Caliblonde

I did a smoothie once during pre-op and it didn't taste very good, plus it had like 600+ calories. I think that's too much for a Protein shake. My favorite Protein shakes are the EAS shakes - you can get them for $4.99 (package of 4 pre-made shakes) at Target. You can also get them at the grocery store and the pharmacy, though I have found that they are WAY more expensive than at Target. I also got some sugar free Carnation Instant Breakfast, that tastes pretty good and it has a decent amount of protein when you mix it with milk. Unfortunately, they don't sell the sugar free version at any grocery stores near me so I have to get them online.

I know that everyone says to get in all your protein, but I completely understand how difficult that is. I'm about 2.5 weeks out and I am still having a lot of trouble getting in everything that I need. Today I had about 3 ounces of food total for the entire day, a protein shake, and 1.5 bottles of water. Bare minimum of what I need. I am completely stuffed right now and the thought of putting anything else into my body makes me feel physically ill. You're only 5 days out, don't stress yourself out too much worrying about getting everything in, it gets better little by little.

Welcome! I can certainly relate to the feelings that you're having. It took me 2 years to finally take the first step and even then I wasn't 100% on board. I'm so happy that you found this site early, there are so many wonderful people here who can guide you through the entire process. As far as starting the process, my recommendation would be to call your insurance company first and find out what they cover and what their requirements are. If they cover the procedure they can give you recommendations for surgeons. Then, make an appointment with your primary care physician to discuss what you want to do and why. Your PCP may be able to help you through the process as well. Good luck!!

I'm Southern California Kaiser and I had to do a 12 week class, plus all of the testing and had to lose 10% of my body weight before surgery. My process was much longer than most - start to finish I waited 17 months.

Welcome and thanks for sharing your story. Congratulations on losing 24 pounds!!

I had a 5 month waiting period after getting my surgery date. I definitely had food funerals and wanted to eat everything and anything. Then, the surgeon's office called and said that I was required to lose 10 pounds prior to surgery or it would be cancelled. They put me on an all liquid diet for three weeks prior to surgery. At that point I was terrified that my surgery would be cancelled after I had worked soo hard and jumped through soo many hoops. I did the liquid diet and lost 14 pounds! Now I'm sleeved and am re-learning how to eat. Most people go through the "food funeral" stage. Try to start counting your calories and paying attention to what you're doing so that you don't gain weight. Also, once your surgery get's closer start to reduce your calorie intake so it's not such a shock. You can do it

What are you going to have to do again? I do believe that the worst thing that could happen is that your surgery gets postponed until you have all of the required tests completed. I would just call the insurance company and get names of Pulmonologists you can go to and just call, explain your situation and see what they can do for you. It will all work out! Good luck

That's awesome, congratulations!

Thank you for sharing your story. I was sorry to hear about your pain, and the unprofessional team that you had to deal with, but I'm very glad to hear that you have been successful!

good luck tomorrow!

Good luck tomorrow!

I completely agree with sarsar....call the surgeon tonight. They should be on-call 24/7, if there is no one available go to the ER! In the meantime, have you tried sucking on ice chips?

That sounds like acid to me. If you're not on an acid reducer I would call and request a prescription or ask your surgeon what you can take over the counter.

WOW! Congratulations!!!!! You're rocking your sleeve!

Are you on an acid reducer? If not, that might be contributing to your feelings of hunger. As far as the antibiotic, can you call and ask them to call in the antibiotic in liquid form? Is your liquid diet all clear or are you able to have Protein shakes? If you're allowed to have all liquids, maybe try to have some thinned split pea Soup or another creamy soup, that will beef up your calories and may help to quell your hunger.

Hi All, Two weeks out today and I got to start on soft foods!!! I had 1 tablespoon of cottage cheese for Breakfast, and 1/4 cup of split pea Soup for lunch. Both tasted amazing and I didn't get sick! I do have a question for those who are further out than me. I'm really confused as to how I'm supposed to get in all of my liquids, Protein, and food. I have barely had anything to drink all day! I did get in a Protein shake, but only about an ounce of Water. Since I have to wait 30 minutes in between eating and drinking it's throwing a total wrench into my drinking plan! It wouldn't be so bad but I have to figure it out quick since I go back to work Monday! I don't want to get dehydrated or sick.

Hi Kelly, I'm using the EAS Myoplex Lite it has 20 grams of Protein for 11 ounces. I also have the EAS Carb Advantage which has 17 grams of protein for 11 ounces. I have found it to be the best tasting ready to drink shake and you can get it at Target for $4.99 for a pack of 4.

Tylenol is not an anti-inflammatory, which is why we are allowed to take it. My doctor said that we are not to take NSAIDS - (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) which includes Ibuprofen (i.e. Advil, Motrin) and Toradol. Please talk to your physician before taking these drugs.

My highest weight was 444. I started my pre-op diet three weeks before surgery and lost 14 pounds. I weighed 404 pounds on the day of surgery. In the last two weeks since surgery I have lost 22 pounds so far. Total of 62 pounds lost since starting my weight loss journey!!

This forum is fantastic, I love it here! There isn't a day that goes by that I don't log in.

That's awesome, what a transformation! Congratulations on your weight loss.

Lynda, Thank you so much for sharing what you have been doing, that is so helpful! Tomorrow I'm going to plan out my eating/drinking so that it's easier to get everything in. Erin

Mine is a pre-made shake with 20 grams of protein. It's the only one I can stomach at the moment. I do have unflavored Protein powder now, maybe I should throw an extra scoop in the shake and see how that tastes. It would drastically beef up the protein count. I'm also going to force myself to get up earlier tomorrow, that will make it easier to get in everything I need. Thank you so much for the words of wisdom, I really don't think I could do this without the support!

Thanks Bryn! Good suggestions, I'll try that tomorrow!

Thanks Meggie, How long does it take you to get in your shake? I'm finding that it takes me two hours to get my 11oz shake down. I tried to finish it in an hour yesterday and felt horrible afterwards.