beba238

Hey ladies... I met with a gyn who recommended me the nuva ring vs mirena. What kind of bc are you guys using. And how do you like it. Thanks for sharing.

Beba- just like each if our bodies is different- our minds are also- for me the daily scale loving is so that I can better keep my eyes on how my body reacts to the food I put in mouth on a daily basis. I need that connection every single day. It's a mind thing :-)

Hey to each its own. I'm a slow loser and its difficult for me to weigh in everyday.... However... I won't bite my tongue... I am guilty of weighing in for the last 3 days. Found a gain and then a 2 lb loss in my 3 weigh in each morning. So I'm like hmmmmm maybe it isn't that bad. Lol

You won't feel anything now except some extra burps but in the long run it does cause problems......DON'T USE STRAWS!!! DON'T DRINK CARBONATED BEVERAGES!! Are you really willing to risk it just for convenience sake? I have seen it happen where the sleeve was stretched out and it's not a pretty thing. The girl was devastated!! Didn't think it would happen to her and she had no issues while using a straw but after 6 months at made a huge difference and she put back on 50 lbs. she cried all through the support group meeting. Please be smart and follow doctors advice!!!

I'm sure it was more than just the straw that made her gain 50lbs... exercise, food, etc. The straw just gives you gas and so does carbonated drinks. Now soda is a totally different story. You drink a can a day and you'll be 15lbs more than the week before.

Can you send that doctor info from here but send you DR

Hey hun. My moms friend didn't get the surgery. Her surgeon was trying to charge her another $2000 because she had put on some weight. (she said is a scam they do sometimes) So she's going to have surgery with another Doc.

Louis Lima Mejia/Louis Lima Vargas

829-994-9925

She said 2 of her friends recommended them. Good Luck!

"My so called best friend last week commented on our old coworkers weight loss and said "idk why the eff she keeps posting pictures of her in the gym when she knows dam well she had surgery and she is not losing that weight on her own. She needs to stop taking pics of her at the gym."

Wtf! Why do women treat eachother so badly?! She should be proud of her for going to the gym and kicking ass! Not talking about her behind her back!

SHeesh exactly what I said. I didn't tell her about surgery just because that's who she is. She didn't congratulate me when I graduated or when I landed my dream job. But she was all talk when I left the job because I was overwhelmed. She wasn't excited when I told her that i dropped 19 lbs. All she said was, "oh what pill did you drink." wtfudge? lol

This is why we should all stay away form negative people like her!

Personally I believe there is some good information here but please take each point as a grain of salt. What I mean is everything does not work for everyone. I am at goal and do follow a healthy eating plan, exercise, lots of Water, low carb and track what I eat. Ithink that it is important to weigh your self frequently, you need to keep abreast of where your weight is, a gain can come very easily and if you are not aware of it you may start on a slippery slope in the wrong direction. I weigh daily or every other day and may tweek what I eat that day to compensate(less sodium filled foods, different carbs etc). Remember that it is a life long journey that we are on so experimentation is what it is all about.

I agree with you in the most part. I disagree with weighing in everyday. Yes maybe there is a time when you should do so more frequently than other times but that is just insane everyday will just have you thinking and probably going over board "crap i gained a pound or i haven't lost anything."

Weekly weigh ins i think are more beneficial just because your weight fluctuates daily and if on Tuesday I weight 200lbs and Next Tuesday i weigh another 200 lbs I change my eating habits this week and so on versus everyday where your body is still processing most of what you've eaten and burned etc.

But great point. Everyone is different. CONGRATS on reaching Goal!!! Yaa!

I think THE single most important thing- IF you have issues with food (the "lifestyle") then you need to get that fixed first. The surgery won't change your brain- it will only stop you from eating too much for a while.... You can learn to out eat the sleeve- and you will if you have issues. I don't think the surgery is for everyone- I think it's for those that are done with overindulging and done with unhealthy choices in food- and only for those people that are submitting to the idea that they will take whatever changes are given to them, and embrace getting thin---- over their own bad choices. It's like anything- it's a choice. You either choose a new lifestyle and a new healthy body- or you choose to be bummed out because you can't sabotage your life and body with food..... Which in large doses is poison and deadly. ❤ I hope this makes sence. Just like any diet or self help- it will ONLY work if you are ready to COMMIT! And you are ready to WORK for it! ❤ I say this all loving. I'm not trying to come across a b***h ❤

I agree with you 100%. This surgery is not for everyone. I researched VSG for about 1 year and 1/2 before my surgery (i originally wanted to lap band and thought about it for like 2 years and then changed my mind when I met a Nurse Praticitoner.)

Anyways i thought after surgery it would be a breeze and it really is not. This is just a tool to help us and no matter how much research you do you won't know what your going through until it happens. The best thing to do is to prepare and have at least the knowledge of what can happen and what you will need.

Someone posted "Do I need to be focusing on Protein? Do I need to switch and focus on calories or carbs?" These were questions this person should have asked before hand. Some people think this surgery is a quick fix and i am not going to lie I kinda thought the same until after i was sleeved but if you really think about it, we are doing all of this on our own. Changing our eating habits, hitting the gym, etc. Its a commitment just like any other weight loss method.

I told 3 directors in order to explain why I needed the time off. The next several people came up to me and asked why, when and stupid other questions. I was so upset.

Before surgery only my mom, my sister, my dad and my bf knew (with the exception of my uncle and a friend of my moms who got hers done too)

The day after my surgery i

NONE of my friends no and i am HAPPY that I didn't. Again with the exception of an old co worker who had the bypass done last year.

My so called best friend last week commented on our old coworkers weight loss and said "idk why the eff she keeps posting pictures of her in the gym when she knows dam well she had surgery and she is not losing that weight on her own. She needs to stop taking pics of her at the gym."

I was mortified. I told her the surgery is only a tool. But i knew she was just jealous. Especially since she's been trying to lose weight for the last year and hasn't. I'm so appalled with her comment. I dont know why she would hate on some else's success now I can imagine the crap she would say about me if she knew.

My advice to you. DONT GO STAR JONES. lol it back lashed on her. and it wont work. It will slip. I wanted to do the same but as it came closer to surgery i started feeling comfortable enough to tell some people (not really close in my life.. like certain co-workers, lady at the hair salon, etc) and it actually felt good. However, since your going to Mexico. This can be just a simple vacation. Good Luck!

I am 1 month out and I an not going to lie to you thise first 5 days I was wtf did I get myself into. I was totally regretting it. I was so miserable. I hd the wirst gas pains and felt like no one understood what I was going through. A few days later I weight myslef and I was 18lbs down from my starting weight and then I measured myself I was 2 idnches down on everything. I was so darn happy because with a regular diet it would have taken me 2- 4 months to lose that much.

I had a stall which was the worst because it lasted almost 3 weeks but I did not regret the surgery bevause without this tool I would have been like "efff this im going to McDonald's" I cant do that anymore and I am truly grateful.

What helped me alot was seeing videos of people who have gotten sleeved on youtube. Gave me lots on motivation.

You'll be fine. Good luck.

I took my nook eReader and didn't use it. Happy i didnt bring my lap top or iPod. Bring hair brush. Pajamas will make you feel better. Gas X for the gas. Chap Stick. supportive people. Tooth brush and soap, Shampoo (even though the hospital will probably give them to you).

I really just watched TV, walked to release gas and tried to sleep (cuz every time i started sleeping a doctor or a nurse would walk in). I didnt think of anything else.

OH CELL PHONE CHARGER... i had left mine at home. Good Luck!!!

Hi...best of luck and good wishes...... I think that Dr. Herron and Dr. Chin are in the same group.......let me know how you are doing?

Today I am one month post op 21lbs down and so happy to have gotten sleeved.

Hey everyone. I wrote this to help a sleever with some advice and felt that we can all benefit from each others advice ( which is mostly what the site is about) however let's make it happen here right now. For stalls, for gains, for recipes, for exercise, for Protein, for love, etc Etc... Tmi advices are also welcomed lol]

Step one. Most Important part is protein and Water.< /p>

60-80 grams of protein per day

64 oz of water per day ( most docs say its okay to count coffee, tea, Protein shakes, etc win the 64 oz)

Protein you can get from food, Protein Bars, or shakes.

Some shakes have too much sugar so keep and eye in that.

Step two. Calories up up up carbs low low low

We need the calories to burn fat and lose the weight depending on what your nut/ doc say and how much you want to lose. I aim for 900-1200 per day. If you don't eat calories your body will go into starvation mode and you will not lose weight.

Carbs like Pasta, rice and bread are not good. They will fill you up and make you bloated because it makes you retain water and not give you nutrition. Some carbs can be good like yams and plantains. Google it.

Step three. Sugar

It's hard to avoid sugar when watching everything else a good way to avoid it is to buy sugar free everything and using Splenda when you want to add sugar to something.

fruit has a lot of sugar so try to limit yourself to at least the fruits with least sugar. Don't know what they are? Thank God for Google!!! Lol

Step four. Measurements

Buy measuring cups. (Tsp-1 cup)

Buy a bottle that holds a large amount of water like: 32 oz---- if you buy a Poland spring water it will say 32 Fl Oz

Step five. Plan ahead

Plan what your going to eat in advance especially if you have to work or are going out.

Grab a calendar or and itinerary and write down what you plan to eat for the whole week for Breakfast lunch and dinner and include Snacks in between each.

This way you you've already calculated the Proteins and calories for each day and you don't have to worry about it.

Step six. Exercise

Choose what makes you happy. I LOVE to dance. Dancing is a workout so I'm starting dance classes in may.

Incorporate walking into your life. Park the car far from stores, go window shopping at the mall, walk the dog or catch up with a friend or loved one while walking.

Step seven. Change it up

Routines are boring. Planning ahead will help change up the recipe everyday.

This includes exercise. Ex: Monday salsa class, Tuesday 30-45 minute walk, Wednesday break, Thursday pop in a workout DVD or look for videos on YouTube , Friday swimming, Saturday break, Sunday boxing.

Step eight. Enjoy

Don't go crazy. (Which you will the first few days) but then it will be natural. Don't deprive yourself but at the same time makes smart decisions.

My bf ordered take out. It smelled so good. Went straight for a peace of broccoli chewed it and divorced it well and swallowed didn't look at the rice at all.

Step nine. Keep track

Track your food intake. there are apps like myfitmesspal.com not to mention FREE where you can login in everything you eat and drink. again, Google Is your best friend. Use it as a tool.

Step ten. The scale is still not your friend

Step away from your scale. Hide it if possible. Weigh yourself only once every 2 weeks or once a month. You have not lost a pound in a few week but have you taken your measurements. Because you are losing inches. Notice your bra strap slipping down your arm and your fave pants .... You need a belt now.

The most essential part of weight loss are the non scale victories. I crossed my legs, went up five flights without getting tired, bumped into my ex. Wore a dress I haven't worn in 3 years, did have a heart track while tying my shoes laces.

Overall have fun and don't think about it too much. I'm not a doctor or a nut. I'm not here to judge you I am here like everyone ewe to get help and answer others. This all came from a sleeved just like you. Good luck and I wish you the best.

Sleepers best food.... What you should have on your grocery list

Cottage cheese

Skim milk

Soy milk

Greek yogurt

Shredded cheese

Cheese (American, Munster, Swiss, etc)

Cheese sticks

Sugar free Popsicles

Granola

Jello

chicken

eggs

Yogurt

oatmeal

Nuts

Peanut Butter

tuna

Salmon

Shrimp

Keep this post going with ideas and advice. Thanks guys.

I forgot to add that eating every to hours might help with stalls and remember rules are meant to be broken. As long as your smart about your choices you'll be fine

Please anyone who has good advice add on to this

I still have about 85 more to go. I just get so confused. I don't know if i should be watching calories and carbs? Protein and sugars? I don't know what to do.

I can understand that it can be confusing but this is the part where you go to your surgeon, nut, and pcp and ask for help. This is one of the reasons why a lot of insurances have strict guidelines in order to approve for surgery, they want people to know what they are getting into and they want to make sure that you'll be prepared afterwards.. It's good to educate yourself, do research and ask questions never be afraid because that's what we are here for.

Step one. Most Important part is Protein and Water.

60-80 grams of protein per day

64 oz of Water per day ( most docs say its okay to count coffee, tea, Protein shakes, etc win the 64 oz)

Protein you can get from food, Protein Bars, or shakes.

Some shakes have too much sugar so keep and eye in that.

Step two. Calories up up up carbs low low low

We need the calories to burn fat and lose the weight depending on what your nut/ doc say and how much you want to lose. I aim for 900-1200 per day. If you don't eat calories your body will go into starvation mode and you will not lose weight.

Carbs like Pasta, rice and bread are not good. They will fill you up and make you bloated because it makes you retain water and not give you nutrition. Some carbs can be good like yams and plantains. Google it.

Step three. Sugar

It's hard to avoid sugar when watching everything else a good way to avoid it is to buy sugar free everything and using Splenda when you want to add sugar to something.

fruit has a lot of sugar so try to limit yourself to at least the fruits with least sugar. Don't know what they are? Thank God for Google!!! Lol

Step four. Measurements

Buy measuring cups. (Tsp-1 cup)

Buy a bottle that holds a large amount of water like: 32 oz---- if you buy a Poland spring water it will say 32 Fl Oz

Step five. Plan ahead

Plan what your going to eat in advance especially if you have to work or are going out.

Grab a calendar or and itinerary and write down what you plan to eat for the whole week for Breakfast lunch and dinner and include Snacks in between each.

This way you you've already calculated the Proteins and calories for each day and you don't have to worry about it.

Step six. Exercise

Choose what makes you happy. I LOVE to dance. Dancing is a workout so I'm starting dance classes in may.

Incorporate walking into your life. Park the car far from stores, go window shopping at the mall, walk the dog or catch up with a friend or loved one while walking.

Step seven. Change it up

Routines are boring. Planning ahead will help change up the recipe everyday.

This includes exercise. Ex: Monday salsa class, Tuesday 30-45 minute walk, Wednesday break, Thursday pop in a workout DVD or look for videos on YouTube , Friday swimming, Saturday break, Sunday boxing.

Step eight. Enjoy

Don't go crazy. (Which you will the first few days) but then it will be natural. Don't deprive yourself but at the same time makes smart decisions.

My bf ordered take out. It smelled so good. Went straight for a peace of broccoli chewed it and divorced it well and swallowed didn't look at the rice at all.

Step nine. Keep track

Track your food intake. there are apps like myfitmesspal.com not to mention FREE where you can login in everything you eat and drink. again, Google Is your best friend. Use it as a tool.

Step ten. The scale is still not your friend

Step away from your scale. Hide it if possible. Weigh yourself only once every 2 weeks or once a month. You have not lost a pound in a few week but have you taken your measurements. Because you are losing inches. Notice your bra strap slipping down your arm and your fave pants .... You need a belt now.

The most essential part of weight loss are the non scale victories. I crossed my legs, went up five flights without getting tired, bumped into my ex. Wore a dress I haven't worn in 3 years, did have a heart track while tying my shoes laces.

Overall have fun and don't think about it too much. I'm not a doctor or a nut. I'm not here to judge you I am here like everyone ewe to get help and answer others. This all came from a sleeved just like you. Good luck and I wish you the best.

Sleepers best food.... What you should have on your grocery list

Cottage cheese

Skim milk

Soy milk

Greek yogurt

Shredded cheese

Cheese (American, Munster, Swiss, etc)

Cheese sticks

sugar free Popsicles

Granola

Jello

chicken

eggs

Yogurt

oatmeal

Nuts

Peanut Butter

tuna

Salmon

Shrimp

I still had to do mine. I tried several times to contact my insurance to see if I canb skip that part but they werent trying to hear that

Yaaa congrats!

Hi thanks for your most kind input.....how are you feeling ? Is Dr. Chin working with Dr. Daniel Herron at Mt. Sinai ? If you are talking about the NUT that you saw....was it Dr. Carlos Rios ? He is so nasty....I hope that you are oing well and feeling well...... how long were you in the hospital ? Do they make you leave before you are ready ? What is the nursing care like ? Stay well and all the very best to you.....always....

I refuse to sugercoat and say i've feeling splendid. Everyday is a working progress. The first few days were the most difficult but now i'm feeling much better here and there. I believe Dr Chin and Dr Herron work in the same office. For the NUT i went to Midtown Nutritionist on 56th street in Manhattan. Its in an apartment building and the NUT that saw me was awesome. I only saw her once. My advice is that if you encounter someone negative move on to the next person. Its been a challenge but when has weight loss in any form been so easy lol. I was in the hospital for 2 days. I really did not feel ready however going home made me feel a little better. The nurses were ALL AMAZING. They were so patient and nice. I had the crazy male nurse tell me to get up. I was like "why?" and he got me up and made me walk around the halls which made me feel good and i thank his crazy self for that.

I ended up seeing dr chin in a Dominican clinic in Washington heights (again in hopes to speed my pre-op process). (September 2012)

all i was missing was my psych eval and breathing exam.

With Columbia Presybetrian there was always something. In Novemeber i needed blood work and then my B12 and b6 was too low (to me they were just stalling) and they submitted my paperwork to my insurance without notifying me. I received a letter stating that i was approved on DEC 4.. So i stopped contacting Dr. Chins office. Until January when NYP called me to say they were no longer taking healthfirst. So i called Dr. Chins office, they sent me to the NUT, submitted my paperwork again and i was approved and then surgery was scheduled.

Just out if curiosity - what made you chose mt Sinai over Lenox hill?

I went to Lenox Hill (summer 2010) 3 years ago and they didn't take the insurance i had at the time. So i went for St lukes. One of the workers had told me to change to some insurance wellcare (i think) because they were easy to get approved for surgery. I thought it was healthfirst so 6 months later i changed to healthfirst and then work school and laziness got in the way. Thats how i ended up going to NY presbyterian (august 2011 Seminar first appointment Dec 2011) But i was so lost with what they needed and with an unsupportive PCP i just kinda gave up. Like 4 months later (April 2012) i got my act together. Changed my PCP started seeing him every month for 6 months, i gave him everything i was given and he gave me all the referrals i needed.

My first 2 days were the worst. My advice is to leave the house. Hit the mall. Window shop for about an hour or too (gas be gone!!)

Try it again the next day (and watch the gas go away)

As for the pain meds take them. Get some anti nausea meds. The first 2 days were the worst for me. I was like wth did i gte myself into. As time goes on you;ll start feeling much better. Good Luck!

March- month 1

April- Month 2

May - Month 3

Thats how they do it. My insurance required 6 months and i started in April and finished in Sept

Don't know about specific surgeons but i'm from Manhattan and i can tell you what i know personally from going to all these hospitals in hopes to speed my process since it was taking so long:

NY Presbyterian Dr. Blesser: Pist me off because after a year and 2 months into pre-op process they stopped taking my insurance (health first) 2 weeks before i got my surgery date. Appointments are set within 1 1/2-2 months (thats too Long). They also tell you what you what you need for pre-op and then you have to go to your PCP to get referrals.

St Lukes: Receptionist rude (might not be there anymore) they only have one seminar a month so if your lucky you wont get booked out the for 2 months. To schedule certain exams certain clinics don't answer the phone and when you schedule the appointment (within the hospital) it might be 3-4 months. EX. i tried to see the Pulmonary doctor in April 2012 and was scheduled for July 2012.

Harlem Hospital: REFERRAL MANDATORY. Appointments scheduled 3-5 weeks. No seminar needed just a support group. They give you ALL your referrals and they can all be done in the hospital. Your required to lose 20 lbs before surgery (w/ NUT). If you lose the amount of weight your surgeon wants you to lose he/she will do plastic surgery on you (boobs or tummy tuck) at no cost.

Lenox Hill: Seminar and guarantees surgery within 2- 3 months of first visit.

Montefiore: Pretty good with follow ups. MANDATORY SEMINAR AND REFERRAL. Process is toooooo tooo Long! Everything will be spread out withing a couple of months like 3 months of nut, 4 support groups, all other exams, etc.

Mt. Sinai: Dr. Chin (my surgeon... Sleeved on 3.19.2013) Sent all my paperwork to his office after Columbia Presbyterian practically just screwed me over. Made me see a NUT. Surgery scheduled 3 weeks later.

It all depends on your insurance and on your personal health. This was just my experience and useful information i feel like i could provide. My advice to you is to try different clinics until you find the one that makes you feel comfortable. Columbia Presbyterian does not hold your hand they just throw you out there and your on your own. Harlem and Monti, st Luckes are hospitals that will do most exams in their hospital.

Yes you'll be in a lot of appointments but if you can try them all out go for it. GOOD LUCK!!!!

Can you send that doctor info from here but send you DR

As soon as my moms friend gets back from DR i'll have her give me all the info. I'll add it here.

I told my mom whose currently out there if she can go check out Dra de lo santos however my mother prefers from me to have surgery here.

They will charge me 4x what your paying if i get plastics in NYC

I'm 2 weeks and i'm already at a stall. Don't know how long it will last but i hope its ends soon!

Where in Dr is she in? I might go see Dr. Jesus Abreu or Dr. Donald Roland who promotes a lot in DR but does his surgeries in NYC.. and One of my moms friends got consulted by a doctor here who gave her an appointment to get her stuff done in DR.

Can you go into details on what your getting done? I still don't speak -plastics lol