cajun

That's exactly what I did...my insurance does not cover VSG and rather than spend 6-12 months sending in petitions for them to reconsider, I just researched surgeons and facilities extensively, scheduled the surgery, and had it done in Mexicali by Dr Aceves a month ago. I have lost 40 lbs since starting a "pre surgery" diet and I feel great. My knees don't hurt any more. My BP is down to normal. I was able to work all day in my yard without getting fatigued this weekend. I have a new lease on life. Best money I ever spent! 99 lbs to go, and If my guess is right, it will be "outta here" in 6-7 months! Once I set a goal...I go for it with gusto!

I agree, the same goes for rice and bread. I avoid all of these. A swollen sleeve could cause a leak, and if not a leak, a few hours of miserable pain and vomiting.

Dr Aceves recommends "avoid rice, potatoes and bread". These are high glycemic index foods, in other words, they are similar to eating sugar. Corn is another one that fits in this category. I'm avoiding them, because my goal is to LOSE weight. Also, rice may swell in your sleeve, which could cause a leak. Even if no leak occurs, a swollen sleeve is VERY painful. A lot of healthier veggies have complex carbohydrates that are better, in moderation. Squash is one example. I'm looking forward to when I can add a little veggies to my diet, but for now, all I can eat is a tiny piece of meat, and I am FULL. Lovin that sleeve!

I add a few drops of banana extract to the Jay Robb whey Protein shake (chocolate flavor) and I love them. No aftertaste. I would not use a banana because they are very calorie/sugar dense, can cause constipation, and give me a migraine. Mashed potatoes is a big no-no according to Dr Aceves, because they have a high glycemic index...same goes for rice and bread. I don't eat baby food. If I need something mushy, I put it in my blender with some milk or some chicken broth...I think that's more nutritious. I don't care much for tofu, and have hypothyroidism so soy is not recommended for me anyway because it can make thyroid problems worse. If I did not have thryoid problems I would probably be drinking soy milk because of its' many benefits.

4 days to go....I am so glad for you, Norma. You will be amazed at how awesome the medical care is in Mexicali. The program really works for those who are truly committed to following it. I'm rooting for you!

Great post. I bought a body pillow at Target too, before the surgery. I love it...it is as tall as I am long so it really helps me get comfy.

I love to see the variety of different eating patterns. And recipes! Keep them coming!

I agree with the above experts. Just don't worry about it, focus instead on getting in all your fluids and Proteins, and be sure you are getting 600-800 calories. If your calorie intake is too low you may get weak, and your metabolism will slow way down so you burn less calories. At two weeks 3 days out, it is hard to get in the required Protein unless you are using a liquid Protein of some kind. Have you found one you like?

I doubt that you will "have to push" because diarrhea is common for a week or two after the surgery. :001_huh:

Me too, experience is my number one criteria.

I can't figure that one out, Tiff. Cabbage from lunch coming up after supper....did you have some cabbage for supper too? Seems like lunch should be gone after 2 hours. ???

I had some discomfort unless I burped between each small sip ...still get that sometimes if I take too large a sip now at one month out.

Congrats and welcome to the loser's bench! Rest up! Sip sip sip. Walk walk walk to get rid of the gas and prevent blood clots! Looking forward to hearing your story once you feel up to it.

Steve, I am sorry to hear about your brother. If you don't mind saying, did he have "fatty liver", or liver cancer?

That sounds very sensible and I'm sure you are going to do great. Let us know how you are doing after your surgery.

You have a date? And is he tall, dark, and handsome? Just kidding...:001_smile: Congratulations!!!!!!!!

I agree...best to get tested for a leak, and it is it negative then you can get some advice from your physician on what to do to be more comfortable. Are you on a PPI such as nexium? Dr Aceves keeps his patients on clear liquids for 10 days...which includes clear broth (not soup with anything in it). If you know what to expect, you won't be so worried when symptoms occur. Did your surgeon give you any instructions to read, or information on what to expect, dietary changes to follow after your surgery?

I had some intestinal issues too and was glad to be off those two weeks. By the time I went back to work that was all resolved. It was a bit more fatigued than usual by the end of my shift. Probably could have used another week but I made it and feel back to normal now, at one month. the first two weeks the diet is so restricted I think that made me more fatigued...then the fact that you've had major surgery, anesthesia, etc. the body needs time to heal a bit.

I took off two weeks. It was enough time for me. Some take less.

Salmon salad is good to and a very dense protein. I'm more leery of eating too much tuna because of the mercury content. Once a month is about all I'll eat tuna. I like sardines too.

I am much colder now that I have lost 35 lbs. I noticed that after losing the first 15, during the pre-op diet. I attributed it to metabolism slowing down, and loss of some fatty insulationi. ha ha.

I sent a cashier's check as required, and it arrived safe and sound at the address sent to me by Nina. Had my surgery about a month later. It's no hoax! But if you are needing some "first-hand proof", you can go visit the hospital and meet Dr Aceves in advance of making any of your arrangements. He would be glad to meet you, you could meet some of the patients having surgery while you are there, tour the hospital, and become convinced! You'll love him and his staff. Good luck to you on your path!

Welcome home! Isn't it great to be in your own bed? The leak test was not entirely pleasant, I agree! One of those "necessary evils" in life!:thumbup: I've never heard of numbness in the fingers after VSG...what's that all about? Just be sure to stay well hydrated...and walk walk walk to prevent blood clots and move the gas out. Not much more I had energy for those first few days. My fingers were'n't numb but I think my brain was!:drool: Let us know how you get along!

Mine did that too. I didn't worry about it. they all healed up fine.