isajck

I was a major soda addict, MAJOR! I quit it cold turkey about 3-4 months prior to surgery as it was a requirement and so far, so good. I do crave one from time to time but have not succumbed and am proud of that. All of my friends were shocked when I quit and still are! You can do this if you desire. As for other food items, I am trying to make better choices overall yet not deprive myself too much. While my taste buds have seriously changed, maybe once a week I will crave chocolate or other snack food. I purchase and eat one or two pieces, giving the remaining to a co-worker. She jokingly claims that she'll end up fat due to eating all of my extras.

Those low prices are def because you are in KY. I worked in Louisville for 9 months several years ago and smoked more than ever due to the cheap prices. LOL. When it was time to return home, purchased several cartons to bring back because I knew those prices would never be seen again!

Here is a list that eggface made, maybe a bit dated but still good info: http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2007/06/sotb-surgery-list.html

I had sweet tea during the first week due to my struggles with other beverages. By week two I could not stand the taste of it, things changed just that quickly for me. If you are truly struggling, I say do whatever is necessary to stay hydrated. You can always get back on track when things become easier for you.

I am sure there are rental options but most insurance coverages will purchase them outright.

Not exactly but I've been without any Vitamin supplements for over six weeks. It will probably take at least a week or two to get back on track. I am not dead tired so that is something positive.

Great that someone else has heard of it! I tried my first dose this past Friday. So far, so good.

The feelings of being overwhelmed, all of your feelings really, are normal. You are not alone, keep visiting the forum and search the archives. It will help keep you sane during these trying times. I was not able to tolerate Protein drinks just after surgery and for the most part still cannot six weeks out. Right now concentrate on liquids, hydration is very important. Just take it easy and keep sipping!

Used the weight from when this whole shebang started, first consult with surgeon.

The best advice I can give you is not to stock up on anything just prior to surgery. I did this with celebrate chewable Vitamins and ended up wasting almost $75. Prior to surgery they were tasty but after...the most horrible thing ever. I am still struggling to find a Vitamin for use now. It is getting serious as I've not used any since just prior to surgery.

That is a very good point. Just check out the Fiber Advance website...may need to grab some of those.

Congrats pdog! Real food is a wonderful thing, isn't it?

I have noticed that and more power to them. I had pain and needed meds for the first couple of days, took four weeks off of work as well. I needed that time to heal and adjust to my new way of living, just do what works for you.

I take colace daily. It helps but with the amounts of food currently being eaten, there is no way my "habits" could be as they were pre-op.

I think you need to remember that she, for the most part, is normal sized so there is no real understanding of what life is like at high weights like ours. Having said that, she is a friend who is showing concern for you and yes, that is what friends are for. No matter what she says you are going to do what you want so take her concerns for what they are and continue on. Good luck on your journey!

You have just had major surgery, pain is expected. Just take the pain meds available to make you more comfortable. It will get better soon.

You've received some great advice already so not much else I can add except hang in there. I am 6 weeks out, just had a visit with my surgeon and he said my weight loss would slow at this point. I was a bit surprised to hear that and it must have shown on my face because he then reminded me that I did not gain the weight overnight and it would take time to lose it. Just keep his statement in mind.

Welcome to the other side. Now the real fun begins!

Six weeks out here and days where I hit 600 calories are considered celebration worthy. At this point I cannot even imagine eating 1000 calories a day.

It's normal but does get better, I promise. I've been there, especially with the melt down. Keep sipping even though it may piss you off because you are trying to stay hydrated any way you can at this point. Hang in there!

To answer your question, yes a reputable doctor will test you as he/she should. There are several threads discussing this. Do a quick search for "smoking" and you'll probably find a couple.

I'd imagine you at least need to check vitamin levels. Can you email the office in Mexico and inquire what specifically is needed?

6 weeks out.

I do not understand why they cancelled since they have approval from the secondary. All they need to do is routinely bill the primary then submit that bill/claim along with the denial to the secondary for payment. Someone in that business office does not know insurance or billing which sad. Believe me, you are not the first person with a limited primary and full benefit secondary, not by a long shot.

When my reflux is bad I will take meds twice a day, morning and evening, close to bed time. Thankfully I have not had to do that in a couple of weeks. My doctor said it should get better as time goes on. Because every patient is different he does not like to give exact time frames.