Mschristmas

Hi! I just wanted to see if anybody is going through the West Los Angeles Kaiser? How has your experience been so far? Anybody have Dr. Um as their surgeon? I just want to see how it's going for everybody. Thanks!

I live in a three story house and had no issues with the stairs. I just took it slow.

I had issues with gum too. Instead I used a tongue scraper, listerine, and icebreakers mints.

I'm in. I already committed to the other thanksgiving challenge, but I borrowed from your other thread and made goals for all three Holidays. I am ready for my challenge. Challenge #1 November Challenge: ends on 11/22/12. ~ Surgery Date (SD): 9/4/12 ~ Starting Weight (SW): 301 ~ Surgery Weight: 269 ~ Current Weight (CW): 234.9 ~ Goal Weight (GW): 160 ~ Thanksgiving Goal 225 Challenge #2 December Challenge: ends on 12/25/12. ~ Surgery Date (SD): 9/4/12 ~ Starting Weight (SW): 301 ~ Surgery Weight: 269 ~ Current Weight (CW): 234.9 ~ Goal Weight (GW): 160 ~ Christmas Goal 215 Challenge #3 January Challenge: ends on 01/01/13. ~ Surgery Date (SD): 9/4/12 ~ Starting Weight (SW): 301 ~ Surgery Weight: 269 ~ Current Weight (CW): 234.9 ~ Goal Weight (GW): 160 ~ New Years Goal 212

I'm in! I would like to loose another 10 pounds by thanksgiving. I started at 301 pre-op. I'm 235 right now. So 225 is the goal by turkey day. Gobble! Gobble!!

Good list.

I was told that we are not ever supposed to drink real coffee again. It puts us at risk for stomach ulcers. But decaf is ok after the first few weeks. I miss my midday pick up.

Even the Citrical gummies are actually calcium carbonate.

Bariatric Advantage has Calcium Citrate chews that are pretty good. Almost all other chews I saw are actually Calcium Carbonate, which isn't absorbed as easily.

I had surgery with West LA Kaiser. The surgery itself took less than an hour. I was in the hospital overnight, no complications. I had my surgery about 6 weeks after my Options classes. It just takes a while for referrals and pre-op appointments. Someone in my class was two weeks ahead of me because she called them rather than waiting to get passed on to the next step. Where as, I let them call me.

I tried to keep myself by reminding myself that the complications of remaining morbidly obese are just as bad as the possible complications from surgery. Without surgery the complications from morbid obesity were certain to get to me eventually and probably kill me. With the surgery the risk is actually quite low, just a fraction of a percent. I knew right away the surgery was the right thing to do. I was sore but I could tell I was improving rapidly.

I am only three weeks out and I can eat more than that. Granted everybody is different in their recovery and their overall experience. I have been lucky and have had zero complications and never had trouble getting my water or protein in. At three weeks out I can eat a 5 oz yogurt, a 6 oz protein shake, or 3.5-4oz of moist chicken. Just listen to your body and don't push too hard.

Oh I have also heard that caffeine can increase your risk of stomach ulcers post op.

I was told that it is because it can stretch your stomach and cause gas pains post op. I know I had some gas pains from something else entirely that made me want to die. So for me anyway, I am happy to leave soda alone and I used to be completely addicted to diet coke.

I used to work at Disneyland and I can assure you that while the people over the phone can't guarantee anything, the people in person have more of an ability to make that call. Talk with the manager and plead your case. Just remember to keep the conversation friendly and not to get upset. They may be able to make that call and allow you the child's price and they may not. At the character buffets, you aren't really paying for the food but rather the experience. The managers are there to help make dreams come true and provide the highest level of service, so they may be able to accommodate your request. You never know until you try. If they can't, just remember that it is the experience that is worth the price of admission. When you are not dining with the characters, I would recommend: The Benegal Barbecue- meat skewers, perfect small portions of Protein The Mexican restaurant in Disneyland and California adventure have a great roasted chicken meal. Healthy and good protein. Flo's cafe has some good healthy options. I had a great chicken salad there pre-op. Also everywhere else, that is not a character dining experience, will allow you to order kids meals, even smaller toddler meals, or even side dishes because they have no idea who you are ordering them for. So they won't turn you down. Disneyland has really increased it's healthier options in the last few years, so if you look for them I assure you they are there. You can bring all the Snacks in the park with you that you want. So if you decide to eat small toddler meals with your family, maybe bring Protein Bars or shakes in with you to help you reach your protein goal. I hope you have a great time and the parks are not too crowded for your trip.

I gave up Diet Coke long before my surgery. I never thought I would be able to because I was super addicted. The first week or two were hard and after that it was out of my system and I was good. I don't know what they put in that stuff but it is addictive, and I don't think it's the caffeine I was addicted to.

I had a lot of pain the first few days. But, I am doing really good. I am feeling little to no pain. I have pretty much returned "normal". And I am somehow able to get in all my protein and water. Woohoo! I'm very happy with my decision.

Hi guys! I was sleeved last Tuesday, which makes me 6 days post-op. I started full liquids yesterday including Protein Shakes and yogurt. However, I have been having diarrhea each time after I drink or eat now. This didn't happen with Clear Liquids. Does anyone have any ideas what it could be or any similar experiences? I was thinking my body may not like the shake I am having? Maybe Lactose Intolerance? Maybe my digestive track is still just getting back on track? I see my surgeon tomorrow, so I can certainly talk it over with him. But, I wanted to see if anyone had ever had experience with this. Thanks!

You can go buy a blender bottle shake or ready to drink protein shakes. Just do your research and make sure the RTDs meet the nutrition requirements. I don't know if the lack of protein will have any long term effects but it could bring back hair loss. Also, if you are not getting enough protein, any weight loss you have may be muscle loss rather than fat. We need the protein to help maintain our muscles.

I am so excited for my surgery tomorrow!! There are definitely a lot of different emotions running through me right now, but mostly excitement. I'm a little nervous, but I know that everything will work out. I have just about everything caught up around the house so my husband and I can just focus on what we need to after surgery, healing and hydration. We made plans today to go to Disneyland so I don't obsess about the surgery for the entire day. It is my favorite place and I probably won't make it back there for a while after surgery. Talk to you guys post-op!!

I'm new to VST. I am scheduled to be sleeved on 9/4/12. I am 35 and happy I finally found a tool to help me live my life healthy.

Way to go!!! You look great.

My doctor isn't even putting me on a liquid diet before surgery. Mine is on September 4th too. I am eating healthy meals and watching my calories, but no liquids. I am sure it won't effect your surgery date. Just do the best you can and remember this is why we are having surgery, because we need a little extra help.

Best of luck. I hope they find the cause of your pain soon.

Just keep trying different ones. You are at risk for decreased bone density with rapid weight loss, not to mention the obesity before hand. And our focus is protein not dairy. So it is really important to get it in somehow. Just keep experimenting. There are lots of options.