Kelly Sweetheart

I've had a different mind set for awhile now. I'm doing this for me. I'm doing this because it's best for me. I did the research. I learned about weight set point. I've researched about Ghrelin (and Leptin). I've yo-yo dieted since I was a teen. I'm now in my 50's. I've spoken to those who have had wls. I've talked to physicians about success rates and complications. I'm sure you've done a lot of these things or more yourself. Besides, you already had the procedure. Shoot, I'd shut them down with that. But honestly, did you previously think of alternative ways to celebrate birthdays, holidays, etc. I would say that's an example of a change in thinking. Hell, you making changes like that is a major success in my book. You got this

I'm so sorry to hear this, such a long wait. I hope you recover quickly

My surgeon was mostly concerned with iron levels. If that was to low, then surgery is postponed until iron levels go up. A lot of people have diabetes and it is one of the reasons that surgery is approved by insurance companies.

A week from tomorrow is my surgery. 03/24. I fly out to Vegas on Monday. Pre op diet has been pretty good. Ive been drinking two protein shakes and one of my Leftover Jenny Craig meals. Im over my UTI and have used some of the urinalysis test strips to check my ketones. Im in fat burning mode, hopefully that means my liver is shrinking as expected

So I had a UTI last week and had purchases some urinalysis strips to check for Nitrites,, leukocytes. The strips I purchases also had Ketones. I am officially burning fat!!

I didn’t realize how many of my family members don’t want me to do this. This weekend I went to my brothers to give him his bday present. He thinks it’s an overreaction to my weight . I was watching my 600 lb life sfter work today and my support person who is coming with me told me that she doesn’t want me to have the surgery. In her defense, the imagery in that show is pretty graphic. Then this evening , I confirmed with my sister that she will check on my kiddos while I’m gone and she said she had her doubts too! Dang! I was counting on family to help my anxieties. I have needle issues and always have the vasovagal response. I am fearing that, more than the recovery! Anyway. I’m glad I found this forum. I love the positivity

Walking and having somebody percuss your back/shoulder or wherever the trapped gas. It was explained in a video I watched from my surgery center. My surgery is next week, so I have no first hand experience though

One of the videos I watched mentioned gas traveling to the shoulders as well. Other than walking they suggested percussing the area to break down the gas into smaller parts

I ordered some vanilla Fairlife shakes from Amazon. I couldn't find any at my local grocery stores. thanks

Definitely! I am getting everything ready to go. I am older (52) and have two boys staying home. I think planning for them being home is more anxiety provoking than the surgery at this point. LOL I cannot find a protein shake that I like. Previously I was on the Jenny Craig diet and I loved their vanilla shakes. But they only have 12 g of protein. I think I read somebody added flavored syrup to protein powder and water and that helped. anybody?

I have seen some sleeve to bypass posts. Just curious if anybody would share why? I'm scheduled to have a sleeve on the 24th. Is it normal to have to have a bypass in the future. I know those that have had a band are converting, but I didn't realize it was also happening with the sleeve

Thanks for the post. I loved the video. I haven’t had my surgery yet and I really don’t know what to put as a goal weight. I understood his calculation of 70% of excess. But I missed what is considered my “ideal weight”. Do you use the middle of BMI normal range? My start weight was 198. And I’m 5’4”. What do I use as the ideal weight number to subtract from the 198 .

Wonderful news! I’m so glad to hear this

You will be fine at 3 weeks out. Nicotine is out of your blood rather quickly. Usually they test for cotinine. It’s out of your blood by the 10th day. I would not smoke or use any nicotine products while healing. You don’t want to hinder that process. I wouldn’t worry. Good luck :)

The research I’ve read shows that WLS is an option for those with BMI 27+. I’ve always struggled to keep my weight under 150. I’ve always been chubby. My A1C, my BP, my triglycerides, etc have been increasing along with my weight. COVID hit and the stress from all the changes because of it has not helped. I need to lose 50 pounds now too. Im scheduled for surgery this month. I wish you the best! Check the current research. You don’t need to be morbidly obese to benefit from the surgery. Obese patients are successfully keeping the weight off with lower a1c BP and other comorbidities

I’m glad you are feeling well and recuperating at home.

I had insurance pay for some of the pre/post op testing/therapy. However, I'm a self pay for the procedure. $9800. I think a complete self pay including testing and such was 16500 . I'm flying to Nevada, the hotel stay is included in the price as well as transportation to/from airport/clinic/surgical center.

IKR, There has got to be a better way to test by now.

I can't believe it's surgery month. I'm so excited and a little anxious. I hope everybody is doing well. I found the surgical binder on Amazon, thanks! I ordered it, some protein shakes and a case of crystal light, cherry pomegranate. I haven't been feeling the best, checked my urine, yep a UTI. I tend to get these once a year. The antibiotics make me nauseated and so I haven't been eating well at all. I've got the liquid stage set. Do you have foods in mind for the second phase?

My surgery is Thursday, the 24th. Just a few days behind. Not sure if that's good or bad. But I'll be stalking you all for updates

I would call your surgeon's office and talk to the dietician if they have one in house. Let them know that you are struggling and see what they recommend. Keep in communication so that they know you are following their guidance and need more help.

I'm glad you are not in pain and you came through successfully. I hope the swelling declines soon and you get to go home. I can never rest in a hospital anyway. Are you able to move around any?

Best of luck to you as well.

You've got this!

It definitely feels real to me. I've already paid and booked my flight. No turning back now. LOL I am starting to purchase those items as well. I admit. I'm going to miss my soda stream,. Somebody mentioned a surgical abdominal binder. It's supposed to help with gas pain. I don't know where to get one though.