PdxMan

Yup, very few of us have been able to follow pre-op diets strickly. Like you, I had two weeks and it is hard. I did cheat early on, but that was actually the kick in the butt I needed to re-focus and get back on track. After the surgery my surgeon complimented me on how good my liver looked and how easy it was to work with. That is the important part.

Sorry, but I was more of the understanding the gag reflex was more of a throat thing than a stomach thing. Shouldn't have an effect on the stomach unless you are full on wretching ... right? Also, communication is always the best thing especially in the bedroom (or where ever). Explain exactly what your fears and desires are. It is the sexiest thing there is.

They haven't made me pee in a cup, yet! Although I would love to be at the level of competetion where they would make me.

I have never used it. My recovery has pretty much always been a protein shake or chocolate milk. Sometimes OJ ... I just kinda go with what my body is telling me. Really depends on my conditioning and distance that day.

I don't take Iron supplements as I eat a lot of green leafy veggies. Since you enjoy fish, as do I, perhaps increasing the frequency of a hearty tuna salad? Romain, spinach and kale should do the trick. As far as losing the last 20, I would just be diligent with my eating guidelines. No cheating. Don't drink before during or after eating. When you exercise, ensure your heart rate is up there. Just don't be going through the motions. You shouldn't be seeing spots, but you should be pretty darn close. Do this regularly and it will drop. Oh, yeah, don't weigh yourself either for at least a month. Your expectations will be higher than your reality. It will be easy to get down and give up. Don't give in to the lies of the scale.

I use the Amphipod Hydration belt which has a little gel bottle module thingy. Works for me. As far as caffein goes, most energy gels already have it in there. Here is an article that addresses it peripherally. Definately a personal choice. Here are some interesting articles: Do The Performance Benefits Of Caffeine Come At A Cost? The Benefits of Caffeine at Runner's World When I looked into using caffeine in my gels, (since it was already in the store-bought packages), I figured it wouldn't be an issue for training, but what about competetion? I just looked it up again and here is the World Anti-Doping Agency website has: The following substances included in the 2013 Monitoring Program (bupropion, caffeine, nicotine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pipradol, synephrine) are not considered as Prohibited Substances Another site referenced for 2012 shows: Substances Banned in Competition: Stimulants including: Amphetamines Ephedra Cocaine Caffeine (currently permitted) Kinda funny how they list it as banned, but say it is currently permitted. It would seem it is in flex. I always see runners with big cups of Starbucks on the starting line sucking them down. Since I can't do that with my sleeve, I don't feel to bad having it in my gels. Especially since the gels they give out during the race have caffeine in them as well. The 1 caffeine pill was 200 mg, so with me weighing in around 80 Kg, I would need a minumum 160 mg, max 480 mg to receive the benefits.

Of course, it is very easy to find contra-evidence for just about anything on the internet these days. There are many articles I found in the GoogleVerse that can support any side to just about any story. But do note that in your reference, it says there are no adverse effects associated in healthy individuals. Most of us at the time of our surgery would not be classified in that category. Anybody interested should Google it to do your own research.

Had any Pepto-Bismol lately? Have you Googled it? Here is something about it.

Try using a straw, then. I was the same way. I take in far less air when using a straw. Perhaps we are just advanced straw users.

Remember, the stomach is the mechanical part of digestion. When the contents get mushy and liquidy enough, the pyloric valve opens and allows this to flow into the intestines to be absorbed. Adding liquid (drinking) allows this process to happen sooner, so then you would actually be able to eat more. Don't drink and the food stays there longer and you have the restriction feeling longer.

I was in the weight room twice a week, but was forced to quit with issues I had with L4/L5 in my spine. Had 2 surgeries and am 4 weeks out from my last one, so I will be started physical therapy soon. Buuuut ... when I was in there, it was to mitigate the muscle mass loss due the the whole weight loss thing. I was losing muscle quickly as my weight dropped. I was exercising like crazy running up to 30 miles a week and doing HIIT classes, so I was fast approaching goal, but at the expense of some muscle. It is one of my goals, though, as soon as I get through PT to get back in the weight room and get some muscle back. Buuuut ... when I was doing it, I focused on increasing my weight to build muscle, since I was losing it. Do a search for member AroundhKY content. He is a lifter and a great member here.

Indeed, it is, but I have since had two back surgeries which were also outpatient. I just do my best to set myself up for success. My wife and I arranged play-dates for the kiddos, pre-made meals in advance and tossed them in the freezer and sat the kids down and let them know what was going on. "Daddy is not going to be able to play like before for a little while. I'm going to be fine, I just need to get some stuff fixed." Let them ask any questions and answer them as best as possible. Surgeries are family events. Get everyone involved in the game and it will go well.

Whey protein has the fastest absorption rate which is recommended for us. If it is leaving a film you find unpalatable, keep searching. I drink the Premier Protein from Costco. You can also get them at Sam's Club.

I was outpatient. I don't like hospitals. There are sick people there. I know someone whose husband is still having issues from a staff infection from a hospitalization 3 years ago. I was in at 7:00 and discharged at 11:30. Went back to my hotel and slept for 4 hours. Woke up and started my new life. May not work for everyone, but it sure did for me.

Most definitely. Did you read the article I posted earlier about excess B12? The issues are posted as rare, but this relates to people who have normal sized stomaches with average absorption. Since we supplement, we may be more prone to issues. I don't know ... I am not a medical professional nor do I play one on T.V., but I do know I want to keep all of my bloodwork within the accepted ranges for optimal health.

B12 can still be absorbed by the tissues under the tongue. That is why B12 is a sublingual (taken under tongue). And, the stomach can still absorb some. I'm betting you and others like yourself just have better absorption there. Definitely better than me as even taking it daily under my tongue, I was still low.

My insurance covers mine ... and it did NOT cover the VSG, I was out of pocket for that.

You have to remember your stomach has just gone through some major trauma. 85% of it was just removed. How do you think it should react? It is swollen and really not in the mood to function like it did a week ago. As the other posters have pointed out, give it a week or so and the swelling will go down and it will begin to behave a little more like you may expect. Just know that this will pass. Your children love you no matter what.

I had my surgery in Vegas (Baby!) and the next day I walked over 5 miles in and around the casinos and streets. It was July ... in Vegas ... yeah. So, like SoS says, as long as you have a place to sit, you'll be fine. Do you have one of those collapsible camping chairs? *** Not flaming here, but just FYI, you did not delete your first post on this topic ... or your second ... or your third. We have to be careful, especially on mobile devices, to not re-submit our posts. They went through ... your display may not have received them yet.

Yes, this is something that needs monitored. Just because you are taking it, doesn't necessarily mean your levels are good. I was pretty good at taking my B12 sublingual each week as directed. First tests came back with B12 low, so they moved me to every other day. Tested again ... low. Daily dose ... low. So, now I get injections and my numbers have stabilized. Long story short, you gotta get tested. GenerationCurseChanger, since you are pre-op, your stomach is still wholly intact and able to absorb B12 normally. So, unless you have had B12 issues or have been directed to take B12, you may want to read THIS article about excess B12. Have you had your levels checked lately? I just know a lot of pre-op people get excited for the surgery and want to everything right so they begin the regimen early, but it may not be what your body needs right now.

I had done what you described several times in my life. I successfully lost 30 pounds only to gain back 40. Lost 40 pounds to gain back 50. My last go at it, I dropped 45 pounds and gained 50 back. I said, "Enough is enough! If I keep doing this to myself I am going to DIE!" I needed a more permanent solution and the sleeve has been the perfect tool for me. I have lost 130 pounds and not gained back 1 pound in the 20 months since my surgery. I weighed once a month so as not to get discouraged by the inevitable stall. I eat what I want, when I want ... just far smaller quantities. There was a period of mourning food shortly after the sleeve, but it changes into rejoicing that I no longer have to be a slave to food. I no longer have to beat myself up for failing yet another diet. The sleeve was the best decision for me. You have to decide your own path. Good luck

Oh, no. Have no fear. We're all good. A lot of times, surgeons aren't going to know the answers to your questions. They have no idea when you can eat a cheeseburger again. When can I have coffee? Is it OK if I drink my Protein shake with my yogurt? They have no idea nor the time to answer these questions. What size bougie ... yes, when will I weigh 175 pounds ... uh ...

I met with my surgeon the day before the procedure during the NUT's seminar. Before that, I spoke to his assistant. They were able to answer all the questions I had. Same thing with my last surgeries on my spine. I first met with their PA and he did initial screening and answered all the "basic" questions, I then met with the actual surgeon a couple days prior to the surgery. I had researched the surgeon and knew he was top dog in town. That is all I cared about. I don't think this is all that uncommon. You may not like it, but I think a lot of surgeons spend their time doing surgeries, researching new information/techniques and dealing with difficults cases/complications. Surgeons are more about the procedure, not the person. As cold as that may seem, that is why they have PAs. So they can focus on the procedure. It isn't easy stuff their dealing with here. They are operating on morbidly obese people which, in and of itself, has its own complications. Ask the folks who went to Mexico how much time they got to spend with the surgeon. Most likely, they met with them when they arrived or maybe had a 20 minute phone conversation with him prior. If you are the type of person who needs a warm, fuzzy loving surgeon, then perhaps you need to shop around a bit more.

You have to remember the medical bariatric community regard RnY as "The Gold Standard". It is because it is what they have been familiar with. Have you ever been apprehensive at work when somebody asks you about something new that you have no experience with? How do you react? "Uh, I would just go with this other thing because this is what we have been doing ..." Obviously she is just uninformed. The reason people don't follow up is because a vast majority never have complications. Myself, included. I am 20 months post and haven't talked to my surgeon once. Don't need to. Lost 130 pounds in 7 months. 100% of my excess body fat. Why would I go back? 20 months post and I have excellent restriction. If I were to gain, I have no doubt I could drop it immediately by falling back to the basic principles of sleeve eating. You can do it to. It's all good.