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Oh. It's not everyday. Lol. Some times only a liter. And maybe a 16.9 Water bottle. I need to find another way to get protein in bc the shakes make me sick sometimes. How far are you ? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

When I was in pre-op I had to strip naked and they supplied me with three packages of antibacterial wipes that I had to wipe EVERY inch of my body with ... and it was sticky! Additionally, then naked with a gown and padded socks on feet. They told me they were giving me something to relax me in my IV while pushing me in the bed down the hall, but I blacked out. Never saw Operation Room. Never moved from bed to operating table. And yes. Woke up with a different colored gown on in recovery. Just a warning, ask relatives how anesthesia worked on them if you've never had it. I ended up staying 3 extra days bc I was so nauseous I couldn't drink, so I couldn't leave without IV (no use in becoming dehydrated at home and then returning to hospital for that). I was so grateful that they kept me there! I had no physical pain really ... a little soreness on the incisions, a little gas in shoulders. The nausea was the worst part of my whole recovery process. I barely used pain pump in hospital and didn't take any pain meds at home. You'll do great. Surgery is the easy part! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Some of us vets are still around ... banded 12/06. Lost 100 lbs. kept almost all of it off... ( sometimes I get down to lowest weight... about once a year)but truly have to try and comply. I seem to have a comfortable set point at size 12... that is fine with me. Dr said I am fit and well fed!! Ha

I have anthem BC/BS in NY. I believe that's what my surgeon is saying. Both he and my pulmonologist believe that I have sleep apnea and that it's what will get me approved. I was just wondering if there's anyone who was in the same boat.

So happy I got my drain out today! *happy dance* It kept me from sleeping at night. I was only getting 2 hours a night bc I was afraid of pulling it out. Sent from my VS986 using the BariatricPal App

I have mine on the 16th as well! I am still waiting for fed bcbs to approve it Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hello all... I am new to the group. I'm almost 3 months into my pre-op, with a sleep study scheduled for next week. I have been stressing over my insurance approval. My BMI is 37, and my surgeon says I'll need my sleep study to show sleep apnea to qualify. He seemed confident about that. Although high blood pressure and diabetes run rampant in my family, I don't have either of these. I do have a history of yo-yo weight loss, depression & asthma, and previous high blood pressure. Has anyone had difficulty getting approved with a lower than 40 BMI? Or just the opposite, gotten approved no problem? I have Anthem BC/BS. [emoji4]

Oh you're so lucky...my Dr. has me on month of puree, then one month of soft food and then I'll feel like I've been freed from diet jail...lol..not meaning I'm just gonna eat whatever but at least I've been trained to all the sugarfree and no fat stuff...just mean I won't have to put do much thought into every single thing I eat...my hospital gave me two stainless steel 2ounce cups that have been a life saver..I've felt full on that when I do eat...good luck to us...I know I must remember to keep my eye on the prize which is my goal weight...lolDid the 2oz cups help? Is that about how much you're able to eat? Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App Yes, that's all I can eat at one setting...I'm not over full or hungry...it's hard to wait the 30 minutes to drink and most of the time I don't but I also found some protein water that's pretty good...I drink the carnation sugar free chocolate powder with fat free milk and it really taste like chocolate milk...lolThanks! I'm trying to find things that will make my life easier after surgery. I have small rocks outside of my house and I'm looking for backless sneakers cause I'm sure I won't be able to tie my shoes right after and I won't be able to walk the rocks in my slippers. I've also been told to get myself a heating pad and a riser for my toilet. Any other suggestions? Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App My dr. told me no heating pad bc the heat on the fresh incisions could cause them to become infected...so I used gel ice packs for the first three days almost all day while awake...it helped so much..it seemed anything I ate or drank at that time caused my stomach to hurt...I'm 7 days out as of today and I haven't felt better, hurts to bend over, so I bend my knees to pick up stuff...I drove for the first time in a week, went shopping for four hours...made sure to take a Protein shake and water...I was definitely pooped and ready to chill...

Hi everyone! @@Angelica Marti, sorry for the belated response -- holidays & I'm not around here much anymore. I'm doing well! The one area I really haven't stepped up my game on is exercise -- that's (obviously) totally on me, and I hope that I'm able to restructure my days and approach things differently in this next phase because I know it'll make all the difference, in so many ways. I am in sort of the final major stretch of losing, and I know that exercise will be a crucial part of that -- as well as a key part of maintaining. I weighed 183 at my consult on July 28 (surgery was August 11; my surgery day weigh-in was artificially low on a hospital scale that was, I believe, poorly calibrated, so I don't count it). I weigh 130 now, so I've lost 53 pounds. I saw a 129 on Christmas morning and was over the moon, but I indulged a LOT in the last few days and it popped back up. It's silly, but back in November I set a mini-goal of getting into the 120s by Jan 1. I hope I didn't do too much damage over the last few days and that I'm able to get back there -- again, I know it's arbitrary but it makes a mental difference to me, and each set of ten that I enter gives me a sense of accomplishment. Right now I am 5 pounds above my original goal weight of 125. I set that goal weight about 7 pounds higher than my actual goal weight -- that is, the weight that I was for many years before this gain started. I was worried at the beginning that if I set a goal of getting back to that weight (118ish), I might be setting myself up for failure and disappointment. I'm older now, I don't know how my body has changed...so I set a goal that I knew I'd feel okay at, if not totally "the old me." Now that most of the weight has come off, and I feel in control -- even when I slip up, like over Christmas, I still feel like it's my decision, and one I can back off from -- I feel like of course I can lose 10 or 12 more pounds if I put my mind and body to it. (BIG IF!!!). I have a small frame, and small increments on the scale mean major differences in my size -- I can't get into any of my "old weight" clothes yet, including those I could get into easily when I was 10 pounds lighter. Everyone's body is different. I'd love to get back into some of those, especially my work clothes. A good friend of mine is going to be sleeved on Jan 5; she has about 90-100 lbs to lose, and we've been talking a lot about pre-op and post-op. I've been surprised to realize how far away that feels to me now, and how I really rarely think about my sleeve anymore. There are things I do differently now, like take smaller portions and try to aim for Protein. In my experience, the bad-for-me choices I've made have always, without exception, been on days when I failed to obey the "protein first; stay hydrated" rule(s). Always. If I focus on protein, which is not hard to do, and I keep drinking that Water or Powerade zero or whatever it is, I'm not going to be interested in overeating later. But if I forget to eat or drink during the day, my body goes into an unhealthy craving mode later. So I definitely recommend sticking to the basic principles about protein. But those general limitations that are such a big deal in the beginning -- things you can't eat at all, things you can't eat comfortably, etc etc etc...that's just gone, and I don't think about it. I had these big worries about how I would have to think so much about food all the time for the rest of my life and worry about what would work and what wouldnt...it just hasn't been the case for me. The two most dramatic changes for me, post-sleeve, have been 1) a sense of control over what I put in my body and, therefore, whether I lose or maintain or gain back some weight. Before my surgery I just felt...like I was on this runaway train and was hopeless about it. I now feel like sure, I'm far from perfect, but it's within my control and when I make silly food choices, it doesn't mean The End. 2) My approach to the world around me. For so long, when I was gaining and when I was at my heaviest, I just didn't see anyone I didn't have to see. I was uncomfortable, physically, moving around, and I also hated the reactions I got from people who hadn't seen me awhile. Many people asked if I was sick, if I had been tested for serious diseases (bc I'd gained so much), and others just looked at me with shock. I realize that's on them, not on me, but I HATED it. Combined with my physical discomfort, it led to extreme isolation, both personally and professionally, and that was terrible. THAT has completely gone away. Sure I'm not at my ideal weight, but obviously at this weight I have no problem being seen, interacting professionally, going to social things when I feel like it (I am not terribly social to begin with, but it was a drastic, drastic difference, those years I was socially avoidant). For those reasons, for me the sleeve has been a miracle. I absolutely see how people "cheat the sleeve" by grazing, which will allow you to eat as many calories as you want over the course of the day. It's not magic. But as people here say all the time, it's such a powerful tool. There is *no way* I otherwise would have lost 50+ pounds in 4.5 months (since surgery date) or 5 months (to the day! since my consult date). I'm eager to focus again after a few silly holiday eating days, and to push through these 10-12 pounds. Then, the real project will begin: maintaining. That's the long haul, and that's something I can't speak to yet. But since it's such a strong weight loss tool, I'm hopeful that it will provide the same kind of strength in the maintenance phases. I know there will be ups and downs -- but I just don't know yet what those will be. About judgment and criticism: I just deleted a VERY long section on this issue. But really, it's been said many times before and I'll say it again -- I really dislike the judgment people get about their weight and how to handle it, especially on a site like this, where we all have struggles and where our weight has affected our lives to a degree where we are either contemplating or have had surgery to help deal with it. I don't like trendy phrases like "safe space," but really, this should be one. I wish people wouldn't criticize people's reasons for wanting or needing these surgeries. And that for people who DO judge, when they see threads that clearly state "for low BMI" or "for those with 50 pounds to lose" or whatever, they just stay away and let the people who can support each other continue to do so -- regardless of the size or BMI or stage of the journey those supportive posters may be on at that time. Good luck to everyone here!

In Vancouver bc they don't recommend the band anymore. Not very successful. Have you thought about a sleeve vs bypass? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@Tommy910 from a fellow Canadian you story is very inspiring. Thanks for sharing. It's amazing how much you have lost so far. I truly hope things go smoothly for you the rest of the way. I had my sleeve surgery on dec 8th, my highest weight was 432, and CW 359. It's a long road to take. Slow and steady! Looking forward to hearing the rest of your journey. Go Canucks go! Sorry had to add that in. Lol. Vancouver BC Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Mine stalled recently...im just now taking this exercise thing to a new level (trying home arobics/calisthenics bc its too cold&snowy out to walk daily) ... So im hoping (and praying) my Friday weigh in will see a loss again. I feel ya.... Sent from my LGMS330 using the BariatricPal App

@@mrsgori101214 I'm in a similar situation to yours. My surgery is on 1/4/17 & I'm hoping that I'll be able to get pregnant post op within the time frame the surgeon suggested which is 18 months. I'm seeing my gyn this week to make sure I'm on a bc that doesn't lead to an early pregnancy. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have PCOS also- I had the sleeve on 11/7. I've lost about 45lbs since I started on the preop diet. I often forget to take my metformin bc my eating is a bit irregular. My surgeon is happy with my results and so am I. This is the most weight I have ever been able to lose and it makes me feel better all around. I don't remember having jeans that were too big in years. It's been a great decision for me. Good luck on your journey. This site has been great support. I like reading everyone's posts and knowing I'm not facing some of these struggles alone. Happy Holidays and congrats on your decision!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

The something else that people seem to alluding to that is going on in your marriage. Is something I am familiar with, when a man says "baby I love you just the way you are" and we become bamboozled by this (yes I said we) and ignore what we really want. We want to lose the weight, we want to be healthy and strong, but we fall for the BS of their insecurites, and their sabotage of our efforts. Now it's critical and it is a matter of life and death and you have chosen to be proactive, stick to your decision and find a support group. I know it's hard looking at a break up after 20 years, but DO NOT ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE BREAKDOWN OF YOUR MARRIAGE. Because that will be next. Prepare yourself and don't succumb to the pressure. Praying for your continued success in your weight loss. Sent from my SM-G920T using the BariatricPal App

Hi there! I am 3 days post op - 12/22 - and today was very nice to wake up and be able to drink/sip without discomfort. It took me abt 1/2 hr to drink a shake that yesterday took me abt 2.5 just bc the feeling was horrible. I feel each day getting better and better though. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Haha ok little b***h where did I EVER say I want to "load up" on carbs? You've had the sleeve done so you damn well know the most a person can eat 2 weeks post opp is a spoonful or two. No one wants to be on a liquid diet forever. Cut your bs trying to lowkey fat shame people when you should be giving helpful advice like you weren't big as a house at one point. Please. Your nasty comment was not asked for and no one wants your negative comments on their threads like what's the point of you being on this app? I suggest you becareful with what you say to people online. Be very careful. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Let's see, a couple of bites fill you up but you only want to take couple of bites of potato or mac and cheese (both extremely WLS friendly foods, by the way). So really the poster you called out was correct. You want to load up on carb heavy food. I would suggest you run any deviations in your food progression by your surgeon or his/her medical staff. I know less than 2 weeks post op those foods were NOT on my plan (hell, 2 years and 7 months post op, they're still not on my plan). At this point, your body needs Protein to heal. Where is the protein in those foods? And trust me, they will fill you up and you won't get protein in, until you become ravenous again and the cycle starts over again. That is just MY opinion. You are free to listen or ignore it. What you are not free to do is call me names or threaten my ass. Rather than threaten posters who refuse to validate your choices you should consider their advice like a rational person since everyone who offered an opinion is much farther out than you and amazingly successful. If you want validation and not advice why don't you save everyone the trouble and state that in the subject line. And, in the brilliant words of Lipstick Lady, feel free to block me if any part of this post sets you off. Good luck with your future endeavors. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Haha ok little b***h where did I EVER say I want to "load up" on carbs? You've had the sleeve done so you damn well know the most a person can eat 2 weeks post opp is a spoonful or two. No one wants to be on a liquid diet forever. Cut your bs trying to lowkey fat shame people when you should be giving helpful advice like you weren't big as a house at one point. Please. Your nasty comment was not asked for and no one wants your negative comments on their threads like what's the point of you being on this app? I suggest you becareful with what you say to people online. Be very careful. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App So, name calling followed by a threat? Huh. Merry Christmas to you.

Where did I EVER say I want to "load up" on carbs? You've had the sleeve done so you damn well know the most a person can eat 2 weeks post opp is a spoonful or two. No one wants to be on a liquid diet forever. Cut your bs trying to lowkey fat shame people when you should be giving helpful advice like you weren't big as a house at one point. Please. Your nasty comment was not asked for and no one wants your negative comments on their threads like what's the point of you being on this app? I suggest you becareful with what you say to people online. Be very careful. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

You can put it in just about anything. But more important is to realize that they are blowing sunshine up your skirt with their claims. They say 30 grams in a 15 gram serving. That is pure BS. So do with it what you will. Jut remember, you can't put two pounds of poop in a one pound bag.

hi lilill-i cant give u answer bc my surgeon said liquids for 2 wks post before pureed! Sent from my iPhone

Hey everyone thanks sooo much for your comments ! I appreciate it I'm going to keep putting update pics! I went from 221 to 169 in 8 weeks I try really hard to do low carb high Protein diet. I have not started the gym only bc it still hurt my incisions a bit when I would stretch but I hope to start in January. I drink a green juice in the mornings which I make at home and I usually can only drink about 6 oz of it then snack on grapes eat lunch chicken with avocado then snack on grapes again and i can only fit maybe 3 grapes and dinner I would eat like a Soup something light and of course just a few bites is what I can currently fit. In between all that I'm trying so hard to get my Water in that's the one thing I definitely struggle with. It hasn't been that easy but I feel like now 8 weeks later I feel "normal" and feeling so good about everything! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi all, I'm post op 11 days. Right now I'm still in my full liquids phase, and I made a bunch of Soup to help get past this phase. I added unflavored Protein and it has a gritty, chalky flavor which I can't stand. I love the soup, but without adding the unflavored protein I won't be meeting my protein goal. I want to give up on the 60-70 grams of protein I should be having, it sounds crazy to me.. besides the Greek yogurt and occasional Protein shake.. and then just really pick up on it when I start my puréed diet next week bc I will be able to have puréed chicken. Would this be really bad? Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Thanks so much for this. You don't know how reassuring it is to read someone who lost that much weight on a sleeve alone. I weighed in at 371 and want to lose 225 pounds--that's why he suggested the DS. Knock on wood, I've always been very healthy outside my sleep apnea and hypothyroidism--oh yeah, and cancer when I was 26 . I don't have diabetes or high blood pressure, so I guess that's why he said I'm a great candidate, I guess. He just feels a sleeve can only take me so far and it wouldn't have the lasting results that a ds would have. He hasn't gone into it further yet, but I'm guessing at six months in I'd have the second surgery. Not sure how that works if my bmi drops below 50, or hopefully maybe even 40. How would I qualify then? I look so young now, not even a single wrinkle on my face at 41, so yeah, I'm nervous. My plan of attack is low carb, high protein with very healthy veggies and berries. I want to work out six days a week to try and combat the loose skin as much as possible with a daily slather of Aquafor (best stuff for healing dry and cracked skin), and as much Water as I physically can get down, even if that means constant sipping all day. My insurance pays 85% for skin removal if deemed necessary--which they even said on the phone that losing that much weight will more than likely be necessary. I wonder how that works if the insurance covers skin removal but I'd want a lower body lift. I wonder if the surgeon gives an adjusted price for any work done above a skin removal --I know, I know...you don't have to say it. I'm getting my cart ahead of the horses You're lucky your ins. coverage will cover some skin surgery. Once you begin losing (or even now) start documenting everything with a doctor: rashes, yeast infections, etc. That will help the skin surgery approval process. As for 'shrinkles', many of us do get them. My face was stretched out much more when I was big. Now it's not. When it was stretched out, some acne scars from my cystic acne (when I was in my 20s) were big and wide. Now, they're much less visible. I'm not terribly wrinkled, but, in my 50s (now); yes, I do have some. I expect it as we all get them as we age. My mother looks great for her age. I use her as my template for what I'll look like. With me, though, health was the most impt. I already had some issues and I knew they were only going to get worse as I grew bigger and older. Let me give you a great positive: I eat every hour or two. Most of us do. Protein. A lot. I never feel deprived bc I can eat. Steak, hamburgers, chicken, fish, cheeses, cold cuts, nuts, etc., whatever you can think of. DSers don't count calories. Ever. We're only concerned with protein and sugar grams (including simple carbs.). When I'm hungry at 3pm at work, I can go down to McDonalds and get a triple cheeseburger. Do I eat the bread? Generally, no. Because, if I do, I can't get all the burger in and by the time I finish all the meat, I don't want it. Plus, if I want to knock off a pound or two, I'd pass on it. So while I will never push one WLS over another as I believe they all have tremendous good points, I just didn't want you to focus only on what could happen. I can tell you some of what does happen.

-sigh- I live in Taiwan and the national health insurance will cover part of it but only if I have had a documented weight loss attempt with the hospital for six months and failed to lose weight. So I just went to my first appointment for that two days ago. And I should be finished in June. And then I have two weeks off from work for our summer vacation in august or maybe July. So I'll do the surgery then. Maybe take a week off before so I have theee weeks to do it and heal. The weight loss counseling is a joke. They just take my vitals and tell me how much weight to lose by next time. The nutritionist doesn't speak English and all her suggestions are about Taiwanese food which is gross and i don't eat. She barely spoke English. From what I understood she lectured me on drinking sweet bubble tea which I don't drink and told me to eat half a banana....at some point? So yeah. Six more months of that bs. I'm going to need some strong recomendations for post surgery nutrition counseling because I'm not getting it from my hospital.