KristenLe

@@cajunkyl99 I'm not a bander but I don't think a surgeon will do a band with gastroparesis or reflux as these can be complications of a band.

@@justhere4theshow Waking up like that is horrible! I would ask for a different med to see if that helps. Sometimes the combination of meds are needed. In terms of the weight gain - don't panic - you are probably retaining water or constipated. Be sure to hydrate! Take care!

Are you sure it didn't mean 4ozs of protein shake at a time - but drinking several times a day?

It takes time - you just had major surgery and your body is trying to heal. All your energy is going into that.

I would speak with a Manager. That's inexcusable.

Usually, it's the gas they use to expand your abdomen. It can be a sign of a complication too - so if there's ever any doubt - call your surgeon. Also - I encourage everyone to take their pain meds as prescribed - even if you don't think you need them. It's hard to catch up with pain once it starts.

Nuts and pickles are high in sodium. You may be retaining fluids - which may account for some of the weight. It's very unusual to gain 13 lbs in a week and that certainly can't be fat weight (you couldn't possibly have eaten enough to gain 13lbs). How are you doing on your fluids? Are you peeing normally? Constipated? Try drinking more - try tea or Water with lemon. If you continue to stay at that weight or gain - I'd call your surgeon. Please let us know how you are doing.

You have to be careful with baby foods - many have added sugars.

Approved by insurance? Give them a call - or call your surgeon's office. I wouldn't have known if I didn't call.

@@Gordita81 That sucks. My surgeon requires all those tests prior to approval. Hopefully you'll get clearance.

Follow the plan - you will be successful!!! Stay strong!

You are truly an inspiration!!! I'm so proud of you! You look gorgeous - love the hair and the smile!! Congrats! Amazing!

@@gina171 Almost time - I'm so excited for you! Look forward to hearing about your easy recovery!

Therapy helped me - although I'm still pre-op - I've already been able to get my emotional eating / head hunger under better control. It's not 100% but alot better than before therapy.

@ It depends on the insurance - some take the original starting weight/BMI. But - in many cases you have to be careful and it's a juggling act - lose weight, don't lose too much weight, etc. The surgeon's insurance coordinator usually helps to determine where you need to be and if you can lose weight or not based on your insurance requirements.

@@bdfletch You can really see a difference - you look great!!! Congrats on your success so far!!!

@@Albert Barret This is a surgical practice/hospital in Mexico. There's no need to contact them unless her insurance doesn't cover it and she plans on going to Mexico for self-pay. With a BMI of 41 - it's doubtful she'll need to self-pay.

@@higher I am similar - I never realized how giant I had become. It was a picture someone took of me when my great-niece was born that made me cry - and I had to ask my niece not to post it on any social media sites because I looked so horrible. Don't get me wrong - I know I'm fat and I don't like the way I look (I avoid mirrors) but I just can't believe how bad it really is. I look forward to taking an updated picture with my great niece on her 1st birthday and posting it all over facebook and instagram!

My plan is liquids including protein shakes in the hospital and until day 8 when we are allowed purees. No pasta, bread or rice "forever" (or anything doughy that expands in stomach). I remember seeing a post from a woman who was eating lasagna (pureed) a week after surgery because she felt she should be able to eat what her family was eating. I always wonder how those people make out in the long run. Even if my plan allowed pasta - I wouldn't be having it - it's a major factor in why I'm fat!

@@Pinkberry2 Definitely have it removed or you will end up having to have a second surgery to remove it shortly after. Go through the discomfort and pain once! You definitely don't want to wait until you have to have it removed - the pain of a gallbladder attack is excruciating!

@@kgarrettsatx It doesn't look infected. Do they allow you to put some neosporin or something on them - might help with healing.

@@biglady904 It's very common. Congrats on your loss so far - that's awesome!!!

@@Nikki Monroe I was in so much pain with a gallbladder attack requiring emergency surgery that the recovery seemed easy. Similar to sleeve surgery - they pump up your abdomen with gas - so there is pain and being uncomfortable from that. My gallbladder was seriously infected so I stayed one night inpatient. I honestly don't remember all that much pain after surgery. I think I stayed out of work for 3 weeks but I'm sure I could have gone back sooner (just didn't want to). Good luck!

@@haliib Most insurance plans will cover surgery with a BMI over 40 (even if no comorbidities). The requirements of each plan can be different - so that will be specific to your plan (if you need a supervised weight loss program). I would call your insurance and get coverage details and find a surgeon who is part of a Center of Excellence. You often have to attend an informational seminar at the surgeon's office before scheduling an appointment. I think it's great you're getting control of your obesity now - before you have comorbidities to deal with! Good luck!

With WLS, it will be important to eat 3-5 small meals a day (Protein focused). Because protein is so important in weight loss and healing - and you can only eat so much at once - you really shouldn't skip a meal. That can also mess with your metabolism. That doesn't mean you can't have coffee and protein for breakfast (even if you have a shake instead of food). The thing about coffee is that it can be acidic and cause ulcers (so you need to be cautious after WLS.) Caffeine can interfere with the absorption of some Vitamins and Calcium. With that said - many plans still allow it (after the dehydration risk period). Keep in mind, your weight is at a dangerous level - and without surgery you could have serious health consequences that could force you to give up caffeine (and more) anyway. Please don't let the chance of not having coffee again derail your plans for surgery. I put off surgery because I was afraid to give up certain things - and unfortunately - got close to 300 lbs and have had nothing but health problems - one after the other - this year. I realized I can give up anything if it means saving my life (even my beloved Bloody Mary's ). Good luck on your journey!!!