Malaika

Pamela - I am 8 months out and have found that if I sip something hot while I am eating I do not have any issues. I have to do this as I still suffer from esophogeal spasming and it sometimes makes eating a bit difficult, so if I have been having problems that day, I will have a hot tea (or sometimes just hot water) available to sip (not gulp, just sip) with my meals. I think you will be okay.

Welcome MLK - glad you found out about the sleeve and that you're going to be getting your surgery soon. Visit us often - lots of helpful people here. Happy to have you in the "family"

The Viactiv doesn't come without calcium as it is advertised as a calcium supplement, not a vitamin supplement. I buy some Adult gummy vitamins at Costco that are very good.

Sorry ladies - I didn't see your posts -- I've already given the clothes away to another member.

Cleaning out the closet again - I have 4 or 5 pairs of nice slacks - size 16W - several 1X tops and some larger XL tops that no longer fit. I also have belts that no longer to fit. If anyone is interested, send me a PM with your address and I'll get them boxed up and mailed out.

pumpkin -- is the feeling in your throat (up high) or is it down lower - like between your breasts?

Check out the post "Dr. Aceves Information" (or something similar thereto) - it gives a great list of what to take to the hospital, what to have on hand, what stages you can eat what, etc. If you have other questions, PM me.

I've been buying the Fresh & Easy non-fat plain Greek Yogurt and using the SF coffee syrups for flavoring. The texture is so much better than the Yoplait and Dannon yogurts and for 8 oz. it has 9 gms of carbs and 24 gms of protein. It's $1.49 at F&E and takes me about 45 minutes to eat and keeps me full for hours. So far I've used SF French Vanilla and SF Raspberry. I purchased SF Carmel and SF non-alcoholic Kahlua at Sam's Club for variety!

Here is a link where you can put in your doctor's name and it will give you information on them, including if there have been any actions take against them. I will try and find more information that may help you, too, and let you know. https://extranet.in.gov/WebLookup/Search.aspx St. Francis is a good hospital - both my sons were born there. It's been around for a very long time!

Although I'm from Indiana originally, I haven't lived there in 13 years and don't know about any bariatric surgeons in Indiana. You might try calling the Medical Board and asking for a referral, or checking with doctor's in your area and ask who they would recommend. I know when I was in Indy recently there were lots of commericals for the lapband - I am sure some of those surgeons must also perform the Sleeve. Good luck in your search.

You could do egg drop soup on your liquid/full liquid stage if you strain the egg out and on mushies "as is." Black pepper is fine as long as your tummy doesn't react to it. Everyone is different when it comes to spices; and what may not have bothered you pre-surgery may post -- you just have to experiment and see how you do with it.

15 is not very many at all. I'd also ask him why he has moved from state-to-state, that is unusual for a barriatric surgeon. I'd also inquire as to how many medical malpractice cases he has had against him. (Generally that is why doctors/surgeons tend to move around alot.) I know he has been in 3 states in less than 10 years. I would DEFINITELY do a lot of research before making your final decision.

MUSHY!!!!

I can only speak for myself; however, as a moderator I have never deleted any threads or posts and would never do so - everyone is entitled to know the truth. However, apparently, someone doesn't believe that is the case and I believe money speaks louder than truth, unfortunately.

Hi Laurie and welcome to VST - we are happy to have you join our ever-growing "family" ... you will be happy with the sleeve and I bet once you're at goal, you'll be able to start a family. If you have any questions, comments, fears, etc., post away!

I only recall 2 drug stores - one right on the edge of the Hospital parking lot and one across the street from the hospital - I don't recall any other stores within walking distance from the hospital; however, if you ask Dr. Campose or Dr. Aceves, they can tell you for certain.

You can sit on it and bounce when you're "studying" - that helps tone the leg and butt muscles. I also use it to do sit ups - it's a lot easier on the back - it takes a bit to find your "sweet" spot so you don't roll off or feel as though you're going too - but once you do, it's amazing how it helps with the sit-ups and how much you can feel it in your abs. Leslie Sansone's tapes are good, too - I just get tired of hearing her voice so I generally mute her and turn on other music.

Coopersmama - congratulations on your upcoming surgery and welcome to the VST Family. I think you are doing the right thing even if "they" consider you a lightweight -- it's a personal matter and based on your family's history, I think you are doing the right thing. I have told VERY few people about my surgery - it is no one's business in my opinion - when I was on the liquid phase of the post-op, I just told people I had had a hiatal hernia repaired (which was the truth) and left it at that. After hearing my mom's comments about WLS, I am very glad I opted not to share with my family.

My thoughts and prayers are with you - looking forward to hearing from you post-op!

I drink coffee every day - generally 1, maybe 1-1/2 cups and I also make a cup of hot tea when I get to work although I generally only end up taking a few sips of it. Caffeine doesn't really dehydrate you - however, it acts as a diuretic and if you're not getting in enough fluids then it could dehydrate you. I asked Wassa when she started drinking coffee and she told me that Dr. Aceves told her she could drink it "now" (and she said she was 6 days out from surgery) ... I don't drink soft drinks and I drink water all day long, so I figure I'm entitled to have my "vice" of coffee in the morning.

I am one of those who had to switch from XR to those which could be crushed/cut into small pieces. Another option is if you have a RX for 40 mg - see if the pharmacist can give you twice as many in a 20 mg - generally they will be smaller and easier to swallow -- that is what I am still doing with my prilosec.

TennJenn - I am so HAPPY for you - that is GREAT - congratulations!!!!!!

Sandy - welcome to our VST Family - we are so happy you discovered us and have decided to become a member - we are here for you - if you have any questions, fears, comments, etc., don't hesitate to ask - someone will have something to say to you. Congrats on your surgery date - March is just around the corner!

Hi Daisy - Yes, I really read each and every post - before the holidays I was able to keep up with them by reading them in the morning and then in the evenings -- that might not be possible now - I don't feel as though I'm ever going to get caught up - but I will muddle through them as I can. I will have another set back as my dad and his wife are coming to visit 1/15 through 1/18; and they don't know I've had the surgery, so I won't be able to be on the forum when they are here. I will one day get caught up!!!

Hi all - sorry I've been MIA for so long. There's been a lot going on and I needed to make a trip back to Indiana to take care of my mom who recently had surgery. I was there for 10 days and my internet access was limited. I also wrecked my car on Christmas Eve and have been dealing with all of that ... SO - THAT SAID: Please allow me to extend a belated WELCOME to all of our new members - there are so many it seems. WELCOME TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU and congratulations on your decision to get healthy! I am trying to catch up on all the posts - however, I have about 150 to read, so that may take me a while -- I will try and respond to posts; however, until I get caught up on the posts, if you really need an answer from me, please PM me and I will respond to those first. Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Looking forward to catching up on everyone's news and learning about our new members!