Need-a-Sleeve

I like cottage cheese (large curd please) and chives! If you get the dried ones in the supermarket, mix them in & let "soak" for a while.

The bad breath could be a side-effect from the higher Protein diet (ketosis). I have also been struggling with getting in enough protein. I have tried Syntrax, Isopure, Premier,

Weighed this morning & am at 195, down 1 pound. Anything stable or in the down direction is good by me!

I had been over 200 pounds since my husband died 14 years ago. I didn't really care untill my second colonoscopy came back with dysplastic (on it's way to becoming malignant) polyps. Add to that 2 weeks later my PCP put me on 2 MORE meds for high triglycerides for a total of 8 prescription meds. I will be 60 next year & I decided I wasn't going to finish my time on earth as a morbidly obese woman.

Thanks! I did not know that!! I love Chike but will give Click a try too.

Actually it is CHIKE, and not Click iced coffee protein drink. I have them often& keep several in my desk at work.

My best guy friend is a bear & he is very happy with it, but I want him to lose cause he is only 30 & is a really bad diabetic.

I am only 3 weeks out & only started soft foods today, so I wouldn't call myself an expert. That said, I don't think people are unable to get a leak at 8 weeks & putting that much force & pressure on your new suture line would seem to increase that risk. I could only tolerate 2 tbsp today before I hurt & I had to stop. Best wishes, hope it stops!

I told everyone & what has been really interesting is I have found who my real friends are & who I need to cut loose... Sounds like you have identified who you need to avoid!

That is so true! It is time to take care of us, let us know when you get your date!

Great topic! I was widowed at 45 (now 59) & have never had a single date since that time. I know that 20% was my love (still) for my late husband but 80% was my weight. I got the sleeve done with 100% intention to improve my health. Now that I am down almost 25 pounds, I am beginning to get noticed. It will still be a while before I am confident enough to date. But the deal breaker at this stage of my life is anyone that makes fun or dislikes obese people. I believe it is the last "acceptable" form of prejudice.

It all depends on what your surgeon's instructions were. Mine did not allow anything that could not pass through a fine strainer for 3 weeks, in other words, liquids only. The reason is to allow the entire suture line heal & not risk a leak.

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 want to play! I need to break my scale addiction too. Highest weight : 220 Surgery date / weight: 8/28/12. 211 Current weight: 197

Happy to say I have crossed in to "one-derland"! Down 22 pounds since surgery 8/28, love the ride but know it will slow soon!

Hope you are buying them post-op cause your tastes change. Mine sure did! I bought a case of Grape Frost & I only got one bottle down...

I was sleeved on 8/28/12. Started at 220, 211 the day of surgery. This morning I am at 200, I go back to work tomorrow (off for 2 weeks) and I am ready. My surgeon's post-op requirement is 3 weeks of liquids that will go thru a fine strainer. I can't start mush or puréed till the 18th and I am finding it really difficult to get down any Protein with the exception of Chike iced coffee. I can almost gulp Water & get in 72 oz of it without difficulty. Have to go pack lunch for tomorrow--THAT will be interesting!

Welcome CSchenk! Best wishes for your date. I applaud your research & choice to do it here.

Our psychologist told us that 22% gain their weight back. I am always an optimist & thought--ok, 78% keep it off, LOL He did tell us how they do it, they graze all day. They choose high calorie, not nutrient rich foods. They drink liquid with their food, thereby creating "sliding" straight thru your sleeve so you don't get the fullness sensation. And last, they succumb to head hunger--gotta nip that. Sounds like you are suffering from behavior fatigue & just need to get your mojo back--good luck!

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!