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Congrats. My particular Aetna plan changed 10/24/2019. My surgeon asked to review 3 months of med records for when I saw my PCP for weight loss as he may could use them. Tomorrow is my first appt with the nutritionist. Praying that I only have to 3 months.

I saw this on another forum and thought it worthy to share as it has all the great information and advice we all need for the journey! it is written by Mellissa Gangi and what I had wished I had been told from the very beginning. Sleeve Tips: I'm 10 months post op today and along this journey, so far, I've seen a lot of the same questions or concerns from many. I thought these tips could help! 1. Take preop photos... you'll want them! 2. Protein shakes...I used isopure protein powder and scooped it into 2 oz. of water (u can add ice and blend too) to drink in my immediate postop period. It was much less to drink at a sitting and you still got in your protein. It would take me over an hour to drink each one, but way easier to me. Plus, isopure has multiple flavors and it was reasonably priced. I bought off Amazon. Also, Genepro is an unflavored protein powder that is very popular. It can be added to pretty much anything. The scoop is tiny and it gives 30g of protein per scoop. I use it daily in my morning coffee but if adding it to hot liquids you have to add creamer 1st to cool it down or it will clump up or dissolve in a little warm water 1st then add... the directions are on the bag. It is not completely unflavored and it has a smell to it, but most of us get used to it quickly. Your body can only absorb up to 30g of protein per serving, so anything more than that at once will be wasted and it doesn't count towards your daily goals! 3. STALLS happen...stick to your plan and the scale will move again! You most likely will be losing inches during that time. They can last a few weeks...especially the 3 week stall. The further you are out they may even last longer and at that point you may have to shake things up a bit, maybe a day or 2 most increase your carbs then go back to your plan. Don't get discouraged and try to just be patient. 4. No NSAIDS (aspirin, ibuprofen, aleve, motrin, etc...) they can cause ulcers...tylenol products are ok and Excedrin Tension is ok (great for headaches) it has tylenol and caffeine in it, no aspirin like the other excedrin products. Also, peppermint oil rubbed on your temples help for headaches. 5. Fluid intake...atleast 64 oz of non caffeinated, non carbonated, sugar free fluids but the rule of thumb is drink half of your body weight in ounces. 6. Caffeine and alcohol...follow your surgeons orders. They both can dehydrate you and cause ulcers in the beginning of your journey. And alcohol may affect you differently postop, so be careful. Absorbtion changes postop. 7. Transfer addictions...a lot of bariatric patients give up food for other addictions like shopping and alcohol. Be mindful. 8. Increased chance of pregnancy after surgery. You can be much more fertile. Even if you had problems with it preop. 9. Increased divorce rates postop...I have looked into this because I was curious as to why. I have found that it does indeed increase, but the majority of the couples that do have had issues preop and the spouse that had surgery loses the weight, increases their self esteem and simply won't stand for the same behavior anymore. 10. Sugar/Carbs...1st and foremost, follow your plan. There are reasons why your surgeon and/or nutritionist gives you one, especially while healing and it takes approximately 6 weeks for your tummy to heal. After you are advanced to a "regular" diet, usually about 2 month postop, yes you can eat some sweets or carbs but in moderation. Always try to get your protein in 1st, though. I have chosen to stay away from sugar and certain carbs. I don't crave them, so why reintroduce them. I know me, and moderation is hard for me. 11. Everyone's weightloss journey is different. Try not to compare yourself to the next person. It's hard not to, I know! But their weight, height, sex, medical history all plays a part of it. If you do what you should be doing, you'll lose! 12. Dumping and The Foamies... Dumping occurs when your new tummy just doesn't agree with something you consumed. Dumping occurs more in bypass patients but it can occur with sleeves, also. Symptoms can include sudden vomiting, diarrhea, and increased heart rate and last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. The Foamies... you'll know what this is if you get it. It's a lot of phlegm that is produced in your esophagus all of a sudden. It can happen if you eat or drink too fast, or take in too much, or drink right after eating...wait to drink atleast 30 minutes after eating. Plus, if you drink with eating or too close afterwards you flush the food through your belly too fast and you're not absorbing nutrients. 13. Take your vitamins and get in your protein daily! This will not only help your weightloss and prevent vitamin deficiency but it will help with the sunken in look when you lose weight. I was told 60-90g of protein daily, but follow your drs orders. I take 2 flintstones with iron chewables a day because I couldn't tolerate the prescribed multivitamin, in addition to calcium with d3, and magnesium and b12. 14. Gas ex chewables, heating pads, and walking help big time for your gas pains. When I woke up from this surgery I thought I was having a heart attack because the gas was causing chest pains. Also, use the incentive spirometry in the immediate postop period. Anesthesia affects your lungs and it takes 72 hours to completely wear off so the breathing exercises help strengthen them and prevent pneumonia. 15. Heartburn...omeprazole works so well for me. My surgeon prescribed it from day 1 and I love it. 16. Postop hormones... your body almost goes into shock in the 1st 6 weeks or so after surgery from the major changes to it. You may feel different mentally...it does get better but if it's bad talk to your dr about it. 17. Medications... your body can change postop. The same medications you were on preop may be absorbed differently postop so if you notice changes talk to your dr. They may need to be adjusted. And extended release meds may not work as well. 18. Tracking your intake keeps you honest. I love the baritastic app. It also has recipes for all the stages and reminders. 19. Head hunger vs real hunger. This is a lifestyle change, your body needs much less calories postop but you have to retrain your brain. It may take time and that's normal. If you fall off the wagon one day...oh well...get back on it the next. We are all human. Don't get discouraged. Just pick yourself back up. 20. Complications can happen. If your body starts feeling different...new onset pains, nausea, vomiting, passing out, food feeling stuck in esophagus, etc...call your surgeon. You're always better safe than sorry. 21. Abbreviations... HW your highest weight SW what you weighed on your surgery day GW your goal weight CW what you weigh currently NSV non scale victory Nut nutritionist VSG vertical sleeve gastrectomy (sleeve surgery) RNY roux-en-Y (gastric bypass) DS duodenal switch surgery 22. Hair loss or thinning happens. But, it will grow back. I thinned starting at about 4 months. It can last months. Many take biotin supplements for it, I didn't. 23. Get ready to be cold! You're body is changing, it's almost in shock so invest in a Comfy, like me, or electric blanket to keep warm lol. 24. What to bring to the hospital for your surgery stay...a long phone charger, chapstick, your phone, comfy pjs, slippers, a robe, earbuds, and a list of your medical history, surgeries, allergies, and medications with dosages. Others add gas ex chewables but I'm an RN and don't recommend taking any meds from home without the nurses or drs knowledge. Some also say a heating pad to help with gas pains, but walking is best. Also, remember to hug a pillow if you cough or sneeze. It will help! 25. Constipation! It is a part of this journey, unfortunately. The only thing that helps me, and this is not conventional, is sugar free hard candies. A few of those babies (no more than 5 or you'll hate me) and you'll be going within 12 hours. The sugar alcohols do it for me. But, more conventional approaches are benefiber packets, smooth move tea, or miralax. And there's diarrhea in the beginning...liquids in, liquids out. But your 1st bowel movement may take awhile...its all normal. 26. Ketosis...when you cut out sugar and go low carb you're body goes into a state of ketosis. This is a metabolic state that now uses fat for energy, instead of carbs. It aids in weightloss, but has some side effects like bad breath, body odor, bowel changes, fatigue at 1st but then increased energy the longer you're in it, and insomnia. Those side effects will decrease over time so just invest in mouthwash for the meantime! I know this is a lot, but hopefully it helps! If I missed anything, feel free to chime in. Best of luck to everyone!

Hi there! I have, and the gradual elimination process worked well for me. I still have to eliminate or drastically reduce my caffeine but I have managed to eliminate soda, and almost completely sugar- which if you had told me that 3 months ago I would have died laughing. Making changes in incremental steps was definitely what worked for me, and I wish you the same success! YOU CAN DO IT! I hope I am there with all of you January folks, my final visit with my Dietitian is Tuesday, I have completed all of my pre-requisites (except the endoscopy which is scheduled after final clearance from my Nutrition team), and have lost the 10 pounds required by my surgeon (11 and I will keep going!)! Fingers crossed!

Yesterday, Sat, Nov. 16 Maintenance : 5'2" / 1yr PO Sleeve / 114.9 lbs ...Had Korean BBQ for dinner with the fam, #yum. ALL MEAT and VEG, all time! The one downside of going to Korean BBQ is that we leave the place smelling like meat, LOL. Also, despite the recent acknowledgement by @Meryline that ice cream is the DEVIL, I proceeded to have some anyway. I kept it to 1/4 cup, but the tiredness and the runs came for a visit anyway. 10:30pm - earl grey tea w/ stevia + coffee w/ stevia 1:30pm - salad greens w/ vinaigrette + 1 snack can Lemon Pepper tuna + 1 tbsp mayo + 1.7 oz apple + .5oz red onion 4:00pm - salad greens w/ vinaigrette + 1.4 oz apple + 1 oz manchego cheese 6:30pm to 9:30pm - Korean BBQ: 3 oz kimchee + 1 oz pickled cucumber + .3 oz bean sprouts + 1 tbsp radish kimchee + 1/4 cup grilled veggies + 4oz grilled chicken + 2 oz grilled pork + 2oz kalbi + 2 oz Bulgolgi + 1/3 oz pork belly + 1 grilled shrimp + probably about 2 tbsp of sugar in the various marinades 12:30pm - 1 KIND bar + 3 Toffifee candies + 1/4 cup Haagen-Dazs Coffee Ice Cream Totals: 1960 cals - 139g Protein - 83g NET carbs - 113g fat

I agree how does someone who is 5'5 and 178 pounds even get approved for surgery? Thats only about 25lbs above the high range for that height? And 108lbs is way too low. And to walk 10 miles a day you have to be working out for at least 2-3 hours a day which is nuts on 300 cals a day. Def up your calories and you will feel better but also you had major surgery so yo body is tired and still trying to heal.... You lost 80% of your stomach - that takes awhile to heal.... Hopefully you will feel better soon xox

You are doing great! This is my 6th week and I have only lost 19 lbs. I started at pre op at 203. I was losing fine until I hit the purée stage. Keep up the great work!

You are doing great. I was at 203 post op and have only lost 19 lbs at 6 weeks. I’m 5 feet tall. I was doing ok until the purée phase. Keep up the great work.

have sashimi and you can get tons of protein in. I eat sashimi and a couple of pieces of sushi and Im 10 weeks out and i get stuffed, but i do get in the sashimi first and the ill have one or two pieces with rice and im DONE.

1200 seems super high. My bariatric nutritionist said 1300 - I am at 10 weeks and i was like, "are you insane... " I cant eat that much but also why would i need to? I took this "advice" to my surgeon and he was like 'No way that's wrong. You should be 600-ish on average meaning anywhere from 500-800.' So all this goes to say is that they can be wrong. That said, i got into a stall and I increased my calories a bit and my CARB intake and the weight started coming off again... So i cycled up to 1000 on my highest day but I only did that for one day and it was an all day chore getting in that many calories. You're doing amazing with weightloss so stick with what you are doing. Listen to your body.

i just tried and yacked it right back up. not good. ugggghhhh... Sleeved 8/26/2019 hw 297 current 228 goal 145

I’m on day 10 of 14 for the pre-op Optifast stage. I’m type 1 diabetic and woke up the other day low and confused and tore into a pack of wafers. I’ve also ‘cheated’ a few days with decalf coffee with almond milk or skim milk. The days I did, I had one shake less. Has anyone actually had their surgery cancelled for not following the pre-op strictly??

My preop meal plan was drink protein shake for breakfast, one for lunch, and a sensible dinner with healthy protein choice. No snacks. I did that for 2 weeks prior to surgery. Biggest challenge was 2 weeks post op liquid diet. I have lost 32 pounds since surgery on 9/24/19. Still learning but definitely have a great understanding of what is required of me.

Welcome! I had my bypass at the end of March 2019, and the folks on here have been very helpful and supportive. Look around and read what you can. You'll learn a lot. Good luck on your journey! Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

Am 5’2” -ish (just a bit under). My absolute max is 125. Im currently maintaining around 115-ish, but when I notice that I’m inching upwards over consecutive days, I tend to buckle down abit (despite my max being 10 lbs away). Head games, I guess.

Day 15: What about your body are you most grateful for? That it has been able to recover from years of me being morbidly obese and inactive. I honestly had almost lost hope that I could be active, pain and drug free and do whatever I wanted physically. In the past year and a half I have had a huge metamorphosis even though I am still considered obese. I am trying to be grateful for the progress I have made even though I am far from my goal. I do still get hangry occasionally (mostly when away from home and close to mealtime)--yesterday we were out and about in Austin and then went to a Mexican restaurant for a late lunch. It was about 1 hour later than I normally eat lunch and I was super hungry. Of course, I ate about 10 chips with salsa before my food arrived and I was so full I could only eat a little of my chicken and shrimp fajitas. I did avoid the rice and flour tortillas though!! Edit: I did not do anything about the rejection thing because I could not think of a single rejection I was grateful for other than all the frogs I had to kiss before finding my prince. 💖

Hi There! I am looking for a little insight- I am curious is this situation has happened to others, and if so how it was resolved. I am pre-op for a Sleeve Gastrectomy. I have completed all of my requirements (3-month medically supervised diet, Psych consult, Nutrition consults, Fitness consults, lost the 10 lbs my surgeon was requiring) and my final weigh in is this Tuesday. My issue is I am caught in a loophole of sorts regarding the Sleep Apnea testing. I had my first Sleep Apnea test (in-home) done in September. I came back diagnosed as having Obstructive Sleep Apnea. So my surgeon called and said I had to contact my PCP to order the 2nd test- this In-Lab titration, which I am reading is when I would receive my CPAP and they would monitor my sleep to determine the proper therapeutic settings. My PCP- while definitely being onboard for the surgery will not (cannot?) prescribe the titration, and that they would refer me to a pulmonologist. So I called my surgeon's office to tell them that and they basically said that they've never heard of this happening before, etc etc. and to instead call the office of the Dr. who read the first test and did the diagnosing. SO I did that- and that Dr. won't refer me for the titration either and instead referred me to a sleep specialist. I called my surgeon at that point and the person I spoke with wasn't very helpful, just basically said I had to "get it done" in order to get the surgery. I'm also a bit salty because I have great insurance and don't even require referrals for specialists so I suspect that if I could somehow contact the titration center that I could schedule it myself. Its also frustrating since I am so close to surgery and the situation resolving itself with the weight loss. I'm definitely not resistant to getting the CPAP though if that's what it takes (even though extra expenditures are definitely a concern- which is why I'd rather not get roped into a treatment routine with yet another specialist). So...my question is, has this happened to anyone else? How did you resolve it? If you were me, which route would you choose? I'm leaning towards the sleep specialist over the pulmonologist but then wonder if I'll get flak from my PCP. And I suppose this may delay my surgery now because I'm reading that once I finally get the CPAP I will have to do 30 days with it? (My surgeon hasn't confirmed this). Any experience, insight, or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!

I just had my sleeve surgery on 11/12/19, I am still feeling my incision pain, but I am also worried I am not drinking enough?!

I had my surgery in March 2019 so I’m 8 months post op. The most I’ve lost is 65 lbs. I thought I would’ve lost more by now. I’ve been at the same weight for a couple of months but I need to lose to 15 more to get to my GW. I walk a few miles every day and I still meal prep/3 small meals and a snack per day; although I can definitely eat more. Thoughts? Advice?

Oh man yeah it was really convenient to get everything done in one day. Did my preop labs yesterday, met anesthesia, RT, pharmacist first. Then pre registered. Went to the financial office to pay my deductible of $250 and then went and met with surgeon & surgical nurse. Got my binder with all of my info for before and after. Have to do 10 days of preop diet!

RNY scheduled for 12/9/19

InterceptorNYC--I guess it's seek and find what works to get through these 2 weeks and get yourself a "system" everyday. I've had good luck with UNJURY. Must order from their direct website. I ordered some ready to serve shakes, powders-- vanilla and chocolate and protein chicken broth, along with unflavored protein to put in foods in the future when I have more options. No shipping with the quantity I ordered. I don't find it as sweet as Premier. I'm 10 days out and can't wait to change it up a bit. See my surgeon on Tuesday for 2 week check up.

I'm pre-surgery - just got my date of 12/31/19 - but so far on my pre-op diet I've lost almost 35 lbs. However, I'm pretty tall and carry my weight fairly evenly so that hasn't resulted in much change in clothing size until just this last week. I have a large plastic storage bin I've been putting my too small clothes in because I was planning on losing weight. I went through it today and more than half of them fit My closet suddenly got much fuller - yay!

Hi. My name is Melissa. I had the gastric sleeve on 11/11/19. I am new to this as well.

I am new on here and looking for new friends. I was sleeved 11/12/19.

I am new on here and looking for new friends. I was sleeved 11/12/19.