Need-a-Sleeve

Very familiar! Had similar pain thru my 5th week & on occasion it was so bad I thought I needed to go to the E.R. (I am a nurse & definitely don't have a low pain threshold.) Went to the surgeon to rule out a herniation, all was normal! Now I am 7 weeks & it is all gone!

I was warned that if I shared the fact I had surgery or began to get smaller, to be prepared for negative reactions. I happen to subscribe to the old adage that you may not be able to believe what people say--but you can DARN sure believe what they do. Unfortunately, most of the negativity has come from women and I am already losing a couple of friends. Sad, but at this stage in life (60's) I need to jettison anyone that doesn't support my path to a healthier life!

I sure hope that you are not expecting your new sleeve to do all the 'heavy-lifting' for you. It is not the only solution, it is just a tool. You will only be as successful as what you put (or in this case DON'T put) in to the whole lifestyle change. Sounds like you are expecting the sleeve to police you. Sorry to be harsh but it just comes off this way...

I do agree & we are probably not using the same definitions. ALL policies are a binding contract between the policy holder & insurance carrier & it pays to know exactly what you have. The only time that I know when there is no recourse is when it is a 'benefit exclusion' (not a covered benefit).

On-line & they use whey protein isolate & guarantee you will like the taste. It is one of the ones that has survived pre & post-op. google Chike.

All insurance carriers fall under some type & extent of state & federal regulation. That said, if the policy & claims are paid for by the employer, they can do a lot more with what they say is approved or not. Ginger, Geno is right, file an appeal (most want it in writing) and then get in touch with the insurance coordinator at the surgeon's office. If they don't know, call your customer service number, write down the name of everyone (dates & time) of who you talk to. Ask for a supervisor & ask what you need to qualify. Most will tell you!

Sounds to me like your Dad is either afraid something will happen to you or needs to maintain control--or both! The "party line" is if my kids were still under my roof & I was supporting them (this included me providing them with insurance), they did as I said. However, I agree with Lolly, discussing this with either a 3rd party, therapist or even go with you to the surgical consult might work better. You are an adult and you can & will find a way to do this but would encourage you to do it with their support if at all possible. Besides if your Dad is there & asks all the tough questions, he will have an eye-opener--this works! Let us know and best wishes, glad you are not waiting till your health declines more...

One of my favorite protein shakes is Chike iced coffee mix. It has 20 grams of protein & has made my day! I drink the extra water to cover it...

Congrats, you really rocked your sleeve!

Right, oral steroids jack with your glucose levels & healing rate. Advair is an inhalation steroid with a bronchodilator. Trouble is I need both (Singulair & Advair) to keep my asthma in check. There is some speculation that asthma may be obesity related, but in my case, having it thru my entire "lean years" dispels that for me...

Gas in the left shoulder is from the residual (leftover) gas they used to blow up your tummy to perform the procedure laparoscopically. The surgical team tries to let as much of it out as possible prior to closing your incisions but a small amount will remain. It naturally gravitates into your upper left diaphragm, which in turn radiates the pain into your left shoulder area. Some will be absorbed over a period of about a week, but the best thing to do is to walk it off. Not only are you causing your lungs & diaphragm to expand, you are also preventing the #1 threat--blood clots. Walk as much and as often as you can tolerate & you will recover faster.

The surgeon prescribed a scopalomine patch 2 days pre-op (but it was horribly drying) & the anesthesiologist gave me Decadron during the surgery, which seemed counter-intuitive since that is a powerful steroid. Post-op was given Phenergan IV in the hospital & chewable Zofran for home. I think the Pepcid 2x a day & ginger tea helped me most.

I worked in surgery for 18 years & it was always preferable to have the spouse or family member at the hospital until the person was taken to their room. The reason is if (hopefully not) there are complications, someone that can speak for you is available. As you can imagine, my mind played back all the complications we had encountered & as I am a widow knew I could not have my spouse there. I had a friend that is a nurse there & she saw me through to my room, made sure I could work the PCA & left. Could your sister stay with the kids until your husband sees you in your room & then trade places? Best of luck & this is NOT being selfish at all.

Yes, you can order from Vitamin Shoppe online. Some CVS' have them, GNC's.

I have been an asthmatic since I was 2 (now 59), and was maintained on Singulair & Advair. When the PA gave me discharge instructions, she said to discontinue the Singulair. The first few days I had to use my Albuterol inhaler multiple times. I have now starting crushing & added the Singulair back. I will call my doc in the morning to verify. Anyone else crush their Singulair tabs?

I asked ( thought the same thing--they are clear) and was told no. They want my carbs kept really low & to stay hydrated with fluids.

The sleeve has been harder for me as the c-section was 30 years ago! The laparoscopic hysterectomy 5 years ago was also easier. The big adjustment for me has been figuring out my stomach capacity & the fascia stitch in my left side which constantly pulls when I move. I am a week post-op & still taking pain meds.

I tried all the Isopure RTD flavors pre-op & only liked the Grape Frost & Blue Raspberry. Now I am a week post-op & still drinking the Grape Frost but adding 2 oz of Grape juice to it to mask the whey Protein taste. That keeps the carbs low, the liquid is still clear & I don't have to worry about getting in my protein. I can guarantee you when I get to go on full liquids later this week, I will be done with grape anything! My other "go to" is nectar protein & Isopure unflavored.

The reasoning is that the more you eat in carbs, the less your body relies on consuming its own fat stores for energy. Look up ketosis for a longer explanation. My post-op plan is clear liquids first week then onto full with no more than 20 carbs per day and 60-80 grams of protein.

Sleeved on the 28th, Miralax on the 30th, success today but still would not have worried--passing gas meant everything was 'open for business'!

I was sleeved on the 28th & today has been the first good day! Was having trouble getting fluids in, the sugar-free Popsicles are good but I wanted something hot. Tried beef & turkey broth--yuck. Just now tried Hot & Sour soup strained (I'm still on clear liquids) and it was wonderful! No problem with the acidity or spice. Will try strained egg drop soup next. I am getting protein thru Isopure.