GassyGurl

I just tasted the coconut and liked it (I'm only day). I tried the berry a few days ago and liked it too. Haven't tried grape yet. Enjoy!

My first consult Bmi was 35.6. I tried the insurance route, with no luck. So I shopped around for a new surgeon and by the time I finally had surgery, my bmi was 32.9. I didn't have to do a preop diet, but chose to do one anyways. My main motivations were to get rid of high BP, cholesterol and hope for a smaller belly (currently 44 inches), and to feel less self confident around my hubby. I was not a healthy fat person and didn't want to end up like my dad and need a quintuple bypass and valve replacement So far it has been good. Surgery yesterday, managed to get down my entire tray and have walked 59 laps so far. I think it's a great tool, and I'm did it to help me do something I haven't been able to do on my own. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

That's so wonderful of him. My husband has been like my errand boy, lol. Before surgery, I showed him pictures and explained what I could eat, so in case he had to run out and get me something, he would know what he is looking for. I also made him a list of all my meds, physician info, allergies, pharmacy, pcp, etc. Seems like the dr, hospital, nurses, all ask the same questions and I wanted him to be able to answer for me if I didn't feel up I also told him about the regret phase, so he would know what was coming, and for him to remind me why I wanted to do this. My husband is awesome. Yours sounds awesome too! Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

I guess one of the last things I said to hubby (I don't remember) was "oh my gosh, my coochie itches". And the nurse said "oops, I forgot to tell you about that". Lol. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

I found these online at Walmart. They have a multi pack of flavors. And what I have had so far isn't too bad. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

My friend had a total knee replacement and had to wait 6 months before having gastric bypass. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm using Dr Taggar with Bariatrix Florida and Coral springs medical center. They had a great self pay package. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Yes! But I'm afraid of the OR. My emergency c section 26 years ago was traumatic. I just put my bag in the car, and we are heading to Florida after work for surgery on Friday. It finally seems real. Just breathe and remember why you're doing this. From what I have read, our feelings are totally normal. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

My Dr has us start purees on day 3. Seems like each one has their own plan. Enjoy! Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

https://asmbs.org/membership/membership directory in the surgery section, choose (FOLL) willing to follow other surgeons patients. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Go to the ASMBS website. They have a search feature that allows you to search for surgeons who will accept other surgeons patients. It's worth a shot. In my area, both say they will, but I never specifically asked about Mexico. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Ours said 1oz minimum, and if you can tolerate more it's OK. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

One practice here schedules everything on your first visit. You walk out with all nutrition, egd, psych, and surgery right after your consult. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

There are places that have a discounted price if you have a hernia and insurance. They bill the insurance for the hernia and charge you cash for the sleeve. But it's still about $5k. Dr Kim in Texas does this. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Good question! I'm preop at 194 and I wear a 14/16. I'm sure height and build have something to do with it. I'm 5'2 but have a 44 inch waist. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Our Costco carries caramel in the store. Yum! Also $5 off right now. They also sell all flavors online at Costco, with $2.99 shipping. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Maybe you can have him go to your visits so he understands how deadly obesity can be, and how safe the surgery can be. Lack of understanding can cause a lot of fear. Plus, change is always difficult. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

When you go to Mexico, you dont need a hotel or a rental car. They pick you up and drop you back off in San Diego. If you stay extra nights, its extra hotel fees, but normally a hotel is included for yourself and a companion for 2 - 4 days. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

My Dr said we can have caffeine once we get start hitting our daily 64 Oz fluid goals. But cautioned against it since it's a diuretic. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Every seminar I've been to, every Dr I've talked too, all say the risks of staying obese and dying from obesity are higher than the surgery itself. Plus, preop testing is thorough. Depending on age/weight you might have various tests such as pulmonary, cardiac, Egd to look at your esophagus, blood work, ekg, x-rays and a psychological exam. They make sure you're ready for it. They say the risks are about equal with gall bladder surgery. Plus, you are almost immediately put on a healthy diet to shrink your liver to prepare for surgery. But, the higher you are, it is more risky. And almost everyone will ask you to lose a little before surgery to have you even healthier. So, it's not like they don't do a thorough job before hand. If they find issue, they treat it and continue the process. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

There are plenty of places who charge less if you're willing to travel. I'm going to Florida next week and it's$8899. I paid copays for preop testing, and a flat fee for the surgery and hospital. $400 for a hotel for hubby, gas money and that's all. Don't discount Mexico either. Read reviews here and you'll be surprised. It costs as low as $4500, plus airfare to San Diego. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

I would gain the 2 (coins, weights, eating, etc) lbs plus a few for safety, and start over with a new Dr. If you have that option.... But their testing ideas are great. If you have a comorbidity, then you should be good. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

The Staples used to create your new stomach are permanent. There are probably 3 rows of them. If you watch a vsg sleeve surgery, you can see what they look like. Dr Ariel Ortiz and Dr illan have good videos. If you're talking Staples that close the surgical wound on your skin, they come out. Hope this helps! Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

So, what can we do to prepare in general to help us have an easier recovery? I only have 10 days, but every little bit helps. My bmi is 33.3 and I only have to do 3-4 shakes and a lean/green protein meal per day till surgery. I'm trying to do some deep breathing exercises and some flutter kicks for a little bit of a strength in my abs. I've read about pre surgery drinks like Clear fast, or carb loading the night before. Would these still be useful if you have to stop drinking at midnite? Any other idea's? Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Has anyone backed out of their surgery due to NSAID being prohibited after? I have lots of joint pain, most of which will be helped by weight loss. However, I doubt weight loss will help the bone spurs causing pain with my finger joints. There is also signs of rheumatoid arthritis, but it is better with naproxen. Based on testing, I assume the rheumatoid swelling will be back when I stop the naproxen. My 1st surgeon said celebrex was OK, but I had to leave him due to their Cash price being too much. New Dr, says no NSAID ever. Doesn't offer alternatives. Now, I'm confused. One minute I feel like I should cancel the whole sleeve surgery because the thought of hand pain for life scares me. It's bearable on NSAID, awful without. I feel like my choices are fat, (and everything that comes with) and somewhat pain free, or thinner and healthier, in pain. Should I do the sleeve anyways, then go back to the rheumatology doc and reevaluate? I admit, I don't know how many plan B options there are, other than what I found on Google. But surely I am not doomed for the rest of my life, right? Or Find another dr who allows celebrex/NSAID? If I go this route, are there tests or anything we can do to ensure I'm not getting an ulcer? There is always hope for future arthritis treatment too. Who knows what they'll be able to do in a few years. What would you do? (I've asked doc, they just say no NSAID, ever). I guess I'm worried about trading one problem (fat) for another (pain). Am I over thinking it? Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app