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I probably won't go back to see the Doctor who did my surgery. I don't have a primary care physician. I am going to make an appoinment with one today or tomorrow. Can the primary care doctor have my vitamin levels checked? What is the process? I remember the doctor who did my surgery wrote a prescription for the blood work, but then didn't tell me where to go and get it done so I just didn't do it. I am sort of at a loss of what to do.

Thanks for your help. My dr said that a partial unfil will be ok. I'm not that tight now. I wouldn't be upset about it if I had had a better loss. But I'm back on track and will work with whatever I have to. Thanks for your help!

Yay! It is rough at first, but it REALLY DOES get better each and every day. Drinking hot drinks always made me feel better in the beginning. I wish you a speedy recovery and LOTS of weight loss!

In all my time on the various WLS forums, I've never met/read about someone's hair NOT growing back. Mine did grow back in, but it grew in different. Pre-op, I had super wavy, almost curly hair. To this day, I have stick straight hair, no more waviness, The natural body, and fullness are back, plus my hair looks super healthy again, but no more waviness. Kind of weird, but it makes styling much easier

Thank you so much Lissa and Sharon for the helpful replies. Now that I know that Prilosec (on top of the Famotidine) helps you, Sharon, and Tums helps you, Lissa, I am going to pick up some of both! I was hoping it would be fine to take somethiing on top of the Famotidine (which I take twice a day already as well), so knowing that taking Prilosec has helped you, Sharon, I am sure it won't kill me! Not that I tho't it would but.... Anyway, another question: Are the "foamies" where you feel acid rumbling / building up into your throat? I have read about people on this board experiencing "foamies" but haven't had it defined as of yet. If that IS what it is, I DEFINITELY have the foamies, especially if/when I take pills earlier in the day! I will start watching the clock more closely to time my gut feelings. I also get hungry sooner after exercising (which I am happy to say, I have been walking 30 minutes per day, at least 5 days per week since the middle of week three post-op and it kicked my weight loss into a higher gear). I am down 41 lbs in total. 10 pre-op and 31 post op since sleeved on 10/17. So exciting! I have been using the MyFitnessPal.com app on my phone daily and it is a great tool. I am shooting for 50 to 60 g of protein a day and trying to keep the carbs low-ish. You are on there, aren't you, Lissa? I love being able to keep track of everything there. I finally think I am OVER utilizing the pen and paper routine to track, but must admit, I do miss not being able to see a whole week or more at a glance. I had created an Excel spreadsheet of everything I ate and drank and tracked cals, protein and carbs plus fluid intake and exercise for the first 4 weeks. But using MyFitnessPal is just SO much easier and less time consuming that I know I'll be more likely to continue tracking for the long term with it, whereas with paper, I always quit eventually because of time constraints. Lissa, I looked at a bunch of protein bars at The Vitamin Shoppe but they all had 35 or more carbs per bar and that worries me a bit. I am trying NOT to be paranoid about carbs but I do want to do this right and I DON'T want to screw up my losing streak, IYKWIM! I get to come of of soft foods as of Tuesday and am glad to be moving on to the "permanent" stage of eating on this journey. I just have to figure out what to purchase and fix so I won't get burned out on all the soft foods I've been eating (mostly eggs, cheese, cottage cheese, ground up chili with beans, refried beans and the like). I am SO ready for a REAL bite of REAL chicken (not ground down in food processor til it looks like baby food!' Thanks for your help. Hope your Thanksgiving weekend is relaxing! Leah p.s. Sharon - love your new picture on the board. It's lovely!

Start counting girl!! :-) Try to start with just counting protien. If you are not keeping track I can assure you that you probably not eating enough of it. If I don't keep track I end up with like 35 grams a day. I shoot for 80 grams per day. I find the weight loss completely stalls if I dont eat enough. Add in walking 3 days per week to start too and I think you will start to see the results!!! I keep track on myfitnesspal.com

Thanks guys. I'm fairly confident that whoever the doctor is, they'll do the referral, but I was concerned about that being a potential hold-up. Reading the insurance handbook, it does stipulate that weight loss surgery isn't covered unless its for morbid obesity, and since I meet that criteria, I should be alright. Also, if they refuse me, and try to say it isn't necessary, there is some CA state health board I can petition which will overrule the ins. company based on medical necessity. What does it mean when they say they want documented weight loss attempts? This seems to be pretty common across the board, for both insurance and the surgeon. Does my stack of diet books, my gym membership, taking OTC things like Alli and Adipex from Mexico, and doctor's orders from a year ago (from this free clinic I was going to at the time) count?

Hey girls! I too am a new yorker. Manhattan. I was also sleeved on the 12 th. As of today I have lost 21 pounds and although I love the weigh loss every time I look out my window and see Rays pizza I could die for a slice!! Good luck to you!

There is no better affirmation than others noticing your weight loss. Brings me smiles which is totally new to me. Love my skinniness NOW!

If you're drinking regular Gatorade you probably want to switch to the lo-cal version or Powerade Zero. Also, if you're not tracking your food you should do so. That way when you have a period of no loss you can look at your food history and see what might be contributing to it.

I hear you on the waiting, Im about ready to pull my hair out, I want this so bad! So you think that the bloodwork is just for the doctors use? Im just nervous thanks for indulging me.

28th March '09 Patting myself on the back. whoopi! I started my first tai chi session today. Fab. It was a little harder than I was expecting but enjoyed it soooo much. Since my health has not been that great this year, I've not really been working so have no personal income. I'm having to depend on my husband, (I don't really like that). I prefer being independent, spending as and when I want to and not having to ask for money. Without my income I know hubby is feeling the pinch, but not complaining. So he pays for my weekly aerobics class (which I may turn into 2 time per week). To ease the burden, I spoke to my brother about my intended WLS and some of my health issues. He has agreed to pay the monthly cost of ?25. Thank you bro. So now I will be able to do both activities as part of my own weight loss plan and attempt to make myself more healthy. Hopefully, after surgery I will still be motivated to continue with exercise and enjoy it for the first time. Hyacinth

I've spoken to the hospital, actually AJ the registrar and he thinks it should be fine to go ahead with the laser hair removal. He had no concerns about the the laser treatment having any impact on any WLS that I'm likely to have. 29th July 2009. Today I got a call back fromt the clinic, and the lady Candace confirmed that she had spoken to the clinics medical doctor and that based on my medication everythin should be fine. The only had a slight concern about the fact that I'm diabetic and the slower healing process. Anyway, after a brief discussion I've booked to go in for a skin patch test next week Monday in the afternoon. So I guess we'll see how that goes. Just thought I'd make use of the time that I have before I get my date for surgery. Will let you guys know how everything goes.

Wow, congrats on your weight loss, please try and get your protein in, I can't stress how important it is for your nutrition and hair. LOL - I hate just plain water and it gave me heartburn and I did feel sick too when I would drink it. I always have to put something into it so I can drink.

So yesterday I went for my wound check. (Recap: I had an abscess in my largest incision that had to be drained. Its been packed for 14 days now.) The nurse said it is healing nicely and switched my packing material from the 4x4 gauze sponge material to the ribbon type packing. She thinks by Friday it may be healed enough to do the final step which is putting an ointment on it to make it 'scab' and heal. This was all good news to me, since right before I left I did the 'q-tip' test only to get half the darn thing down there. She also explained to me that the body heals in different ways (not necessarily from the bottom to top, sometimes from the sides in..(big sigh) So, I'm optimistic. At least the packing is not so bulky now. She also said no abdominal exercise for a good while (I don't want a hernia!) She cleared me for walking, and arm exercise with free weights. I'm glad of that, I need to get out or on the treadmill...need a boost, need to feel normal again. I did go out with friends Sunday night, it was nice to be out and around people again. I've become a shut in! Afraid to get sick, trying to cope with not feeling 100%. I'm struggling with my protien..just can't choke down another protien shake. Waaay past being sick of them. I do still drink the chicken soup protien I got from Unjury..not bad. I also been taking my vitamins/calcium irratically. Just hate the taste/texture. I guess I need to get off my 'feel sorry for yourself' box and get on with it. I am going to be in a parade on Monday for MLK day, so I'm pretty excited about it. My cousin saw me Sunday night (the first time since my 35# weight loss) She was amazed. Said she could really see it in my face. Well, I DID fit in a size 13 Jr. pair of Levis that I hadn't fit in in a LONG time..lol They were stretchy, but better than the 16's (almost 18's) that I was fitting in in November. I've lost 2 inches in my waist & hips! I guess I need to pat myself on my back for that :svengo: I'm thankful for all that, and need to stop the pity party! OK, resolved to do just that!! Yay me! :thumbup:

We were sleeved the same day. I'm sorry that you're feeling uncomfortable with gas. I can drink water fine (though I never get it all in cause its boring), I don't need to "sip" but I don't guzzle either. You can only sip? You're doing great with your weight loss!

Even with the same insurance provider, policies can vary. Are you required to lose weight in order to be approved? This is typically information that your surgeon's office gets from your insurance provider, so I would check with them. You can also check with your insurance provider, but I've personally had issues with customer service reps giving out bad info. If your policy doesn't require any weight loss or exclude you from approval for weight gain, it shouldn't matter. You may also want to ask your surgeon if he or she will do surgery if you've gained weight, as some surgeons won't.

Hey Guys, I have a question for everyone that has met their goal, how did you do it? I understand that the sleeve is only a tool and that is a huge part of our loss. I see lots of my sleeve brothers and sisters that have reached their goal in what I would consider record time. How are they doing it? Is this a calorie thing? Is it a workout that is working better than others. Sometimes I feel like this is a closely guarded secret. I know that my sleeve buddies are always happy to offer tips and suggestions on helping me get over this massive hump. I know that stalls come and go but I can not help but wonder if I am going to get over the hump. My doctor says that I only have a certain amount of time to get the weight off, so now I feel under the gun and I find myself feeling defeated. I don't want to be the one that is "flagged" as a failure here. I monitor my calories to 800 I eat my Protein first. I just started working out with a trainer. I have lost 70lbs in the last 7 months. I just wonder if this is it. Am I going to go any further? My friends tell me that it is just my body adjusting to the loss that I have already. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Hello all, I'm pre-op...actually waiting for the word of approval from Aetna any day now. I admit that the sleeve was my first choice. However, when I heard about the chances that the acid reflux could worsen I quickly went with the bypass. I'm reluctant because I've known 2 people that have died after weight loss surgery. So, naturally my brain is racing. Yet, at the same time, the reality is that my current health isn't great and if I keep on the same path it's definitely not good. My surgery is more for the medical issues (Diabetic, BP, high cholesterol, etc), then weight loss. I'm at the moderate level according to my surgeon. I just want to move forward with a healthier life! What are some words of wisdom, experiences,positives and negatives that some of you have experienced? Is there anything that you would have done differently? How was your support system? I've only told a select few. I'm excited about this opportunity, but I don't want the naysayers to bring me down. People already can tell that I've lost a few pounds (in preparation for the surgery)...and they are already saying things like "don't lose too much weight...you don't wanna look sick". Well, I'm like...I AM SICK!!! Smh It's so frustrating. I mean, I have my good and bad days with health. It could be worse...but it could also be much better. Thoughts? Comments?

I am 7 days into my 2 week pre op diet and have only lost 6 pounds! I don't know if this is considered good or bad. I was actually hoping to loose about 10 pounds in the first week. I still have a week to go, so hopefully I can knock off 10 lbs by then. I work am a front desk medical receptionist, so I don't really do much running around. I guess that may be the reason why. I also am not a liquid kinda gal, I know I deffinatley do not drink 8 glasses of water a day. I guess i have to start drinking more water. How much weight have you lost during the pre-op diet if your on all liquids?

My Gastric Sleeve surgery was on August 1, 2012. The procedure was performed by Dr. Robin Blackstone at Scottsdale Health Center in Arizona. Since the procedure, I have had 1 post-op office visit. That session dealt with what I can eat and how I need to eat. When I first decided to get this procedure, I weighed 297 lbs and I am 5'1". I know. I called myself the "Snow Beast" because it made me laugh and I think it helped put others at ease around me. I have no illusions of what I looked like. In fact, I got really good at avoiding looking at my body in the mirror. I would focus on my hair and face. Thanks to my sister-in-law being brave enough to have the procedure in January 2012 and losing weight quickly, that was the main push I needed to do this. I talked with her at length about her experience and it seemed less scary to me. Bravery is not an attribute I posses and hospitals scare me to death. So for me to do this was HUGE! I even talked to a close friend who struggles with her weight and we both decided to have the Sleeve done at the same time. My husband was also very supportive and really helped me over that final hurdle to mentally agree to have the Sleeve. Like most heavy people, I have tried countless diets and exercise routines only to wind up putting on more weight. I was growing very frustrated with myself and did not know what else to do. My health was horrible; Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, borderline high cholesterol. I was on several medications and used a C-Pap machine (which I love). I felt like I looked - terrible. I was worried my husband would leave me (I know, it was all imagined in my head but it felt real); I was afraid I would die young like my parents (60s and 70s); I was scared I would not live long enough to celebrate being married 50 years to my best friend (already been 9 1/2); I was unhappy with what I looked like; I felt to fat and ugly to have a healthy intimate relationship with my husband. How's that for being honest? So that's my brief background. Maybe you will read something here that strikes a chord in your own life. I didn't start this blog because I have the answers, I did it because I needed an outlet to vent about my bad days and good days. I wanted to chart my experience so if you have any advice for me, I want to hear from you.

Hi everyone - I've been peeking around this forum for a few days now because I have been growing more and more curious about my decision to get the lap band. A few weeks ago I had my first appointment with my dr. about my weight loss issues and although she wants to work with me before we consider surgery...I'm beginning to think maybe electing for the lap band would be best...here's my story. I am 26 years old, 5'1, I weigh 241 and my BMI is about a 45 or 46. I do not have any "diagnosed" medical concerns, although I have dealt with chronic headaches, occasional backaches, and recently began having asthma-like symptoms. My doctor just had me do a number of blood tests (I assume to rule out hypertension and diabetes) but all these conditions are in my family so I know that I am very likely to develop them if I don't get my weight down. I have always been the chubby girl in my family...growing up with nicknames like "miss piggy" and "butterball" was sometimes fun...but many times was not...My height plays a factor on how much heavier I look compared to other women in my family because I am the shortest by 4 inches and higher! I was able to maintain my larger mass as a teen because I was heavily active in sports and such...but even then I was the thicker girl of the group. I do have a larger muscle mass that helped me to hold this weight up...but that has changed since having 3 kids by c-section and a now very sedentary lifestyle. With each kid I've gained around 20 lbs AFTER nursing and everything which I'd lose...and gain right back...and maintain. Its been easy for me to maintain the larger weight but after each pregnancy I'd gain more and could never lose it....I started yo-yo'ing up and down 20 lbs and could never ever lose more than that even now as I steadily diet and exercise....this has been my life since having my last son in 2007. Because of my age, my doc wants me to work with her to lose the weight...which I didn't mind originally...but now after reading so many posts and watching Youtube video's on others' success and the photos...I really just want to get the band too! I know its a lengthy process to approval and surgery but I feel good about taking these steps.

I was told protein and water were important for your hair and skin elasticity, so for those reasons alone I'm forcing them down. I'm on my pre op diet as well, not quite as far along as you are. I would just encourage you to stick to the recommendations as closely as possible. The best to you!

I got hurt 3 1/2 years ago in when I was in the Army, Got acute herniated disk in my L5/S1 also messed up my hip and left foot from the way I landed. After the accident I gained 130 lbs which made the pain worse. I am 6 months post op and have lost all the weight I gained after the accident and then some. I feel amazing, off all pain meds and live a very active lifestyle again. There are days that I am sore but nothing like before. The weight loss definitely made it easier on my joints. I also played sports all through my childhood and even played semi-pro football into my early 30's. Those effects of those injuries over the years seemed to lessen as well. Hope the same positive results happen for you too! Good luck!

WOW, I guess everyone's bodies are truly different... a month or so ago I tried one week of calories 600 or less, Carbs under 35 and I kicked in more excersise. I lost .08 of a pound,.. not even a full pound in one week... I had several people on the forum and the nut at my doc office tell me that I goofed up by kicking in excersise and reducing my calories so low that my body went into "starvation" mode... I was not providing enough calories to keep my metobolism up.... I only tried it that one week, I had hoped I would see this 5-6 pound loss and was so extremely disapointed to not even lose one single pound... Ever since then, I have been around the 1200 - 1000 calorie mark, I keep my carbs under 50 and I am always consuming some kind of protien every 3 hours during the day,,, It is working great for me! Maybe you could talk to your nut again about too low of calories, you need fuel for your body to burn ... few calories is not giving you the fuel... Good Luck..