t.ski

Today's weigh in: Last weigh 9/4 in 240.6 Today's weight 238.2 Challenge goal 218.

I have been eating 600-850 calories a day (usually closer to about 680). My NUT wants me to try to get in at least 800, but I have a hard time doing that unless I'm eating really fatty food wich I don't like doing. I am usually between 60-80 grams of protein. I am almost 7 weeks out, and have been on a "regular" diet since the start of week 5. I try to keep my fat and carbs under 40 grams each a day (though my NUT gave me no recommendation ranges for this.

I have developed a new love for drawstrings as a measurement of my success. I have several pairs of "stretchy" pants with drawstrings from before surgery. I love putting them on now and seeing how loosely the knot is tied. So much fun, makes me smile every time I see it.

Weight before surgery: 285 (at the start of my two week per-op) Surgery date: 7/24/12 Current weight: 240.6 Challenge goal weight: 218 This weight should have me fitting in my wedding dress better than the day I wore it 7 years ago

I think the doctors usually want you to use alternative BC methods for a month or so after surgery due to the increased risk of blood clots with the pill. I would check with your doctor.

I have a nurse friend who swears by lactulose syrup for all of her constipated patients. I have been doing two colace a day and miralax at night with minimal results. I have developed some lactose intolerance with milk so I have thought about making a protein drink with milk, but haven't been brave enough to try it.

I had surgery on July 24. I have been feeling great. I am in the middle of my second week of soft foods (per Doctors schedule) and am to be moved to "regular" in 4 days. After reading everyone else's post op diet I am nervous he is advancing me too quickly. My Doctors PA said she has not seen a leak in a sleeve pt there since she started working there 5 years ago. I am terrified of doing something to cause a leak. Would u follow doctors plan or do another couple weeks of soft foods?

I am almost 3 weeks out and am finding I can eat about 2.5 ounces of "soft food" before I experience pain, although this morning I had 5 ounces of mushies over an hour without any problems or pain.

I would talk to your Dr before using peroxide. Most of the Doctors I have worked with do not like having wounds cleaned with peroxide because it can be hard on the new tissue that is forming.

I went back to work as a nurse on med floor with a full patient load doing 12 hour shifts at 11 days (everyone was great making sure I didn't do any lifting) and I felt fine. I have occasional tenderness but no real pain.

I am a week and a half post op and go back to work tonight, and I feel like I am ready. I am a nurse on a med Surg floor, so it is fairly physical. I don't really have any pain, moments of occ. mild discomfort, but nothing too distressing. I have had a very non eventful recovery .

My surgery was July 24th. I am feeling great. I have 3 more days till I start soft foods, can't wait. I am not feeling much restriction at this point, (i can drink a 12 oz Protein shake an hour no problem) I'm hoping to notice more when I start soft foods. I was 285 prior to 2 week preop diet, was 265 on day of surgery and was 257 today. The last few days I have been averaging between 500-600 calories, 30 gram carb, 25 gram fat, and 70 gram protein. Does this sound about right to all of you, I was given pretty vague guidelines till I get further out. I have been using "loseit" to track my food, wich imports to my "fitbit" account, where I track activity and water/fluids.

I only had to pay BMI $375 up front. The hospital gave me a 25% discount for paying my 20% after insurance up front which ended up being $2100 (with discount). But I could have set up payments to pay my portion after surgery.

My surgery went great. I was in the hospital just over 24 hours. My nurses were nice and knowledgable. It was very smooth. I am glad I chose Dr. Cottam. I have my one week follow-up tomorrow. I will keep you posted on my continued experience BMI and my progress.

I am six days post op and doing full liquids. On my list of "recommended foods" are things like SF pudding, cream of wheat or malt o'meal, SF yogurt, and split pea soup to name a few. But these seem pretty high carb to me, granted I eat very little, but I am having a really hard time getting my protein in. Is it really ok and beneficial to consume these things, or should I just stick to protein drinks and fluids at this time? I am so worried I will mess this great opportunity up. I am definitely some one who can loose control with carbs, and have increased hunger when I eat them!

I was in the hospital overnight. I had a dilaudid PCA for about 18 hours. I used a total of 4mg. I would say the worst pain was about a 4/10, but I mostly stayed about a 2-3. I was provided an abdominal binder, and I think it really helps. The nausea was the worst part for me. I got one dose of phenergan and 2 doses of zofran. I was sent home on lortab elixir, wich I used about 8 doses of at home. Today is post op day 4, I would say I feel about 90%.

Over all I am very impressed with BMI. I really like Dr. Cottam and feel really good about him doing my surgery. He demonstrated caring and spent more time with me than I would have anticipated. He was eager to answer questions. I arrived in the morning with about eight other patients. There was a quick tutorial on bariatric surgery. We were each then separated out into our own room. I met with a dietician, exercise therapist, psychologist, a medical office assistant, the financial lady and Dr. Cottam. I had a metabolic rate test and a H Pylori test. I also had pre-op blood work done so I had been fasting since midnight. This (my very first time even stepping foot into his office) was on June 6th. The appointment took about 2.5 hours. I really like Dr. Cottam, I didn't get the best vibes from the finance lady, she seemed a bit skeptical about my qualifying and just wasn't very friendly. I needed a physical and a letter from my primary physician stating I was healthy enough for surgery. My paperwork was submitted to insurance about two weeks after my appointment and took about 9 days. I am now doing a two week pre-op diet of clears and protein shakes, I am scheduled for surgery on the 24 of July. The whole process was very smooth and went much quicker than I anticipated. I am very excited, yet nervous for the weeks to come. I hope all goes well for you and that you will have a similar experience regardless of who you choose. I know having an in network provider really makes a difference.

Just finished my second day of SF clears with 3-4 protein drinks a day. Today was much easier than yesterday. This afternoon I noticed my saliva seemed sweet, or just had a sweet taste in my mouth. That was about the time I noticed my hunger fade away a bit. I can't believe this is really happening. My future is looking brighter by the day, though I know the road ahead is rugged.

I am scheduled for surgery with Dr Cottam at Salt Lake Regional. So far everything has gone really smooth, though I can't yet speak of the surgery, post op care and success yet.

14 days. I start mine tomorrow. My BMI is 41. I am so excited and nervous!