Big_Mike

I appreciate this web site so much. I've lost 82 pounds in seven months. I enjoy caffeine free Diet coke and Pepsi and Fresca nearly every day. My stomach is tiny and cannot change in a few months. I feel full after a McDonald's McDouble. That's about my limit. Yes I still drink my Protein shakes every day. Isopure ZERO CARB is great because it is low sodium and so I have no appetite as long as I stay low sodium. I can eat about 4 inches of a Subway 6 inch grinder. I hope this helps. Big Mike

JillianMarie, How did this issue turn out for you? I was sleeved in August of 2011 and can eat big meals like you. And my sleeve was tiny so I am confused. Thanks, Big Mike

My doctor said it takes more than seven months for the staple line to heal? That's a long time. Is it true? What have you heard?

If 90% of devout praying Christian sleevers are very happy with their sleeves and 90% of devout atheist sleevers are very happy with their sleeves, what does that say about prayer?

My doctor's recommendations include - never drink alcohol again, never eat rice again, never eat mashed potatoes again, never eat steak again, you will never eat a cheeseburger, etc. I am struggling with him to get his reasoning......is it staple tearing (sleeved 8/17/10), triggering ghrelin production, science based, bypass experienced based, etc. Suffice it to say I have not followed his instructions. I have had a tablespoon of rice, two tablespoons of applesauce, a Snickers bar, and even chewed a burger without the bun. I have also had two glasses of wine, one of them with a few french fries. I've lost 54 pounds in 60 days ......way ahead of his expert expectations and with three times as many calories as his recommendation!!!! Tomorrow is the town road race and I expect to beat my last year's time and I expect to hydrate more than a tablespoon every 15 minutes (hopefully you see my point). It sure would be nice to know the true risks. Of course I don't want my staples to tear but every tear I have ever heard of here in CT (I know too many nurses and read too many blogs) are all related to a surgical issue, not a gulping or piece of steak issue.

I still think a few phone calls are worth it. It sounds like a cut and dried legal issue. This has been litigated in Rhode Island, Florida, and other states. It's a slam dunk for an attorney. Stay with the state agencies before going to an attorney. At the least, you may find out that it will be covered January 1st, 2011.

Yes the shakes. After months of protein shakes, you can get sick just by looking at one. Sounds like you are 99% towards your goal. You seem very intelligent.......not sure if you considered Dianabol or Winstrol, etc. You may be a candidate for just an eight week cycle. I assume your blood work is thorough. It is hard to get all the zinc, iron, B12, D, and calcium we're suppose to.

Muscle cannot disappear quickly. With inadequate protein, expect to lose 1 to 3 pounds per year. Natural aging and genetics play a very big role in how we look at any weight. Love yourself first and have fun making any changes. Hollywood folks have used padding for years. There are surgical butt implants if you so desire. If you focus on weight training and protein, expect to be able to gain an ounce of muscle per year on your butt, that's all. A good group of friends can help you remember your attributes whether it's hair, eyes, dimples, waistline, slim calves, freckles, nose, lips, etc. The point being......why focus on the one thing that bugs you........emphasize all the good stuff you like about yourself.

It's ridiculous that it would not be covered. I would contact your family attorney to refer you to an attorney who would address this. Consultations can be free. Contact your state medical board to find out why BCBS does not pay. Here in Connecticut, my BMI was 35 and I was covered by CIGNA for whatever procedure I wanted, RY, sleeve, or lap band. Please consider the legal challenge first.

I ate half a hamburger just two weeks post-op. Will my staples tear? Yikes.

Thank you all so much for your feedback...... My doctor said not to eat hamburger for several months. I ate only the burger not the bun. I chewed and chewed. I have been very active and am losing 7 lbs per week. I feel just fine but was afraid I may have torn something simply because he was so adamant. I am eating about four times as much food as he recommends but he wants me losing 4 lbs per week. I don't think my doctor understands my metabolic rate or my activity rate. I plan to run in a road race next week. Add golf, weight training, and biking and I need more calories than his expectation of someone my size. I would love to know when the stomach truly heals so I am no longer at risk for tearing. I am eating very healthy and I like I said, I am losing more weight per week than my doctor's goal. If I eat what he says ......three teaspoons of egg per day plus protein drinks.......I feel weak.

My BMI was 35.1 and I felt my two biggest issues were feeling hungry once I started eating and the desire to feel full. So I chose VSG and had surgery on 8/17. Everything has gone smoothly and I don't feel hungry. I've lost 40 lbs since August 1st. I'm glad I did it. :thumbup:

I think they quoted you real numbers. I'm up to $30,000 at St. Francis in Hartford and I'm two weeks post op. I will try to paste in some numbers for the two days in the hospital. This is a partical list in excess of $25000. 8681023609102 08/17/2010ST FRANCIS HSP AND MED IN PROCESS$17,132.19**8681023792618 see details 08/17/2010GERBER MD MARK J PAID$3,480.00$1,740.00$435.008681023908766 08/17/2010RAFTOPOULOS MD IOANNIS IN PROCESS$5,686.00**

Hi, I had the surgery August 17, 2010. I woke up with no pain and walked out of the hospital 24 hours later. I have had no problems, no pain, no medicine, nothing. I hate the sipping every 15 minutes rule and the one tablespoon of scrambled egg per day rule but I don't want my staples to tear. I am playing golf, lifting weights, and running. I'm losing 3-7 lbs per week. I hope you have it as easy as I have here in Connecticut. Big Mike.:confused1: