E-girl

A true friend is someone who will be there for you through "thick" and "thin", not just "thick". My best friend had a gastric bypass and when she was lossing weight, I was jealous but I never made her feel bad about it. I would say "I am sooo jealous, but you look great, keep it up." She had childhood friends that made a lot of negative comments and she was really hurt by it. Unfortunately, she is not as close to them now as a result but she couldn't really cut them off because they have know each other and their families for more that 30 year!.
Unforturnately, it doesn't sound like your "friend" is really a true friend. Sounds like she probably enjoyed being the center of attention and now you are getting a lot of attention for your success with your weight loss, she is trying to make herself feel better by putting you down or making you feel bad about yourself. People can be really messed up. Just because you know someone for years does not necessary make them true friends. My best friend and I don't alway see eye to eye but we respect either others decisions and whether we agree with it or not. Thats what best friends are suppose to do.
If it really bothers you that much and you want to save the friendship, then you really need to a talk to her about how her actions are making you feel. If she values your friendship, she will understand and change her ways. If she does change, you need to consider distancing yourself and reavaluate your definition of best friend. This new lifestyle is hard enough to adjust to than to have someone in your life stressing you out even more. You're going to have good days and bad days...more good than bad...but the last thing you need is someone around you, who see a bad day and using it as an opportunity to get their digs in with "I told you so."
I have a really close friend, who was constanting asking me or saying things that were hurtful after I announced I was having the sleeve. Like "are you sure this is what you want to do? You know there are other options? Have you tried this or that? You know some people have died from these surgeries". I understand her heart was in the right place but it was really annoying and I was already stressed from all the things I had to do to get approved. I finally said something to her. I told her that I was well aware of the risks but the risks for long term morbin obeseity was higher. I told her that I understood her concerns but I appreciate it if she would stop because it was making me feel bad. She said she just really cared and didn't want anything bad to happen. I said I understood that but I have done the research and this was the best option for me. After that, she has been my biggest supporter of my friends. She still asked things like "did you take your Vitamins today?" but its because I know she truely cares.

A true friend is someone who will be there for you through "thick" and "thin", not just "thick". My best friend had a gastric bypass and when she was lossing weight, I was jealous but I never made her feel bad about it. I would say "I am sooo jealous, but you look great, keep it up." She had childhood friends that made a lot of negative comments and she was really hurt by it. Unfortunately, she is not as close to them now as a result but she couldn't really cut them off because they have know each other and their families for more that 30 year!.
Unforturnately, it doesn't sound like your "friend" is really a true friend. Sounds like she probably enjoyed being the center of attention and now you are getting a lot of attention for your success with your weight loss, she is trying to make herself feel better by putting you down or making you feel bad about yourself. People can be really messed up. Just because you know someone for years does not necessary make them true friends. My best friend and I don't alway see eye to eye but we respect either others decisions and whether we agree with it or not. Thats what best friends are suppose to do.
If it really bothers you that much and you want to save the friendship, then you really need to a talk to her about how her actions are making you feel. If she values your friendship, she will understand and change her ways. If she does change, you need to consider distancing yourself and reavaluate your definition of best friend. This new lifestyle is hard enough to adjust to than to have someone in your life stressing you out even more. You're going to have good days and bad days...more good than bad...but the last thing you need is someone around you, who see a bad day and using it as an opportunity to get their digs in with "I told you so."
I have a really close friend, who was constanting asking me or saying things that were hurtful after I announced I was having the sleeve. Like "are you sure this is what you want to do? You know there are other options? Have you tried this or that? You know some people have died from these surgeries". I understand her heart was in the right place but it was really annoying and I was already stressed from all the things I had to do to get approved. I finally said something to her. I told her that I was well aware of the risks but the risks for long term morbin obeseity was higher. I told her that I understood her concerns but I appreciate it if she would stop because it was making me feel bad. She said she just really cared and didn't want anything bad to happen. I said I understood that but I have done the research and this was the best option for me. After that, she has been my biggest supporter of my friends. She still asked things like "did you take your Vitamins today?" but its because I know she truely cares.

I have tried a Chobani and Fage (both baby/kid and adult) several times, several different flavors and they are all nasty. I can't stand the sour after taste. However, yesterday I tried Yopait and it was by far the best. It was very mild. Tasted closer to the regular Yopait yogurt that a Greek style yogurt, but with all the benifits of the Protein. I tried the blueberry one. It's is very thick so I think I might add a little milk to thin it out. They make them is two different sizes. I got the smaller one (4 oz cup), which was the perfect size for early sleevers. Contains 8g of protein. The 6 oz container has 12 grams of protein.

I started at 208 and now I am 151. So 57 pounds down since Feb 7.

Can you reschedule your surgery for after your trip? I could barely get around after 4 days. Plus I was soooo tired and in physcial pain I couldn't image going on a trip. What did your doctor say?

I would strongly suggest that you follow your doctor's instruction. First, you have a very long incision. It takes at least 8 weeks for your stomach to heal. If you eat something to rough it can get caught a cause a lot of pain. That's why you cant have anything with seeds or nuts. Second, it can expand and ripe your incision causing a mass infection in your abdominal area that can be life threatening. My doctor told us that he had a patient eat one crouton one week after surgery. It expanded and opened the incision. The area the holds your stomach is a very sterile. Because the incision opened, a massive infection happen to this poor guy and he was in the hostipal for 6 week in intensive care. He was lucky...he almost died from eating one small crouton!
My diet was as follows:
Week 1 & 2- all Clear liquids (broth, popsicles, Decaf tea/coffee NO Creamer - it curdles)
Week 3 & 4 - full liquids (blended Soup, cream of chicken Soup, milk, yogurt, sugar free pudding/jello)
Week 5 to 8 - mushy diet (blended chicken salad, blended tuna salad, soft cheese, cottage cheese with blended peaches, apple sauce, ...)
Week 8 and beyond - no restriction (only 1/4 of a cup or 4 tbsps of food as 2 tbsp of Protein, 1 tbsp of veg, and 1 tbsp of fruit)

Worth reading. Portion significant to this conversation are in bold.
"Why Carbonated beverages are "TABOO" after Bariatric Surgery"
By: Cynthia Buffington, Ph.D
Did you drink carbonated soft drinks prior to your Bariatric surgery? Do you still consume carbonated soft drinks? Were you advised by your surgeon or his/her nutritional staff NOT to drink carbonated drinks after surgery? Do you understand why drinking carbonated beverages, even if sugar-free, could jeopardize your weight loss success and, perhaps even your health?
A carbonated beverage is an effervescent drink that releases carbon dioxide under conditions of normal atmospheric pressure. Carbonated drinks include most soft drinks, champagne, beer, and seltzer Water. If you consume a soft drink or other carbonated beverage while eating, the carbonation forces food through he stomach pouch, reducing the time food remains in the pouch. The less time food remains in your stomach pouch, the less satiety (feelings of fullness) you experience, enabling you to eat more with increased risk for weight gain.
The gas released from a carbonated beverage might "stretch" your stomach pouch. Food forced through the pouch by the carbonation could also significantly enlarge the size of your stoma (the opening between the stomach pouch and intestines of patients who have had a gastric bypass or biliopancreatic diversion). An enlarged pouch or stoma would allow you to eat larger amounts of food at any one setting. In this way, consuming carbonated beverages, even if the drinks are diet or calorie free, may cause weight gain or interfere with maximal weight loss success.
Soft drinks may also cause weight gain by reducing the absorption of dietary Calcium. Dietary Calcium helps to stimulate fat breakdown and reduce its uptake into adipose tissue. Epidemiological and clinical studies have found a close association between obesity and low dietary calcium intake. Recent studies have found that maintaining sufficient amounts of dietary calcium helps to induce weight loss or prevent weight gain following diet.
The high caffeine in carbonated sodas is one way that drinking carbonated soft drinks may reduce the absorption of calcium into the body. Studies have found that caffeine increases urinary calcium content, meaning that high caffeine may interfere with the uptake of dietary calcium into the body. Keep in mind that one 12 oz. can of Mountain Dew has 50 mg of caffeine, and Pepsi and Coke (diet or those with sugar) contain 37 mg of caffeine each.
Colas, such as Pepsi and Coke (diet or with sugar), may also cause calcium deficiencies from the high amounts of phosphoric acid that they contain. Phosphate binds to calcium and the bound calcium cannot be absorbed into the body. Both animal and human studies have found that phosphoric acid is associated with altered calcium homeostasis and low calcium.
Drinking carbonated beverages may also reduce dietary calcium because these beverages replace milk and other nutrient-containing drinks or foods in the diet. Several studies report inverse (negative) relationships between carbonated beverage usage and the amount of milk (particularly children) consume.
Carbonated beverages, then, may reduce dietary calcium because of their high caffeine or phosphoric acid content or because drinking such beverages tends to reduce the consumption of calcium-containing foods and beverages. Such deficiencies in dietary calcium intake may be even more pronounced in Bariatric surgical patients.
Calcium deficiencies with Bariatric surgery have been reported following gastric restrictive and/or malabsorptive procedures. The reduced amounts of calcium with bariatric surgery may occur as a result of low nutrient intake, low levels of Vitamin D, or, for patients who have had gastric bypass pr the biliopancreatic diversion (with or without the duodenal switch), from bypass of the portion of the gut where active absorption of calcium normally occurs. Drinking carbonated beverages may further increase the risk for dietary calcium deficiencies and, in this way, hinder maximal weight loss success.
For all the reasons described above, including calcium deficits, reduced satiety, enlargement of pouch or stoma, drinking carbonated beverages, even those that are sugar-free, could lead to weight gain. Carbonated beverages that contain sugar, however, pose a substantially greater threat to the Bariatric patient in terms of weight loss and weight loss maintenance with surgery.
Sugar-containing soft drinks have a relatively high glycemic index, meaning that blood sugar levels readily increase with their consumption. The rapid rise in blood sugar, in turn, increases the production of the hormone, insulin. , that acts to drive sugar into tissues where it is metabolized or processed for storage. High insulin levels, however, also contribute to fat accumulation, driving fat into the fat storage depots and inhibiting the breakdown of fat.
Soft drinks with sugar are also high in calories. An average 12 oz. soft drink contains 10 teaspoons of refined sugar (40g). The typical 12-oz. can of soda contains 150 calories (Coke = 140 calories; Pepsi = 150; Dr. Pepper = 160; orange soda = 180; 7-up = 140; etc.). Soft drinks are the fifth largest source of calories for adults, accounting for 5.6% of all calories that Americans consume. Among adolescents, soft drinks provide 8%- to 9% of calories. An extra 150 calories per day from a soft drink over the course of a year, is equivalent to nearly 16 pounds and that weight gain multiplied by a few years could equate to “morbid obesity”.
In addition to the adverse effects that carbonated drinks have on weight loss or weight loss maintenance, carbonated beverages may also have adverse effects on health. Soda beverages and other carbonated drinks are acidic with a pH of 3.0 or less. Drinking these acidic beverages on an empty stomach in the absence of food, as Bariatric patients are required to do, can upset the fragile acid-alkaline balance of the gastric pouch and intestines and increase the risk for ulcers or even the risk for gastrointestinal adenomas (cancer).
Soft drink usage has also been found to be associated with various other health problems. These include an increased risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney stones, bone fractures and reduced bone density, allergies, cancer, acid-peptic disease, dental carries, gingivitis, and more. Soft drinks may, in addition, increase the risk for oxidative stress. This condition is believed to contribute significantly to aging and to diseases associated with aging and obesity, i.e. diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, reduced immune function, hypertension, and more.
From the above discussion, do you now have a little better understanding of why your Bariatric surgeon or Bariatric nutritionist advised you NOT to consume carbonated sodas after surgery? Your Bariatric surgeon and his/her staff want to see you achieve the best results possible from your surgery – both in terms of weight loss and health status – and so do YOU. Consider the consequences of drinking such beverages now that you understand more clearly why such drinks are “Bariatric taboo”.

I would strongly suggest that you follow your doctor's instruction. First, you have a very long incision. It takes at least 8 weeks for your stomach to heal. If you eat something to rough it can get caught a cause a lot of pain. That's why you cant have anything with seeds or nuts. Second, it can expand and ripe your incision causing a mass infection in your abdominal area that can be life threatening. My doctor told us that he had a patient eat one crouton one week after surgery. It expanded and opened the incision. The area the holds your stomach is a very sterile. Because the incision opened, a massive infection happen to this poor guy and he was in the hostipal for 6 week in intensive care. He was lucky...he almost died from eating one small crouton!
My diet was as follows:
Week 1 & 2- all Clear liquids (broth, popsicles, Decaf tea/coffee NO Creamer - it curdles)
Week 3 & 4 - full liquids (blended Soup, cream of chicken Soup, milk, yogurt, sugar free pudding/jello)
Week 5 to 8 - mushy diet (blended chicken salad, blended tuna salad, soft cheese, cottage cheese with blended peaches, apple sauce, ...)
Week 8 and beyond - no restriction (only 1/4 of a cup or 4 tbsps of food as 2 tbsp of Protein, 1 tbsp of veg, and 1 tbsp of fruit)

Because I had a hard time getting my Water in, I am allowed to drink until the point of eating but I have to waite 30 minute after eating but I am more on the 10 mins before and 20 mins after plan and I have not had any problems. I also sip a little with my meals because I have meds that have to take with food. I have not had any problems.

I'm 18 months out...
I can definitely eat more than a cup of food. But it also depends on the type of food. popcorn, and other sliders, I can eat more (so I use Portion Control with sliders) if you are talking chicken, steak, seafood, dense Protein, etc. then I can eat between 3-4 oz and I'm full.
I also tend to underfill my sleeve. I still don't have much hunger so it's easy to measure out a portion and just eat that. Just because I CAN eat more doesn't mean that I should eat more. Hope that helps.

I started at 208 and now I am 151. So 57 pounds down since Feb 7.

I started at 208 and now I am 151. So 57 pounds down since Feb 7.

I started at 208 and now I am 151. So 57 pounds down since Feb 7.

I had my surgery on 2/7/2012 and I am back and forth all the time on my decision. Sure, I have lost 30 lbs in 4 1/2 weeks but I can't enjoy the same foods that my family is having. My husband and I work long hours so we used to go out to eat all the time. Now we go out and I have 2 bits of something and have to sit there and watch my family happy enjoy their food.
Also some of the women at work treat me differently. I feel like I can't Celebrate my sucess or I have to down play it to avoid making others feel bad or jealous. I feel really alone sometimes.
Eating and drinking is still hard. I am thirsty alll the time because can get enough in.
On the other hand, I can bend down and tie my shoes without holding my breathe. I can walk up 2 flights of stairs without stopping at each landing because I was huffing and puffing. I stopped snoring in my sleep. AND....I am no longer classified as morbidly obese. I am not at a point where I can say I love my sleeve...but I do loving that I feel healthier then I have been in 10 years.

Again, thought this might be a good thread for meal ideas. Here is my favorite way to cook salmon (outside of poaching it in water)
EVOO Salmon
This is a way to bake salmon my mother taught me. It's the easiest and most delicious!
What you need:
Glass baking dish - big enough to fit the fillet
Fillet of Salmon
Olive Oil
Sea Salt
Pepper
Put 1-2 Tbsp of Olive Oil into the dish
Turn oven onto 400 degrees and place dish immediately into the oven, while cold
Let oven preheat with the dish of oil
While the dish is preheating, salt and pepper your salmon to taste. You can also add other spices, but I'm a salmon purest, so I usually only put sea salt on it
Once the preheat alarm goes off, carefully take out the dish with the hot oil
Place the seasoned salmon into the dish, skin side down
Cook the salmon for 7-15 minutes, depending on it's thickness. You will want to check on it and see if it's fully cooked until it's the desired level of pink you like to eat
Remove and enjoy! Make sure to take the salmon immediately out of the dish once you've determined it's cooked enough to prevent it from over cooking while it sits. Guaranteed delicious moist fish every time.

I am 4 days out myself. I have the gas/growl/gurgling belly also. I was told this was normal and that you have to walk. It has helped. Yesterday I still felt really bad. But today, I felt pretty good. Did they give you any liquid pain meds. If not, ask if they could. It make a world of difference in recorvery. Walking will also help you heal a lot faster.
Did they give you a breathing incentive spirometer? I was not breathing as well as I did before the surgery also. I had to be on oxygen and stay an extra day but I am ok now. The spirometer will help clear your lungs. I hope this helps.

Smiling:First, You need to go the this site of the HIPAA privacy law: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/. Second, you need to obtain your entire medical record including all paperwork that states you agreed to allow your parents to view your medical information. If no paperwork exists after you turned 18, you have a case. Then I would call around for a lawyer to take you case on "contingency", which means that the plaintiff agrees that the attorney's fee will be determined by the amount of the settlement awarded to the plaintiff, should the case be won in the plaintiff's favor. If the plaintiff does not win the case, the attorney will receive no fee.
After you sue the pants off the PCP, you can pay for your surgery in cash! Also, you're 19, get job that offers insurance and get another PCP.
My parents paid for nothing after I was 18. I worked full time and went to school full time and graduated with a 3.875 GPA. At one point, I had 3 jobs and when to school at night. If you want the surgery that bad, you'll do whatever it takes

I know that grits aren't as popular in other parts of the country as they are down here in the south, but let me just say that they are my new best friend...at least for this last week of full liquids! I made some pretty thinned out grits tonight with a half slice of deli deluxe American cheese and a dash of garlic salt and boy were they scrumdiliumtious!!! All 6 bites that I was able to eat that is....they really hit the spot! So even if your not normally a Girl Raised In The South kinda person, you ought to give them a whirl!!!

I have BCBS Federal Employee Program. I have the Standard Option (PPO). There is a $350 deductible for the hospital and they cover 85% of the surgeons charges (so I'll pay $1500). BCBS will also require that you go to a Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery. You need to ask for a participating anesthesiologist under the Standard program. If you get a non-participating, you pay a lot more!!!!. So far I have paid the following:
Free - Seminar
$30 copay - initial visit
For insurance approval, BSBC Federal requires a 90 day Education/Diet/Exercise Program with Psych Eval and sleep study. 90 days means 90 days. IF YOU MISS ONE APPOINTMENT, YOU WILL HAVE TO START OVER!!!!!
Cost so far...
$180 - nutrionalist visit 1 and exercise consult (I did not use the hospital's program, which is covered by insurance and you pay $25)
$50 - nutrionalist visit 2 (I did not use the hospital's program but its usually $25)
$50 - nutrionalist visit 3 (I did not use the hospital's program but its usually $25)
$30 copay - Psych eval
$30 copay - sleep study
$30 copay - GMA consult
$30 copay - Cardiac pre-authorization
$20 copay - General PCP pre-authorization
* I didn't use the hostipal program because of timing. The classes were all at night and I have little ones to pick up at daycare.
After approval,
$390 - pre and post surgerical nutrionalist classes
$30 copay - Cardiac pre-surgical approval (EKG)
$ ?? - labs
$ ?? - Chest PA & Lateral / GB Sonogram
$ 350 - hopital deductible
15% of surgeons charges
By the way, insurance is allowed to take up to 30 day for approval but BCBS Federal only took 2 days for me.