twoboysandagirl

I am officially half way to my goal. I am totally thrilled!!! After 3 weeks of very slow weight loss (1/2 pound, 1 pound, 1pound) I was getting mad and thinking that maybe this was going to be a VERY long journey. Today i jumped on the scale and there it was a loss of 4.5 pounds! I guess I am not one of the lucky ones here who just let the weight fall off I have to work at it. I have worked at it in the past; I can do it again. The only difference is that I know it is NOT coming back when I get sick of this diet and give up. I am also getting close to the "overweight" bmi and that is a huge deal for me!

I think they hick up those charges because they know that they will not get paid in full. Besides they just might find ONE sucker who will pay the entire thing and not think twice.

I dont think so because I was allowed milk (fat free) once off clears...just check with your dr or nut before you leave the hospital. I have never meet anyone else who liked the powder stuff but I switched from the expensive refrigerated stuff to the cheapy powder!

I found an article all about Protein...http://www.medibardiet.com/Bariatric-Medicine/Importance-of-Protein-with-Bariatric-Surgery-Patients.html It goes into great detail about Protein. Hope it helps. I was trying to get in all my protein today, once again, and finally managed it after missing for a bunch of days. Got to thinking.... I don't believe that I ate 40 Grams of protein a day BEFORE my Sleeve surgery. Yes, I ate a LOT... but mostly carbs. I had meat maybe once a day.... had oatmeal & fruit for breakfast, a CARB snack, maybe a salad for lunch, or soup.... some protein at dinner but everything else was Carbs. When you come to think of it, eating this much protein every day takes effort, and I don't think "most people," at least not most overweight people, do eat 40-60 Grams per day, do you??? Starting to wonder WHY we need so much protein after surgery. Is it the actual surgery itself that changes our needs, or is it just HYPE... some NUTs on a rampage. WHY do we have to eat so much protein when people who don't have this surgery do not eat that much.... any ideas? Cinderella

I asked the same question and no one answered me but I figured it out...non scale victory.

I was just about to have an RNY surgery from a civilian provider when I found out that he was a bit crooked he was asking for $6500 up front that he claimed insurance would not cover. I called tricare and they told me to absolutly NOT pay it and they suggest another provider. That surgeon wouldnt even see me the receptionist said I would have to gain 50 pounds to qualify for Tricare to pay for surgery. Anyway...I went back to my pcm and she suggested I go to the nearest MTF that did the surgery. She reminded me there would be NO out of pocket expenses. I have to drive the 3 hours for all my appointments and of course the surgery but I think the entire experience of the MTF was OUTSTANDING. If you can travel to a MTF then you will not need to deal with Tricare. I do get tricare to cover my gas and mileage when I go for follow ups and all the pre op appointments. I will also like to add that they may have a LOT of hoops for you to jump through. And it may take some time to get the actually surgery date but I was ok with that. Good Luck to you not matter what route you take.

I am also thanking Jesus for the sleeve...almost jumped into the land of rny. Thought that was the only option for me even started working on requiments from surgeons in the area and then everything fell through and I was left thinking I was going to sciltay 200+ pounds for the rest of my life. I kept fighting and ended up at a facility that did sleeves. Meet the surgeon and knew that it was the right surgery for me! I hope everything goes smoothly now that you have made a decision.

Kim and Sandy hoping and praying you are doing well today.

I had no trouble after surgery drinking hot things and broth was the best thing I had. It took me so long to drink I often had to reheat it. Loved tea too! (I found some of my old favorites were too strong and stuck with plain old decafe tea) Even though I was told Protein and fluids. I think Fluid is most important and just do the best you can with protein. I have experimented with adding unflavored protein to pudding, applesauce, and broth and hated it! I played with the amounts. Fluids were 2 weeks for me. So my best advice is just hang in there and do your best every day. Remember it is only the first stage and things will get better. If you feel overwhelmed or tried of the fluids just hop on VST and we will all be here for you. For me I was told no citrus for the first 8 weeks. I would ask others though. I have found my Nut program is a bit stricter than others. I can have orange crystal light though (if that helps). Good Luck to you.

Vicki, I am so sorry that you are struggling so much. I am a new sleever so I dont have any great advice for you but I wanted to tell you to keep your chin up. I am sure some of the experienced sleevers will chime in. I am gonna say a little pray for you that you will get some answers and things will change and quickly! Blessings to you!

I am only 5 weeks out so not much 1 chocolate Protein shake with 2 tblsp of PB 2 added 1 8oz cup of hot apple cider (sugar free) 1/4 cup of refried Beans with 1 tblsp chedder cheese melted on top Thats it so far...oh and Water but I guess we are all drinking water.

wow you had surgery just 2 days after me and I am not allowed bread yet. I know that Nut have different time tables but maybe it is just too early. I also heard that if you dont tolerate something wait a week and try it again. Also heard that if you toast the bread sometimes it goes down better it doesnt gum up. Give it time.

I am lifting you up in prayer right now. Hang in there and have faith in God because He loves you and wants what is best for you.

Dawn You have an amazing story and I am so glad that you posted it. I know that you have inspired many of us. I look forward to more updates from you.

Dawn. I think you look 20 years younger! Amazing Amazing Amazing. Great Job. I know what you mean about friends and loved ones not wanting to hear about you successes and weight loss. I have experienced that already and I am only 5 weeks out. You can always brag to us! We will celebrate with you!

One-month since my VSG I have been thinking about my last few months and how I desperately read every post I could fine before surgery to get as many opinions and experiences as I could. I decided that I would post some things about my experience so I can maybe help the same way all of those others helped me. My surgery was 6 December at a Naval Medical Center San Diego. I had fantastic care while in the hospital and the only stumbling blocks were I was so dehydrated from the pre-op diet and colon prep that they had a very hard time finding my veins and on the second day my vein gave out and they could not find another vein to use. After 10 sticks they finally called in an anesthesiologist and they found a vein. My arms and hands were COVERED in bruises. This was my first surgery so I did experience a little trouble waking up (it took me four hours to be awake enough to move from the ICU) but I finally came around. As far as the first few days after surgery the worst thing for me wasn’t the pain it was the fear. I was in pain, but I found that the more I walked the less it bothered me. I walked at least twice an hour, two or three laps around the nurses station. On day two they took me off my pain pump and said I was ready for lortab (an oral pain killer-tastes nasty). When I finally got my first dose, like 4 hours after coming off the morphine pump I was in a lot of pain and I was scared to death to swallow the lortab. I did not want to throw up and I just knew I would. I completely freaked. My wonderful nurse and my patient husband helped me settle down and I got the medication down (although it took me 45 mins to take 2 tblsp). I would have gone home on the evening of day two but we live 3 hours from the hospital and my doctor wanted me to leave early in the day so I left on day 3 around 11:00am. I didn’t have a drain after surgery to worry about I didn’t have external staples or stitches they used derma bond. By the time I got home on day 3 I was in a lot of pain (and very grumpy). I went right to bed and stayed there ALL night. I took pain meds until day 4 and was in pain still on day 5 and 6 but wanted to see if I could do without the pain meds. Occasionally, I still have pain, like when I bend over and tie my shoes or when rolling over in bed, but I do not have constant pain now. The nutritionist set a Protein goal of 70 grams for me and 64 ounces of Water a day. I could not get my protein all in until almost two weeks out and at 1month it is still a struggle EVERYDAY. I still have not met my water goal once. I get about 48 ounces a day. However, I know this will come. I have had days where I felt like I can’t do this anymore and feel like I can’t see past the Protein shakes. I have trouble seeing the future and understanding what my life will be like a year from now. I do not understand how I will be able to eat enough to get all my protein in or eat and drink shakes (right now I average 300 calories a day and I have to work at each one). One month out and I feel good. Since taking Vitamins and B1(started at two weeks) I have more energy. I can “eat” soft pureed foods but I am only able to eat about 1/8-1/4 of a cup at a time. I am having some problem with acid reflux and planning to ask the doctor to switch my prilosec to something else. I am also having trouble with constipation. I assume this is from all the protein shakes and lack of “food”. I currently using milk of magnesia but it is so harsh on my stomach so I am going to ask for something else at my 6 week post op. I guess maybe most importantly (to some) My high weight was last August at 226.5, Day of Surgery I weighed 206, Day two I weighed 214 and I currently weigh 185.5 (as of last Sunday). I did learn that I couldn’t weigh every day because it makes me crazy. Once a week is enough for me! Good Luck to all of you just starting. Thank you for all who posted before because whenever I have a question I know I can find the answer here on Vertical Sleeve Talk.

Wow you have done great! Congratulations.

Saying a prayer for you and Kim. Just remember to walk walk walk. Best of Luck.

Awesome Job! Your post means a lot to me today because at 4 weeks out I am struggling to see past these stinkin protein shakes. Thank you!

Saying a prayer that everything is ok!!! hang in there. Keep us posted Kindra.

I will say a prayer for you. Take it slow and walk, walk, walk especially when you dont feel like it.

N..............Starting Wt........Current.......Goal.......Lbs to Goal Avilda .................270.............196..............184............12 (12-30-10 187 not to goal... due to vicious stall but still 9 pounds down!!) BlackBerryJuice...........208...........155...........155..............0 (Dec. 19th goal - reached a week early!!!!) Brendasgonnalose 335......244.............235............4 ( 12-20-10 239 down 3) Chilo1.............216...................169..............154................15 (down to 160- so back to original goal of 154!!!)) Dansha...........220..................220...............195................25;) DJackson........246.................230...............220................10 Filosophia Scandinavia...205...205.............187...............17 (Will be sleeved on the 30th November) Fit ..................290.................250.8..............235.8............15. (240.6 ! Happy with my success!!) GayleSBennett ....232.................201................189...............11 Good Luck everyone! =) Juliarh............303.6.................230..............225................5 (not bad) Kgremmy........225..................221..............199................22 (being sleeved 12/14/10) Labrys............238..................208.................193...............15 Laylasmojo......242.................200.6.............185.............15.6 (reached 181.8 today 3.2 under goal!!!) LilMissDiva........247...............236.............226.8..........9.2 Lisalu..............210..................137..............130.................7 livelovelaugh....236..................216................196...............20 Maddie............257.................167................147................20 merieri............240..................206...............190................16 Mini-Me...........203...................126.6..............125.............1.6 (Getting Better!) Mommy2Girls....275..................256.............240...............16 - GOAL REACHED! mp8btpc.........199...................160...............145...............15 pattimomof3NJ.....203.4..........167.1............170...............-2.9 BELOW GOAL!!! Pumpkin97....220...................150...............143...............7 (this is my goal for Jan 1 2011) Sleeve 4 me ...204...................166..............164..............2 Stacy160.........258..................174...............148...............16 StaySea........299...................299.................275.............24 twoboysandagirl..226..........212................199..............13( made goal 8 days post op) NEW Goal 185....Didn't make it but I think I did great. Current 185.5 FlyGirl...........260.................227.................219...............8 LeslieH.......212.............212............ 200..........12 Came very very close but I can't believe that in just 4 weeks (tomorrow) I have lost 20.5 pounds and with my pre-op(another 20.5 pounds) that is 41 pounds. That is almost the weight of my 9 year old!

Would love to know the name of the book and author. Thanks for sharing what you have learned.

My hubby and I were in the same boat. I have pcos and very rarely have a period. For the last 17 months we used condoms but we weren't interested in doing that long term so I spoke to my doctor and she suggested an IUD-mirena. I did all kinds of research on it an chickened out because of all the bad reviews on line. I went back to my doctor and she said what about paragaurd...here is why I picked it. 1. NO hormones. 2. it is copper and not plastic so some of the symptoms that come with mirena were not there. 2. it lasts up to ten years but can be removed at any time and you can get pregnant right away. 3. Don't have to think about it like nuvaring. 4. I read a lot of reviews about it a lot of people complained about the pain of having it inserted but then that was it no headaches or mood swings 5. We have three beautiful children but always wanted 4 but now thinking we MAY be done, so the fact that we could change our minds was great. So I had it done 4 weeks before my surgery, And right away had a period. I have had another since surgery (which is like unheard of two months in a row) but I think that the weight loss is kicking my pcos in to shape already. The ONLY issue I have had with the paragaurd is that the first period was VERY heavy. the second a little better. Hoping that continues. Anyway the insertion was a piece of cake, I did take a little Tylenol once I got home and had light cramping for the day but that was it. Glad we chose this. You should talk to your doctor. I would suggest you have some kind in mind at least for a year after surgery because your body needs to heal and learn to operate with your new sleeve before taking any chances getting pregnant. And you just never know what might happen. That is just my two cents worth. Hope it helps.

My surgery was Dec 6 and yes I am tired. But a little curious why they tell you no protein shakes never heard that before. I am REQUIRED to drink 3 a day or 70 gram each day.