makemyownluck

Thank you! My nutritionist suggested the Isopure saying that those tasted like Gatorade, but they are SO expensive and everyone on these sites seems to think they are awful. I think I'll stick with regular Gatorade for the first week or two. I realize it might be hard to get my Water in but I honestly didn't consider using Gatorade (mainly because I've never been a fan of it, but I know it works for hydration). Does Vitamin Water work like Gatorade? Because I like VW better than Gatorade, but I'll use whatever is more beneficial. I've always been the kind of person who could tolerate anything, tho. Like how some people can't stand Pepto or Alka Seltzer or whatever - while I may not LIKE them, I could always tolerate it for the sake of helping myself. I hope this continues to some extent post op. Sometimes I read the post from the newly sleeved and just think "Just drink the shake. Bad taste won't kill you" but I do realize that things change A LOT when you have this surgery and especially since I'm pre-op and really have NO IDEA what people really go through, I try not to judge those who aren't getting their requirements in. In a few short weeks, I might not have that ability, either. I appreciate the tip and the info! I do hope I can drink my almond milk, tho. I actually love it!

I'm starting off on a GREAT foot today, my friends. I stepped on the scale this morning and it read 409. Now, MOST people would see that and burst into tears. I understand that. Not me, tho. In my journey, I don't even know what I weighed when I started. My doctor hasn't been able to weigh me in years because his scale cuts off at 400. Even my nutritionist, whose office had oversized bariatric furniture, had an older scale the cut off at 350!! So I consider my "start weight" to be 459. But this weight was taken in November 2012, when I had already been dieting for 10 weeks. So my start weight was likely higher than that, but I don't know by how much. So to step on the scale this morning and see that I've dropped 50lbs since November really makes me happy. I'm on Day 3 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery is May 2nd. I can't wait to start seeing and feeling my results when the weight loss is more significant. 50 lbs is wonderful, but it's just the beginning of a long journey for me. But I'm getting there. And I'm proud of myself for all I've done so far. This feels like a milestone... I never thought I could ever lose weight on my own, but through my own dedicated work on myself, I've lost 50. I never thought I'd see the day, and now - here it is. I hope everyone else is also having a HAPPY SATURDAY!

Not all surgeons tell you they are going to do the nicotine test. Not saying yours WILL test you, but they don't always say they will. I'm a former smoker, and pending surgery or not, I urge every smoker to quit. I wish you luck and lots of strength to conquer your addiction!

As professionals, the surgeons HAVE to tell you the risks - otherwise they aren't doing their job. You'd have most of these same risks if you needed surgery for anything - appendix rupture, gall stones, etc. Don't get me wrong, I have my moments of getting freaked out as well, but I just remind myself that the complication rates are relatively low. And many of the complications are avoided simply by following your post op instructions. It's normal to worry about it. The more you know about the potential complications, the more likely you are to prevent them. I'm scheduled for May 2nd. Good luck to us all! Sip, sip, sip! Walk, walk, walk!

Oh wow, I didn't think revision surgeries required the supervised diet stuff... I'm sure it varies by company. Anyway, good luck to you!

I'm in the final stretch. I'm ending Day 2 of the pre-op liquid diet. Tomorrow, I'll be 12 days away from surgery. I'm officially counting down! I'm really not hungry on the diet. Well, tonight I was feeling it a little - but only a tiny bit, so I just had a shake and I was fine. I'm not saying it will continue to be easy, but so far it's been fine. I started working my way into the liquid diet last weekend by having shakes but also one yogurt a day as well. Since Sunday, I've lost 13lbs. I was on my period last weekend, so I know that's part of it (cuz I had gained about 3 lbs the week before when the period was starting-hope I don't offend with TMI). Now I seem stuck in wondering how much weight I'll actually lose and how fast it will happen. I've never been thin, so I have no idea what any given weight would look like on me. I think to myself, "Will I still be plus size, but more like a size 18-20? Or will I actually be SKINNY and go for a size 10?" I also think to myself "You have a higher BMI, you'll lose faster!" and then I think "You don't wanna lose too fast because you'll look awful." Deep down, I seriously fear more than anything else that I'll look like a deflated elephant when this is all said and done. I strongly feel that I'll look terrible. I can feel myself self sabotaging with these thoughts, but I can't stop them. I want to believe that this surgery has nothing to do with vanity, but if I'm honest with myself, it's almost ALL about vanity. Vanity, and the idea that if I don't do something about my weight - AND QUICK - I'm gonna be alone for the rest of my life. And again, I have to stop thinking like this. Losing weight isn't gonna find me a decent man. At best, it's gonna give me the confidence to date, but even then it's not guaranteed that I'll meet a man I want to marry. Maybe the part of me that's causing the anxiety is the part that fears this surgery will change nothing. That even if I'm successful losing weight, nothing else will really change in my life. I like to think that suddenly I'll be so much more fun and outgoing and happy and friendly - because that's how I was when I was younger and thinner - but it's not realistic to think that my personality will revert to a time that long ago. I've had low self-esteem because of my weight for a long time. Will that change? Or will I still be miserable and self-loathing (i.e. calling myself a deflated elephant). I probably need a shrink. I've had therapists before, never really connected with any of them. And this is just, idk, embarrassing for me to talk about. :\ Well, on that note, I'm off to sleep. xo

I'm POSITIVE that I bought more than I'll actually need! In fact, I'm really HOPING I don't need half this stuff! However, I live alone. I'll be staying with my parents for a night or two after I'm discharged, but I definitely prefer to be in my own home so I'll be on my own within 3-4 days post op. I'll have to be prepared for anything and everything because I don't have anyone who lives with me that's available to run out and pick something up for me when I need it. I have my parents and plenty of friends to help, but I don't wanna be having diarrhea and trying to call someone to bring me imodium, ya know? I just figured best to be safe than sorry!

I've seen a lot of protein powders that have this on the packaging as well, it's not just the brand you're mentioning. Not really sure why, either...

Good luck!! Keep us updated!

I'm in IL, most plans here are BMI 35 with comorbidity and 40 w/o comorbidity. But every plan is different. If you call your insurance, they can tell you exactly what the qualifications are and the requirements for approval.

I hear you. When I started this journey, I had such drama with the first surgeon I was referred to, my insurance woes and I ended up having to change surgeons, change insurance... it got to the point that I was more consumed with getting approved than actually having the surgery. Then I finally finished all my pre-op requirements and it was submitted to insurance. I thought "Well, here we go, another battle..." and was shocked that I was not only approved, but that they approved me WITHIN 2 DAYS. Amazing! I'm less than two weeks from surgery day and I swear I call the doctors office at least once a week just to verify "We're a go for surgery, right? I don't have anything else to do?" Thankfully, the staff is really understanding and patient, they don't mind reassuring me that everything is okay. Now that I'm actually doing the pre-op diet and the day is getting closer and closer, my nerves are TOTALLY shot. This is a major life change! There are things I'll never do again! Silly things that shouldn't make me sad, but they've given me such pleasure in my past -- but I know I'm ready for it. I wouldn't have fought this hard to get to this point if I didn't really want it. I can't stand the wait!!

Here's the link to it on puritan.com: http://www.puritan.com/biotin-421/liquid-biotin-3000-mcg-051290 they offer deals if you buy in multiples. Right now it's 2 for $5.99, 5 for $11.98. It says it's mixed berry flavor, but taken on it's own it reminds me of cherry cough syrup. I don't mind it, but I did mix it in with some crystal light as well, and since you just use 1 dropper full, you can't taste it in the crystal light (I put it in a pomegranate cherry crystal light, which is a fruit punch sort of flavor, so it masked the Biotin well). Each bottle will probably last about a month and a half or so. I also get my sublingual b12 from this site, they have a formula that has extra B6, Folic Acid and Biotin in it as well: http://www.puritan.com/biotin-421/vitamin-b-12-2500-mcg-sublingual-with-folic-acid-vitamin-b-6-and-biotin-018641; those are 2 for $17.99 or 5 for $35.98. Each bottle is a 2 month supply.

It seems everyone gets different directions for their post op diet. I personally think that since it's YOUR body, and YOUR body is telling you it's hungry, then you should try a little of a shake and see if your tummy tolerates it. It's not like you're going to get that much down anyway, so go slow and see if it makes you feel better. They tell you to wait a week (or 2 days or 3 days or 2 weeks, depending on the MD) so that you go through the stages with as little side effect as possible as far as indigestion, gas, diarrhea, etc. But every person is different and as long as you're just doing a shake (meaning, you're doing a liquid, not trying to jump right into pureed foods), then go for it and see how you feel. If it makes you feel sick or anything, then wait a few more days before trying again.

Do you have the same reaction to soy or almond milk? I've never been a fan of milk, so I've been using almond milk in my shakes (the 30 cal, unsweetened kind) and I was planning to continue with that post op. Do people who use non-dairy alternatives have this same reaction? I've only seen people refer to having a problem with milk, and I'd guess that's lactose related.

whats that?

I wish I would go to the gym more. I was going regularly through the fall, but I never like to leave the house when it's cold outside, and Spring hasn't quite SPRUNG in Chicago, so I'm still in the "I don't wanna go out in the cold" slump. That should change soon. Hopefully! I'd recommend using Protein shakes as a Meal Replacement at least once a day, to get used to having them. Change you diet, increase protein, reduce carbs, purge your cabinets, etc.

I haven't been sleeved, but when I had by gall bladder out, the hospital gave me a binder that I didn't use. it seemed to irritate my incisions more than anything else. But the pillow idea works. I also used a heating pad after I walked, it helped the soreness. It wouldn't hurt to try it out and see if it helps you!

yeah, i figure that's the reason too, but seriously, how often would that happen anyway? That's what moderators are for, and this is a site about surgery and the related emotional, physical and FINANCIAL aspects! Not a big deal or anything, and I'm certainly not offended by shitty or anything, just think it's a bit odd.

Good luck! I hope you get a speedy and favorable response!

Also, I find it silly/ironic that you can say something is "shitty", but I can't make any reference to H.M.O. insurance on a board about surgery unless I put in the periods because it will by blurred out as ***. RIDICULOUS.

If it's their requirement, then there's no way around it. But ask them to clarify what they'd consider as part of that. If you've been going to Weight Watchers or can show you recently joined a gym, they MIGHT consider that as the start date. Otherwise, get yourself to the doctor ASAP and schedule a visit with a nutritionist. Sorry you have this requirement. Your alternative is to go to Mexico and self-pay, or try to find different insurance. I'm sorry you have that requirement.

I swear, I've repeated this on soooooo many different posts lately, tho not quite as intelligently as you did. Thank you for providing the facts on this, I feel like it should be a featured post that everyone has to read, because TOO MANY people lately have been talking about using these products and they are NO BUENO!!!

I'm getting sleeved 5/2. My surgeon said it would only be about an hour and a half.

for the Nectar "customize your own" sample pack: https://www.bjsbariatrics.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=bjb&Product_Code=synSamplePack&Category_Code=syn and when you figure out what you like, buy them on amazon - look for those sold by amazon and are eligible for free shipping on orders over $25. I realize tastes might/will change, so I'm not stocking up on flavors just yet. I plan to get another round of samples and then decide what to buy in tubs after surgery. I did stock up on the Unflavored nectar, and I'm pleased with it. I've only tried it in chicken broth, crystal light and orange juice, but it's undetectable in all of those! I do want to try the Chike brand, and Big Train for the coffee/latte flavors they have.

That's great!! A coworker told me that I looked like I was losing weight. Even though I AM, I still don't see it because I'm still quite heavy. But she said she could really notice it in the face. Then she patted her own double chin and said, "But maybe I only notice it so much because I'm jealous". She's a friend, and it felt good to actually have someone NOTICE! Can't wait til I lose even more so EVERYONE notices! Myself included!