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Hi everyone. Currently at week 3 post-op and struggling. I am now feeling what I think are hunger pains, which I was not experiencing before. But more than that, I am starting to crave the foods I used to and I am finding it hard to resist temptation. Unfortunately, it seems I still like the same foods and haven’t yet that I don’t like something I used to (too bad!). Yesterday, I ended up eating some spaghetti and some chocolate chips ( not together! Lol) My stomach hurt afterwards and I had a feeling it would but I did it. I am technically still in the puréed stage too. I think I’m missing the way I used to eat, the quantity I guess. Not sure what is going on. When I went to my first post-op follow up, my doctor was happy with my progress and didn’t care about my weight loss or what I was eating, as long as it was mushy and trying to stay hydrated. I am really struggling with eating as if I’m on a diet vs. eating anything but of course in very small quantities. I have a friend that had vsg last April and looks great now and she told me she eats what she wants just a little since that’s all we can do. I know I can’t compare but Its hard not to. Today my family had the leftover spaghetti and meatballs and I technically could’ve had the meatball but didn’t bc I thought it wasn’t “healthy” enough. It’s all very confusing and I hope I’m not the only one struggling. On a side note, I can’t seem to have a bm and I’ve tried everything-smooth tea, crushed dulcolax (that made me throw up), and milk of magnesia. Nothing is working. Please let me know if you al have any other recommendations. Thank you!!!

Hi. I'm still having so much trouble with the CPAP machine. I just kept trying thinking it would get better. I was furious with it last night. So much full-on pressure right away and my head gear twisting this way and that causing my nasal pillows to move and blast loud air. I got up to see if I have ramp option (I had it a decade ago and I didn't have this struggle). So, thank you for mentioning it bc there is RAMP but it is off and I can't turn it on. I'm going to call American Home Patient about it. Thank you again. This just may help me.

Hi. WOOHOO! You're time has finally come. I packed 2 pair of comfy pants and tops (and was also wearing the same), plenty of underwear (wasn't sure how long I'd be there and I always pack double of what I need), deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, washcloths, and a bath sheet from home. I only used the clothes I was wearing and one pair of underwear plus toiletries bc I was in and out in about 22 hours. I packed my own medium firmness pillow which I intentionally left in the car bc I didn't want to mistakenly leave it there (like I did the at the overnight sleepy test) and I used it by placing it against my stomach on the ride home. I saw the tip posted on here by another member and it helps. Oh, I did pack socks too but didn't need them bc I left hospital socks on.

Maybe I'm not understanding fully. If your official first visit was 12/19/18 then you need 90 (3 months) consecutive days. The days will not add up to 90 by 2/12/18 unfortunately. Even if you had 3 visits one in Dec, Jan, Feb, you do not have 90 days yet so that's an easy explanation as to why insurance cannot approve your surgery at this time. And that really stinks. It's understandable that your deeply disappointed bc they gave you date of 2/12 and now you hear otherwise. I have BC/BS and had 3 months visits as well. Because of a problem with one of the doctors' offices, my 3 months turned to 4. Then I was approved and had a date by the 5th month. I think it's probably rare that a surgery is done to the day of the 3-month mark bc you have to have 90 days first and all clearances then paperwork is submitted and there's a wait for approval. Hang in there. You'll get through this.

Maybe I'm not understanding fully. If your official first visit was 12/19/18 then you need 90 (3 months) consecutive days. The days will not add up to 90 by 2/12/18 unfortunately. Even if you had 3 visits one in Dec, Jan, Feb, you do not have 90 days yet so that's an easy explanation as to why insurance cannot approve your surgery at this time. And that really stinks. It's understandable that your deeply disappointed bc they gave you date of 2/12 and now you hear otherwise. I have BC/BS and had 3 months visits as well. Because of a problem with one of the doctors' offices, my 3 months turned to 4. Then I was approved and had a date by the 5th month. I think it's probably rare that a surgery is done to the day of the 3-month mark bc you have to have 90 days first and all clearances then paperwork is submitted and there's a wait for approval. Hang in there. You'll get through this.

@Creekimp13 Thank you so much for this thread. Your description of this is so eloquent and thoughtfully written. I totally get it. It is about the grieving and reinventing and coming to terms that most of the old will need to change to survive in the new normal. In a post BC world, they talk about "the new normal" and you hear it so often, that sometimes you just want to go cram it down the next person who mentions its throat. LOL. But I think (or have an inkling) this will be true in my post WLS world. It is shocking how much time you have on your hands when not planning, shopping, prepping, cooking, eating, and cleaning up from a meal. You know? It's like, "What the f*ck am I supposed to do with the next 20hours of the day? And where on earth am I gonna get something to entertain and amuse me like food/cooking/being a foodie does?" *snic* LOL. I have some thoughts for you. I think you should pursue acting out a 9 1/2 weeks and do sex transference addiction with the hubs, whom I agree is a massive keeper. Then you should regale us with your wicked feats of strength for our enjoyment. Just spit ballin' ideas for you here.

Hi... I’m new to all of this. I go feb 13th for my nutrition class and surgery is scheduled for March 12th. I’m nervous but excited for my new journey. I’m 37 and weight 265 lbs. I’m 5’10 tho so most people don’t believe me when I tell them what I weigh. I was approved thru my insurance bc I have high BP too. Anything y’all can tell me to help out would be appreciated.

Ha! Love this! Maybe I'll revise my reward from going camping and tubing on the Frio (in a bikini), to getting tatties on the foobs? LOL, I horrified my PS when I suggested I might get Harley Davidson tats there instead of nip tats. Ahhhh BC, you make us laugh in your face! Cheers mamacita! Keep rockin' it!!!

From your lips to God's ears sweetie! And I don't have the suckage lottery with the BC. LOL. Sounds like your's sucks wind too. ((hugs)) Sad to hear how so many on your mom's side have it. Here's to being able to go out for a run, or at least a slow jog one day, right? (Hey, it's our party, we can dream. Right?)

Day 2 of 15 is officially out the door and it was successful. I felt WAY more hunger than on Day1. But the good news is that for now, hot clear broth, sf jello, and sf Popsicle are managing the breakthrough hunger well enough. Do I feel like I could sit down to a 16oz rib eye? Yep. Would it be wise? Nope. So Iron Will 2 v. Felicia 0. Today is brought to you by the Letter O, for "Ohhhhh good golly Miss Molly, today's gonna be a humdinger!" Cuz I woke up with the tummy thinking my throat has been cut. I'm Starvin' Marvin' this morning. So I'm tearin' into the black decaff coffee like there's no tomorrow! I read that Day 3 is supposed to be some kind of wall that once scaled presents easier days beyond it. So here's to nailing Day 3! I'm also listening to Tom Petty's Swingin' for inspiration and a little "morning drive music". It's not like I haven't had to fight like a girl before--7 years of BC recovery kinda prepared me for this new fight. Interestingly, even though hunger is very real, the excitement for the surgery and the commitment to this process continues to grow much faster than the deprivation. This keeps the suckage low and manageable. Here's yesterday's Menu. Pretty repetitive, a limited list of playahs, but it is what it is. I can't really figure out how to get my calories higher without making my protein go off the charts. Maybe I'll try making the protein drinks with unsweetened vanilla coconut milk--but that only add 45 cals per 8fl oz.

Anyone with a 36-7 BMI with good success with sleeve surgery having PCOS? I know I love all kinds of food so I would consider myself a foodie however I didn’t feel like I have an inappropriate relationship with it. I only say that bc on another thread some people were talking about food addiction which I feel is different than myself and possibly others looking to or have already had surgery. My question is, what has been y’all success having PCOS?

PCOS....bc, well, it sucks.....lol

Try to stay calm and relax...it's most likely due to the surgery. I had a revision and gallbladder removal and gained weight immediately after. My doctor said he would have been concerned had I not because of the fluids, antibiotics and steroids I was given. After about 2wks, the weight started sliding off just like he said. He assured me that bc of the diet changes bc of the gallbladder removal, I would actually lose weight instead of gain. He stated that the frequent defication and lack of the gallbladder being able to digest fatty food would lead to some weight loss itself even though I had had a revision. You will be fine! Continue to eat healthy and follow your doctor's orders and numbers on the scale WILL decline! Let us know how your appointment goes Wednesday. Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Totally ketosis. I had the same thing and it’s totally common, especially the first 6 weeks after surgery. It was so bad at one point that when my husband and I were just talking, he stopped for a second and asked if the cat or dog had an accident. Nope, no animals pooped in the house, it was my breath. That was an awesome moment bc I was totally paranoid after that. Strong, sugar free mints were my constant companion. Sleeved 8/7/17 HW: 256 SW: 248 CW: 197 on 1/3/18 5'7" GW: 150

I just want to say, cancer happens to good people; nothing you did contributed to your BC.

i lost 100lbs in the first 6 months. but i’ve been stalled for a month straight now since. talked to my surgeon yesterday, he said i will start to lose again for sure. he said i have been a fast loser the first 6 months, and a lot of times that means the 6-month stall will be longer than usual bc your body has a lot to adjust to. he said slower losers have a much shorter 6-month stall, or none at all.

I tried sending this to you as a message but I was unsuccessful so I'm reposting here. It was something I shared here on BP with some facing approval. Although im not a 'know it all' anything that I know that may help you, i'll be happy to share. If you have any questions let me know. I shared/posted this a few weeks ago with someone facing insurance approval too: I had a sleeve gasterectomy in spring of 2015 and had no issues getting approved. In spring of 2017, my original surgeon and I saw that a full duodenal switch was needed for the absorption component so yhe process for approval began again...EGD, psychological evaluation, PCP visits and approval etc. Since BCBS only covered one bariatric procedure per lifetime, The situation with the second surgery is that it needed to be proven to be medically necessary and that I had been compliant with the sleeve gasterectomy in 2015. After the completion of my tests and visits, my package was submitted to my insurance company. As you guessed it, DENIED. I knew I had to act quickly since it was denied in the fall, this meant my deductibles has been met and in order to not have to pay them again in 2018, I needed to try to push for approval before 2017 ended. I knew that the appeal could take longer than I would need and after what decision I would be given, I would either have to have the surgery in 2018(deductible) or have to start the process from the beginning. Although I was frustrated about the denial, I decided to start doing what I knew to do, fight. You see I work for a medical insurance provider and advocate daily for members to receive the care that is needed, be it from physicians or the insurance company. I had assisted many members before in getting various approvals for different treatments that was needed to better their life. I went over all the things that I knew a review board and medical director would want to see/know before granting me a 2nd opportunity. Upon doing this I realized that my surgical team did not fit my needs this time around and to appeal the initial denial would be pointless since the evidence/tests needed for the insurance approval were not done by my original surgeon. I did additional research and found a surgeon in Texas that was well credentialed, accepted my insurance and also did initial appointments by phone since I was a patient from another state. After reviewing ALL of my medical history that was sent to him and discussing the prior denial, we forged forward. After phone 'visits' I was scheduled for an EGD with this doctor along with a 3 part stress test(breathing, legs and heart to check for clotting and exercise)...during the EGD I was also given a ultrasound of the gallbladder. This doctor was extremely thorough and was making sure that I was given every possible chance for the insurance to not deny me. When the package was submitted after all of the tests, I made sure to tell my insurance coordinator at the surgeons office additional things I wanted included such as my fitness gym contract, diseased gallbladder ultrasound, receipt from latest pcp appointment(that insurance company didn't show in their records)...I knew I had a better chance at approval if BCBS saw that not only was I being compliant but that I needed a cholesctomy(gallbladder removal) and that I would pursue the 2nd surgery until it was granted. With the cost of treating my comorbities, I'm sure the insurance saw that it was less expensive to grant the surgery than it was to treat the ailments that existed bc of my weight. By the amazing powers that God put in place, I was granted the second opportunity to change my life. My surgery took place December 14, 2017. Prior to surgery my co-morbidities were high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes(with injections daily), edema in lower extremities. Please don't give up!!! My apologies for the long reply but I hope it helps someone that needs the strength to keep fighting. Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

I got my referral approved today! My endocrinologist actually approached me with this so I didn’t even have to bring it up. The lady at the surgery place said my metformin counts as weight loss program and I was on it for over 6 months so that is my “in” for that. No Jenny or neutrisystem bs. I am going to have my pcm send my records and I have even (recently) had a full heart Work up. So I now just need my psych evaluation and a couple of other things.

Are they talking just for the pre op or healing stage? I lived on soups and protein drinks. You cannot gulp an intense smoothie bc it’ll hurt if you get too full but you can have some. Your stomach is so small and swollen at the beginning that you have to choose to put the most nutrient dense foods into your new tummy-u don’t want to get full on stuff that doesn’t give you protein. And yes, frozen precooked chicken is great! The pre op and healing stages can be hard but you will be a pro before you know it!! Sleeved 8/7/17 HW: 256 SW: 248 CW: 197 on 1/3/18 5'7" GW: 150

i had so much trouble I had to do 2 enemas bc one didnt work (i know tmi) i now take miralax every other day and i go just fine.

Hi there. Just hitting on a few topics you mentioned: First, I'm jealous you don't have that waiting period. I used to have Anthem BC but the company switched to CIGNA in Jan '17, so now I'm stuck with the three month supervised diet. Next, as far as what to tell co-workers and clients without lying: Tell them you've had some health issues and you're now on a very strict medically-supervised diet. Even post-op, that's the absolute truth. If they inquire more just use the schmoozing skills you've likely picked up in sales to change the topic, like saying you'd rather talk about your product or the client's needs instead of some medical condition you're tired of talking about. If you need an excuse for not drinking, then go ahead and lie and tell them you can't mix alcohol with your medications. Or if you're OK drinking but need to lower expectations about how much you can consume and you want to stick with some truthiness, tell them since you have limited food intake your alcohol tolerance is very low and the doctor has limited you to one small glass of wine or whatever your drink of choice is.

Yeah I think I was expecting them to be so filling bc of all the fiber/cals/fat/prot combined, but after my "experiment" am now realizing they are not very voluminous (espec after such careful chewing) so they don't register/fill you as quickly as you would think. Pre-op I had been hoping that at some point post-op I'd be able to eat my beloved pistachios again every day but would be forced to eat a small amount bc of the sleeve. Now I know that's not true, so I will probably just avoid them altogether. It's a bummer, but it's just one of those things I can't seem to eat a little of It will however, be a small price to pay to be thinner and healthier again

Personally, I am struggling this week. My sister-in-law was up from VA last weekend - the first time we've seen her in over 2 yrs (since her son's funeral). She wanted to take us out to dinner. I had just started on moist foods. We went to Buca Di Beppo Italian Restaurant. I ate part of one piece of fried mozzarella - trying to remove most of breading, and part of a meatball (bc they are HUGE). The food tasted AMAZING! So much flavor after a few months consuming liquids and more bland diet. I ate very slowly but all of a sudden was very full. Wasn't even tempted when they ordered dessert. So I thought I did pretty well. But every day since, I am struggling more with cravings - unable to push them aside as easily as before. I am hungry more often than I used to be - having the urge to snack before I would normally eat again. And it takes me longer to feel satiated. I used to fill up pretty quickly. I wish we had never gone out. My calorie intake for that Saturday and every day since has been 200-250 more than my norm. Dreading getting on the scale tomorrow, and wondering how to get my body (mind, sleeve, etc.) back on track...

Mrs Gamgee I just met a new bari-friend and maybe you' d like her too. Her name is Lesliebari, lives in the BC Rockies and b will,have, hers somewhere on the coast, I'm guessing maybe Vancouver. Now to remember what thread she was on? Oh pafizzle, I'll go searching and see if I can find it. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

I’m in BC in the Rockies and my surgeon is on the coast. Long way!