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I can't swallow a pill at all, so I crush everything. Unfortunately applesauce is about as good as it gets. You might try sucking a sugar-free candy or lozenge after taking the pills just to get the taste out of your mouth. Just be careful not to swallow the candy.

Are you exercising? Fat takes up waaay more room in the body than muscle.

It is confusing. The stuff I'm reading on this particular stuff says that it contains all the amino acids needed and is absorbed very well, but of course that information is coming from the manufacturer. I'm sure that means they're correct on the amino acid part, but on the absorption? I just can't find scientific studies on the various Protein powders/shots and what is best absorbed. I guess we just take what we can stomach, get in the required grams, and hope that the body gets most of it.

Really? Are you sure about that? Because mine contains pre-digested (hydrolyzed) collagenic protein, whey protein and casein protein. This particular combo is called Actinase and everything I've read on it indicates that not only is it absorbed, but that it absorbed very well. Do all protein shots contain this combo? I have only purchased this one brand. I may need to look around.

Yes, and 40% of bariatric patients have reflux problems just from their weight...so...?? And all weight loss surgeries have a "bounce back" on average weights. All of them. I saw stats saying 97% of people who have the surgery who have Type 2 Diabetes have vast improvement or remission and that for very high BMI patients, mean EWL is at 52% at 72 months and 46% at 96 months. You should read the glass half empty thread we've got going.

IMHO, the problem won't be that you won't be able to produce milk for him. Your body will continue to attempt to do that. The problem will be your body will be eating up your available muscle in an effort to do so as you will not be able take in the calories necessary.

How are you sleeping on half an Ambien? If well, maybe you can take it down to a quarter? You may not have been sleeping well because of your weight, so I wouldn't be surprised if you find that you can sleep okay without the "help" of sleep aids when you've lost some weight. Something to keep in mind as the weight comes off.

That's very sad. There but for the grace of God go I. I think it was very compassionate that the firefighters were holding up tarps to try to keep the media from getting shots of the man, though.

That seems like a very long time to me. My PCP is in a "Network of Care" at a local hospital, granted, but I still get appointments within a week or two, max. Anything longer than six weeks or so would make my eyebrows go up. Eight months seems outrageous.

The sooner you tell them, the better. As you've not been at this job for at least a year you would not qualify for FMLA protection, but I still think most jobs would be hesitant to fire someone for taking time off for surgery. If you signed up for short-term disability insurance with your employer it may kick in, but I doubt it after two months. Check your policy. I'd tell your immediate supervisor as soon as possible. Just explain that you're sorry, but you are going to have "needed surgery" in a month, and who should you talk to about that? My guess is they'll refer you to someone in HR. Let them be your guide as to what paperwork they will need from your surgeon.

Yikes. They went through the neck? I think ours are put in through the vein at the upper thigh. Either way, it doesn't sound pleasant. Oh well, I'll get through it.

A friend of mine who is a therapist suggested I write a very long letter to myself before I have the surgery, laying out exactly how I feel every single day at this weight and why I want to have the surgery, etc. She suggested that later if ever I feel I haven't changed or get discouraged that pulling out the letter and reading it will reinforce how far I have come and how I never want to feet this way again. I think some people just forget the misery they used to have and then maybe they're not-so-happy with where they are. I don't know. It's unfortunate she feels that way. I think glass half-full is definitely the way to go.

What? That's crazy. It makes no sense to me. First off, if you've already had the sleeve, then (woo hoo!) they know they won't ever have to pay for that surgery, and secondly, people with diabetes and high cholesterol and a host of other obesity-related problems should be in remission on those if they've had the sleeve ... or soon will be. The insurance companies are on crack, apparently.

I would think you would be okay if you selected a 100% whey Protein powder, since whey is made from dairy products. Of course, read the label carefully and all that jazz...

I was under the impression that the purpose of the pre-op (liquid) diet was to shrink the liver so it's easier to lift up out of the way during the procedure. Perhaps your surgeon feels your 63 pound weight loss has shrunk your liver for you already? Congrats on your pre-op weight loss, btw. That's impressive. Best of luck with your surgery.

I paid for a band out of pocket over ten years ago. It functioned for ... three or four months. That's it. No restriction at all after that. I have confirmation that my band is defective (it "balloons" up on one side when filled rather than equally around the stomach), but as a self-pay there wasn't much I could do about it because I had spent all the money I had on getting the band. Now I'm hoping to be able to do a revision to the sleeve in one procedure. I may need two procedures (one to take the band out, another for the sleeve). As a self-pay this is all very frustrating. Do your research. There are people that are very happy with the band, but there are lots that are not. In the end, it's your decision. Whatever you decide, just make sure you are fully educated and you know what awaits you.

Yeah, my surgeons do "the Rose procedure" where they go down your throat and make the pouch smaller. It sounds like something that would be a better option for people who have an RNY pouch that has stretched. Of course, Carnie is being paid by the lap band folks, so that may have swayed her decision.

Yeah, as long as you're being monitored, that sounds like a nice comprehensive mix of Vitamins. I know my surgeon says they check vitamins at the three-month mark, and then again every year during the yearly exam. I would assume any problems would show up if you are being tested appropriately.

Unbelievable. They aren't even trying to make it seem legal by claiming obese workers can't manuever or cost more in healthcare, etc. Just plain and simple ... they don't like the way they look. And I am so sick and tired of the falsity that gets repeated everywhere that says that obese people miss more work. I honestly don't think it's true. I haven't taken a sick day in over 12 months.

ABC News recently did a story about WLS as a method to control diabetes, and they concentrated on RNY patients. One of the things they are studying is why Type 2 diabetes seems to go into remission for a lot of patients within weeks after surgery...even before the patients have lost a significant amount of weight. There are some studies that indicate that there may be hormonal changes that occur in the intestines during the "rerouting" portion of the RNY procedure that may contribute to this remission, which may be why your doctor is recommending that procedure. From what I've seen, though, there are massive improvements in diabetes from the sleeve as well. This article talks a bit more about it, and specifically mentions some studies that looked at both RNY and Sleeve patients: http://www.firstword...015E7AA2834143E I don't currently have diabetes, so it really wasn't a factor in my decision, but I'm sure there are some board members who can give you some hands-on advice.

It's certainly a personal decision, but I've decided to be totally open about it. Basically, when I thought about it, it occurred to me that this surgery isn't something to feel ashamed about, so I'm going to treat it the same way I would treat getting shots in my knees or going to my yearly physical...pretty matter of factly.

Do any of your Protein drinks contain sugar alcohols like Maltitol? Or sucralose? Some people are sensitive to sugar alcohols and have bowel issues. If so, you might try experimenting with a product that has no sugar alcohols and see if it makes a difference. \ I hope you find relief soon.

I'm not sure how large your Mom's company is, but most companies would be required to offer COBRA coverage after an employee is let go. Basically, that means your mother would have the option to continue her current insurance for a period of up to 18 months, however she would have to pay the full premium cost. In other words, assuming your mother wants to keep her insurance (which I assume most people do until they find other work), she will be able to continue under her current plan. It will be waaaay more expensive to pay the premiums, but a lot less than paying for the surgery out of pocket.