MSinger
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Everything posted by MSinger
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Happy 4th to everyone
Looks like I burned out my first kitchen scale. Checked the batteries and it's still not working and nope.. dead. Got a new one on Amazon, so I'm gonna have to stick to pre-portioned foods until it comes in.
Today I am 6weeks post op. I cannot believe how quickly the time has gone by! I've been thinking about how much I've learned since my first surgeon appointment in March up to now. The last few years have been really tough as I tried so many different ways to lose weight, only to see little to no results. Unfortunately, feeling so much disappointment really took a toll on me mentally and made me question myself.
Although I had my recent slip-up, I am still so thankful to have had this surgery and to experience the discipline over food that I now have. I feel so much more in control and happy with the foods I eat. You don't have to have a gigantic, greasy, calorie-dense meal in order to feel satisfied. My lunch today was 2oz of smoked rainbow trout with 2oz of kale yogurt dip and it was delicious
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Not food, but I had dreams that I was smoking pot. Lol.. I don't touch the stuff!
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Do they always go in laparoscopic?
MSinger replied to RaynaRayne's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Regarding #2, if you are calling in to check benefits, the representative will typically tell you all the financials related: deductible, in and out of network benefits, out of pocket max. They like to dump the data on you. I'd recommend calling back and ask for an Explanation of Benefits letter (EOB) to be sent to you. At least then, you'll have it in writing. As for #3, this is incredibly vague. Every insurance company has a medical policy that explains what criteria must be met for surgery to be approved. These are typically available online. You said you have BCBS, so maybe search on their website and see if you can pull up a copy of their bariatric surgery medical policy. You can also call your insurance and ask them how to find their medical policy. That information is available to everyone and you many be able to get to it yourself if you go to the BCBS website. #4.. well, first off, I don't know how true this is. Gastric bypass and duodenal switch procedures do qualify as inpatient procedures per my insurance. My sleeve gastrectomy was approved as an outpatient procedure, but I had to be admitted inpatient for 2 days after my procedure and they covered it. They just did not approve an inpatient stay until they were sure I needed it. I recommend you call your insurance company back. The rep's answer to #3 was not acceptable. If you are getting more vague nonsense ask to speak with a supervisor. -
Well...I just got my first lesson on how this surgery is a tool, not a miracle. Went grocery shopping hungry, bought some "extras", came home and made some poor choices for the rest of the day. It is scary how quickly the calories added up, and how quickly my sleeve feels empty after eating. I ate a lot of food
I feel bad, but I'm gonna use this as a lesson. First off, it's not the end of the world. I'm 6 weeks out tomorrow, and this is the first time I've fallen off the wagon. That level of adherence to my diet was unheard of preop - I always broke within a week or two. Also, I went back and re-read my NUT materials. It's a good time for a refresher. I'm gonna learn what I can and just move on. Yesterday's poor decisions have no control over my choices today.
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Hi @MSinger we walk on the beach you may fall over some rocks but you balance yourself and keep on moving. I ate two mini ice cream sandwiches yesterday and i paid for it later so i got this morning regrouped and ate greek yogurt. I went from stumbling to balancing all within a day. Continued success.
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It really depends on person to person. Many people I've seen on here were walking over a mile at two weeks out. My energy was in the toilet for the first two weeks, and it has been extremely slow but steady progress since then. I'm 6 weeks out tomorrow and I still have occasional bouts of dizziness after a 1.5mile walk. It was also strange because I felt energtic, but would run out of steam very quickly. Still do. Take it slow. Make sure you have water with you and take frequent rest breaks. Make sure you have enough energy for the walk back.
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Do they always go in laparoscopic?
MSinger replied to RaynaRayne's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I second checking to see if this is a current policy. The copy you put up states vertical banded gastroplasty is covered, but per my insurance, that procedure is no longer a standard of care. This looks outdated. ETA: I also see your screenshot is from a site called obesityreporter.com. I don't know what kind of a site this is, but you should be speaking directly with your insurance company (call the # on the back of your insurance card). One insurance policy will not be the same as another, even if it the same insurance carrier. Every group has their own plan. Calling your insurance will allow you to get a link to a current policy the insurance company uses to review, as well as any additional stipulations your specific employer group may have. -
Do they always go in laparoscopic?
MSinger replied to RaynaRayne's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
This sounds really bizarre. I'm not sure if this means they would only cover if it is an open procedure, but if so I don't know why they would favor a more invasive approach. I have never heard of this. In any case, just focus on what your insurance company requires. There are some plans with strange provisions in their plans, but don't let that throw you off. -
I have gigantic tonsils and went through surgery fine. If it's something your doc finds concerning they may want you to do a sleep study.
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Feeling discouraged only day 3
MSinger replied to Ksinger522's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
This is really common post op. I hope the nausea meds help, but if you continue to have problems getting your water in call your Dr's office and let them know. Eta: I still get nauseous from plain water and have to flavor mine. I add trulemon to my water every day. -
I think this is great advice and could definitely work for some folks, but it would not work for me at all. The people in my life like to gossip, judge and sabotage my weight loss efforts. I have run into a lot of problems with them with prior weight loss attempts. I tried to educate them, show them exactly what I eating and how much healthier it was than what they were eating, I told them all about how much I was working out. They manipulated my words at every turn and even accused me of doing drugs. I decided the only person I would tell is my sister because she is understanding and I needed at least one support person. She totally understands why I do not want to tell the rest of the family. We discussed the possibility of telling them after I have lost all the weight I wanted to, but we both decided it's a bad idea. I'd rather they keep speculating. The only people I am willing to talk to about WLS is people who are actively looking into it. It just seems like talking to anyone else about it is a waste of time.
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Congratulations on your weight loss! Unfortunately, just because people are family does not mean they will be happy for you or be willing to understand what you are going through. I hope you have better support outside of your sister, as she is in no position worry about anyone's health but her own. You look fantastic, btw!!
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Welcome That first call to the surgeon's office is one of the hardest parts of the process. Just keep in mind you are doing this for your health, and future you appreciates how hard you are fighting for it right now.
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Hey all, I'm just wondering what foods/meals are in your regular rotation? Is it because they are high protein, very filling, you like the taste, your daily small guilty pleasure... etc..? I'm hoping to find some meal ideas. Foods in my regular rotation: I drink a premier protein shake every morning I have 4oz egg whites and 2slices of ultra thin cheese every day for breakfast I eat yogurt every day I add trulemon to my water every day because I (still) can't tolerate the taste of plain water. If you have any foods I'd love to know what they are. Thanks!
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What are your go-to foods?
MSinger replied to MSinger's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My tastes have definitely changed since preop (I'm 5weeks post op now). Have you found your tastes continue to change the further you are out from surgery? -
New here :) Insurance question.
MSinger replied to RaynaRayne's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Insurance companies will not cover anything unless it's medically necessary. It's confusing wording, but basically, you have a chance at being covered. They usually have a medical policy detailing what criteria you would need to meet in order for your surgery to be approved. Calling your insurance company to find out what criteria need to be met is the first step. Good luck. -
Calorie Intake Concerns
MSinger replied to Txcutie67's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Well, everyone is different, but I feel that at 5 weeks out you should be able to tolerate more than 2oz at a time. Then again, if it's dense protein, maybe that's all your sleeve can tolerate at once. Hard to say. How many calories do you get on average per day? How are you feeling overall? I'd recommend running this by your surgeon just to be on the safe side. -
Happy Monday all! Well, I hit my step PR today during my walk - 4k steps. It's not much, but it's progress so I'll take it. And I wasn't dizzy after I got home. I wish I could have stayed out longer since it's so beautiful out, but I started feeling a bit woozy so it was time to pack it up.
I also increased my calories from 800-950cals, so I'm wondering if that's what is helping with the dizziness. In the grand scheme, I know it's a low amount of calories for anyone, but it's like I almost feel guilty for eating "so much". I'm only 5 weeks out as of tomorrow, and I've seen people posting 600-800cal/day at 5weeks. I'm 6'0 and I'm wondering if that may have anything to do with it. I don't want to undereat if that could be what is making me so tired and dizzy, but I also have this fear that it's a slippery slope and before I know it I'll be back to overeating. Of course, I'm doing all that I can to prevent that, but this is something I feel I'm gonna worry about until I learn to trust my sleeve more.
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I am 6 weeks out and I can eat close to 800 calories so I think you are doing well. You are taller so I do think you will need more calories.
If you are worried about eating too much just make sure your meals and snacks are 4 oz or less. It is very hard to overeat when you measure out your portions. I am easing into my workouts just like you are. I think this is smart because you don't want to injure yourself.
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Thank you for the advice. The only food that I eat over 4oz is my cottage cheese and apple sauce which comes out to 6oz in total, but it takes me about an hour to eat.
Yes, I am also worried about injuring myself. My knee pain is improving and I noticed I haven't had an attack of plantar fasciitis in some time, but I worry about overdoing it on my knee, so I'm still babying it.
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I recommend talking to your Dr. It's tough since we are on a restricted diet, but there are foods you can also try to cut down (if you haven't already), such as chocolate, coffee, fatty foods. Sleeping with your head elevated helps at night as well. Sorry you're going through this.. I hope it gets better for you!
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I have to eat with my vitamins otherwise I get nauseous. Eating every 3 hours has turned out to be very helpful for me. If I do feel hunger, I know my next meal is very soon. Here's what I started eating yesterday: 8am Breakfast: egg whites and 2 ultrathin slices of cheese 11am Snack 1 - yogurt 2pm Lunch: 4oz LF cottage cheese, 2oz apple sauce 5pm - Dinner: 3oz chicken. I made a small amount of potatoes but I couldn't eat them 8pm - Snack 2 - 4oz Halo top ice cream
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I kinda feel the same way, but I noticed that I tend to get the sleeve fullness WAY after I've eaten. Like 40-50minutes later. I tried some pulled pork and was surprised at how well I was tolerating it and ended up eating past my limit. On the way home well after dinner was finished, I started to feel the pain from eating too much. Then another 20minutes later it passed and I felt hungry again. I can also eat 4-6oz of mushies, but I see people who were sleeved weeks before me saying they can only tolerate 3ish oz of food. I eat every 3 hours and don't eat to my limit, but I feel like I could eat more if I wanted to.
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Happy Thursday! Nothing much to update on, I'm just writing to keep up the habit. I've been plugging away at food/protein/water goals. Going grocery shopping tomorrow, so next week I'll be (slowly) introducing new foods to my sleeve. I still feel a good amount of fatigue which currently is my biggest frustration. There are people who reported feeling their energy come back by now, and while I have had a steady increase, I still get fatigued pretty quickly. Fingers crossed that I'll turn a corner soon!
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I feel like its too soon!?
MSinger replied to char3672's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Just wanted to add, typically when I try a new food for the first time, my stomach starts gurgling quite a bit, so don't get freaked if it happens to you. The very next time I have the same food I'm fine. It's so strange... -
Swooshing effect in ears that coincides with heartbeat and pulse
MSinger replied to SleeveDreamer's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I have the same thing, but strangely enough, it's gotten better since I had surgery. I spoke with a Dr about it and she referred me to an ENT who specializes in inner ear disorders (I still have not gone). I did notice if I have a few days of high-sodium meals it would get worse. I also have vertigo in my R ear. -
Finally listened to everyone and..
MSinger replied to AmandaWho's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I think I'm gonna stick to once a month weigh-ins as well. As long as you are accurately tracking calories and macros the weight loss will come. In the past when I weighed daily, yes, it did motivate me to lose weight fast, but I could never get past a week of doing this. When I weighed once a week, I used to be disappointed if I didn't lose an unreasonable amount of weight. This month was rough, but on the other hand, it was very peaceful. Anytime I started to worry about the scale I asked myself what I can do today to make sure I'm successful come weigh-in day, which has been helpful.
YAY!
