I'm Doing It!

[Doinmything 9]

19 hours ago, kalí̱ ygeía said:

😂 Sorry, I should have asked what are the most important things! Thank you for your response. When you say manage your expectations, are you referring to what I'm expecting to lose?

Yes, they did count fatty liver as a comorbidity. I'm currently at a 34BMI, but at the time everything was submitted to the insurance I was at a 35 BMI. They wouldn't cover me at 34. It had to be 35 BMI plus comorbidities.

Fortunately, when I was weighted at the doctor's office their scale read a few pounds higher which was a relief! Otherwise, I would have been denied by the insurance for not meeting the 35BMI. The quarantine helped with those extra pounds I needed to reach the required BMI. However, I have since lost a few pounds which puts me back to 34 BMI. I'm close to the border of 34 and 35 that I can easily go back and forth.

That gives me hope that they'll take fatty liver as a comorbidity in my case. I went to my consult with a BMI of 40 but I always fluctuate, and I'm scared of getting a bit under 35 bmi from the pre-op diet and them refusing to do the surgery. You're calming my nerves and inspiring me to keep going so thank you for the info!

[kalí̱ ygeía 45]

30 minutes ago, Doinmything said:

That gives me hope that they'll take fatty liver as a comorbidity in my case. I went to my consult with a BMI of 40 but I always fluctuate, and I'm scared of getting a bit under 35 bmi from the pre-op diet and them refusing to do the surgery. You're calming my nerves and inspiring me to keep going so thank you for the info!

If they approve you at a BMI of 40 and your preop diet takes you to a BMI below 35, you should be okay. It's my understanding that once you get the approval if you lose weight during the preop and you go below the 35 BMI, it's okay. To be completely at ease, try checking with your surgeon's office/billing specialist, so you know your insurance's exact requirements.

[RTL1234 99]

23 hours ago, kalí̱ ygeía said:

Thank you! I'm going in for my preop appt this morning. I imagine that my diet will start soon.

I did do the H. Pylori test! I was convinced that I had it, because of how miserable I was feeling. My PCP's office called and said it was negative. However, when I went in for the consult regarding endoscopy/conoloscopy the doctor there said the results were positive! I was shocked since my PCP said negative. The nurse had to do a double take, because I told her that I was informed that it was negative. The doctor came in and explained that it indeed was positive. Anyhow, I was given antibiotics and an anti-acid. After the 2 weeks treatment, I was feeling AMAZING. My stomach was no longer feeling bloated. I was so happy.

Then came metformin. Here I am feeling miserable again. I'm not sure if it's metformin or I need to get a test for H.Pylori again. I'm going to ask the surgeon. Is it my gastritis, metformin, or H.Pylori is back? Ugh... can't wait to kick the health issues to the curb. Go Sleeve! 😆

I know December feels like a long way right now, but before you know it, you'll be posting what a success your surgery was. Try to use this time to keep informed and do your research. Keep your mind busy on positive things which means you night have to avoid the news and politics! 😜

I spent time on this site and some other forums reading everyone's experience. One could never know how our bodies will react to the surgery, but I'm not going into it blindly. I'm making a conscious decision knowing of the many possibilities. A common thread that I noticed is that the individuals who did have some complications, were still happy that they went through with the surgery. I found that to be a remarkable testament.

Exciting days awaiting for us.

Yes it is! I avoid most politics and news anyway lol. Especially right now. I check in when I need to, and let the rest go! It’s so stressful!

Metformin is the devil. Lol. I took it for insulin resistance (I have pcos). I’m on an insulin pump for diabetes anyway, so I switched to taking trulicity for the IR part. Metformin made me so sick all the time. Some people say they have success with the extended release kind but I always took the normal kind. Maybe that was the problem.

Hopefully your pre-op appt went well!!!

[kalí̱ ygeía 45]

20 minutes ago, RTL1234 said:

Yes it is! I avoid most politics and news anyway lol. Especially right now. I check in when I need to, and let the rest go! It’s so stressful!

Metformin is the devil. Lol. I took it for insulin resistance (I have pcos). I’m on an insulin pump for diabetes anyway, so I switched to taking trulicity for the IR part. Metformin made me so sick all the time. Some people say they have success with the extended release kind but I always took the normal kind. Maybe that was the problem.

Hopefully your pre-op appt went well!!!

I agree with you. Checking in and letting go helps to keep us more sane.

I hear ya! I'm on the extended release kind for Metformin and I've been rather miserable on it. Early on I told my PCP (primary care physician) that it was causing havoc on my stomach, but he said all medication will have some form of side effect and for me to choose which one I'm going to live with. Well... I figured I'd just stick to metformin.

My appointment went well. I asked the surgeon so many questions that I thought he was going to kick me out! LOL He was very patient and allowed me to shoot away. I asked him things like "What size bougie do you use and why? How does the bougie size relate to GERD? How big will my pouch be? Do you staple and suture? Is it okay to mix Miralax in Water? Does sleeve make you susceptible to diverticulitis attacks? How many incisions will you make? Do your patients complain about excessive pain? What do you do to get the gas out as this is very important to me? Do your patients complain about lack of energy? If so how long did it last? What is your complication rate? Do you use an epidural? Approximately how many of your patients experience Hair loss?

He game me a cuddle bear to bring with me to the surgery. It was a nice touch.

I don't have to start my preop till the weekend, but I've decided to start tomorrow. Originally I thought I'd have to start today, so the two extra days were a bonus for me. Since my friend (she's not having surgery) is going to do the preop diet with me, I decided to start tomorrow. I've been having food funerals as it's been referred to in the message boards. In doing so, I'm actually getting fed up of food. My family is quite enjoying all the restaurant foods we've been ordering. We don't do the cheaper fast foods, so our pockets don't feel the same way about this phase!

[ms.sss 15,593]

On 10/21/2020 at 1:36 AM, kalí̱ ygeía said:

When you say manage your expectations, are you referring to what I'm expecting to lose?

Of everything really: what you expect to lose, how you expect to feel, what foods you expect to eat, how you expect people to treat you. I read alot of posts on here with peeps dealing with stress and anxiety due to a host of things they thought would happen, but didn't.

Though your posts read like you are the type of person who can take this stuff in stride...I suspect you'll do great ❤️

[BayougirlMrsS 3,934]

On 10/17/2020 at 10:23 PM, kalí̱ ygeía said:

Hello! Newbie here!

I received my insurance approval a week ago. My pre-op appointment is on the 21st and I'm scheduled for surgery on Nov 6th. I have read hours upon hours of people's experience. I have devoured this site and others as well. I want to believe that I'm mentally ready for what's to come, but the reality is that I won't know if I am until I'm fully into the process.

Thanks to all of your contributions to this site, I have a clear picture of the many possibilities. The gas pain, the incision sites, the stalls, the liquid stage, the emotional roller coasters... the list goes on and on. I'm praying for the best, but preparing myself for anything. All I hope is that I won't regret it. I've read enough to know that there is a regret phase that most go through. I just hope I don't stay there! LOL

I am 5'5 with a BMI of 34. I tend to fluctuate between 200-210 for the last 7 years and at most have never weighed past 213. I am a Type 2 diabetic. My A1C climbed to 7.4. My body responded well to a low dose of metformin so after 3 months I'm at 6.6. I DO NOT want to travel down the road of medication and I also want to do away with fatty liver. My stomach looks as if I'm 8 months pregnant, because my weight is mainly distributed towards my stomach. I've slowly stopped living life to the fullest. I am holding on to the thought that the gastric sleeve surgery will help me move towards a healthier self.

I look forward to the support from those who are walking this journey.

Please share the greatest and most important thing to keep in mind while going through the journey.

surround yourself with positive people

[RTL1234 99]

8 hours ago, kalí̱ ygeía said:

I agree with you. Checking in and letting go helps to keep us more sane.

I hear ya! I'm on the extended release kind for Metformin and I've been rather miserable on it. Early on I told my PCP (primary care physician) that it was causing havoc on my stomach, but he said all medication will have some form of side effect and for me to choose which one I'm going to live with. Well... I figured I'd just stick to metformin.

My appointment went well. I asked the surgeon so many questions that I thought he was going to kick me out! LOL He was very patient and allowed me to shoot away. I asked him things like "What size bougie do you use and why? How does the bougie size relate to GERD? How big will my pouch be? Do you staple and suture? Is it okay to mix Miralax in Water? Does sleeve make you susceptible to diverticulitis attacks? How many incisions will you make? Do your patients complain about excessive pain? What do you do to get the gas out as this is very important to me? Do your patients complain about lack of energy? If so how long did it last? What is your complication rate? Do you use an epidural? Approximately how many of your patients experience Hair loss?

He game me a cuddle bear to bring with me to the surgery. It was a nice touch.

I don't have to start my preop till the weekend, but I've decided to start tomorrow. Originally I thought I'd have to start today, so the two extra days were a bonus for me. Since my friend (she's not having surgery) is going to do the preop diet with me, I decided to start tomorrow. I've been having food funerals as it's been referred to in the message boards. In doing so, I'm actually getting fed up of food. My family is quite enjoying all the restaurant foods we've been ordering. We don't do the cheaper fast foods, so our pockets don't feel the same way about this phase!

I have had a few food funerals too. Mexican, and a milkshake. I stopped them because I wanted to create my good habits now, to keep them going after. My ex-sil had gastric bypass. She did very well and lost a lot of weight, but she stalled really hard because they ate the same things. Fast food, cheeseburgers...just she ate a quarter of it instead of the whole thing. I’m definitely wanting to avoid all those things anyway!

Im nervous how to get by with the liquid diet at work, without having to tell people. We eat all together, so they will notice I’m not eating solid food. I’m not sure what to say when they ask, and they will because we all can be some nosy b’s. 😂😂.

[MandoGetsSleeved 443]

21 minutes ago, RTL1234 said:

I have had a few food funerals too. Mexican, and a milkshake. I stopped them because I wanted to create my good habits now, to keep them going after. My ex-sil had gastric bypass. She did very well and lost a lot of weight, but she stalled really hard because they ate the same things. Fast food, cheeseburgers...just she ate a quarter of it instead of the whole thing. I’m definitely wanting to avoid all those things anyway!

Im nervous how to get by with the liquid diet at work, without having to tell people. We eat all together, so they will notice I’m not eating solid food. I’m not sure what to say when they ask, and they will because we all can be some nosy b’s. 😂😂.

Perfect time of year to “hide” your liquids in a thermos and call it soup!

[kalí̱ ygeía 45]

15 hours ago, MandoGetsSleeved said:

Perfect time of year to “hide” your liquids in a thermos and call it soup!

Love your simple solution! We need minds like you.

I see you got sleeved in August. How's it going for you? Happy you went through with it? I was going to start my liquid diet today, but at preop I was told I could start Saturday. Today I woke up thinking, "And why am I going to give up coffee a day before I have to?" LOL I sure hope this is in no way an indication of what's in store for me.

[MandoGetsSleeved 443]

OMG! Don't even get me started on the coffee! 3 days after starting my liquid diet, the nutritionist said I could in fact have 1-2 cups in the morning.

So far, this is by far one of the best decisions I have made in my life. Not going to lie, the adjustment was a little rough at first. Total lifestyle change.

The first couple of days on the liquids were insane with... boredom...total boredom...I can honestly say that I never really felt hungry, just bored - You know, that open the fridge door 50 times to see what's in there kind of bored. BUT, after about 3 days it wasn't bad at all. Post surgery, I feel like I was really lucky - I walked laps all night in the hospital and went home with no gas pain at all. Drinking those first few hours was different. Each sip felt like it got caught in my chest (sort of like heartburn). HOWEVER, it went away pretty quickly (within a few days).

Now, all the good parts - Once you get past the liquids post op, you get full so quickly - Like 1 egg quickly... You find ways to modify recipes that you like - Example - My "bariatric nachos" - I use Quest chips, ground turkey with taco seasoning, salsa, and a splash of low fat sour cream - I can only eat about 4-5 chips before I'm full, but it satisfies the craving (and crunch). The weight comes off, so it's pretty hard to get too worked up about anything you feel like you're "missing" out on. Energy comes back (I was super nappy the first week or so, but now have all kinds of energy).

Best thing I've learned on here.. You most likely WILL hit a stall - Mine lasted almost 2 weeks. It sucks... REALLY sucks and you dwell on it while choking down ANOTHER Protein Shake and overthink everything you're doing. Chill, wait it out, then jump up and down when it breaks.

My biggest hints... drink lots of fluids, get up and move around if you can, and follow whatever plan the doctor gave you.

Best of luck to YOU!

[Kristy72 3]

OMG! Don't even get me started on the coffee! 3 days after starting my liquid diet, the nutritionist said I could in fact have 1-2 cups in the morning.
So far, this is by far one of the best decisions I have made in my life. Not going to lie, the adjustment was a little rough at first. Total lifestyle change.
The first couple of days on the liquids were insane with... boredom...total boredom...I can honestly say that I never really felt hungry, just bored - You know, that open the fridge door 50 times to see what's in there kind of bored. BUT, after about 3 days it wasn't bad at all. Post surgery, I feel like I was really lucky - I walked laps all night in the hospital and went home with no gas pain at all. Drinking those first few hours was different. Each sip felt like it got caught in my chest (sort of like heartburn). HOWEVER, it went away pretty quickly (within a few days).
Now, all the good parts - Once you get past the liquids post op, you get full so quickly - Like 1 egg quickly... You find ways to modify recipes that you like - Example - My "bariatric nachos" - I use Quest chips, ground turkey with taco seasoning, salsa, and a splash of low fat sour cream - I can only eat about 4-5 chips before I'm full, but it satisfies the craving (and crunch). The weight comes off, so it's pretty hard to get too worked up about anything you feel like you're "missing" out on. Energy comes back (I was super nappy the first week or so, but now have all kinds of energy).
Best thing I've learned on here.. You most likely WILL hit a stall - Mine lasted almost 2 weeks. It sucks... REALLY sucks and you dwell on it while choking down ANOTHER Protein Shake and overthink everything you're doing. Chill, wait it out, then jump up and down when it breaks.

My biggest hints... drink lots of fluids, get up and move around if you can, and follow whatever plan the doctor gave you.

Best of luck to YOU!

I have sleeve surgery 11-18..so excited to start this chapter!

Sent from my LML212VL using BariatricPal mobile app

[kalí̱ ygeía 45]

1 hour ago, MandoGetsSleeved said:

OMG! Don't even get me started on the coffee! 3 days after starting my liquid diet, the nutritionist said I could in fact have 1-2 cups in the morning.

So far, this is by far one of the best decisions I have made in my life. Not going to lie, the adjustment was a little rough at first. Total lifestyle change.

The first couple of days on the liquids were insane with... boredom...total boredom...I can honestly say that I never really felt hungry, just bored - You know, that open the fridge door 50 times to see what's in there kind of bored. BUT, after about 3 days it wasn't bad at all. Post surgery, I feel like I was really lucky - I walked laps all night in the hospital and went home with no gas pain at all. Drinking those first few hours was different. Each sip felt like it got caught in my chest (sort of like heartburn). HOWEVER, it went away pretty quickly (within a few days).

Now, all the good parts - Once you get past the liquids post op, you get full so quickly - Like 1 egg quickly... You find ways to modify recipes that you like - Example - My "bariatric nachos" - I use Quest chips, ground turkey with taco seasoning, salsa, and a splash of low fat sour cream - I can only eat about 4-5 chips before I'm full, but it satisfies the craving (and crunch). The weight comes off, so it's pretty hard to get too worked up about anything you feel like you're "missing" out on. Energy comes back (I was super nappy the first week or so, but now have all kinds of energy).

Best thing I've learned on here.. You most likely WILL hit a stall - Mine lasted almost 2 weeks. It sucks... REALLY sucks and you dwell on it while choking down ANOTHER Protein Shake and overthink everything you're doing. Chill, wait it out, then jump up and down when it breaks.

My biggest hints... drink lots of fluids, get up and move around if you can, and follow whatever plan the doctor gave you.

Best of luck to YOU!

Did you have to drink it black and decaff? I'm surprised that you're allowed to drink coffee. I'm going to ask my nutritionist. I need to have milk and honey with mine, so I don't think it'll slide.

Thank you for sharing your experience. Hopefully I'll mirror some of your success! Have you had to throw out many of your clothes? Were you happy to see them go or was there some melancholy with the process?

Your nachos sound yummy minus the sour cream! Not a fan of sour cream. I've read that taste buds change, so who knows maybe I'll like it after surgery!

Oh, one more question... how's your hair?

[kalí̱ ygeía 45]

1 hour ago, Kristy72 said:

I have sleeve surgery 11-18..so excited to start this chapter!

Sent from my LML212VL using BariatricPal mobile app

Congratulations Kristy72! We're on the road to better health. We'll eventually join the rest in saying that it was the best decision we ever made! Until then, we have this great community for support and resources.

[MandoGetsSleeved 443]

@ Kali - So far no Hair loss, BUT I'm only just over 2 months post op. Either way, I figure a little hair loss is just extra pounds lost (well, probably milligrams, but what the heck!). So... to be honest, I didn't bother to ask what I could put in the coffee, but I did just drink it black with stevia.

Regarding the clothes - Actually I was BEYOND happy to start tossing out clothes. I have given many to a couple of friends, but it's been kind of fun to just pack em up in a bag and send them off to Goodwill. My closet is starting to get more and more empty and I LOVE it. I'll buy one or two pairs of dress pants every 20 lbs just so I have something presentable for work, Fortunately, most of my shirts still look "ok" for now. My father has offered to completely replace my wardrobe when I get down to my goal weight - It's been fun to start browsing and think about what my new "style" will be once I can get what I want vs. what will fit.

[kalí̱ ygeía 45]

14 hours ago, MandoGetsSleeved said:

Is it Decaf coffee or regular coffee that you drink? I probably will give it up all together from here on. Donating my clothes might come with a sine loss just because I'm a sentimentalist, but hopefully when it happens I'll be too busy celebrating the weight loss that I won't care.

Are your parents interested in adopting a grown adult? Sell it.... no poopie diapers, tantrums, back talk... etc.... I'm not a demanding person, but only one thing, if you get a new wardrobe so do I! No playing favorites!

I started my liquid diet today and at moments wondered if I really wanted to do this. It's insane. I thought this would be a cake walk. I'm only one day in! The rebellious part of me has a hard time with restrictions. Bed time is going to be super early from now on.

Did you have to do a pre-op diet?