Well... I found the right Forum! ;o)

[Mera 1]

Hi Fam!! Anyone in Dallas? ;o)

I have Psoriatic Arthritis and I take an infusion every 6 weeks that runs about $12,000. Was just starting to take Diabetic meds and I had high Cholesteral. My insurance company, Aetna, via my personal nurse who calls monthly to check on me, suggested that I think about having Bariatric Surgery. I have to admit that Aetna and my employer have taken great care of me the last few years through my company benefits. I've had some serious health issues and I have received excellent care no matter what service I've needed.

When I started my Bariatric journey I was 5'4" and weighed 260 lbs. The day of surgery, Sept. 7th 2011, I was down to 233. The next day after surgery, I weighed 223, so, the part of the stomach they removed was 10 lbs. I don't hop on and off the scale much but the last time I weighed, about a week ago, I was down to 200 lbs. It's kind of surreal, no one warned me it would be so fast. I am 60 lbs lighter in the space of two months! That's the bonus. I had the surgery hoping to improve my health not to lose weight. I didn't mind being a fat girl that much! ;o)

Now, I'm not takiing Diabetes meds, don't know about my Cholesteral yet, my Psorisis & Psoriatic Arthritis have not flared and my joints have been great considering I was off my arthritis meds for so long before & after surgery. I've had an infusion since my surgery and I had lost enough to need one less vial of Remicade, costing me, my employer, & Aetna less money than the previous infusion. That's huge! I know it is...

Whenever I mention to a doctor that I think I'm just in starvation mode... well... they don't want to hear that!! I believe that. The truth is that I don't put a cup of food a day into my body. I work off more calories than I take in, easily... every day. I can't eat. I can't stand the whey Protein products and I am NOT a milk girl. I smell the stuff & my gag reflex goes into high gear (only since the surgery it's done this). I'm getting plenty of liquids but not nearly enough protein or anything for that matter. That worries me. I only eat a few bites and the burping and belching starts. Gosh! I hope this gets better because right now, I'm not feeling really good about my decision in spite of the positive changes it's brought. I'm hoping this place will help me figure out how to work through various things that I am learning in this new life of mine.

Don't Wanna Be Disappointed in Dallas,

Mera

[Mary Kay 0]

Hi Mera,

The Protein is so important. Have you tried the Protein Shots that come in tubes, clear. I hear the flavor is strong, like Jello, but at least the volume is small to choke down.

I was still eating very little at 2 months, but now at 6 months I can eat anything in small portions, except for high fat foods.

MK

[Tenna38 17]

I am still waiting on my approval (since 10-18-11), this is the best site for Q&A...I have read so many different stories from those of you who have already had the surgery and I am concerned about getting enough Protein as well, starting to freak out....I am in Dallas as well....

[ToyBoy 26]

Hey to all here. I wouldnt advise those Protein Shots. they are horrible, and i question how much of that Protein will actually get absorbed. I'm lactose intolerant. I use Cytosport 100% whey protein. Just mix with 6-8 oz of Water. It tastes very good too. I'm 1 month post op and down 48 #s. I have a hard time getting the food in. when I do, its tuna or egg. Im happy that i no longer have to sip my water, but i must work on getting more in.