Valentina

You are very welcome, Friend. We are here to help one another, are we not?? I think we are.

Yess! What a wonderful alternative! Where can I find banana extract? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App Just about any grocery store----in with the spices. The same place where you would buy vanilla. There are dozens of flavors. Root beer is one of my favorites. Added to a vanilla protein shake and I have a root beer float. Think outside the box. Go a wee bit "extract/flavor" crazy.. Make it fun!

I've been vaccinated against lyme disease. Boosters included--not pleasant. Sorry to hear that you actually got Lyme. My bariatric team took note of it when I had my WLS --2011. I never heard of anything more about it--effecting anything concerning WLS. Please post if you hear anything pro or con.

I love Banana Protein shakes! I simply add a few drops of banana flavored extract to my vanilla Protein shake. I get all of the yummy banana taste with none of the sugar/calories. I think I'll go have one now. Thank you for suggesting it.

I've raised, trained and evaluated Therapy Dogs for decades. I know first hand their value within our lives. Clients would ask me how will they know when it is time to finally say good bye and let their beloved dog cross over The Rainbow Bridge. My answer today is the same that it was many years ago: "You will know, my friend. When the time is right--you will just know". If you don't cry when they leave you, then you didn't deserve to have them while they were with you. Remember my tell you that my S.O. committed suicide the morning of my WLS? Well my beloved standard poodle, Leilani died the very next morning. She just didn't wake up. Through 4 years of therapy, it wasn't until Gucci --my Chinese crested came into my life did I actually start believing in living again. I'm telling you this so you can realize that yes, I KNOW how important your dog is to you. No words will be able to ease the pain. You have to go through it to grow out of it. Be kind to yourself and to your dear dog. "You'll know. You will just know". I understand.

I found that I can freeze strawberries on a cookie sheet--separated so they don't touch. Once frozen, put them into zip lock snack bags. They are wonderfully yummy and way better for you than those sugary processed ones. Just a suggestion.

My guilty pleasure is surf fishing---no surprise there, right? In my opinion surf fishing is better than sex: I can do it alone and does not require batteries I can do it in public and not get arrested After I'm through I do not crave a PB&J It doesn't leave me with pregnancy worries I don't have to rely on some one else to "find the right spot" I can do it all day and all night without hearing anyone whine AND the end result tastes great on the Bar-B-Q!! Yep, my guilty pleasure-----surf fishing...

I never make my grandsons "finish their plates". I never give them the "starving children around the world" stories. We have "baked" chips in the house. We keep "lite" ice cream in freezer along side of the S.F. pops. There's always fresh fruit available. We make S.F Jello and pudding. They get their mac N cheese and I get my Miracle Noodles. I forbid myself my "demon's food"--AKA chips, Cheetos (the worst), crackers, nuts. It's all about negotiation around here. If we are successful with planning ahead then no one feels deprived. --just wish those damned crispy Cheetos were never invented!!!! (food of irresistible Sirens---that's what they are!) Be strong, Valentina. Be strong!!!!

I'll let you know, Alex when that day comes. Until then, "I'm a work in progress".

We've been expecting you. Welcome. Sit awhile. Take a deep breath. You've come a long way and have a long road yet to traverse.----so take the time to rest--for now. For now, be kind to yourself. Work on getting your fluids in, then protein. You're on a journey not in a race. Surround yourself with "yourself". Be proud of your accomplishments that have gotten to the "Losers' Bench". That alone would bring a Ninja to her knees! Enjoy our R&R----THEN Get your arse up and get mov'n! Your joyful journey is waiting for you. Make it happen!

Sometimes I believe that one can feel more engaged to advice given by a member who has NOT had such a determined, straight to the finish success journey. Knowing that there are members who stumbled but who were able to overcome and get back on track can be extremely normalizing, and reassuring. Of course we all want to and need to hear about the success stories, but isn't it also important to see the members who got through to their goals after suffering set backs, battle scars, and still are living a healthier, life? Today's "newbies" have sooo much to offer. There are new procedures, new methods, new nutritional studies and guidelines. Like most medical procedures and techniques, WLS has changed--for the better in the last few years. In fact is has flipped almost 100% on some topics. We all can benefit from listening to the newbies. -----really listening---not just reading along---but consider what they have to offer and learning from them. I'm 5yrs + out and I can still look forward to learning from the well intending members who are actually here to pay it forward and not just trying to exercise "one upmanship" with humor (?) that is off the mark, base and hurtful. At 5yrs out, I don't find myself "supported or advised" by that mentation. Tough love is still supposed to be "love". There is supposed to be a compassion behind "tough love"----not just mock the poster and "let them fail". If there is no "love" behind "tough love", the advice is moot---the point is lost because being the target of the "jest" becomes "personal". I feel blessed to have come this far on my WLS journey. Do I wish my personal journey on anyone? No--no one ever! Do I think I have come through a personal tragedy at the beginning of my WLS journey and maybe --just maybe be able to help one person from having to experience the same? --or God willing, help them to get through it? I hope so. I've been a member on BP since 2011. Has the sight changed? oh, yeah. It has "circled". More than once. History truly does repeat itself. Veterans stay. Veterans go. Veterans come back. Some---a few never leave. Newbies ask the same questions? sure. They're newbies--are they supposed to ask "old" questions? Those are the same questions the Vets asked when they were newbies. Many Newbies don't stay. Many will leave and come back. Many will become tomorrow's Vets. There's nothing new or revolutionary about any of it... The circle goes round and round. Best thing I've read here yet...I'm a very very new newbie, just had surgery on 6/21, but I started reading here before I even had a surgery date. You've consistently been the person whose posts I most look forward to, Valentina. No coddling or bs from you, but you're always clear, concise and kind, even when answering questions that must make you want to scream. Everyone likes different deliveries of support and information, yours is just right for me. Thanks for taking the time to interact with those of us who are new to this whole thing, and especially for HEARING us. Thank you. I appreciate your words AND your support. Yes, even at 5yrs out, I NEED support and am far from too proud to say otherwise. Hoping your journey will be a joyful one. Whether it is or whether is "bumpy", I'm here and willing to listen. Sometimes that's all I can do. Hopefully, at times, that alone will help. Keep posting. Keep asking. Keep supporting.

That's a real -AAAA-HHHAAA moment. Thank you for sharing it. Reading it made me smile.

Sometimes I believe that one can feel more engaged to advice given by a member who has NOT had such a determined, straight to the finish success journey. Knowing that there are members who stumbled but who were able to overcome and get back on track can be extremely normalizing, and reassuring. Of course we all want to and need to hear about the success stories, but isn't it also important to see the members who got through to their goals after suffering set backs, battle scars, and still are living a healthier, life? Today's "newbies" have sooo much to offer. There are new procedures, new methods, new nutritional studies and guidelines. Like most medical procedures and techniques, WLS has changed--for the better in the last few years. In fact is has flipped almost 100% on some topics. We all can benefit from listening to the newbies. -----really listening---not just reading along---but consider what they have to offer and learning from them. I'm 5yrs + out and I can still look forward to learning from the well intending members who are actually here to pay it forward and not just trying to exercise "one upmanship" with humor (?) that is off the mark, base and hurtful. At 5yrs out, I don't find myself "supported or advised" by that mentation. Tough love is still supposed to be "love". There is supposed to be a compassion behind "tough love"----not just mock the poster and "let them fail". If there is no "love" behind "tough love", the advice is moot---the point is lost because being the target of the "jest" becomes "personal". I feel blessed to have come this far on my WLS journey. Do I wish my personal journey on anyone? No--no one ever! Do I think I have come through a personal tragedy at the beginning of my WLS journey and maybe --just maybe be able to help one person from having to experience the same? --or God willing, help them to get through it? I hope so. I've been a member on BP since 2011. Has the sight changed? oh, yeah. It has "circled". More than once. History truly does repeat itself. Veterans stay. Veterans go. Veterans come back. Some---a few never leave. Newbies ask the same questions? sure. They're newbies--are they supposed to ask "old" questions? Those are the same questions the Vets asked when they were newbies. Many Newbies don't stay. Many will leave and come back. Many will become tomorrow's Vets. There's nothing new or revolutionary about any of it... The circle goes round and round.

All we need to add are people who at one week post surgery: Ate corn on the cob. Drank beer. Ate potato salad, macaroni salad and coleslaw. Then we can have a virtual barbecue of what not to eat at one week post WLS. --and drinking that beer through a straw...

My opinion: Try infusing your Water with some ginger. Ginger works well for calming the gut. However, if you are concerned enough about your symptoms, give your team a call. They will know better than anyone how to help you. Feel better, and post often, friend.

Add some nutritional yeast to homemade bone broth. It adds a robust savory taste AND Protein. Try it and post on what you thought about it. Good luck. It does get better.

I would suggest you have a straight forward, face to face conversation with your bariatric surgeon. This is NOT the time for half truths or concealing information from the person who will have your very life in his/hands. For so many reasons--on so many levels, call and make an app'tment.

I received a voice message exactly one week after I submitted. I then received the approval letter about 3days later, which I faxed to my surgeon's office. He recieved a copy of the letter from my insurance co. about a week later. By that time, I had my pre-op app'tment scheduled. Go figure, right?

You show great strength and determination in deciding to "cut line" and take the path that is "right" for you. Please, come back to BP and let us know how you are doing. Even though you have chosen a different fork in the road, we are all on the same journey. Best of wishes to you, Friend.

See? Told ya so! Sometimes we just have to be persistent and get the "right" people working WITH us--dedicated to OUR cause and needs. Who says prayers don't work? WAY TO GO!!!! Stay strong. All will be as it should be.

You will LOVE the care you receive from Crystal Run!! The entire process is fabulous--from the staff to the private rooms to the pianoist in the lobby. The surgeon I had is no longer there,( I'm 5yrs out) but knowing that Crystal Run is a "Bariatric Center of Excellence", so I'm confident that the new surgeons are of superior reference. Say, "hello" to Janet Kover for me. She is one fantastic knowledgeable and supportive NUT.. You are off to a wonderful beginning of your WLS by choosing Crystal Run. I'm confident of your success and your bariatric journey being a joyful one.

I like to mix crab meat with just a dollob of Greek yogurt, horseradish, and of course the egg yolks. I season it with Old Bay crab spice and lemon. YUM! You could use a bit of Mayo, if you don't like the yogurt. Enjoy!!!

Don't give up, my friend. Sometimes, we just have to "come through the back door to get to the lobby". Why not call your Medicaid case worker and get her/him on board for you?? She (if she is dedicated to your cause and good at her job) could help you do your phone calling. She may be willing to speak with your doctor's offices on your behalf. If you have an anxiety disorder that is being exasperated by the stress of WLS processes that may actually work in your favor as an additional reason for an "sooner than later" surgical date. Ask your caseworker to explain all of above to the scheduler at your doctors' offices. A compassionate scheduler who is worthy of her/his title should be able to get you seen within your time parameters. Don't give up!! With a couple of devoted and determined folks working with you and for you, you WILL be successful I know it! It may be time to "think out of the box" and be creative. There are many members who can be very creative on this site. Please, keep posting. We won't give up on you just as long as YOU don't. Deal??

Did you have to remind me??? Let me see---- I take : Calcium Vit B12 Vit B complex Multivitamin for "Grannies" Vit D I pay for them upfront and then my insurance co. reimburses me. I wait until CVS has a "buy 1--get one free" sale. Hope this helps, my friend.

@@Valentina who is your insurance with. My BCBSIL was great for WLS but doesn't cover any plastics after WLS. But I get to choose my plan every year and there are about four providers. I am hoping there is one that is more likely to cover. I have Fidelis through Medicare. Good luck!