting it out on social media... most of those people don't realize how much I gained anyway. [emoji4]

Congrats! Things moved much faster than I expected too. They were able to count the weigh-in at my December physical as my first of 4 weight checks. They had estimated a June surgery, but staying on top of things and working through the checklist quickly got me a surgery date 3 months after the intro class. I think I would have over-thought everything if I'd had too much longer. Or gained an extra 20lbs via food funerals haha. Noticed your name... two pugs? We have two Boston Terriers. Looks like crazyboxermom might be a fan of flat-faced dogs too?

Dr. Wegener! Wish we had the same surgeon so you could tell me all about it, but I understand their practices are a little different before/after. How is your liver shrink diet going? Starting day 3 today and am down 4.8lbs. At this rate, should take off a decent amount right before surgery to jumpstart things. Still outrageously hungry, but I reminded myself last night that I'll wish it was this good for the 6 weeks post-surgery when I'm eating liquids, puréed and soft foods!

Hi, everybody!! My surgery date is 4/25 and my liver shrink diet started yesterday. Today is my 34th birthday and I spent it drinking a protein drink, a protein bar, and 3oz of lean meat. It's a far cry from a normal birthday of breakfast donut and meals out with friends, but I wouldn't trade it. I'm so excited for what this next year will bring and the healthy lifestyle I'll model for my kids. I want them to see me making my health a priority and taking care of myself. So far, though... I'm hungry. So hungry! But 2lbs lighter than I was yesterday and throwing a party for every pound I'll never see again. Can't wait to follow each of you and hope you'll check in after surgery! - Melissa - Memphis, TN

My surgery date is scheduled for 4/25 and I just started my liver shrink diet yesterday. I like the Syntrax protein powder in vanilla torte and cappuccino best so far. Make with Carbmaster or Fairlife milk to get an extra 10-ish grams of protein. Not sure where you are, but Kroger brand protein bars (esp peanut butter flavor) taste great, Balance bar (esp caramel nut blast), and Quest bars taste okay (but are expensive). Like you, I get one small meal a day (3oz lean meat, 6 unsalted crackers, steamed veggie or small salad with nonfat dressing). I'm getting around 900-1100 calories a day and 90-ish grams of protein this way. Good luck on your surgery and the next couple of weeks as you shrink!