Tiffykins

What region of Tricare are you in? Because for those in the Tricare North, I've heard they are having a tough time getting approved. I know they've been covering them at MTF's but some people have Tricare Standard, or Prime and see a civilian. I've been checking tricare.mil for coverage, but haven't seen any updates since August 2009.

YAY YAY I'm so glad everything went well, and a big hug to you. I hope you get an upgrade as well. Be safe in your travels, and we look forward to following your progress. Keep us all posted.

I was in forever ! ! ! And no one ever came in. . . I've got the window back open. John is watching some old a$$ movie called "Patton".

Hey Chris and welcome to VST. I can only answer with some general information. Most recovery time is around 6 weeks for most patients. Meaning you would definitely want to take 6 weeks off the mower. Your staple line will be healing, your incisions will be healing internally. You do not want a hernia, or infection or pulling/tugging on the lap sites. As for the eating and drinking, once you off the post-op diet, you should not have any major issues getting in plenty of Water. You may have to eat smaller meals more frequently as your stomach will not allow for large portions. Lots of dense Protein food will help sustain you, and healthy complex carbs for energy. If you continue to tone, and keep your muscle mass built up, you should not have an issue with lifting. You will need to be careful for several weeks after surgery, and ensure that you are 100% healed before doing any manual labor. Of course, these are just generalizations, and checking with your surgeon will give you the best answers to your specific lifestyle. As for the facility/doctor you are using, I'm not familiar with either. I'm a Texas girl, originally from the Dallas area, and have long term, near and dear friends in your neck of the woods, and in Houston. Keep us posted on your progress, and if you need anything, let us know ! ! !

Ohhhhh yucky, I'm sorry you had a rough time. But, hope the trip was enjoyable ! ! !

I know it's late, but I had some caffeine today so I'm up ! ! ! Someone come chat.

I concur 100%.

I seriously love, love, love this thread. I had a tiny one today. I threw on a little make-up, a ballcap (John's), jeans, and an Old Navy thermal to run up to the commissary. I came into the living room, and John said " baby, you look so sexy today ". We've been together almost 4 years, married for 2 next month, and it's the first time he's ever said that I was "sexy". . . I think I was floating on air for the next hour or so. . .

Hi Jeani, and welcome to VST. The sleeve is a great tool, and I hope you get approval from your insurance. It's true that you can take NSAIDs with the sleeve because it's a full-functioning stomach, just smaller. No pouch for the NSAIDs to irritate. I take Alleve a couple of times a week for pains and aches. Good luck on your journey, and keep us posted.

YAY YAY, that's awesome Judy ! ! !

Ouchy, I don't have any advice because I've never had to deal with that issue. Take it easy, and don't overdo it.

I had my sleeve revision covered and performed at an MTF with Tricare Prime. I've heard conflicting information on coverage with civilian surgeons. I know there are several MTFs here in the US that are performing the sleeve. Your best bet is to call Tricare for your region, and the local MTF's in your area to find out if the procedure is offered.

I am not a big juice drinker, but occasionally I really enjoy a few ounces. Today, while perusing the commissary aisles I found Old Orchard Healthy Balance Apple Cranberry Juice. It's sweetened with Splenda, and it's really tasty. They have several different flavors. I picked up some of their Grape juice variety for Caysen. He said it was yummy as well. fruit juice fans out there. I read a bunch of labels on some of the "diet/light" varieties, and they all had added sugar and higher carb counts.

Hey Mel, I don't have any advice on UHC, but it looks like the above poster has great resources. I would definitely check out the complication rates on the band especially if you are self-pay even for a portion of it. Plus, the cost of fills. I've had both the band and the sleeve. Sleeve hands down is amazing.

You can take Biotin pre-op to help start regrowing hair, but scientifically there is absolutely nothing we can take, or use to decrease the loss. Some people swear getting in even more Protein will stop, but there's a couple members here that get 80-100 grams of protein, and they lost more hair than I did. I'm looking for the article that discusses this issue. I did start using Folicure extra care shampoo when I noticed I was losing hair. It helps the regrowth. I started getting regrowth within a month-month and a half of losing it. Now, I have 2-3 inches of new growth all over my head especially around my hairline along my forehead and temples. I have these little hairs sprouting up all over the top of my head. I look like a Chia pet when I brush my hair when I get out of the shower. You aren't alone in how you feel about your hair and nails. I loved my thick, full of body hair. I always get solar nails pink/whites so I can't comment on the nail issue. Here's the link on hair loss after any surgery, or traumatic event. Telogen Effluvium: eMedicine Dermatology

Hi Robbie, and welcome to VST. I personally haven't had to travel for my surgery, but I hope all goes well during your travels. The sleeve is truly wonderful, and I'll be watching for threads on your progress and journey.

After my old blog posts being brought up in a thread, and reviewing them myself, with some blogs getting 60 views, yet no replies/comments, I decided to change my blog settings to only people on my contact/friends list can view and/or leave comments. I understand the anonimity of the internet, and that what I put out there for all to see, but seriously 60 views without a comment kind of made me rethink even blogging here at all. I don't expect every person that reads my blog to comment, but lurking makes me nervous, and quite frankly creeps me out. I don't have a public blogspot for this very reason because I would wonder why so many are interested enough to read, yet they have no desire to really get to know me, or at least say "hello". I plan on shooting a message to the admin/mod team to find out if they other settings on the forum that allow anyone and everyone to view blogs. I changed my settings, but it said that the admin could override those settings. If my blog settings can not be selected by me, then I will not be blogging any longer.

I was on the very low end with my T4 levels pre-op with my band, and with my sleeve revision. My revision surgeon said it might resolve on it's own after I lost weight. At my 3 month follow-up, my thyroid levels were right in the middle of the "normal". I just had my labs pulled yesterday, and will get the results Monday. They did an extensive thyroid panel so I'll share the results when I get them on Monday.

My period is typically lighter, and shorter now. I still retain Water, but that's probably because I consume more salt the week before. I've had to switch from Super Tampons to Regular tampons. I had a rough cycle this last time but it only lasted 3 days. I used to go for 6 days pre-op, so I welcome the 3 day cycle. I'm not on any type of hormonal birth control either. I don't seem to cramp as much. I don't find that my want/desire for food is bad before my period. I just want salty/crunchy stuff. I will eat a couple of big pretzel sticks, and that "craving" is satisfied. Or, I'll have some Sociable crackers with cream cheese. I'm not anymore hungry before my period than I am another day.

I don't really get a "full signal". I get this twinge, it isn't pain or even discomfort, and then I feel satisfied. Not stuff, or even really full, but kind of like I don't need to eat anymore. I'll have to find the article again, but it's been researched, and the findings state that it takes at least 20 minutes for the brain to recognize that you are full or satisfied from the amount of food we eat. That is why it's so important to eat slowly, and be mindful of the quantities. I'll see if I can dig up the article for reference. Here's the link with additional reference material listed at the bottom of the page: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=55932

You're going to get over the "hump". I think I hit the same thing around Christmas time, I lost all interest in being mindful of what I put in my mouth. You'll do it DeeDee, and I've been having some WW meals just for ease and convenience for lunch. I hate cooking for just me, and I have a 2 time leftover rule.

I have and still have zero hunger issues. I literally have to remind myself to eat. I'm fairly sure I could go days without eating as long as I had my Water with me, I'd be okay. Hopefully others will chime in with their experience, and be able to give you some tips.