KristenLe

Remember this is an average - it's very possible to lose more (following the plan) - just as it is to lose less (usually if you don't follow the plan). I am moving forward with the intention of losing more than the average. :-)

Ask what pre-op testing they require, how long will you be out of work, are there meds you'll need to stop taking, possible complications, etc.

I would say your PCP is incorrect. If you need documentation of 6 months of a supervised diet before seeing the surgeon - she/he needs to be the one to do that. I would talk to the insurance coordinator at your surgeon's office and see if they can help you make sense of the requirements. Good luck!

Can you add protein powder to your fluids? Are you allowed V8 juice - if so - I would think juicing veggies would be fine. One protein shake doesn't seem right - where did you have surgery?

@@debd80 It could be the cause of the slow weight loss. More importantly though - it's going to cause slow healing, increased hair loss, and your body to start breaking down muscle for protein. You need to increase your protein and be sure you are getting enough fluids.

@@sluv912 Get your fluids in all day - broth, Powerade Zero, Vitamin Water Zero, crystal light, decaf tea, sugar free popsicles. Also - the 60 gms of protein would be 2-3 full protein shakes. You can sip them over an hour. You don't have to wait to drink other liquids before or after the shakes either. The headache and dizziness is definitely from dehydration and you need to increase fluids asap.

@@SoExcited101 did you have to come off the pill 2 months before or after surgery?I asked this question in a support group last week. They said they used to require woman to stop by pills pre-op but don't any longer. That better be true because I am hoping to get a surgery date with in a week or two following my pre-op appt with the surgeon and if he tells me I need to be off the pill for a month or two I will lose my shit!

It's probably from the breathing tube if you are recently post-op. If not - you need to talk to your PCP or surgeon. It could be from reflux.

Are you taking anything for reflux? Try having a sip of water before you get out of bed.

@@mcnabb85 I would suggest to continue your research, attend a seminar with a local Bariatric Center of Excellence and learn as much about WLS as you can. It's a tool to help you lose weight but you need to change your lifestyle and do the work. I went back and forth for several years - always deciding I could do it on my own (I didn't want Bypass and didn't know about Gastric Sleeve), I didn't want to give anything up, and I was "ok" with being fat (or I told myself that anyway). The past 2 years have shown me I need to do something drastic and quickly! I have had health problems one after the other but the joint issues are what tipped the scales for me. I was 47 years old and figured if I didn't lose weight soon I'd be in a hoveround by 50 (if I was still alive). I realized that I wasted 20+ years thinking I could lose weight on my own. I'm doing this for myself though - not because I am ashamed or embarrassed. The best part of this process for me was the therapy I had for 3 months. I feel like that has given me another tool in my toolbox for successful post-op living! I'm hoping for a surgery date with in the month.

Clotting

@@Chloewithac Talk to your Bariatric Program - I did my supervised diet with the Nutritionist (supervised by surgeon). I have BCBS in another state and they were not forthcoming with what the requirements were either. Your surgeon's office should be able to find out. I didn't need authorization for the Consult - just for surgery.

Are you getting enough fluids? You may be dehydrated which is dangerous.

Please don't change your mind based on one person's opinion. I don't think dumping syndrome is a good thing - but that's just me. Talk to your surgeon and decide what's best for you. You can be as successful with the sleeve as bypass. Both are just tools - you need to do the work.

The gain is most likely from constipation and dehydration (which is probably why you are constipated). You really need to meet your Fluid goals.

You will get to talk to your surgeon- you might need blood thinners to prevent blood clots. Sent from my KFFOWI using the BariatricPal App

@@amyericw It doesn't need to be Water - any non caloric drink counts. So does broth and sugar free popsicles. Sent from my KFFOWI using the BariatricPal App

@@Mysticpink74 You need to find out why you were denied first. It may have been incorrectly submitted or missing info. You have a high BMI (over 50) and usually don't need a comorbidity. There has to be another reason. Did you meet all of their preop requirements? Sent from my KFFOWI using the BariatricPal App

Great job! Congrats!

@@Terri70 my Psych and Nutritionist both thought 6 months was too long - 12 is ridiculous!! They probably hope 80% give up. Stay strong!

Ask your surgeon if he can take tart cherry juice or black cherry (or supplements). Also celery seed (I get pill form) is supposed to help. Be sure he's staying very hydrated.

I am putting away my summer clothes and bathing suits hoping I will never wear them again! I can't bring myself to get rid of them yet - I guess I still have my doubts about surgery happening (still waiting for a date) and my success. :-( What are others doing with summer clothes you hope will be way too big by next year?

Lol @@AvaFern I figured I'd jinx myself too.

I would give your surgeon a call - it may all be part of healing but only they can tell you that. Hope you are better soon.

Oh and I agree - the upper GI series was brutal! I kept gagging and burping.