KristenLe

My NUT appointment was less than an hour. Nothing at all to be nervous about. I would recommend writing things down though!

I have not gone through WLS yet but in my experience with other surgeries or situations involving pain management... Take them as prescribed (especially in the first few days) as once you stop the med and the pain sets in it is difficult to catch back up.

Well I must say...your boobs look fantastic! :-). Mine will probably be sagging to my knees! Lol You have inspired me!

You are truly an inspiration! Your success in just a year is amazing and you should be proud!

I'm so sorry for your loss! Please go to counseling and a grief support group. My heart breaks for you and your granddaughter!

I got so tired of being alone that I did online dating. I only joined websites for chubby people (datingcurves). I met some scam artists, sleazeballs, some nice guys and eventually my boyfriend of nearly 7 years. He's seen me at my worst and I hope after WLS our relationship gets even stronger (and the sex better). . I honestly never thought I could put myself out there - especially being obese - but I did and as my sister used to tell me - you're not going to meet anyone sitting at home! Just be safe!

Each plan is different from what I'm finding. My BCBS plan requires 6 months of a supervised diet (monthly weigh-ins) which was disappointing to me but I'm thinking of it as a positive - I'll even be more ready/prepared than I would have been without this requirement. My NUT and Psychiatrist felt that 6 months was too long - and they are going to try to shave off a month or two (based on my previous diet attempts). I'm going to meet with the insurance person at my practice in May and hope that we can plan for surgery in September. Many people do not have this requirement and things move much faster. Good luck with your journey!

I had mine yesterday. If you didn't already complete a patient history and questionnaire then that's the first step. You will need to answer some questions regarding your eating habits (mostly related to emotional eating), alcohol and substance use, and a depression/anxiety screening. The Psychiatrist will review all of your paperwork and then ask questions regarding eating habits, emotional state, any history of abuse or trauma, diet attempts in the past, history of weight problems, support you have, what knowledge you have of the surgery (before, during and after), etc. I googled Psych Eval for Bariatric Surgery and found some helpful info. Just be honest - they're there to help and make sure you are ready for such a drastic change in your life. Good luck! After mine, there were no concerns but I asked about help with emotional eating and she recommended I see the Psychologist in the WLS Practice for behavior modification counseling. I want to have as many tools to help me after surgery. Good luck!

I haven't had surgery yet but feel that not telling obese friends is doing them a disservice. If it weren't for a woman at work being open about her journey I may not have even looked into surgery. We know how hard it is to do this on our own and when we don't tell them about the most helpful tool we've had to lose - they must feel like failures. I'm not shouting it on the roof tops but if asked, I'm going to tell friends, family and coworkers. Congrats on your success, Cape! Well done and something to be proud of!

That sounds like too many Protein shakes for both the protein content and calories. I would speak to your NUT about what your daily intake should be. Too much protein can cause kidney issues so be sure to find out what your Surgeon/NUT recommend.

Stop watching TV. I just read that you should read instead ... No tempting commercials! :-)

Make sure you are drinking enough water and getting enough protein. Your surgery will be successful! Stay positive!

I want something as close to Water as possible, consistency wise. I don't like smoothies, shakes any of that. I'm weird about food. Sent from my SM-G935T using the BariatricPal App Look into Protein Water. They don't have as much protein in them so you'd have to drink more (but counts towards fluids too). I bought Trumino Protein infused water. There may be other brands with more protein.

I wish I had surgery at that age! I think at your ages it may be easier to say the loss was from diet & exercise. Good luck to you all!

I think 2 were a 16 equivalent (and as @@daniotra mentioned the style made a big difference in fit).

Don't tell anyone but when I used to travel alot for work... I "borrowed" an extender and take it with me every time I fly. . The anxiety of asking for one every time was awful (and humiliating depending on who was near you). I hope the next time I fly I won't need it.

Atkins bars are 220 calories and 10 gms fat. Also contains sugar alcohols which effect blood sugars.

I am in the beginning stages and starting to eat low carb before surgery. I bought string cheese and almonds as snacks and brought some to work yesterday. I realized I was just eating them without even realizing. They were there - so I ate them. Today - I left them at home. Although healthier - they still have calories and fat. I tracked everything and realized I had just about all my calories by 4pm. Try going back to basics. Avoid having these types of snacks around. Good luck!

That's what I was told. One reason is because other than the restrictive benefits it also has a malabsorption effect. It also has the added deterrent of dumping syndrome (worse than sleeve) with sweets.

That's a great loss in 6 months! Congrats! I hope I do as well as you! And I agree - 115 is an unreasonable expectation and too low.

What does your Surgeon, Nutritionist and Psych suggest? Mine asked about eating habits before recommending the sleeve. I don't tend to graze and don't often eat sweets. If I did - they would have recommended bypass. Good luck with your decision!

You can continue to lose on Opti-fast but what's the likelihood of maintaining that weight loss? The more time you spend obese - the likelihood of comorbities will increase. I wish I did this surgery years ago (when I was at your weight - although I'm much shorter)! I feel like I've wasted years of my life think "I can do this on my own" - only to just get bigger every year. Now, I am 48 years old and have multiple comorbities. I'm miserable - always have aches and pains. I also can't stand the sight of myself any longer. My niece just had a baby and sent a picture of me holding her - well - I cried - I could not believe how giant I had become (I weight 289). Please don't compare the Lap Band experience with Gastric Sleeve (and remember how much improved surgery is even after 6 years). Have you talked to people who have had a band to sleeve surgery? You are at a weight that you are very likely to succeed and meet goal. I worry about hair loss too (my Mom has alopecia) - but from what I'm told - it grows back. We damage our hair all the time with coloring and straightening and don't think twice. Don't let that hold you back from surgery. If you've been through all of the pre-op testing and your surgeon, nutritionist and psych agree that the surgery is necessary - then listen to them. I know it's scary. Good luck and many prayers!

I have absolutely no experience or knowledge of what you can or can't take after WLS. With that said, I would try using a Neti Pot to flush your sinuses. Also be sure to take gas meds and antacid (if allowed) as it could be more reflux or gas than post nasal drip. Just some thoughts! Sorry your Surgeon wasn't more helpful.

It could be from both. You need to stick with your post-op diet so you avoid complications (more serious than a stomach ache). Please be careful!

I would speak with your Surgeon or Nutritionist. Make sure you are sipping small amounts.