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Normally I have no issues bc there is a fridge, ice, etc at work. Tomorrow my mom is having surgery. I will be taking her & not leaving until she can leave. What can I take that doesn't need to be refrigerated? Normally I am at work at 8, have a yogurt at 9, snack at 11, and so on. I'll be leaving the house at 4 am, so I can take my yogurt with me. The surgery is at 7, and I'm sure I will be hungry before. Ideas? Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using VST

I don't have help with the breastfeeding as my children were formula fed. I have a 2 and 4 year old so I know how tiring it can be taking care of kids post surgery. Mine were 1 and 3 when I had my surgery. The hardest part for sure was feeding my kids when I was on the liquid-pureed diet but it does get easier. We joke now that my kids eat larger portions than me but they love their new, more active mommy.

I don't get it. I have Anthem BC/BS and was approved in 3 weeks. I just figured that if you had BC/BS and it approves some people, it would approve everyone. But I guess it is up to your employer as to whether they allow the band or not. It sucks. Hope you have a successful appeal.

Hi Helen, I'm having my op done in my local hospital in Dewsbury on the NHS. I come under Mid Yorkshire PCT incorporating Huddersfield, Wakefield & Pontefract areas. Anyone having the op done has to come to Dewsbury for referral and all their appointments and to have the surgery. My surgeon is Mr Clive White who also does the procedure privately at the Spire hospital in Elland. He has years of experience. He has been an upper GI cancer speciallist for years and performed partial and full gastrectomies on cancer patients before the VSG came in for weight loss. He is really nice and I have every confidence in him. I can have some fruit and veg on the pre op diet, woo hoo ! I'll have to get a bit creative with that won't I ? I asked Mr White if it would be a complete disaster if I had the odd bit of fish or chicken if I get desperate, he said he has no problem with that. I think he would prefer that rather than me going completely off the wagon and guzzling buckets of rubbish LOL !!! I live on my own, so I'm getting as organised as I can. All my friends are lining up to help and I have a direct line to my GP surgery, for any post op issues, as I work for them ! I think the main issue I have at first is working out how to feed my cats without busting a gut LOL !!!! I've been trying to train them to jump up to be fed, but they're not having any of that so far ! Thanks for replying and for the advice, look forward to joining you on the loosers bench. Best wishes Angela x

Isopure Jello shooters!! :lol0: LOLOL!! now THAT is going to be something i try for sure if i go thru with this surgery! this is absolutely where i need to be!! you guys are some seriously creative Protein people!! :lol0: sounds like they might not be TOO bad if u use ur favorite jello flavor! :lol0: :thumbup: ron - ps - ur not failing! Hey! ur still in the game bc you're still TRYING! for sure try the grazing method - and i don't know much about the DO'S AND DON'TS here - but how bout some miso Soup with some SUPER puree soy peices in it?? soy in the pre-cut small cube form from health food stores is really soft and u can puree it to make it smaller and make it even mushier with miso soup or even chicken broth!

I would introduce whey protein shakes before you go to bed to slow the catabolic state and then have one again when you wake up. Remember you want to take in as much protein as you want to weigh. So if you want to weigh 200lbs, take in 200grams of protein daily to keep your muscles fed building, instead of losing them. (200lbs is just an example.) Anything your body doesn't use it will eliminate the old fashion way, so don't worry about over doing it. Eat your proteins, introduce protein shakes again right before bed and right when you wake and that should help out alot.

I have Fed BCBS CA (HMO)... Wow! I got my notification via phone call from the surgeon's group 9 days after they submitted and I was stoked... the mailed letter was actually dated 2 days earlier, so I am totally surprised it took only a week. I was fully prepared for it to take 4-5 weeks, and was NOT thinking I'd get banded so soon... I was optimistically hoping for Halloween (but honestly didn't think the bureaucracy would move so fast)... when the scheduler called they actually offered Sep 20th.... which was actually too soon, so I pushed it to 10/8. Best of luck! And don't you kinda love BCBS right now?

So.....stop. Just stop. Quit sabotaging your ability to gain results. It's not too late to get realigned with the suggested methods your bariatric group instructed you on. You use the term, "I can't ". I'm calling BS on this. You can, you simply choose not to. You've had weight loss surgery.....altered your body in order to set yourself up for losing weight. It's not to late to make the mental adjustments needed to support this. People the world over are flooding their gyms and diet centers this month in hopes of fulfilling their New Year's resolutions to lose weight. Be a joiner, lol. Follow along.....or better yet....lead the way. You've had a head start on them.....now leave them in the dust. Or don't. Your choice. Keep doing as you've always done and be content with not getting the most from your surgery. Or follow the rules and thrive with the benefits that will be forthcoming.

I am post op about 2 weeks for a lap band removal/revision to rny gastric bypass. I have Anthem bc/bs. I had them for the original surgery in 2007. Really didn't have any trouble, once the communication was open from my Surgeon's office and Anthem. I don't recall any lifetime max on my plan, but maybe others do.

Mine was bs. AND that wench had a giant box of cupcakes behind her on her desk.

I'm interested in this topic bc I work 12 hour shifts as an RN and I was wondering how everyone is managing. I haven't begun the process yet but I'm on my way. Looking forward to the responses

I'm not a drinker- haven't for 9 years due to the meds I take. But was wondering- DO people drink after having BS? I always thought it was a no-no.

I just had my follow up yesterday and I had those same feelings....not to mention its the middle of winter so I had on layers of clothing...but it went well I had a total lost of 24 pounds...dont worry bc the numbers won't be the same as pre op!

Good question bc I started at 202-205 depending. Sleeved 2-6 now weigh 182.5 soooo I'm so hoping to be in ALOT better shape by summer ! My goal is also around 125-135 and I'm only 5'. I don't want to be too skinny! I just don't know IF i would like myself? Sent from my iPhone using VST

you may or may not have to get this shot. i guess i got it bc of my size but i really have no idea. its a wee wee needle and couldnt feel it at all...getting your ear pierced was worse or breaking a nail for realz. so dont spazz over things that havent happened yet (or may never happen). wont help anything...hang in there

I've read several successful stories on obesityhelp stating that once patients dropped 50-75lbs their diabetes was completely resolved, and they were living med free with normal bs levels. Within this presentation (Slide 18) it states 83% out of 1,000 patients over a 5 year time frame had resolution of their diabetes. http://www.ssat.com/video/2008/SSAT%2049th%20Annual%20Meeting(3)-Cirangle.htm

I am scheduled for surgerybon 1/17 I have seen my pcp any ekg and per op blood work are good. I will be starting my preop liquid diet one week in advance i want to make sure i can do this its like a test of will. My surgeon only requires a 5 day preop diet. I am nervous excited sad mad and happy. Its like im breaking up with a horrible boyfriend that i still have feelings for. I have been overweight all my life and surrounded by two sisters who look like super models. I do just want to lose weight to look awesome i want to do everything i have never done bc of my weight. I feel my weight has held back my career my motherhood love life and fun. I am done letting obesity define me. I am kicking that ***** named obesity down the stairs and never looking back. Are there any january dates out there? What are u doing to get ready?

There's a guy on my WLS in person support group that has drooping eye skin after WLS and needs a eye lift or something bc it's impeding on his vision!!!

Getting sleeved 7/22. I told my closest friends whom I spend a lot of time with and my parents about 3 weeks prior to surgery. I figured I'd be accused of anorexia or bulimia from - what I expect to be - huge changes in both my eating habits and appearance. I didn't want to deal with lying constantly (that would give me an ulcer). After I had already paid and really committed to the surgery (self pay in Mexico), I had a small get together at my house, let everyone get a few drinks in, and then told everyone (8 people). This method is NOT for the shy or the easily dissuaded. It went like this: "I have some news that no one is going to like, but I'm telling you all because you mean a lot to me and your support will really make or break my longterm success with this (that was me being a bit euphemistic bc I will cut off friendships with people that do not support me). I'm getting a VSG (explained what it was, why I was doing it). I will no longer be able to join in binge eating or binge drinking, but I know our friendship is based on much more than that. I really appreciate everyone's support." I felt like a politician letting the US know we were going to war! But the good part about telling a bigger group is that they all held back their gut reactions at first and listened. After they - I'm sure - talked about it with each other, half of the group reached out to me personally offering to help me lose weight by cooking for me, taking me to the gym, etc, ANYTHING besides the surgery. I really did appreciate their concern, but told them nicely that I was a binge eater and drinker and this surgery was the only way I could break my habitual issues with lack of impulse control. It's hard to admit this stuff publicly, but it felt really freeing once it was out there. A couple friends were super supportive from day one. I feel like if people really are your friends, they will end up being supportive because you're doing something positive for your longterm health. And, if they can't, then screw 'em - they weren't really your friends. I'm also making my friends feel like they're part of my journey. I created a whatsapp group with all of them to give them updates on my surgery from Mexico and will keep the updates coming throughout the first couple months. First, I won't get attacked with questions when I first see them, and, second, I feel like if people feel like they're on the journey with you, all they'll want to do is contribute in positive ways. Aside from close people, I've told people that needed to know where I would be for the 10 days of surgery/recoup (like work, my personal trainer, acquaintances) that I was getting my gallbladder removed. I had to come up with something! Hope this is helpful to someone! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hmm.. Maybe you're a bit preoccupied with all the other things going on in your life at the moment to really 'get into your groove'? Obviously, if your libido is low, then your outlook is going to be impacted upon. That might include how you view your partner. However, has the downturn in your lustful feelings towards him been a recent thing, or has it been bubbling for a while? I might put it down to being a bit preoccupied.. But only you know whether this is true, or whether it is symptomatic of something deeper and more significant? What I will say about libido and being post op; for me, it comes in waves. And generally, when i've got enough nutrition in. If I haven't eaten enough, the first thing to be knocked out is that. Consequently, my recent advice to my partner was 'if you want me feeling 'fruity' - make sure you've fed me!' Wishing you the best of luck and hoping you find your groove again x

If it's like what o had its the diet class of the five day liquid pre op and what you eat after the stages it's not the same as all the other dietitian visits bc it's more specific to the surgery. Don't know if that's what your going to but that's what my final pre op class is

Ok now I am officially confused. I went over a week ago and got a fill. I only had him do .25 cc's because I was afraid to be too tight. I did fine for about 4 days and actually lost 4 lbs. but now everything gets stuck. I can get down oatmeal..or wheat thins if I chew them to mush. Otherwsie its coming right back up. Last night I took one bite of a turkey brat, with no bun and the bite was TINY. It instantly got stuck and I was dry heaving for an hour. And it wasn't just "BP-ing" I literally threw the food up, stomach acid and all (sorry tmi) So I haven't eaten much in the last 2-3 days and I weighted myself this morning and NADA! It still hasn't budged. How is that possible? I know if you don't eat enough calories you will not lose but I thought that was over time. I just don't get it. I'm miserable and I'm still not losing. I don't know if its stress related or whatever reasons behind it all of a sudden getting tight but I don't feel stressed out-and I'm not a person whos terribly prone to stress. So I don't really know what to do but I am back at this awful place that I was at about 4 mos ago. My band is so unpredictable and touchy I am terrified of eating with other people or to go out to eat bc I literally have no idea what its going to do. That is not a normal way to live and I can't keep throwing up. I'm so confused :smile2:

I am going back to the Dr today. I do eat very slow, since I am a year our I know better than to get pushy with my food esp after a fill. Its not even that half way through my meal I get stuck so its not that I'm eating too fast or too much, it will literally be the first bite. I am finding that I look for things like chips, pretzles, Cereal, salad (slider foods) because I know they aren't going to get stuck. That is where I came to my conclusion to go back in and have the .25 taken out. I don't get my period...ever. I have the Implanon and haven't had a period since 2008. I also don't drink any liquid calories unless I'm going out and then it'll be vodka and Water, otherwise I only drink water, diet tea, crystal light etc. But beleive me I haven't been drinking for weeks-my stomach is pissed enough. What I don't really get is that I was up to 6cc's before, and being two weeks out with 5.25 I can't handle it. I dunno this band can freak me out some days if I think too hard about it. All I know is I can't sit on the bathroom floor crying bc I'm freaked out I will have to do this the rest of my life. There has to be a happy medium..

Thanks Y'all I made a chicken avocado salad bc I live an hour away and the bake would be cold, but it's in my menu for dinner Saturday night! YUM! Thanks guys!

I am literally in the same situation as you Adam. 21 years old with a social life! I’m from the UK though. My surgery weight was 266lbs. And I’m 4 weeks post op. My last weigh in over a week ago was 240lbs. I haven’t weighed myself since as I know from experience regular weigh ins mess with my head! I can see inches coming off though so holding back on buying a new wardrobe just yet. I used to drink loads on nights out. With friends. I’m nervous about now in the future bc even drinking water too fast or too much in 1 go physically hurts. Not to mention the annoying-odour-free burping. And then I would always have to what we’d call a “sober munch” before returning home lol. So as to not end up choking on our own sick in bed. Ie a greasy take out to absorb the vodka and sober us up! I’ve no idea how that is meant to happen now with the new sleeve capacity but I’m also not that bothered either like they’re empty calories. My friends have the skinny gene where they’d eat and drink and never gain weight. I wasn’t as fortunate so I ruined my own life going along with the crowd and eating out just to snap it for Snapchat and the gram! (social media) so even if I can get drunk on 2 packs now of vodka and a low calorie drink mix then I’m happy with that but I wouldn’t start drinking until I’m at my goal weight. Ie 7 months I think. I’m aiming for 175lbs. I sometimes have regretted getting the sleeve done because I didn’t have THAT much weight to lose and I did manage to lose 4 stone dieting in 2 years. No exercise. And just eating calories less than my BMR. But I couldn’t live like that for the rest of my life so I wanted to be able to enjoy food but smaller portions so I see that as a positive. I’ve been waiting to get cleared at 6 weeks before going ahead with my personal trainer because I’ve never stepped foot in a gym in my life! My surgery was done in Erdem Hospital in Turkey btw. It was £7000 cheaper than the UK (£10,000). I don’t have any communication with the surgeon or nutritionist so my diet I’m doing myself based on posts and archives from here but also I’m doing my 2nd year of nurse training so it’s part of my career too. I feel like there will be stalls in weight loss but that’s just because our body has gotten used to a certain routine so things need tweaking and changing. The thing about protein and vitamins is true for hair loss. Very true. I already suffered from hereditary hair loss anyway from about 16! So the fact I got this done now 5 years later and I’m 22 in 2 months, doesn’t help either so I’m still looking online for the perfect multi vitamin and protein supplement. I can drink shakes easily (not in 1 go) but the taste doesn’t bother me unlike some but yeah my Hospital were useless like that so I’ve been left to my own devices and find my own tablets for life. But I’m glad to know there’s someone my age on here now who’s going through the same thing as me!