Search the Community

I have two boys 31/2 years old and 19 months old baby how long will it take for me to recover to be able to take care of my babies with no help :-( I am having a hard time with my support system Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

I **LOVE** the sugar free popsicles! I used to eat them before. They were on sale a few weeks ago, so I now have about 10 boxes in my freezer!

I didn't get it out of medical necessity- the only weight-related condition I have is PCOS. I got it because I've been fat literally as long as I can remember, and I told myself that 2019 would be the year I did something about it once and for all. I had tried sooooo many different things, but I always regained lost weight and then some. So I had surgery 2/6/19, and I am so happy I did. I have a 5 yr old son, which was one of my biggest motivations for getting the surgery to lose the weight, and I can finally run around with him and do stuff with him and not be instantly tired.

I haven't said much about this unless you aw my posts on struggle with my dr's office staff in trying to get them to push paperwork through to Cigna. It was such an awful experience and it wasn't the insurance company! I had talked to Cigna 15 months ago about their requirements then before I ever found a surgeon. When I asked for recommendations on here and in personal life, several docs recommended but out of 2 recommended, I knew 1 took Cigna and he had good reviews. I didn't call the other doc as he was in Frisco (30 min drive) and doc I chose was 10 mins away. My knee is messed up & driving aggravates it. He is sharing digs with another doc (OB/GYN) as his private new office ais being built. His 1 med tech/office person (he also has office mgr) is one of the most difficult people I have EVER encountered at a dr's office and that is saying A LOT! Especially since I helped care for both parents and have a kid that had an immune system issue growing up. I've had her be hateful to me, be rude, dismissive. The doc; however, was so nice that I've shrugged off med tech's behavior as I have no idea if maybe she is maybe related and was afraid of losing him if I said something. I felt dr & I were a good match though. I had planned to talk to him after surgery about how rough it was to deal with his tech. Flash forward to this week & she called to tell me to come to hospital at a diff time for my Mon. surgery to check in (origcheck in time was 12:30, new check in time is 1:30. I was a bit surprised and as I'm curious..I blurted "what happened?".then said, "sorry, never mind...so when will actual operation take place as I have some people planning to come". Well, I obviously had 'exceeded my question quota' as she sighed & quickly said "2:30" (orig surgery time was 2). Then she basically ended call. Now call me crazy, but changing hospital check in time to be an hr later and NOT changing surgery time seemed odd, but ok. Oh, she did say that "the hospital changed things around". Well, since I got to know a nice lady at the hospital when I called to schedule my appt for surgery and found out she didn't even have my orders/show I was on list for surgery - this was a WEEK after my dr. had told me my surgery date and grouchy tech said to be sure to call hospital ASAP if I didn't hear in a day. When they told me they had no info about my surgery, I sighed as this has been story of my life anytime this person is involved. I've had to deal with her icy attitude anytime I'm in the office as I ended up pushing the 'put things through to insurance' with the doctor as she absolutely REFUSED to and said that I needed to quit calling my insurance as I was getting them confused. CIGNA themselves was frustrated with her& called the Office Mgr to ASSURE them they were ready to APPROVE me. I took a copy of the policy and showed him wording that she kept misinterpreting (did not point it out, told him Cigna was waiting..and asked what his 'take' on "within the past 6 months" meant. He agreed easily that I had indeed met all requirements based on wording of policy and he'd have them push papers through. Next visit, she would not make eye contact. Her face was in a scowl and she only spoke the bare minimum. I've kept telling myself - the only person I care about is the doctor and I like him, he gets my 'clotting issues'...and he understood immediately that my info on CIGNA was correct. AFTER all this, when I call hospital back about surgery/check in time change, the nice lady there said "you are not scheduled for 2:30 (sad thing is I knew med tech lied), the doc made some changes and you are now on list for 3:30. That is all I wanted to know, what time the SURGERY is. And no, the hospital changed nothing. The changes came from dr's office. Why be dishonest about that? Makes no sense. So all this "history" is simmering in the back of my head/heart obviously & past few days all I can think of (well, I do think of good things too, but this is the 'really getting to me stuff')..is how awful and hard she has made the process. Who knew an office staff person could be more difficult than insurance? Cigna was a dream! Now to top it off, my husband is unhappy that my coumadin to lovenox bridging plan was given to me by dr on a sticky note. Maybe he intended office staff to type it up (I showed it to them though & they just handed back), but when I pulled it out yesterday, my husband expressed BIG concerns that something that is so critical to my health (my last, MINOR surgery - I ended up throwing more clots even with a filter in because lovenox bridging was dosed wrong).. Hubby uncomfortable that info just on a 'sticky note'. No dr signature, no official paperwork, etc. When I was at hospital for pre-op...all I kept hearing was about the"some dr" up in Frisco..in glowing terms - they weren't talking to me, the hospital staff was talking to ea other. I said at one point "he must be a really good dr" and the woman said "he is incredible". NOTE: All docs @ this hospital are either contractors or part owners if they wish. Both my current dr & the one ppl were talking about are both contractors so there was no 'reason' for them to 'wax poetic' about the other dr. My dr is new to this part of DFW area. All of this to say....I'm so torn - turns out this other dr is the one I decided not to see as he was in Frisco. I've been willing to put up with abusive/rude behavior from my drs staff that I like as I don't want to 'upset apple cart'. I've ignored my misgivings &husband's misgivings about getting my critical coumadin and Lovenox schedule handed to me on a sticky. I still feel he is a really good dr. Now though, I have found out that this other dr has much more extensive reviews..and they are just as good if not better...and ppl rave about him and his staff. What is more, they are willing to meet with me and have a discussion (I called to ask if they had ever had anyone switch at last minute) to see what would be best for me and even likely my surgery date will not change. Do you think this is all part of jitters - I'm not SEEKING to postpone my surgery at all. Have I been ignoring what my gut has been trying to tell me all along? I KNOW my husband is not thrilled with the dr I've chosen. Am I nuts for taking another look at this???

July 23 VSG New_Me 2019

Walk, walk and walk to help with gas. I don’t k ow how mobile you are but walk as much as you can. They had me walking that afternoon, the next day I must have walked for over an hour at one point, I made it a game. Every time I passed my room I’d take a sip of water. Made it easier. i can’t say it enough walk. When you get home. Do the same. Get up every 10 minutes and talk a walk around the house, keep doing that and I promise you won’t have gas. It worked for me,

Thank you so much! Surgery ran super long yesterday due to them fixing a hiatal hernia that was undetected before, and fixing keloid scars from my gallbladder procedure last year. Surgery ended up being around 6 hours. I feel great! No nausea or vomiting, able to keep fluids down, and minimal pain... only around incisions area and gas pressure. I requested pain meds about every 8ish hours due to soreness and incision pain. I HORRIBLE overnight nurses who refused to let me walk until my husband became very stern with them about the risk of blood clots and the gas pain in my chest. At that point they let me go and we talked for about 10 minutes. Hoping to be discharged later on today to continue this journey at home. I’m so excited and happy to finally be at this point!

Good morning ladies! I am going to be 70 years young on September 11th (I still am 19 in my head lol) and I have my surgery dat for July 22, 2019. I am so excited and also nervous and. All the other emotions that go with this life changing decision. I had both knees replaced 3 years ago, type-2 diabetes, Hbp, sleep apnea and I am looking forward with the weight loss to correct these problems. Best decision was having both my knees replaced, but the added weight hurts them. I also have a pinched nerve that I’m working on with PT and the weight loss will help tremendously with that issue. I retired to the Carolina ‘s three years ago and I’m ready for all the activities on my “retirement bucket list”. Also, I’m looking forward to dating once again as I am a widow now after 32 years of marriage. So lots ahead. I’m here if any of you older gals want to talk. It helps if we all share with each other..... it makes this process a lot easier.... Kate

It is going to be the start to our long term success. New_Me 2019

Yes, my surgeon Dr. Ariel Ortiz at OCC in Mexico told me that he does the super sleave surgery (he invented himself), basically after he resects the stomach, he uses staples to close the incision area than he uses a row of nylon sutures (none absorbable sutures) to reinforce the same area. This helps reinforce the area to keep it intact longer. I am hoping this method also helps prevent long term stomach stretching out and ruining the sleeves results. I actually spoke to Dr. Ortiz today and he said that he is in the process of publishing a article on the Super Sleave. I got this surgery done by him on June 12, 2019 and my experience so far has been fantastic. Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Yes, my surgeon Dr. Ariel Ortiz at OCC in Mexico told me that he does the super sleeve surgery (he invented himself), basically after he resects the stomach, he uses staples to close the incision area than he uses a row of nylon sutures (none absorbable sutures) to reinforce the same area. This helps reinforce the area to keep it intact longer. I am hoping this method also helps prevent long term stomach stretching out and ruining the sleeves results. I actually spoke to Dr. Ortiz today and he said that he is in the process of publishing a article on the Super Sleeve. I got this surgery done by him on June 12, 2019 and my experience so far has been fantastic. Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

I am 73, 10 months past RNY, oh I have had some bumps in my weight loss path, but have lost 125(I think) pounds in less than 10 months, weight I couldn't lose and keep off before! And I like that might be grounds for celebration tonight..

Excited for you, surgery gives you a brand- New tool to use. AND it does WORK, this 73 year old has lost close to 125 pounds in less than 10 months with a Basal Metabolism Rate mimicking a Sick Sea Slug. Yes My Lovelies it can be done!

I don't know about you but it feels like each day is going by in slowmo. I guess I am just ready to get this show on the road. New_Me 2019

Hi everyone: I’m 96lbs down from my HW of 354. I was sleeved last July and have my one year follow-up appt on the 10th. I’m still losing between 7-10 lbs a month and I’m not really exercising at all. I do plan to ramp that up this summer though. My goal weight is 175 so I still have a ways to go. Slow and steady... It truly has been a wonderful journey. My whole life changed with the first 30 lbs and it all been wonderful since then. Hope to be in Onederland by Christmas.

This isn't the exact same thing, but I have an autoimmune disease and was put on steroids approximately 10 days after my last appointment for my medically supervised diet, and I have gained weight - like 5lbs - since I was last in. Because I'm ravenous because that's what steroids do. I think it's up to you about lifting weights, but I know my friends who have had the surgery have said that they should have conditioned their core and back a little more to be able to support just how weak you are after abdominal surgery! Maybe do just bodyweight exercise?

I alao had my vsg done in Mexico by Dr Ariel ortiz at OCC on June 12th 2019. My experience has been fantastic, let me know if you have any questions. Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

I also went to Mexico and had mine done at occ by Dr. Ariel Ortiz on June 12th 2019. My experience was fantastic. Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Did you get the sleeve? I got mine done by Dr. Ariel ortiz on June 12th 2019. If you still have any questions, let me know. Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

That's not bad statistics at all, very encouraging. When I started the pre OP diet I was 235 lbs, if I loose all the weight and only gain 5 to 10 lbs of the weight by 5 year or more I will be still so happy. To me that is still success. I am 5'9, my ideal weight to be is between 140-150 lbs. I hope I can make it to 140 lbs so I always have some room and dint freak out if I can a few pounds. I am very happy I met you on here, now we can compare our progress to one another. I wish us both lots of luck. Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

I swore that I posted already, but I can’t find my post. Hopefully this isn’t a duplicate post. Surgery was 6/4/18 (VSG). I’m down 90lbs. I went from a size 16 to a size 4. I’m kind of at my goal and kind of want to lose another 10 lbs. Time flies you guys. http://www.instagram.com/Vsg4me2please

Haha! I just typed up this really long response and then my phone glitched and it's gone. Yes dr. Ortiz told us all about the super sleeve. That sounds awesome because I think it will keep us from getting hernias. I once heard that plication is the same cost as the sleeve. Someone recently asked if people have regained weights. Two come to mind who said that they regained quite a bit of weight. Some said they have gained back 5 or 10 lb but that they were fine with it because they had lost too much weight. Most said that they maintained within about 5 lb. All of them said that you can never relax and eat the way you used to. You have to use this time to retrain your brain. I hope I can.

It goes by so quick you will have a date before you even know it.. it took me 10 months because of my other issues.. but I've heard of people get a date within 4-6 monthsSent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J727AZ using BariatricPal mobile app

I’m just starting out but I have read that it helps to do a pouch reset. Having hormone, metabolic and other medical issues I can relate. Try to pinpoint what medication might be affecting your weight and why. For example I needed beta blockers and the generic caused more side effects that included slowing my metabolism. Once I got on the name brand and also adjusted my calories it helped. If you can pinpoint the medication ask the doctor about switching to something with less side effects of weight gain. Also see an endocrinologist to have hormones checked and anything that could be throwing off your weight there. You might try some natural hormone supplements ie. Wild yam, black cohosh, (my head isn’t working to think of them all) 15 years a lot can change and it takes time to re-evaluate and adjust. 2-Week Pouch Reset Diet The 2-Week Pouch Reset Diet can help you if your weight loss stalls after getting gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, lap-band, or another type of weight loss surgery. There may be a time after weight loss surgery when you wonder whether your pouch has stretched, or when you get off track with your eating. The 2-Week Pouch Reset Diet mimics your original post-op diet, but it moves through the stages more quickly. You start with clear liquids, move to full liquids, then progress to pureed foods, semi-soft foods, and solid foods. The 2-Week Pouch Reset Diet can help you: Break the pattern of off-track eating. Remember what it feels like when you feel restriction from your pouch. Practice stopping eating before you feel overly full. Diet Guidelines: When you get to the solid foods diet, this is the time when you will feel that your pouch is working again. Eat slowly and mindfully, and focus on the feeling you have when you stop eating just before you are full. You can continue on the solid foods plan (repeat Days 10-14) for as long as your doctor agrees. Drink plenty of water and other calorie-free or low-calorie liquids to stay hydrated. Only use under the supervision of your doctor. Day 1: Clear Liquids Breakfast ½ cup apple juice, ½ cup decaf green tea Snack 1 1 sugar-free ice pop, ½ cup sugar-free gelatin Lunch Tomato Basil Sipping Broth, ½ cup sugar-free gelatin Snack 2 ½ cup decaf coffee, Lemon Iced Tea Fiber Drink Dinner Delight Pho Sipping Broth, ½ cup sugar free gelatin Dessert 1 ice pop Day 2: Full Liquids Breakfast Strawberry Meal Replacement Shake (240 calories, 35 grams protein) Snack 1 Decaf Protein Cappuccino (90 calories, 15 grams protein) Lunch Broccoli and Cheese Protein Soup (100 calories, 15 grams protein) Snack 2 Vanilla Meal Replacement Shake (240 calories, 35 grams protein) Dinner Meal Replacement Chicken Protein Soup (160 calories, 27 grams protein) Dessert Banana Protein Shake (80 calories, 15 grams protein) Totals: 910 calories, 142 grams protein Day 3: Full Liquids Breakfast Chocolate Meal Replacement Shake (240 calories, 35 grams protein) Snack 1 Vanilla Cappuccino Hot Protein Drink (90 calories, 15 grams protein) Lunch Cream of Tomato Meal Replacement Soup (160 calories, 15 grams protein) Snack 2 Strawberry Meal Replacement Shake (240 calories, 35 grams protein) Dinner Corn Chowder Protein Soup (110 calories, 15 grams protein) Dessert Cheesecake Protein Pudding or Shake (90 calories, 15 grams protein) Totals: 930 calories, 130 grams protein Day 4: Pureed Foods (Mushies) Breakfast Peaches and Cream Protein Oatmeal, ¾ cup pureed canned or frozen peaches (150 calories, 16 grams protein) Snack 1 1 container plain non-fat Greek yogurt, ½ pureed banana (150 calories, 15 grams protein) Lunch Pureed tuna salad with 3 ounces tuna, ½ cup cooked or canned green beans, ¼ cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons black olives, pepper (180 calories, 25 grams protein) Snack 2 Vanilla Meal Replacement (240 calories, 35 grams protein) Dinner 4 ounces pureed canned chicken breast, ½ cup pureed cooked carrots (130 calories, 19 grams protein) Dessert Protein Cheesecake Pudding with ½ cup strawberries, pureed (120 calories, 16 grams protein) Totals: 970 calories, 126 grams protein Day 5: Pureed Foods (Mushies) Breakfast Shake with Peanut Butter Protein Powder, ½ banana, 1 5-oz. cup vanilla Greek yogurt (200 calories, 20 grams protein) Snack 1 Pureed egg salad with 2 hard-boiled eggs, 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, pepper (180 calories, 15 grams protein) Lunch ½ cup non-fat pureed cottage cheese, ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (140 calories, 14 grams protein) Snack 2 ¼ cup hummus with 1 scoop, (220 calories, 32 grams protein) Dinner Chicken with Pasta Protein Soup, pureed with ½ cup cooked frozen cauliflower and ½ cup cooked brown rice (220 calories, 18 grams protein) Dessert Mocha Cream Protein Pudding (100 calories, 15 grams protein) Totals: 1060 calories, 114 grams protein Day 6: Pureed Foods (Mushies) Breakfast Vegetable Protein Omelet, 1 ounce cheddar cheese, melted, ½ mashed banana (260 calories, 23 grams protein) Snack 1 Pureed Protein Chili with Beans, 1 cheese stick (string cheese) (180 calories, 22 grams protein) Lunch Cream of Mushroom Protein Soup, ½ cup mashed potatoes with 1 teaspoon olive oil (200 calories, 16 grams protein) Snack 2 Maple Brown Sugar Protein Oatmeal, ½ cup low-fat ricotta cheese (250 calories, 28 grams protein) Dinner Chicken with Pasta Protein Soup, 3 ounces pureed cooked ground turkey meatballs blended with ½ cup tomato sauce, ½ cup cooked pureed fresh or frozen winter squash with 1 teaspoon olive oil (220 calories, 23 grams protein) Dessert Strawberry Banana Protein Gelatin (70 calories, 15 grams protein) Totals: 1180 calories, 117 grams protein Day 7: Semi-Soft Foods Breakfast Buttermilk Protein Pancakes, ½ cup blueberries (240 calories, 21 grams protein) Snack 1 Protein Hot Cocoa (80 calories, 15 grams protein) Lunch Beef with Pasta Protein Soup, with ½ cup cooked or canned beans and ½ cup cooked vegetables (240 calories, 24 grams protein) Snack 2 ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese, 1 cup cantaloupe (160 calories, 14 grams protein) Dinner 1 veggie burger, 1 cup cooked green beans, 1 medium cooked sweet potato (250 calories, 14 grams protein) Dessert Soft-Baked Protein Brownie, ½ cup vanilla yogurt (180 calories, 20 grams protein) Totals: 1150 calories, 108 grams protein Day 8: Semi-Soft Foods Breakfast Southwestern Protein Omelet, with 1 ounce cheddar cheese, ½ cup cooked spinach, ¼ cup salsa (270 calories, 22 grams protein) Snack 1 Hazelnut Cocoa Cream Protein Pudding (100 calories, 15 grams protein) Lunch Spaghetti and Meatballs Protein Entree, 1 cup cooked frozen broccoli florets (260 calories, 18 grams protein) Snack 2 Berry Delicious Protein Smoothie (100 calories, 15 grams protein) Dinner 3 ounces broiled salmon with teriyaki sauce, ½ cup cooked brown rice, 1 cup cooked cauliflower florets (350 calories, 23 grams protein) Dessert Double Chocolate Cake (120 calories, 12 grams protein) Totals: 1200 calories, 105 grams protein Day 9: Semi-Soft Foods Breakfast Chocolate Chip Protein Pancakes, 2 tablespoons peanut butter (300 calories, 22 grams protein) Snack 1 (70 calories, 15 grams protein) Lunch Creamy Chicken Pasta Protein Entrée, ½ cup cooked zucchini (240 calories, 16 grams protein) Snack 2 1 cup cut watermelon, 1 ounce feta cheese (120 calories, 4 grams protein) Dinner 1 cooked bell pepper stuffed with 3 ounces ground turkey, ½ cup stewed tomatoes, 1/3 cup cooked quinoa or barley, and Italian seasoning (280 calories, 27 grams protein) Dessert Creamy Cheesecake Protein Dessert (120 calories, 12 grams protein) Totals: 1090 calories, 96 grams protein Day 10: Solid Foods Breakfast Berries ‘n Chocolate Crunch Protein Cereal with 1 container Greek yogurt (230 calories, 25 grams protein) Snack 1 Chunky Crisp Peanut Butter Protein Bar (160 calories, 12 grams protein) Lunch Tuna salad on lettuce leaves, made with 3 ounces tuna, diced celery and onion, ¼ cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons black olives, pepper (180 calories, 25 grams protein) Snack 2 Caprese salad with 1 ounce mozzarella balls, 1 large tomato, sliced, 2 teaspoons olive oil, basil leaves, black pepper (210 calories, 8 grams protein) Dinner 3 ounces Mexican seasoned shredded chicken mixed with ½ cup pinto beans and 1 cup cooked bell pepper strips, topped with ¼ cup avocado (350 calories, 30 grams protein) Dessert Tropical Banana Protein Pudding (100 calories, 15 grams protein) Totals: 1230 calories, 105 grams protein Day 11: Solid Foods Breakfast Breakfast sandwich with 1 whole-grain English muffin, 1 slice fat-free cheese, 1 cooked egg (230 calories, 17 grams protein) Snack 1 Fruit salad with 1 cup cut fresh fruit and 1 ounce sliced almonds (240 calories, 8 grams protein) Lunch Five Bean Casserole Protein Entree (240 calories, 11 grams protein) Snack 2 1 large whole-grain high-fiber wrap spread with 2 ounces fat-free cream cheese plus shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes (170 calories, 18 grams protein) Dinner Protein Pasta with 3 ounces lean ground turkey, Tomato Parmesan Flavor Pack , and 1 cup cooked broccoli, cauliflower, and carrot mix (300 calories, 41 grams protein) Dessert Chocolate Chip Protein Cookie (150 calories, 15 grams protein) Totals: 1330 calories, 110 grams protein Day 12: Solid Foods Breakfast Crispy Lemon Meringue Bar (160 calories, 14 grams protein) Snack 1 Pineapple Orange Fruit Drink (70 calories, 15 grams protein) Lunch Roll-ups with 2 ounces all-natural sliced turkey breast, 1 ounce swiss or cheddar slices, and ¼ cup avocado slices (260 calories, 24 grams protein) Snack 2 1 cup baby carrots, 1 tablespoon peanut butter (140 calories, 8 grams protein) Dinner High-fiber wrap with 3 ounces tilapia or other white fish, grilled eggplant, and Honey Dijon dressing (250 calories, 30 grams protein) Dessert Chocolate Protein Cereal, 1 apple (210 calories, 15 grams protein) Totals: 1090 calories, 106 grams protein Day 13: Solid Foods Breakfast Strawberry Meal Replacement Shake (250 calories, 35 grams protein) Snack 1 Caramel Brownie Protein Bar (180 calories, 14 grams protein) Lunch Greek chicken salad with romaine lettuce, cucumber slices, grape tomatoes, 3 ounces cooked chicken breast, 1 ounce feta cheese, 2 tablespoons vinaigrette (250 calories, 26 grams protein) Snack 2 1 cup bell pepper strips Meat Snack (120 calories, 15 grams protein) Dinner Pasta Fagioli (210 calories, 14 grams protein) Dessert Mint Hot Chocolate, 1 apple (80 calories, 15 grams protein) Totals: 1090 calories, 119 grams protein Day 14: Solid Foods Breakfast Golden Protein Pancakes ½ banana, ½ ounce pecans (240 calories, 17 grams protein) Snack 1 2 hard-boiled eggs (140 calories, 12 grams protein) Lunch Salad with spinach leaves, 1 cup sliced strawberries, 1 ounce shaved parmesan, 2 tablespoons light dressing (230 calories, 10 grams protein) Snack 2 Protein Chips (130 calories, 10 grams protein) Dinner Protein Chili with 1 ounce cheddar cheese, 1 cup cooked carro (280 calories, 24 grams protein) Dessert 1 small pear, 1 ounce blue cheese (170 calories, 7 grams protein) Totals: 1190 calories, 80 grams protein