Amanda 3.0

Low sodium V-8 (not regular) is the best potassium source I have been able to find. One 11.5 ounce can has 1180mg of potassium. A banana is only about 450. Regular V-8 has about half the potassium of the low sodium.

I totally agree! Even if the stuff is on your pre- or post-op diet, don't overbuy. Tastes change. I overbought the Unjury powder, and ended up trying to find a home for it. That was a waste of money, and that stuff is not cheap.

Dr. Cribbins is in Plano. See my post above. While still a "pre-op diet" it was very easy. I was very pleased with all aspects of my experience with Dr. Cribbins' office and Texas Health (Presbyterian) Plano was a wonderful experience as well.

My pre-op diet was simply vegetarian and very low fat for two weeks prior to surgery. Of course, nothing to eat after midnight the night before. I felt very fortunate, although my birthday plans for a Brazilian steakhouse dinner were dashed. It was okay, though!

That's so funny! You look FANTASTIC! Congratulations on your success, and thanks for showing your photos.

This sounds like a good way to "temper" the protein powder and prevent lumps. As for plain ol' coffee, I was traveling this week and didn't bother to pack powder. I had plain black coffee each day with no problems. I used to take sweetener in my coffee, but I don't want to use artificial sweeteners forever. I have never had any issue with coffee, before or after sleeve. I really like that caffeine kick in the morning, and sometimes that is what keeps me upright in the afternoon.

I did not take them ahead of time, but when I was in pre-op and started to lose it, as in I wanted to pull the IV out and run away, the nice nurse gave me a couple of valium. If she hadn't done that, I don't know that I would have made it to surgery. Definitely ask!

Even if we don't have comorbidities "now", that doesn't mean they aren't coming later. Sorry, but 200+ pounds on a 5 foot frame doesn't work well when you get older. I didn't have comorbidities, but who is to say that next year I wouldn't be pre-diabetic, or have a back injury? In my 40s now, my knees were feeling it. I was terrified to get down on my knees to clean something because it hurt to get back up. Now, eight months post-surgery, I have to remind myself that I don't hurt anymore, crawl under that desk and clean the dust bunnies! I didn't even know how many ways this weight negatively affected my life until I started to lose it after surgery. And, I haven't even always been fat! If you are unhappy, and you have really tried other means, and you have a doctor supporting you, I think you should go for it if you want it.

I agree with all of the above. People will say you don't need it because they love you as you are, or they are worried, or it is a way to minimize you referring to yourself as fat, whatever. But the facts are that you qualify, and you want it. Like Rootman says, no need to suffer for 30 years before you decide to take the bull by the horns. My beginning stats were similar to yours, and I cannot tell you how happy I am now, and how even people who loved me just the way I was love the different person I am now. It is your personal choice, between you and your doctor.

I have already completed menopause, and am eight months post-surgery, and have not lost much hair. Knock on wood. I still take protein supplements every day though. I like having hair!

I am eight months post surgery and I still can't tolerate scrambled eggs. They sit like a lump all day. Actually, it's a good weight loss plan because I am uncomfortable for the rest of the day! lol I remember, during my liquids stage, looking forward to that first scrambled egg. And, it was miserable. The good thing is that a hard boiled egg is easy to tolerate!

Totally agree! I even add two teaspoons of Benefiber to my coffee and Protein.

It probably depends on the type of protein. I know some powder, like unjury brand, cannot be added to very hot liquids or it does get lumpy. The maximum temperature is listed on the label, at least on Unjury brand. I am currently using Cytosport powder for coffee. I buy it at costco, 27 grams protein for a serving. I let my coffee cool a bit before I add it, not because of the protein texture, but because I use a shaker cup (blender ball) and if the liquid is too hot, the top leaks and makes a mess. My husband pours my coffee into the shaker cup and I let it cool for a while. I can't stand lumpy, curdled protein!

Like stated earlier, the answers are across the board. I was allowed coffee immediately, while in hospital, but no cream or sugar. Now just over eight months out, I still have at least a cup per day. I add a serving of Protein powder for 27g of protein. I don't add milk or sugar/sweetener, just Protein Powder. I have never had an issue with coffee. I don't have reflux or acid either. But I would definitely ask your doctor's office.

Can you ask the insurance company to treat your preferred hospital as in-network? It seems ridiculous to have to drive 1.5 miles for your aftercare. I would definitely try to work it out with the insurance company. Perhaps you can enlist the help of your employer's HR department/insurance administrator? They can make exceptions sometimes.