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What Post-Sleeve Rules Do You Break?
Berry78 replied to SassyScienceNerd's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I was reading, just today, about re-feeding anorexics. Basically, for them to gain weight, a typical 2000 calorie diet isn't enough to make significant changes to their weight. They need to eat 3500 and 4000 calories to make much headway. This is because the first 2000 calories are used just to continue living.. the extra is needed to make repairs and gain weight. Bella, even eating whatever she wants, is still restricted by the size of her stomach and her rule of stopping when satisfied. She isn't eating over 3000 calories a day, therefore can't gain a ton of weight... yet. I believe that once her body has healed the starvation damage, (may take years with limited calories), then she'll gain weight like the rest of us. Assuming "satisfied" comes a smidge too late As for what "most bariatric patients" do or don't do with rules.. you are probably right, summerset.. I just know that at some point, in order for us to be morbidly obese, we couldn't have been following rules. Whether burnout, or lack of attention, or a rebellious attitude.. whatever reasoning was behind it.. doesn't really matter... cuz here we are! The key to long term success is going to look different for each of us. But ultimately, we all are working with the same fundamentals. If we eat too many calories, we will put on weight. (how many is "too many" will vary wildly between us). If we find we are eating too many and the scale goes up, then we have to change something so we aren't eating too many any more. Much easier when we've gained 10lbs, then 100. -
Looking for maybe 6 weeks of menus with recipes (simple)
Healthy_life2 replied to BCS's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Portion suggestions: 3 to 4 oz lean protein 3 meals (goal 60-100 grams) Vegetables until you reach the point of full then stop. two small snacks throughout the day. My instructions were add carbs after I lost 75% of my weight to slow or stop weight loss for maintaining. I still ate plant based carbs. If you are instructed healthy carbs (whole wheat, brown rice sweet potato...Nothing white or proceed) two table spoons. Recipe and menu ideas below http://insidekarenskitchen.com/bariatric-friendly-recipes/ -
I've been meaning to share this for a while. For a long time I'd been under the impression that bariatric surgery was covered by my health plan through work. Someone else in the company had it and said "Yeah, CIGNA covered it for me." Well, what I didn't know was he had the CIGNA *** plan and I was on the PPO. And when I compared the exemptions between the two plans, the only difference was that the *** covered weight loss programs and bariatric surgery while the PPO didn't because it was classified as "cosmetic." Switching to the *** plan was not an option for me or my family. So I went to our HR department and explained the situation. They contacted our insurance broker and the got bariatric coverage added to the PPO plan effective 1/1/18. My appointment with the doctor is 1/3/18 at which point I'll kick off the whole process. But the point is: If your insurance doesn't cover what you need, just ask about it. More and more companies are covering weight loss surgery when there is a demonstrated need. I actually work for a health plan and I know that the numbers show it's much more cost effective to help the member lose the weight than to pay for all of the medical complications that will arise if obesity is left untreated. Here's the letter I sent to our HR director that got the ball rolling. Feel free to edit it and send to your own HR directors if you think it will help:
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Ugh. I'm on my pre-op diet 8 days in with 6 to go and I'm not doing great. I am eating low carb, definitely, but putting in Atkins snacks and I think that's affecting me. I see some of you are doing liquid protein diets, and I'm thinking of switching to that. How do you all feel on those pre-op diets? What obstacles did you face and how did you deal with them? I'm not a large bariatric patient, so I don't foresee complications (hope, hope, hope), but also want to do what's best for my body.
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I really need some support and help
Healthy_life2 replied to Erica517's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
We have the same surgery time period! June 2nd 2014 for me. I have gained and working my weight back down. Guilt and shame over weight gain are unproductive and useless emotions. Don't let yourself wallow in the negative head space. Get up and fight for this! Make this the year you will be healthier, stronger, brave and fierce! Some things to try: Once you eat carbs and sugar you will crave them more. Time to detox off carbs. (get them out of the house) Acknowledge your triggers that take you back to bad habits : Could be depression, emotional/stress eating or boredom. Get back to basics. 80-100 grams protein. Drink plenty water hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! (if you're not doing this already) Be sure to log your food. (food logging apps makes it easy) http://www.myfitnesspal.com/mobile/android Yes, even if you have to force yourself. Get out and walk or find some activity for exercise. It's winter. Treadmill in your home, workout videos, walk a mall or gym. Keep busy and find things to distract yourself from food. Bariatric pal has a great holiday weight loss challenge. Join us to keep motivated. https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/405183-holiday-challenge-time-lets-do-this/ -
Policy Changes in Great Britain may Deny Patients from getting Weight Loss Surgery
jls99660 replied to James Marusek's topic in Rants & Raves
Basically, this is rationing to meet the needs of society. In some cases, it might be appropriate. Carrying the liver transplant patient analogy forward, some find the six-months abstinence rule offensive. However, a person can live without alcohol and will require anti-rejection drugs for life. If they cannot maintain compliance, they will die and the liver they received will have been wasted. There is a huge waiting list relative to the supply and living donation is more dangerous to the donor. Bariatric surgery does not require that another life be lost (i.e. deceased) or someone come forward to donate part of their own body. I believe one of the reasons follow-up for patients is critical for science is to provide evidence that supports practice. Would it be appropriate to deny someone a 2nd/3rd surgery? Perhaps -I don't know. We don't have unlimited resources and don't put enough efforts into prevention. Moving forward, how do we balance this? My fear is that those of us who struggle with obesity are viewed negatively and blamed for our own condition. I don't believe the answer is that simple, so I am not comfortable with a blanket policy without overwhelming science to support it. -
Even though we are not walking in your shoes right now, Know we care and wish you and your family the best. I'm also a stress/emotional eater. Like @Sosewsue61 suggested keep healthy snacks on hand. Counseling is a great thing to help with life's stresses. We can't avoid stresses in life. Find new coping skills to replace comfort eating. Some thing to try: Keep your home clear of unhealthy comfort foods. Ask family to hide the things that are tempting you until this passes. Try activities for distraction from the temptation to eat., Leave the house take time for yourself. Being alone also may give you time to process thing in life. Walking a mall or public place, or a gym (since it's winter). Exercise is going to help with weight loss and emotions. Anger can be a great motivator. Get aggressive and break a sweat in your workout. I use my music playlist for therapy. I find music that is positive. speaks to what you're dealing with, or aggressive to get your anger out. You can also download self help books and listen to them as you walk. I used this song to process my mother's death. May not be your taste in music. But be open to give it a try. Go to the library to read. It's a quiet non food environment. Self help or something you enjoy for distraction- A book that can give you a laugh. Book title to look up: The Emotional First + Aid Kit: A Practical Guide to Life After Bariatric Surgery, Second Edition A coffee shop by yourself. (choose healthy item to drin). Sit with your phone. Read and post on Bariatric pal. We are here for you. Google ted talks -titles that speak to what you are going through .Catch up on emails. Notice and enjoy your surroundings. Winter is coming, hopefully you can watch the snowfall and smile. I hope this might help.
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Morning sweet ladies. I had some distressing news yesterday. The doc office made a mistake and it looks like I'm going to have to have 6 months of my structured weight loss plan rather than the initial 90days. I'm fairly sad about this. It means it would be mid February at the earliest before I would have my surgery...maybe even March? I'm so upset because I'm sitting right at 40BMI. I don't trust my co-morbidities to allow me to progress down below the 40BMI marker. So it's like I will be seesawing back and forth at this weight for another 3 months--which makes no sense to me!!! If I could maintain, and lose naturally, I wouldn't be seeking WLS! I had seen my 2 other docs (oncologist and PCP) for 3 months preceding starting with my bariatric surgeon/RD--so we are going to see if there is any help that they will give, such as writing a letter stating that they saw me for weight related issues and diet planning. But who knows if that will count towards my other 90 days? It's doubtful, but we're trying. So it doesn't look like I will be your Nov. bud after all. I will still be your biggest fan though!!! Congrats to all who are on the other side and are doing so great recovering!!! Hugs to all who are working hard for their big day!!! ((hugs))
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Policy Changes in Great Britain may Deny Patients from getting Weight Loss Surgery
James Marusek replied to James Marusek's topic in Rants & Raves
There are probably a few points. One of the reasons why I had the surgery was that as I got older my metabolism began to self destruct. I adopted a regular exercise routine and dieted and still gained weight. So generally insurance plans in the U.S. place us on a 6 month diet and exercise program. Most of these plans do not mandate the percentage of weight to be lost pre-op but rather that we attempt it. I wonder how many people on this board lost 15% of their original weight during the pre-op stage. If this is adopted as a standard, how many would fail this test. And then suppose your knees gave out in the interim but because your BMI was above 30, that meant no knee surgery. It would be hard to do the exercise part of the program if you couldn't even walk. Also the second point is that a BMI of 30 is a low number. My insurance plan says "Surgical treatment of obesity (bariatric surgery) is covered only if: clinical records support a body mass index of 40 or greater (or 35-40 when there is at least one co-morbidity related to obesity). Data published as a part of the World Health Organisation (WHO) study in 2014 indicated that 28.1% of adults in the United Kingdom were recognised as clinically obese with a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30. That is an awful high percentage of people to deny elective surgery to. Weight loss surgery can solve the obesity problem. If the health system really had the best interest of the people at heart, it would promote this health option by providing a carve-out. -
Comment your favorite protein shake/powder/drink!!
trailtramper replied to Road2Newme3's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Bariatric advantage liquid protein in berry flavor. Luckily, my doc wants his patients off protein drinks ASAP, so I hope to skip them in a few weeks. -
"Ready" for surgery? How much were you able to change before surgery?
Little Green posted a topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Hey folks, I'm pre-op, will be submitting for insurance approval in December. I've been struggling with my pre-op diet for a while and wanted to know how much you were able to change about your eating habits and such prior to surgery. I go back and forth between feeling really down on myself, wondering if I should postpone surgery since I "can't do it" and maybe that means I'm not ready, and then also feeling like all bariatric patients struggle with changing eating habits and if it was that easy we could just do it without surgery so I shouldn't be too hard on myself. What do you think? Were you still struggling with eating unhealthy foods before surgery or did you have a pretty good handle on things? I've been in weekly therapy for over four months trying to deal with issues around food and I thought I would have made much more progress between then and now. It's pretty discouraging and makes me worried that I won't be successful after surgery. My bariatric team and therapist are all super supportive and have told me they are behind me whether I go with surgery or not. I definitely still want to have surgery but I'm just constantly second guessing myself. -
Lap-Band to Bypass - What Do You Wish You Would Have Been Told?
ElleL replied to ElleL's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I️ think weighing twice a week is a good idea. I️ feel like this is my last chance and I don’t want to regain either. It’s my worst fear. I️ already got the Bariatric vitamins on Amazon a few months ago and just have to go get some protein. I’m all set. Thanks for your reply! -
I've had three c-sections as well also tubes tied during my third surgery. Did you have your tubes tired with the c-section or thru your belly button? More than likely that is what her adhesions were from. I have had laproscopic surgery to remove my gallbladder so I am concerned about that. The c- section should not affect the laproscopic RNY if that is what you are concerned about you are correct about that not being affected because it isn't in the same area. I actually asked my obgyn about it because she herself had a RNY done before. I'm hoping that the Bariatric surgeon's office calls me back about rescheduling me for December since I had the melt down and was rude with her... Just really upsetting because no one mentioned anything about the $1300 hospital co-pay before they tried to schedule my surgery... Best wishes to everyone!
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Pre op Liquid diet SOOOO hard
trailtramper replied to Jayluv's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I agree it is tough. I am on day 10. My surgery is 11/17. I haven’t cheated, but I don’t trust myself driving and am not thinking clearly some of the time. I am working remotely the rest of the week to minimize risk. It gets better when I rest, but my job is quite demanding, so my brain gets tired quickly. I am not cooking again until I am on the regular bariatric diet. My hubby is eating out or doing Stouffer’s. He is fit. It won’t hurt him for a few weeks. I am also getting a massage and a mani pedi before surgery. I deserve a treat. Keep trying. You can do it. Treat yourself to something you enjoy besides food. -
My papers were submitted to insurance on Friday(11/10). My NUT says surgery will be 2-3 months from the day of submittal. So, at the very latest I should be having surgery in mid February. I had a surgery buddy. Our appointments were days apart, as we started the program within a week of each other. I found her on a Facebook bariatric page. Well, long story short, she has dropped out of the race and in turn I no longer have a surgery buddy. Or really even a bariatric friend. I never thought to make more friends than her and I should have. I no longer feel comfortable confiding in her about how my appointment went or about anything bariatrics honestly, as I feel I’m rubbing it in her face. I am keeping the surgery discrete, so to have someone else who is going through the same as me surgery wise is crucial to me. I am trying to cram over half a year worth of small talk and acquaintanceship into a few weeks. So please know before responding, that I will be moving fast. Like, we need to become best friends In 8 weeks. I’m 27, I live in the Midwest and am opting for the bypass.
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Describe your liquid diet?
RickM replied to JuniperBug's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I wouldn't go whole hog on a liquid diet if you don't required to - they are unnecessary for the liver shrinking thing as you only need a low carb, calorie restricted diet get whatever benefit there is to obtain. The purely liquid aspect that some doctors impose is usually done to get their patients used to an overly long post-op liquid diet. The docs in a couple of practices that I have worked with specifically don't want their patients fasting for weeks before surgery, but want them as strong as possible going into the procedure. These liquid pre-op diets appear to be more common than they really are through a concept known as "adverse selection" which is common to many internet forums. It is simply a skewed perception due to the fact that most of those who have something to complain about (like having to be on an unnecessary liquid diet) will complain online about it, while those who have nothing to complain about are pretty quiet. If one were to survey the general bariatric population, one would find a relative minority have to do a liquid pre-op diet, while most have some kind of calorie/carb restricted diet, or none at all. -
Cigna and Post-Op Bariatric Care?
Diana_in_Philly replied to Véronique's topic in Insurance & Financing
Then go to the website to look it up - there should be a link someone can give you so you can check things like what drugs are in the formulary. There shouldbe something like this they can give you a link to - this one is for Westminster College's plan. Your plan may be different. At least one Cigna OAP 500 that came up when I googled did not cover bariatric, but this appears it may. https://westminstercollege.edu/docs/default-source/internal-content-documents/hr-documents/benefits/medical/2017-2018-cigna-oap-500-benefits-summary.pdf?sfvrsn=2 -
Cigna and Post-Op Bariatric Care?
Diana_in_Philly replied to Véronique's topic in Insurance & Financing
The only way to know is to get the details of your new potential plan from your new employer. There are hundreds of CIGNA plans out there - some may cover some may not. However, it is extremely unlikely that anyone will cover bariatric vitamins. Most plans don't even cover pre-natal vitamins. I never used specific "bariatric" vitamins. (I'm 14 months out). I buy my vitamins at Costco. I use chewable multi, tablets for iron, calcium, D and B12. (I'm low on D and B12 since before surgery). Doesn't cost a ton there. But the only way to know if things are covered are to ask HR or whomever for the information on the policy and then go to the website for your particular policy and check things out. -
So, I just had my surgery two months ago and I just started my new job last week. Now, I'm continuing my last employer's healthcare under COBRA but I'm wondering when my new company's insurance plan kicks in, if the aftercare for bariatric surgery (follow ups with the surgeon, etc) are covered under Cigna? Also, I'm kinda curious if bariatric vitamins would also be covered under Cigna? If so, that'll save me a TON of money.
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Policy Changes in Great Britain may Deny Patients from getting Weight Loss Surgery
Berry78 replied to James Marusek's topic in Rants & Raves
You need to read the article. It states that the obese patients need only reduce their weight by 10-15% over a 9 month timeframe in order to qualify for elective surgery. This wouldn't effect bariatric patients since we lose weight preoperatively anyway. And smokers only have to stop smoking for 2 months prior to surgery. It's a hurdle, but not an insurmountable one. -
Damn .... my insulin resistance is bad
Mattymatt posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Well, I think I discovered something very interesting this morning. On the advice of one of the people in this bariatric support group that I attended over the weekend, I tried a low carb breakfast at only 7 grams of carbs. This morning I woke up with a blood sugar of 121 and 2.5 hours post-breakfast, my blood sugar is 90. My insulin resistance must be pretty bad. Well, I now see that this journey is about a permanent lifestyle alteration. I am so over pricking my finger 3x per day to check my blood sugar. Also, I am done swallowing those Metformin horse pills. I am going to have to start collecting some food ideas. -
Daily Menu Thread for the Wk 11.05.17-11.11.17
Berry78 replied to FluffyChix's topic in Post-op Diets and Questions
Rainbow.. you are only 4 weeks postop. What does your plan say about goals for protein and calories, and meal size? I'm also picking my jaw off the floor at the quantity of meat you can consume at a time. At 4 weeks postop, I was eating 56g cottage cheese or 1 egg, not 173g (6oz!) lean protein. I'm concerned because your stomach isn't completely healed yet... The other thing is your body can only assimilate 30g of protein/amino acids at a time (about 114g meat). Eating more than that isn't meeting protein requirements, your body will just use it the same way as it uses carbohydrates. 30g protein, 3 times a day, separated by several hours, will more than meet your protein/amino acid needs. The reason bariatric patients eat 6 times a day is because they can only eat 50-100g at a time. If you are able to eat 200g at a time, then you only need to eat 3 meals a day. (If you are still hungry and want snacks, those snacks should just be extra veggies since you can meet your protein requirements in the 3 meals). -
I went to a support group for bariatric surgery this past Saturday. I learned so much that now I'm sold on the idea. Even though I'm still quite a ways from a surgery date, the learning has been invaluable. One thing I really struggle with is breakfast because most breakfast foods are carbohydrate rich. Someone recommended taking some canned chicken and mixing it with mustard. Made quite a delicious and filling breakfast. I added some pecans to the mix as well. Sometimes we get so ingrained in our habits that we forget that we can go outside the box. Hearing other people make recommendations was so helpful. I learned of another great idea. Take a premiere protein shake, caramel flavor, and mix PB2 with it. I never heard of PB2 but the person's description of this protein shake made my mouth water.
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Fibroite sleever -
James Marusek replied to Fibro Queen's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Here are some past threads dealing with fibromyalgia and bariatric surgery: https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/400049-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-fibromyalgia/ https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/394106-fibromyalgia-and-sleeve/ https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/12326-anyone-else-have-fibromyalgia/ https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/380313-has-anyone-been-diagnosed-with-fibromyalgia-before-having-wls/ https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/227624-fibromyalgia-and-knee-joint-pain/ https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/275327-rheumatoid-arthritis-and-fibromyalgia/ https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/243911-fibromyalgia-and-vsg/ https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/360515-vitamins/ -
Hello. I'm just starting my bariatric journey with an informational seminar and an appointment to see the surgeon. I have been vegan (98%) for two years. I'd like to know if I can home make protein shakes with tofu, peanut butter, soy milk, etc., instead of buying powders with nasty ingredients and nasty flavors. Unless someone knows of an actually great-tasting vegan protein shake to stock up on? Thanks!
