TheRealMeIsHere!

Don't remember how much I gained in swelling but instead of my usual 00-2 i was wearing size 4 for many months!! Keep following your plan, get your protein and liquids. Also, wear compression as long as you can, the longer you do, the better the final result will be. Once I could wear my own, I bought extra firm compression garments, which I wore for about 6 months. The weight gain is very scary, but it's just swelling. Congrats and best of luck for a smooth recovery.

Insurance does not cover anything other than a panniculectomy and in some cases a tummy tuck. I too, have Medicare and was lucky enough to get fully covered for a panni/TT. I helped that the referral came from pain management due to a painful, progressive spine disease. I also included a letter from me stating the weight lost, co-morbidities that were resolved, how I am already limited on exercise options and how the skin was limiting me further, plus how exercise is crucial for maintanence. Best of luck to you!!

Not sure what my calories were at that point, but know it took me 18 months to, consistently, hit the required 80 gms of Protein per day. My NUT told me to eat NOTHING that wasn't a high source of protein, no veggies, fruits, and of course no rice/pasta/potatoes/bread/flour or sugar. Getting enough protein helps keep your body from going into starvation mode and helps minimize hair loss as @@Kindle mentioned. I could only consume about 1/4 cup in one sitting, sometimes not even that. Half a Greek yogurt or Protein shake and I was STUFFED, lol!! Is 40 gms of protein the goal, since you are newly sleeved and it's difficult to hit 80 at that point? Basically, at this point as long as you are focusing on lean/fat free protein and calorie free liquids plus taking the required Vitamins, there really is no need to worry about daily calories unless your NUT is concerned that calories are so low. You don't want your metabolism to shut down and go into starvation mode. It does get easier as you heal. Congrats on the 22 pounds!

Sorry you are having such a rough time, hopefully you will heal quickly. Definitely liquids and protein are top priorities. Even sipping the small amounts of protein shakes, as frequently as you can handle will be helpful for healing. Feel better soon

Is this what #4 is referring to? http://www.ouhsc.edu/geriatricmedicine/Education/swallowing/Penetration_vs_Aspiration.htm/

You might enjoy Zumba. It's not only dance, it involves moves that work every muscle group and loads of fun! If you are 7 1/2 months out you should have no worries unless your surgeon has told you otherwise.

Have you tried EAS AdvantEdge RTD? They are not as thick as some others. strawberry reminds me of strawberry Quik chocolate Fudge is like YooHoo Cafe Caramel tastes like iced coffee. Just keep trying different shakes till you find what you like, everyone's tastes are different. What about Dannon Light & Fit Greek yogurt? Yogurt counted as a liquid on my program, or even Protein puddings. Where can I find these? I had someone in my support group say the same thing, but I have been unable to find these in shake form (I can only find the protein powder.) I get them in Walmart, which has the best price here, or Shoprite.

Have you tried EAS AdvantEdge RTD? They are not as thick as some others. strawberry reminds me of strawberry Quik chocolate Fudge is like YooHoo Cafe Caramel tastes like iced coffee. Just keep trying different shakes till you find what you like, everyone's tastes are different. What about Dannon Light & Fit Greek yogurt? Yogurt counted as a liquid on my program, or even Protein puddings.

I have an appointment coming up in a week. They are drawing blood anyway, I'm going to request they check my testosterone, also. I have been experiencing depression, anxiety and a hard time maintaining weight loss. I'm maintaining, but it feels like a tenuous tightrope. PLUS.........now I'm just plain ol' curious!

how would I know if I need mine checked?

@@Kindle was there a reason it was checked? I'm not sure I've ever had mine checked. Glad it's making such a great difference!!

@@her1981 I forgot if you said. Are you taking a PPI? Acid in your stomach can cause wicked hunger. Just a thought...

@@PaulaB72 I'm looking for knee length compression shorts, to hold in all my loose thigh skin. What kind did you get? Are they comfortable to wear all day? Do they work well? Thanks in advance

I had the opposite. Once I was able to get in enough liquids, by day 3, my energy was through the roof. It hasn't stopped & it's been 4 years My NUT says that as long as you are getting all your Protein (which is difficult at first, took me 18 months till I was hitting my 80gms/day) you body won't go into starvation mode even with low calorie consumption.

It's typically, no lifting for six weeks. I was told walk as much as I can, starting from day one. Never had any walking restriction due to sleeve surgery. Your surgeon will be your best guide. walking 20 minutes, three times a week for the first six months is probably just a minimum suggestion.

Seriously! I'm the same way! Me too!

if you are getting all your Protein, try adding non-starchy veggies to fill you up. I had the same problem, now I eat salad frequently. I make taco salad with 93 % ground turkey, big mac salad with the same, Italian sub salads, ham sandwich salads, etc....that way I am getting all the FLAVOR of my fav. foods, without the fat & carbs. I add non-starchy veggies to a lot of meals, to bulk them up while adding few calories. http://www.hungry-girl.com/ has a lot of great suggestions If sweets are your thing, you can cook with Protein powder, pancakes, Cookies, muffins etc.... 800 cals a day is quite low, when you went up to 1000, were you eating sugar, flour, rice, Pasta or potatoes? Those things will slow down weight loss, cause cravings and possibly cause weight gain.

Some men may be shallow, women too for that matter. Whatever the reason, you just haven't found the right guy. Keep being yourself & enjoying life. You may or may not find a partner. Either way you'll be just fine. I'm 51, been single since 2007 (when my fiance' was killed in a motorcycle accident) Being single has it's perks, too. I can do what I want when I want, I am COMPLETELY free to be myself. While I have my lonely moments, it would take someone exceptionally compatible to have a long term relationship with. Best of luck!

@@Kindle EXACTLY what I was going to say!! @@P7rancher It all depends on how well you use your "tool" The malabsorption of the sleeve may make it so you have a little more leeway, but there are also downsides to malabsorption.

My pain was minimal. I expected to be pretty debilitated for a while. Besides walking like Quasimodo and sleeping sitting up on the couch, leaning to the side on pillows for a while, recovery wasn't bad at all. I was pretty much doing all my pre-op activities right away, just slooooower, lol. And, of course, no lifting. The drains, I hated, but were not as bad or as gross as I anticipated. Still was happy, once they were out. Compression helps ALOT with comfort, and I was told that the longer I wore compression, the better. So once the drains were out I got some of my own super firm compression garments and wore them for about six months. Figured this was my one and only shot at the flat belly I'd dreamt of, I wanted to give it the best chance. As far as eating I continued to focus on Protein and calorie free liquids as those things help with healing. I gained, about 15 pounds of swelling and had terrible bruising (Pics are on my profile) plus to wear a larger size for a few weeks/months (size 4 instead of 00/0, borrowed my sis' clothes, and she felt like her clothes were fat clothes, lol). Don't remember how long. Apparently that's not typical, as even my doctor was surprised by the swelling and bruising. Best of luck, may all go smoothly!

Congrats, you look great!! I know you don't feel smaller at this time, it took me a few years to REALLY feel it. Even after a TT/Panni. I still have times, like change of season, or buying new clothes where I'm surprised that something fits. One thing that helps is looking at old photos or clothes, seeing the numbers I wrote down during my losing phase, going to support group (where I am always asked to speak) and remembering my FIRST pre-op support group & where I came from. Also helps me to not become complacent with my eating & excercise.

Sooooo true!! Congrats on your continuing success!

I am planning on getting whatever reconstructive/skin removal surgeries that insurance will cover. I just received notice that my insurance is changing to NY Medicaid and Medicare. My question is, should I stay with Medicare or go to a Medicare Advantage plan? Who is easier to deal with and covers more? My choices are: Empire MediBlue Essential ***, UnitedHealthcare MedicareComplete Choice Essential (Regional PPO) or just plain Medicare. The Medicaid stays just Medicaid whichever way I go.

Do you know the style name? I'd like to check them out. Thanks!

It absolutely gets better! Here's me 2 1/2 years ago. It did last a few months, and I wore compression for six months to obtain the best result. All gone now, and the scar is so low that it's never an issue. Best of luck on your recovery.