JerseyGirl68

Ahhh, I remember that feeling well. I would say the most stressful time for me was the time between giving the coordinator my final requirement until the day I received my approval. It was never fast enough, they never cared as much as I did (it seemed) and it took forever to submit (according to me). Then I tried to put myself in their shoes. All the different, ever changing insurance requirements, all the different patients and all the tests/results/recommendations that come with each... In retrospect, I'm so happy I only had to submit once, some folks get denied because of a rush to get approval and documents are missing or incomplete. We are at their mercy, all we can do is handle it the best we can and follow-up when we feel it necessary. Not trying to deminish your frustration in the least, just know that we know your pain and wish you a speedy process. Good luck!!

It can definitely be a struggle, the added anxiety of more labs must be daunting. Is there any way you can go early in the day, using your sleeping hours as your "fasting" time? That always helps me when I need fasting bloodwork. A post by Webchickadee nailed my thoughts on the pre-op diet on the head. http://www.verticals...an-opportunity/ Mindset was crucial to me to be able to get through it with my sanity in tact. Best of luck to you!! You can do it. Better to vent and get feedback from others who have gone through the same than to give up and suffer alone.

So much of this process is Trial and error, some shakes I could tolerate fine, others no-go. I also switched to Smart Balance lactose free milk and that seemed to help me a lot. I was never a big milk drinker and found it sat much better with me. Good luck!!

Ditto what Laura said. Beautiful!! Congratulations on your success!

HOw is your fluid intake? Early signs of dehydration include headache and fatigue. Feel better!!

I'm glad it was figured out. My surgeon's team ordered full labs every three months for the first year. Even so, things like this can creep up on us quickly. Thanks for sharing!

Hi there! You'll find so much about every subject here. Best of luck to you!!

Welcome! Not everyone loses at the same pace, there are so many factors to consider. The best you can do post op is stay on your plan. Seems you are arming yourself with information, and preparing yourself for the long haul. There is a subforum on here for "weight specific" loses http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/forum/39-200-pounds/ (this one being 200+ I'm sure you can find some specifics there as well. Putting your number out there the first time is a big step, this was the only place I ever really owned up to my true number, and it was freeing -. It made it very real and made me accountable - you were right to feel this was a safe place to be you, we all walk the same path. I wish you the best of luck going forward!!

Yup... 9 lbs more came home wtih me than I went in with. It was all gone and then some within the week. Congratulations on your surgery! Good luck!

Best of luck to both of you for a perfect surgery and smooth recovery!

Just fantastic! Such great progress for you. You must feel as great as you look! Congratulations.

Check out theworldaccordingtoeggface.com and emilybites.com they have a ton of breakfast ideas that can be made and refrigerated/frozen for the week. Good luck!

I would call your nut to be sure, but you may need to increase your calories. What did they recommend?

Isn't it just the best feeling!! Good luck for a speedy date.

Have you tried Unjury chicken soup? It has protein which should help with the weakness. Stay strong! It will get better!

I think you have a great attitude going into it! Best of luck to you!!

I am so, so sorry. I feel your pain. I went in for surgery oringinally on Nov. 6 (I was also getting my gall bladder out) I woke to a tube in my throat, hands tied down and no sleeve. UGH. I had a reaction to anesthesia and my heart rate shot up, they had to stop half way through. I went back the next month. Not a single problem since. You'll do fine. I'm glad for you that it was not something more and they know the issues now. Best of luck to you tomorrow!!

How exciting!! Stay the course and be strong. One more day, dont' do anything to jeopardize your surgery. Best of luck to you, keep us posted!

At 8 months out I can usually eat about 3-4 oz. of fish. A little less of more dense proteins like steak.

When in doubt, call your surgeons office. It could be a pulled internal stitch or something as simple as a gas bubble. If you don't feel better by morning I would make a call. A heating pad might be helpful. Good luck.

Congratulations on your surgery! Head hunger.. .no surgical option for it. I remember being home from the hospital and thinking "oh my god. . is every commercial about food????" I was lucky in the fact I didn't have to watch anyone else eat my first few days home. I focused on me. Water didnt' sit well for me for a while. I tried Vitamin water Zero and it was so much better. Also warm liquids went down easier. If you are allowed full liquids, you can try heating your milk with chocolate Protein powder for a "hot cocoa" It was much easier for me to tolerate the first week. It will get easier, be well!

I agree, everyone is different, a good reason to read as many posts as you can for questions you have. I enjoy crab with no issue at all. All seafood is a go-to at the moment. Try not to fret about things you can't control. Good luck!

Hey there, Congrats on your surgery. I know it is easy for me to say this, but it will get better. You are still early out. I'm 8 months out today and have been able to enjoy food again. I do make better choices and I"m genuinly happy that I can't overendulge. The first few months my tastes changed a bit. I did not have cravings like I used to and now, I could not be happier for it. As times goes on you will be able to consume a little more comfortably. True, some folks have long term issues, but from what you are explaining, it seems you are doing well so far. Best of luck to you!

Agreed.. Call your doctor. Feel better.

Congratulations on a successful surgery. Please keep in mind that you need to let your stomach heal. It's not all about you being able to tolerate certain foods. Our doctors aren't trying to torture us. They have their reasons for not wanting you to progress a diet faster. Just my two cents, but why risk it? Amy hit it on the head, why risk the integrity of your new sleeve? You can get past this hard part. And if you are determined to continue, call your doctor just to be sure. If you are afraid of what he/she will say, then that should answer your question. I count on this forum for a huge part of my journey, the true medical advise, I chose to leave to the professionals. Good luck.