Amanda 3.0

I bought the Premier Protein at costco. They sell the 18 packs there in vanilla and chocolate. Chocolate is my favorite. I saw the 12 pack at Sam's Club. I am sure you can find them in lots of places. The cool thing about these is that each little carton is 11.5 oz and has 30 grams of protein. That's a lot of protein per ounce so it is easier to get your protein in. They don't require refrigeration either.

Ugh - I am so frustrated because I have picked up some sort of bug. I am not sure if it is a cold or the flu coming on or what, but I have that feeling in my throat and an insatiable hunger feeling in my gut. I am trying to just eat small amounts at a time, but this is driving me nuts. I have actually gained two pounds. On top of that, I have been told not to exert myself until my cardiac stress test, which is tomorrow. I have gone almost a week without substantial exercise. I know things will get back on track when I feel better and when I can exercise again, but it is a terrible and familiar feeling to be making progress and then have something come along and mess it up. It is usually at times like this when, prior to surgery, I would go off a diet and gain again. I can't wait to get over all this so that I can get back on track. I was mostly uninterested in food for a while, and now I am just ravenous.

Benefiber works pretty well for me. I have taken the Milk of Magnesia, but that sometimes works a little quickly so I like to be at home for a while after taking that. Metamucil scares me because it thickens. I try to eat stuff that has Protein and fiber, like Beans. But I still need something more. I have been trying the fiber gummies for the past few days, since I bought a couple of huge bottles before surgery, but I don't think they work as well for me. Benefiber is available at Sam's and costco, as is the Metamucil and also the fiber gummies.

My suggestion is not to buy too much of anything. You can always get more. Boy oh boy, did I ever overbuy. It is too expensive to just get rid of it. And the Vitamins I bought make me ill. So, I would not over buy on those either. If I had to do it over again, I would buy one canister chicken unjury and a case (18) of the Premier Protein. Anything else could be added later. Another thing you can do is order some sample packs from these online vendors.

I also fear what is going to happen to a lot of us with the medical care situation. I wish that someone would have stayed in the hospital with you. When I hear of people going through all this alone, I cringe. I also believe that you had to pay for your medical records. I have been in the situation of trying to get medical records and Texas state law specifically allows for charges for medical records, per page. So, yes, we have a right to copies of the medical records, but not necessarily free of charge! I hope you can find a way to, at a minimum, get the word out and make your story heard.

I am not saying that you are lying. I just think that you might step back and present your story in a calmer manner. Maybe, since you are going to share this with other people, most likely beyond this board, spend some time on writing it out, like a time line, the "5 Ws", etc. I too have horrid eyesight. Typing in all caps makes it much harder for other people to concentrate on what you are saying. Can you perhaps change your screen resolution so that you don't need the caps? It really does interfere with the delivery of your message. I don't think people want to point out holes in your story. I think people are reacting to the delivery is all. It seems very emotional and like key points are missing. That isn't the same as lying. It is just hard to follow. And I totally agree, if you have this surgery it is ideal to have your own advocate in the room with you the whole time. I think malpractice is hard to prove anywhere you go, especially with medicine not being an exact science. There are really crappy hospitals out there, unfortunately sometimes the best doctor is operating out of a crappy hospital. That was the case with my husband's back surgery. I was planning on staying overnight just to be with him, but it became quite apparent that I needed to stay because it was in his best interest. I have a dear friend who had a horrid time after bypass, and was in the hospital/ICU for weeks due to infection. It was terrible. But, things happen, and it was not malpractice. The part about the nurses probably boils down to "She said/they said" and it would be hard to prove that. Why there is no record of the 911 call? Did you submit a records request to the police department? That is how the calls are routed around here: directly to the police dispatch, and then routed to the service needed. All those calls are recorded and retained for a set period of time.

I was in the ER last weekend for chest pains (I believe an allergy) and I felt very unheard as far as my VSG. I don't think they felt it mattered. I was given children's aspirin. Of course if I were unable to speak, they wouldn't be putting aspirin in my mouth at all. Not sure it mattered in my case, but I would like to hear what the pros think.

This is really hard to follow. I think I understand that you wanted an attorney to take this on "pro bono" and give the monetary award to charity? I don't understand why an attorney would take this case for nothing. I understand that you are upset about what happened to you, and you came on this forum very upset. Right out of the gate you are typing in all caps, and you must admit, coming across as more interested in dramatics than in calmly relating facts. Maybe take a step back and try to respond more calmly with logic, rather than cattiness. I don't think anyone here is jealous of anything. I think a slower, more thoughtful account would help your story be heard better, rather than responding with "sweetie" and "jealous". If all this really happened, then your story has value, and that shouldn't be lost in the drama. But also, some people are not going to be satisfied with the way things worked out in a medical situation, and they will be out for revenge. I think you should think, how do you want to be viewed, and go from there. My two cents, probably not even worth that.

Much too hard to follow.

Perhaps I am biased because I don't communicate with my parents, but in my mind it is not fair to harass an adult about a decision they have made regarding their healthcare. I think that is the real question: Will they harass you about it leading up to surgery? Perhaps your parents have your best interest in (their own) minds when they tell you they don't agree with weight loss surgery, but that doesn't give them the right to harass you about that. If you think they will harass you about it, and cause you stress about an adult decision, then I would not tell them. If you are sure they can put their feelings aside and be supportive, then consider telling them. This is about your well-being, not theirs. Not saying that you shouldn't care about them at all, but their need to know comes after your mental and emotional health regarding your surgery.

I know it is really hard, but you have to learn to deal with dumbasses and simps. In the big picture, you will be okay in spite of the ice cream, just avoid it next time. You are smart and you know what to do. You were just being nice and polite in spite of people being rude to you. Just remember that - you are the smart one here. There are going to be Rons in the world. Why is he paying so much attention to anything you are doing or eating? Don't try to explain things to dumb people. Here's an idea, although not fool proof: Don't say anything about your surgery to dummies. Stir, stir, stir your food. It makes you look busy eating. Then, throw it away when people aren't looking.

Well, I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Cribbins, his bedside manner, and his office staff. He is in Plano and my surgery was at Presby Plano, which was also an excellent experience. He was recommended by my PCP, and while I couldn't find too much about him on the internet and was tempted to change because of that, I decided to go with him because I really trust my PCP of eight years (LOVE her). I am not a fan of a particular product being required. Makes me think there is a side benefit for the physician to require that product, as there are so many good products out there. Not saying that is the case here, of course, that is just my feeling. Why should you buy something if you hate it? I did go to Dr. Cribbins' recommended diet doctor, who sells the Unjury brand of protein powder - which is still my favorite protein, going on 10 weeks now - but that was not required. I bought the Celebrate vitamins from Dr. Cribbins office, but did not feel forced. I just didn't want to over think things. Now I hate those vitamins and I think I have an allergy. I did have to buy a book that cost maybe $25 but in the big scheme of things that was nothing. If you are going to change, probably a good thing you realize that early in the process.

I belonged several years ago. It is a franchise, so not all curves are the same, and the one that is convenient to you might close down (happened to me). My impression was that it was fine, but kind of like elementary school, with paper cut-outs with your name on them on a bulletin board if you did well. You go through a circuit, so while your arms may be important, you kind of have to do the whole thing, especially if you go when it is busy. You do a machine, and then after the time interval, you move over one machine. You don't get to just go use the machines to your liking. If you want to work on your upper arms specifically, you could buy some hand weights and use those during your walks, or get some routines off the internet. I think that would yield better results than Curves if you have the rest of your routine in order. Plus, hand weights are cheap and a one-time expense. If those don't work, you could always revisit the Curves idea. Curves isn't bad, but it isn't very gym-ish, IMO. It is great for people who need to tone up some, but I wouldn't call it a super serious work out.

What are you questioning? The process or Dr. Kim? I love Granbury, we go to the Brazos drive-in theater sometimes!

So I have posted several times about my difficulty in taking my bariatric Vitamins. I take the Celebrate brand chewables: Multivitamin, the Calcium, and twice a week, the sub-lingual B-12. The multivitamin is the one that makes me the most queasy. I try to take it with a bit of food, but it is so unpleasant to my stomach that I have to lay down afterwards, sometimes with a bucket, "just in case" (although "in case" hasn't actually happened). Today, I was upset and couldn't eat, so I didn't eat anything and took my multivitamin with just some of my daily coffee/Muscle Milk drink. Within 30 minutes, I had crushing chest pain. My husband was at the airport, leaving the country for work, so I packed a bag and tried to get myself to the ER. I just couldn't get the courage to drive there! But I was afraid to call for an ambulance or bother my neighbor or friends because I was sure it would subside and maybe it was just gas or something stupid. Or, maybe stuck food (although I hadn't eaten - go figure). I wanted to get to the hospital where I had my surgery, so that they would know my situation, and where my surgeon practices - but that is maybe 15 miles. I couldn't drive there in my condition in case I caused an accident and hurt someone. So I drove part way through my neighborhood, changed my mind, pulled over and considered calling 911, and then most of the pain subsided. This is the same reaction I have to codeine, which is an allergy of mine. I don't have many allergies, just codeine and guinea pigs, and bleach. Codeine does this exact same thing to me, or at least it did the last time I took it, maybe 25 years ago. I did go on to the hospital. They took me back immediately in a wheelchair, so I bypassed the full waiting room and all the forms. I had an EKG, blood tests, and chest x-ray. The EKG had some slight irregularity, supposedly not heart attack related, but everything else was normal. My alarm for low breaths per minute (or whatever) kept going off. They wanted me to stay over for monitoring but I desperately wanted to go home, especially with my husband out of the country. I agreed to get a stress test from their cardiologist tomorrow and I agreed to no physical activity until then. Bummer because I wanted to start Water aerobics tomorrow. I am a healthy woman, 47, no comorbidities, pretty active. I am 99% sure it is an allergy, but will do what I was told and update. The first nurse I encountered today was kind of a know-it-all and told me it wasn't an allergy because I didn't have hives. Hello, I never had hives with codeine either. Also, she cut off my circulation (to the point of immediate pins and needles) with the blood pressure cuff, which has never happened before, and when I mentioned that, she acted like that happens when blood pressure is taken.

Thanks for the replies! This Thursday, I go to my support group. It is headed by the nurse nutritionist from the hospital where I had surgery. I like her so very much. I am going to ask about Vitamins then and if she doesn't have the answers, I will approach my surgeon's office. But, they all work together so I will start at the meeting since others may be helped if we discuss vitamins. For now I am taking my liquid Multivitamins and my calcium chews, cut into quarters. I know they aren't the calcium citrate, but better than nothing for the moment. I will check out the Vitafusion gummy multivitamins, I think they are at Sam's and/or costco. I have a road trip coming up and my liquid Vitamin is supposed to be refrigerated. Gummies would be more convenient by far. I have the Vitafusion gummy Fiber, and like that product. I have read online that the Vitafusion gummy calcium has too high of a Vitamin D to calcium ratio, so I am avoiding that product, at least until I can see the label in person. I called the cardiologist recommended by the emergency room doctor. He wants to do a consultation before a stress test. His next available appointment is next Monday. So it would be over a week without exercise, since they told me no real exercise until after the stress test. That is NOT okay, so I called my PCP for a different referral. I really think it was allergies. Part of me wants to blow the whole thing off, but I am being so obedient since this surgery. It was really scary. Part of me said it was just an allergy, and part of me was very scared I was going to die.

I'm not vegetarian, but I do have a strong preference for Beans and lentils over meat most days. I even substitute lentils for rice in many dishes, because they are that good. I don't read labels for carbs, I read for Protein and Fiber. I know everyone is not the same though. What I have found is that I eat so little of anything that if I can find just the right product, at any price, I go ahead and buy it. So if you have a way to get low fat cottage cheese, do it. If you don't, go ahead with the full fat. I really doubt you will be eating that much, and if you are, you can figure it out quickly and dial back the cottage cheese. Seriously, you won't be eating a cup of cottage cheese, maybe not even a half cup. I hope this is a little helpful. Best wishes to you, I am sure you will do great!

So I haven't been so good at the Vitamins, because they make me feel very sick. Today, I took my chewable Multivitamin without food and had to lay down, and ended up with crushing chest pain. My husband was at the airport leaving the country for work, so I got myself to the ER. I almost pulled over to call 911 for an ambulance. It was that bad. The episode lasted about 45 minutes. I am allergic to codeine, and that is how my codeine allergy shows itself - with crushing chest pain. I think I am allergic to something in the Multivitamins, and I will NOT be taking them again. I will take my liquid vitamins and gummies. I spent several hours in the ER today, got a chest x-ray and an EKG and a bunch of blood work. They wanted me to stay overnight as a precaution, but I agreed to go to the cardiologist tomorrow so I am at home. All the tests came back normal except for a slight irregularity on the EKG, not associated with a heart attack. So perhaps I will post this separately, but I think I am allergic to the Celebrate multivitamins.

Just curious what others have come up with as far as exercise with your spouse or partner? We need to find something to do together on date nights other than go out to eat. But, my husband isn't that into most exercise. We have bikes, so we can go biking. We regularly (several times a week) walk a couple of miles around our neighborhood. I think we should go to one of the indoor ice rinks one of these days. What are some other good date nights that involve moving about and not just eating?

This is a huge challenge for me as well. OMG, I hate those Vitamins. I have not been taking them as I should because of the nausea. I do okay getting them in most days though. I was told to space them out. I take them with some food, like a spoonful of cottage cheese. The chewable Multivitamin is the worst. I am switching to the liquid vitamins and gummies when I am done with the bariatrics. I can't commit to taking more of these things.

My surgery was the same day as yours and have had no problems. To the OP: Most people do just fine. Why feel guilty? Celebrate, and pray (if so inclined) for those who have complications. You can be a beacon of hope for someone considering the surgery.

This is great, thank you! We actually have two gym memberships, but are terrible at going. One of the gyms has an indoor pool and we really need to go. That would be a good date night. We have been doing an annual 5k for the past three years in Bisbee AZ, but it is mostly up stairs, if you can imagine! Check out the link: Bisbee 1000. Definitely the bowling alley - thanks for that idea, as we have a brand new one nearby! lol- been there, doing that! *winkwink* World's worst dancer here, but we just got one of those dance games for our Xbox 360. Maybe I will try it, but I am so terrible!

Great pictures! You look great, and you look happy and healthy. Cheers!

I would love to help someone along on this journey. I am in the far north Dallas suburb of McKinney, but I can meet anywhere in the counties of Collin, Denton, Dallas, and even from time to time Tarrant county. I am 5'1" and my all-time high was 265. My recent high, and starting weight in this surgery process, was 220. I was at 207 the date of surgery, 12/20/2011. My loss is 31 pounds to date in just over two months, and my jeans have gone from a size 20 to a size 14 (same brand and style). I am 47 years old and have been battling this obesity on and off since about the age of 30. I am married to a very accepting and loving man of a normal BMI, who would be very open to talking to a partner about how to be supportive of this surgery. I am not working outside the home at this time, so I would be happy to email, text, take calls or meet up. I can also visit in the hospital, especially for people who don't have family support. Basically, I am happy to help. Send me a message.

I am short - 5'1", and my weight loss does seem to be a tad slow. But, it is also extremely steady and I've had no regains and my clothing size is dropping. So, I'll happily take it.