skinny_minnie_wannabe

There are so many things that they don't tell us. I have been going through this process for almost a year and I have reached out to every single resource I could find. Youtube and this website has been my guiding light. There are complications that are associated with surgery. Some people have totally different experiences. I think that it depends on your support systems and your expectations. It is helpful to have someone that can be blunt and informative. The sugar coat is no good. Having the procedure and gaining advantages is work within itself. I am pre-op and I'm trying to prepare myself for complications but I'm not sure if one can really do that. It's scary. It's life changing. It is more than a small decision. It will impact you for the rest of your life. Now that you have gone through with it, you need support, support, support. You need people that you can talk to about nutritional requirements. Someone that can talk to you candidly about things such as having to poop and how your body will change. Most importantly, you need someone to reach out to about how your life and mind are changing. Once again referring to support, reach as far as possible. A dietician, a therapist, your doctor, your family, your friends, people on this board, youtube, other bariatric sites. Reach, reach, reach! There is support out there and I think that you have come to the perfect place. Was it easy? Will it be easy? No one should ever been encouraged that this is a simple process. This is some hard stuff and it will take guidance and a helping hand. Just know that this is not going to last. You got through the process and the surgery. That takes soooo much courage! Now channel your strength into your recovery. You can do this! You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong and know that this is temporary and that you made the right choice.

I only found flaxseed powder.. wonder if it does the same I currently take the pill form but they are horse pills. I'm pre-up so it's not a concern now but post-op it would be impossible. I think that you can buy it in oil form or powder as well. Try Walmart or a Vitamin website. Someone said Metamucil. I heard that is good as well. Just ask your doctor.

I'm pre-op and I can't wait for that feeling. Sweets have taken over my life. Good for you!

http://bariatricfusion.com/meal-replacement-32-oz-tub-cappuccino.html Bariatric Fushion Link

My doc is requiring a diet with product called Bariatric fushion. I think that is better when you take what the doctor recommends. Of course they always don't make it that easy. Protein is very, very important because it helps the healing process after the surgery. Also, there must be a certain amount of carbs because carbs help maintain blood sugar. Bariatric Fushion has 27 grams of protein, 121 calories per serving plus all of the required Vitamins and minerals. When milk is added, the protein (and of course the cals go up). I def would speak to the nutritionist because you want to make sure to be all ready for surgery. Good luck!

Everyone has their own opinion. I have heard people tell me to not do it. They tell me I'm not fat enough. People have a preconception that you have to be heavy enough to require a fork-lift to get around. The best opinions come from the thin people that see obesity from a totally different perspective, why wouldn't they...they aren't obese. It's like a deaf person telling a blind person that they can see. Anyways, this decision takes so much research. Of course some opinions count but it makes more sense to hear them from people that have actually been through it.....like the people on this site for example. You let that all sink in and make the decision for YOURSELF. It is for your health, not theirs. They aren't in your situation. They aren't bariatric physicians. Anyways, if anyone tells you its "the easy way out" they are full of it. If anything, this surgery takes more commitment than any traditional diet ever would require. You put in months of preparation, your body changes, you are changed mentally, and you have to live your life in a totally different manner. You are strong. You know yourself and if the person hasn't gone to med school for weight loss surgery, or has had the procedure done....screw em!

Most doctors recommend a stool-softener. You want to be careful before adding some herbal supplements, although I use flaxseed oil now but I am pre-op. Here are some facts. http://nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/990.html

I'm pre-op. Luckily I found out that citrate was a necessity before I bought a bunch of Vitamins. I never noticed the difference before. Anyways, my doctor recommends Bariatric Advantage chewables. Here is a link and of course there are a variety of flavors. http://www.amazon.com/Bariatric-Advantage-Calcium-Citrate-Caramel/dp/B0050LJYM4/ref=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1390191680&sr=1-2&keywords=bariatric+advantage+calcium+citrate

Thank you!!!

February 10th! So excited. This has been a crazy journey. I'm sure that you all can identify.

I have the go ahead for Feb 10th. I have to do 6 days liquid and I'm having gastric bypass. Soooo anxious!

Congrats!!! I got the go ahead today for Feb 10th. It is so overwhelming for me. Keep us updated!

Missysue, I tried to add you as a friend but it wouldn't let me. Do you have a date set yet??

Hi Ladies, I have been going through the process since April 2013. I've done EVERYTHING plus some. I have been put through the ringer several times, and I am happy to say that I finally got the go ahead from the insurance company. I am now waiting for scheduling to call me and it seems to be taking forever. My surgeon is Dr. Ali. I was Kalim but he left.

I called the insurance company and...I got approved!!! I'm like a kid on Christmas day. I'm waiting for the scheduler to call me. So very anxious!!

Welp, I gained the weight and I weighed in today. My BMI is at 40.5. Now I am waiting to hear from the insurance company. It is sad that people have to "play the game" to get approved. I'm excited to finally get the go ahead. This process has taken way too long. Thank you for all of your replies!

You look awesome!

I'm glad everything went through! Keep us updated. I'm still waiting for my surgery date.

Welp, got the news today. My case was denied because a lack of documentation of at least 2 comorbidities and proof of exhaustive measures. My BMI started out at 38.5. I have asthma, high cholesterol, depression, anxiety, and GERD. I'm preparing for an appeal. I'm not giving up! I have come way too far. Has anyone else been through a similar situation? Your stories would provide me encouragement.

I live in Erie

I was told that the likelihood of skin "bouncing back" is determined by genetics. Most of the time drooping is going to happen because of the rapid weight loss. When you lose weight quickly, it is difficult for the body to compensate with skin tightening. An individual's age is also a factor and the amount of weight that you lose. (I'm fearful of this myself but I won't let it stop me, that's for sure lol) I'm sure that you can do some toning exercises that will help such as lifting light weights. I try to incorporate light weights into my cardio. I use 2-5 lb weights on the treadmill. You don't have to do cardio with them though. You can simply lift. Do you have pinterest? If so there are a ton of exercises for wls patients. If you don't have it, I recommend that you sign up. I have found so much information that it is unbelievable. Take Care!

Awesome news! Please keep us updated. I'm curious about the experience outside of the United States.

Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately my comorbidities aren't cover with exception of the high cholesterol and they want 5 years of documentation proving exhaustive medical intervention. Basically, they want proof that nothing worked. My family doctor told me to "play the game." I'm weighing in on Monday. I hate that I have to result to this but I think it is the only way it can go. Congrats on your surgery btw!! I hope that all is going well with the aftercare.

Good for you!!!

You are awesome! haha