KristenLe

@@HopeandAgony I'm pre-op but self sabotage is my motto whenever I've dieted in the past. You have to dig and find out why you want to hide behind your weight. Write a list of all the reasons why you started this journey and what you want to do now that you've lost weight. Go out and do them! You have to self talk - be proud of yourself and tell the bitch whispering in your ear telling you that you're a failure and saying"why bother?" to STFU. Stay strong!!! You have done incredible!

@@hipnthighsfordays Be very careful with smoothies. That Island Impact has 65 gms sugar. (And that's one of the "slim" products)! My sister went with a friend to get a smoothie (friend was dieting) - the smoothie that was supposed to be so healthy had 110 gms of sugar. ???????? They advertise them as healthy but they're usually loaded with sugar and will derail you.

@@dede_mont I hope your daughter is ok. Take a deep breath and remember how much better you feel eating healthy. Distract yourself... manicure, pedi, massage, clean closets, color, paint, take a walk, brush your dog (I really need to do this!), drink some flavored tea, sit outside and get some sun, go swimming, antiquing, buy something sexy (dress, shoes, nightie)... Stay strong!

Get some Protein drinks so he can get some protein in until you meet with surgeon or nutritionist. Make sure he's drinking fluids with electrolytes and some broth. If you are concerned about him - don't hesitate to call the surgeon. Prayers...

There's alot of choices for protein at this stage. Greek yogurt, egg muffins, cottage cheese, hummus, chicken salad, tuna salad, cheese, chili, beans (make a Mexican dip), protein water (Trumino, Atkins Lift), soup (no pasta or rice), ground beef, ground turkey or chicken, salmon, fish, sugar free pudding with protein powder, etc. Experiment and see what you like. There's tons of recipes online (Pinterest). Increase your protein and fluids and the scale will move! Good luck!

I'm surprised cottage cheese is allowed on full liquids - that's usually on puree stage. Cottage cheese or other foods of the same consistency go through your sleeve quickly so you won't get a full feeling. Your stomach is still healing and can't tell your brain when it's full. You should also not eat with the intent to be full (only satisfied). That's why it's so important to stick to the portion sizes recommended by your program. Your hunger could be acid or head hunger. Be sure you are taking a PPI and getting enough fluids.

@@cat.jackson89 You look great! Congrats!

@@laney I don't think you have anything to worry about.

@@HuneComz Welcome! Have you talked to your surgeon about the different surgical options? Just curious why you decided on bypass. 1. They will prepare the paperwork and submit to Aetna for approval. A BMI over 40 is all that's usually required and to answer #2 - if you meet their requirements they can't really deny it and if they try to - appeal it. #3 this depends on the surgeon and the patient. I don't have to do a pre-op diet (just clear liquids day before). 4. This is either going to happen or not - not much you can do to prevent it if you're the unlucky person to lose hair. Get you protein, vitamins, etc and hope for the best. #5 my surgeon does 1st week liquids - weeks 2-6 purees. They also recommend veggies. #6 Your husband is understandably nervous. Sadly - only 5% of morbidly obese people who lose weight on their own are able to keep it off. Surgery is your best option to lose weight and decrease your chances of developing comorbities and dying of an obesity related disease. #7 I think 3 weeks will be enough. I'm told gallbladder recovery is worse. Good luck on your journey!

@@mi75 You realized you were off track - that's the first step. Your sleeve is ready to work with you to get down to goal. I'm sure you will feel so much better once you kick the carbs to the curb! Stay strong!!!

I know people have added hot sauce in this stage. Just take it slow.

@@Ruby1 Try decaffeinated tea (flavored - iced or hot), infused water, power ade zero, sugar free popsicles, broth, Vitamin Water Zero, crystal light or water flavor drops.

I would think if incisions are all healed then you can.

@@laney Try drinking more when you feel like that or change the timing of your protonix. You may need something else.

@@PNWsleever Welcome! I hope your ultrasound doesn't show anything serious. What makes your PCP think it's your spleen? How's your bloodwork? Let us know how you make out!

@@alishaSD I think you will need a valid passport. How fast can you get it renewed?

@@nicugal36 What are you allowed? Have you tried broth or sugar free popsicles? I know we're not supposed to have soda post-op - but diet ginger-ale may help settle your stomach - or ginger tea.

@@RoseyM It's a great thing you are getting your fluids! You can't stretch your stomach. Fluids go right through your sleeve. Stay strong! You're doing great!

@@laney It's most likely acid or head hunger. Are you taking a PPI?

It is doubtful it has stopped - it may have just stalled (which is completely normal and to be expected). You need to make sure you are meeting your Protein and Fluid goals and taking Vitamins. If you follow the plan - you will lose weight.

I'm sure the honey won't cause any issues anyway. I don't even have a pre-op diet.

@@jvand814 Did they recommend Ensure specifically? I would ask about another type of protein shake. You should not have to deal with diarrhea for a month.

Are these copayments or a deductible? Are you going to a surgeon who participates in BCBS? Usually the amount you would pay is a % of the allowed amount - not the surgeon's fees. I would call your insurance and ask them for an estimate of out of pocket expenses - they should be able to tell you. You can often make payment arrangements - talk to your surgeon's insurance coordinator and the finance department at the hospital.

I guess that's good in a way. You will have to remember to eat at least 3 times a day (my plan says 5-6) to make sure you aren't damaging your metabolism with so few calories. Try adding a little healthy fats into your diet to increase calories. Supplement with a shake if you're not getting enough Protein. You should carry a few single size servings of almonds for a snack. I also like baby bel cheese.

@@cslove Congrats - you look beautiful and sexy!!! Good luck with plastics!