Eureka-C

People have different pre-op diets. What's your criteria so people can better help?

My situation is a little different, but I feel that I can't talk to my husband either. Thats why i found this little island. I know that my husband is a worrier and if i tell him any doubts or normal neg feelings, he would be all upset and like, "then why did you do it? did we waste the money?" Instead i use this forum for support. hope you find it helpful as well. And I am sorry about the loss of support. It must be frustrating.

have you done any research about what is causing your hair loss?

your post really made me smile! I am so happy for you. that is awesome.

Rhonda, you are in my prayers. Keep it up, one day at a time.

I don't like most of the high protein drinks. I like the pre-mixed special k and the muscle milk lite, but most of the powders gag me. I like the nectar cherry or tea, but not full strength and not alone. I mix mine with double liquid either crystal lite, sugar free cool aide or regular tea. I also mix the cherry 1/2 scoop in a yogurt fruit smoothie.

Welcome. I am still waiting for my appeal to go through, but I hope to get my sleeve before the 1st of the year. This is a great place for info. I learn something new every day.

I was also going to say.. I like the nectar protein mixes with other drinks, like a half scoop of tea flavor mixed with tea, or the cherry mixed with any sugar free kool-aide/crystal light. I also like the cherry with fruit, ice, splenda, and/or yogurt for a smoothie.

did you find something that worked? I would love to hear what others might say. I am suppossed to be replacing 1-2 meals with a Protein drink until my insurance problems are straightened out. I find that if I put in a nonfat milk and yogurt/greek yogurt or nonfat milk and a scoop of powdered nonfat milk - it has a good consistency. I am not sure about the fat content though. I will have to take a look. I

I haven't had the surgery yet, but if my mistakes in 3 months out are like yours, I will be jumping for joy. I don't know how you used to be, but if I can stop myself at 8 chicken nuggets or a small wendy's chilis.. I think that I am doing well. Maybe you are not losing as fast as others, but you are losing. I haven't been able to keep on a diet for 3 months, or lose more than 20 pounds at a time in the last 10 years. Even then I usually gain back 25-30. I think you are doing wonderful.

I totally understand. I haven't had my surgery yet, and it is soooo scary to think about. You will do great.

I was really worried about the hospital not listening to your allergy. Its good to know your surgeon is taking it seriously. Glad to see you on the upswing. Can't wait until I can join the ranks of those already sleeved.

I am currently working on an appeal for the very same reason, insurance denial. I chose the sleeve for several reasons, 1. malabsorption - I want t be able to absorb all the nutrients my body needs. 2. food choices - I want to be able to eat a variety of foods and eat foods recommended by the national guidelines for healthy eating. (relatively little chance of dumping syndrome) 3. I want to maintain my stomach's pyloric sphincter. In the RNY, the bottom of the pouch does not have a sphincter, instead it just has a small opening which can stretch out over time, resulting in food passing through the stomach quickly, and becoming hungry quicker. This often results in weight gain. 4. The fundus of the stomach (which produces ghrelin to make you hungry) is removed, often resulting in lessening hunger pains. 5. the part of the stomach that is left is not as stretchy, and less likely to stretch out of shape over time. 6. the amount of food that can be eaten is a little larger than the RNY and I think that amount is healthier and better for me. These are the things that have made me stick to my decision despite ignorant insurance companies.

I am part of the group "vertical sleeve gastrectomy" and I found globetrotter that way. I searched for you under members, but I could not find you. Maybe because you just signed up today. Anyway, my member id on fatsecret is Eureka-C if you want to search for me.

Have you talked to your doctor?

I have been using fat secret for awhile now. It also has a linked iPhone ap and it let's you put in foods by bar code.

If you are really interested in portion sizes, check out this website quiz. I used to do this quiz with my middle school students in science class. NHLBI-Portion Distortion Quiz

My favorite is the facial shot of you in front of the lake. You look soooo happy. :wave:

I was denied by BCBS of CA on August 3rd:mad:, due to the experimental nature:confused1: of the VSG. I finally wrote an appeal letter. It doesn't have all the references like some I have researched, but I hope it works:001_unsure:. If you want to read it, I would love some opinions. Its posted on my blog From Thick to Thin: Insurance Appeal Letter Wish me luck. It has been a long 3 months since I first went to the doctor back in June.

Plan for 2-3 hours. For me it was an interview about my weight loss struggles and then a personality test that was long.

I have been drinking the Nectar brand protein drinks. They are fruit flavored. So far, my favorite is the cherry. It tastes like kool-aid, but I have to water it down a bit as it is strong. Also, my nutritionist said I could add a scoop of powdered milk to my milk or milk drinks to up the protein since I don't like so many of the others. btw. some others said you can get sample sizes of the Nectar brand online.

the first step for me was information. I went to about 4 seminars. The one at the doctor I chose was the most informative and included a quick physical, and meetings with several people including the nutritionist, RN, Surgeon, Insurance specialist, and a presentation. It was about 4 hours. I also read everything that I could on the internet from studies to personal blogs.

My husband couldn't pee after his appendix surgery and he was in some real pain sweating and turning red. One nurse told him that he wasn't trying hard enough. Luckily a shift change happened shortly after that and the new nurse after checking his chart came straight over, asked if he was in pain. When my husband said yes, the nurse immediately recathiterized him. He filled almost two bags with urine. The nurse said his bladder was so full, the swelling sealed his urethra shut. He just has a strong reaction to anesthesia and it takes his body about twice as long to recover.

I too was denied recently. Bc/bs CA. I was devastated. At first I decided to self pay, and I applied for a loan, but then several people on here explained how they appealed other bc/bs plans and got approved. So now I too am appealing. Luckily my loan was approved as well and I have 60 days to decide whether or not to take it. Good luck on your appeal.

How long did it take them to process the appeal? Would you be willing to share your letter with me. I won't copy it, just to get an idea of what works, and make it my own. That is hopeful news, thank you.