ImSweetJane

Hello all! Any MN peeps out there have Dr. Charles Svendsen? I’m pre-op and a newbie and have him as my surgeon (RNY). I’m wondering about your experiences with him - good, bad, mixed, whatever! thanks!

Hi! I’ve taken both. I’m fine with vitamins and still use them. Those calcium chews are awful IMO. They upset my stomach, too tangy or something. I now use these: https://procarenow.com/calcium-soft-chews/?sku=Vit-ChewSSaltCrmel-500mg-90ct I get they variety pack, they all good!

Sorry to hear, I’m sure this is very frustrating. I am not familiar with the weight management program at all. When I started my research, I was going to look into that program but ultimately decided on surgery. I never even looked at the Fairview or HealthPartners programs. The Allina program came recommended. Oh well, no point in looking backwards. Good luck to you also!

Hi, I did have my surgery in November. It has not been a very positive or successful experience for me. My issue is not with the surgery itself (maybe), but rather with the follow-up. Allina has been seriously lacking in that department. My questions and concerns go unanswered and unresolved. I am now consulting with a long time bariatric surgeon out of state to make sure I am doing everything right to maximize my loss during this one time only window. I’m not losing much and I get different and contradictory responses from different nurses and dietitians - I don’t even see the same people anymore. I’ve given up on Allina and don’t recommend to those who ask. Ugh - sorry about that. This still upsets me. Dr Svendsen is great. Unfortunately, you don’t see him after your surgery. You follow up with nurses, dietitians, and bariatricians. He’s only the salesman and surgeon. I wish your BF the best. I’m sure he’ll be successful, most are. 💕

Hi all, I’m now 5.5 weeks RNY post op. I have only lost 17 lbs post-op ☹️ Has anyone else experienced this? I was/am following all diet orders and restrictions I have recently moved to all foods stage. I am getting all of my protein and fluid requirements (and more) in I am exercising every day I was told from my surgeon that the first three to four months are the “honeymoon” phase, where the weight comes off with little effort. Week 1 was good, the rest have been averaging 2.5 pounds. Now it seems to be slowing down - last week’s loss was 1.8. What happens when the honeymoon is over?!? I’ve read the other posts about this issue, but I’m doing all of the recommended actions already. I don’t even think this is a stall, loss has been slow period. Is it because I’m older - 50’s? My nurse and dietitian just said that some people don’t lose as much as others Sorry to whine. I know there are no guarantees. After seeing the loss for nearly everyone else, I was just hoping for more. thank you!

i haven’t tried this pizza but if you like to cook, I found this recipe and made it. It was really good. Admittedly I was skeptical about the chicken crust but it was good!

Hello all, I had RNY on 11/11. Went well. I was surprised at how little pain I had (and I’m a baby). I stopped pain meds the next day. Still on clear liquids and I cannot eat another bite of jello again. EVER. Heads up - they are canceling WLS surgeries in the Minneapolis area starting this week. I just made it. Hoping you all can get your surgeries done before they stop!

I love SF Popsicle brand the best. It’s been hit or miss on finding them though good luck! My pre op diet starts in a few weeks 😜

Hello! I’ve started the process of having this surgery. I have met my surgeon and am now jumping through all of the insurance and medical hoops. I do still have some concerns about having the surgery. I am wondering if anyone out there regrets their surgery. I don’t mean the “feeling crappy after right after surgery” regret, but rather “it’s been a while now and I wish I hadn’t done this permanent thing” regret. I appreciate your thoughts!

Thanks! I thought maybe I was misreading that reply 😉

THANK YOU!!! What you say makes complete sense. I didn’t think of any of your points, but I get it. I appreciate your time 🙂

Hi! I realize that I don’t have all the details here, but want to share some thoughts as a Fed too. If you change insurance this open season, your new plan won’t start until January. Also, I’m thinking you’ll have to start over with the all the pre-auth stuff because you’ll have a new company with new rules. FEP Blue is BC/BS and I was told they require 6 months of dieting prior to surgery. UHC doesn’t. At least not for me. I suggest checking it out beforehand. Plan coverage differs within the fed gov (I’m VA). If this isn’t an issue for you then, great! Good luck and stay healthy!