5 days post op-afraid it didnt work! Feeling TOO normal.

[DeezJeanz 1,065]

I went through Bluepoint Surgical group in Woodbridge' date=' VA. We're retired military. I was told Tricare didn't cover sleeve? has that changed?[/quote']

They cover it:) tricare prime active duty. The doc at Portsmouth naval said they do 3 types...gb, vs, n the band w tricares approval. Praise God. He said but the band now, they only do about 1 a yr. And he said tricare has been on board w the sleeve now, theyve done many more sleeving than any other and they've been doing it now for a few yrs there. Altho gb is still number one, the sleeve has gained popularity there since tricare approved it as a stand alone.

[musiclover 61]

I say you are very lucky with things going so well. You should be thrilled. I went thru 10 days of pure hell. The only thing I would say is stop eating yogurt. You can cause a leak if u don't maintain liquids only. Even if your Dr said its OK I would not drink anything that does not go thru a strainer for 3 weeks. I new of a women who had one spoon of yogurt and caused a leak in her stomach and was in the hospital for 2 months on a feeding tube. But other than that its awesome u feel so good. I was sleeved 5 weeks ago and have lost 30 lbs. Keep up the good work but don't let the fact u feel so great fool u. You had a major surgery so just be careful.

This is just NOT true please don't say this kind of stuff! My doctor was more than happy for me to be on puréed foods including yoghurt from the start. One spoonful of yoghurt will not cause a leak.

[megansmommy123 57]

Ah, that must be the difference. When I looked into it I was told Tricare only covers it at a military hospital, and the one near us was a 2 year wait. They wouldn't cover it at a civilian hospital. I was also told Tricare should start to cover it off base this year, most likely fiscal year Oct 2013. I decided to not wait, and I used our civilian insurance and went off base.

[DeezJeanz 1,065]

Ah' date=' that must be the difference. When I looked into it I was told Tricare only covers it at a military hospital, and the one near us was a 2 year wait. They wouldn't cover it at a civilian hospital. I was also told Tricare should start to cover it off base this year, most likely fiscal year Oct 2013. I decided to not wait, and I used our civilian insurance and went off base.[/quote']

If I had civilian, I wud do it too. They say its a 4-5 mth wait at the facility:/ but I've waited over 13 yrs, so what's a few more months for somethin more permanent:) thx

[newlife27 323]

Im cleared for yogurt and pudding next week which will be week 2 so that stuff abo u t leaks isnt true. Everybody doc is diff im 6 days post op and I find I dont have any problems drinking chicken broth when its real hot I drank 16oz in 1 hour but I am extremely full so im not gonna start bk sipping for another hour/drinking I dont feel normal but I do feel I get a lot of broth down in one sitting to fast...I was hoping im not the only one so I been searching the forum to find ppl who are like me

[BloomingFaith 29]

I'm like you newlife!! It feels I have no restriction, I am hungry and able to eat a lot (pureed foods) and Protein shgakes. I am only 10 days out. I sure hope after my tummy heals , I get that "full" feeling. I still have never had that

[mattsbelly 76]

I'm like you newlife!! It feels I have no restriction' date=' I am hungry and able to eat a lot (pureed foods) and Protein shgakes. I am only 10 days out. I sure hope after my tummy heals , I get that "full" feeling. I still have never had that [/quote']

You will as you progress through the stages of food. The softer the food the more it feels like you can fit.

[Beach Lover 1,084]

That sounds good. Where are you from I might go to the same surgeon. I hear a lot of people complain on here. You should be happy. Please tell me your in Miami. Lol

If you are in Miami my doctor is in Boca he did a fabulous job and I know 4 other people who used him and none of us have had any complications. He is fantastic and truly cares for each of his patients. His office staff bends over backwards to help people. If you are self pay he only charges 10,500 for everything!! His name is Dr. Kahlil Shillingford google his name and you will get his phone number. I have had no problems with getting my liquids in or trouble with food. I am on day 15 post op and feeling great!

[NewSetOfCurves 1,553]

I thought it was odd too' date=' but it was on my list of approved foods for the first 2 weeks liquid stage. They actually gave it to me in the hospital the day after surgery. Like you said, every Dr is different.[/quote']

My doctor's diet allows yogurt and eggs during full liquid phase. And the full liquid phase commences 48 hours after surgery. Stage 3 starts after the 7th day. I hate the inconsistency from doc to doc. Wish there was a general consistency.

[mparkersmith 72]

I am 20 days out today, and was cleared for soft foods today. I finally worked up the nerve to try some for dinner, and what a difference! I too felt that I was able to get in quite a lot of Protein Shakes, full liquids, etc. So tonight I tried a little less than 1/4 cup mashed cauliflower/potatoes (no skins), and 2 ounces of poached salmon. Heaven!! But, about 20 minutes in, I knew there was noooo way I was going to finish that salmon! I did manage to finish 1 ounce, and the 1/4 cup, but my sleeve is feeling nice and full. Didn't feel this way during full liquids phase, and I am so relieved! It looks like this might just work after all! Ha! :) I was gettin' a little worried there...

[thenewme13 39]

I am 20 days out today' date=' and was cleared for soft foods today. I finally worked up the nerve to try some for dinner, and what a difference! I too felt that I was able to get in quite a lot of Protein shakes, full liquids, etc. So tonight I tried a little less than 1/4 cup mashed cauliflower/potatoes (no skins), and 2 ounces of poached salmon. Heaven!! But, about 20 minutes in, I knew there was noooo way I was going to finish that salmon! I did manage to finish 1 ounce, and the 1/4 cup, but my sleeve is feeling nice and full. Didn't feel this way during full liquids phase, and I am so relieved! It looks like this might just work after all! Ha! :) I was gettin' a little worried there...[/quote']

It sounds like you had no problems!!!! Good for you. Im having my surgery June 25 am nrevous.

How much weight have you lost?

[thenewme13 39]

I am 20 days out today' date=' and was cleared for soft foods today. I finally worked up the nerve to try some for dinner, and what a difference! I too felt that I was able to get in quite a lot of Protein shakes, full liquids, etc. So tonight I tried a little less than 1/4 cup mashed cauliflower/potatoes (no skins), and 2 ounces of poached salmon. Heaven!! But, about 20 minutes in, I knew there was noooo way I was going to finish that salmon! I did manage to finish 1 ounce, and the 1/4 cup, but my sleeve is feeling nice and full. Didn't feel this way during full liquids phase, and I am so relieved! It looks like this might just work after all! Ha! :) I was gettin' a little worried there...[/quote']

Sorry Im new to this site too haven't gotten the feel for it

[NewSetOfCurves 1,553]

The only thing I would say is stop eating yogurt. You can cause a leak if u don't maintain liquids only. Even if your Dr said its OK I would not drink anything that does not go thru a strainer for 3 weeks. I new of a women who had one spoon of yogurt and caused a leak in her stomach and was in the hospital for 2 months on a feeding tube.

I also want to add that my doctor boasts of having sleeved almost 2000 patients and has only had 3 of those almost 2000 suffer from leaks (which is WAY under the 2% national average for complications in VSG surgery). Again, his diet for ALL his patients consists of a full liquid diet beginning at 48 hours after surgery. Foods included in the full liquid diet are: yogurt, scrambled egg with cheese, cream of wheat, and refried Beans.

[Fixerupper 335]

My doc had no Clear Liquids phase at all. Straight to yogurt, cream of wheat, etc. I also had no pre op. I have felt amazing from day one. No problems.

[BloomingFaith 29]

Girls, (who posted above), when was it ok to move to puree then to softs then to food?