DanaInNewOrleans

We went to Kauai a couple of years ago in February. It is so beautiful! Have a great time! ~Dana

I've lost almost 20 (13 days post op) and I can tell I've lost weight everywhere but in the waist area. Jeans are looser in the legs and my tops are more roomy but my waist feels the same. Now, 20 pounds isn't that much where I'd see a huge difference anyway though...I think 40lbs (God willing! I'm still scared I'll be the only VST failure) is where I'll really start seeing a difference. Measuring is a good idea....I'm going to do that tonight. ~Dana

I haven't started on solid food yet but I'm not sure I will be able to eat the amount of solid protein a day to get me to 80 grams. Maybe I'm missing something but the math doesn't add up. Lets say you have an egg or two for Breakfast, thats 12g. For lunch you have 2 or 3oz of chicken, that's 21g. For dinner you have 3oz of steak, that's another 21g. That is only 54g, which I don't believe is enough. Down the road I'm guessing I will HAVE to rely on at least one Protein shake a day to ensure that I get enough. ~Dana

Ok, here are my reviews of the Protein powders that I've tried... unjury Unflavored: I use this is Crystal Light, Mio and I can tolerate it pretty well. Sometimes I put a tablespoon in my coffee. It mixes well. It is mostly undetectable. I've also put it in broth. nectar strawberry Mousse: I went with the Amazon reviews on this one and it was a mistake. For me it was just a little too fake and too sweet. Nectar Strawberry Kiwi: I like this one. Good flavor and mixes easily. I mix a scoop in my 32oz bottle so I never get the full force protein powder flavor. I mix in Strawberry Mio. Nectar Fuzzy Navel: This is my favorite powder for mixing with Water. Sometimes I mix in some Mandarin Orange Mio. I use one scoop in my 32oz bottle. Tastes sort of like an Orange Julius. About Time Birthday Cake: One of my favorites. I use Hood Carb Countdown milk with a couple tablespoons of frozen cottage cheese and mix it in my little blender with ice cubes. Sometimes I put a few drops of almond extract in. Nectar chocolate Truffle: MY FAVORITE. I make a shake with this everyday, sometimes 2 per day. Hood Carb Countdown milk, a couple tablespoons of frozen cottage cheese, ice cubes. Awesome! Nectar Double Stuffed Cookie: Very good.... Unjury Chocolate Splendor: Very Good... there wasn't anything to dislike. Unjury Vanilla: Pretty good but I'm not a much of a fan of plain vanilla shakes-- too plain. There are more but these come to mind first.... ~Dana

You'll love Lavin! Great doc

Ok, now I am worried. Woke up this morning and had my normal Protein shake (175 calories 28g protein) and less than 2 hours later I was ravenous!! I haven't felt hunger like that in ages -- even way before my surgery. What is the deal? I'm still on liquids and mushy. I have not had any solid food. I've read from other sleevers here that heartburn can mimic hunger but I'd swear it was hunger and not heartburn. I'm on Prilosec but I had not taken it yet this morning so I just took one. I just don't think I should be this hungry suddenly. Anybody else what to chime in and share your experience? Thanks! Dana

I'm sorry, I know you must be so disappointed. Can you possibly appeal the decision? ~Dana

Yep, $80 for the first visit, then $60 for the next 3 visits. You may be able to file it to your insurance company yourself...which doc are you using?

You're right...hunger can't kill me. It's probably heartburn like everyone says.

Nope, not that time....

I started the day after I got home from the hospital.........BUT my 3 dogs only add up to 19lbs total !! Two Chihuahuas and a Toy Fox Terrier ( Terrorist is more like it) ~Dana

Hi MK, I'm in New Orleans but I saw the nutritionist that was associated with my surgeon (Dr. Lavin). I had to pay out of pocket for my visits..... ~Dana

I'm worried I'm eating(drinking/slurping) too many calories...I hiked it up to about 700-800 and really haven't lost much over the last week. I'm stuck at 16-18lbs(depends on the day) and I'm 19 days post op. Can any of my fellow December sleevers who've lost really well share how many calories you're getting in? I'm wondering if I need to cut back. ~Dana

I jumped a few days by having a few tablespoons of liquidy mash potatoes and oatmeal. I also jumped ahead last week once --I had a soft boiled egg that I left in too long and it came out like soft HARD boiled egg. I took a few fast small bites and OMG.... I was in immediate pain. PAIN. It felt like I was having a heart attack. I just kept walking around in a state of semi-panic waiting for it to pass. I believe it happened because the egg and especially the egg yolk was way too dry. ~Dana

This exact thing has happened to me. I was averaging about 400-500 then upped to 600-800 and have stalled. I really did not want to have to eat only 500 calories a day to lose weight. Hopefully it's just temporary....

WOW! What a difference a few weeks make! You look wonderful!

My plan ( fingers crossed that I get to this point) is to basically have one or two outfits per "step" of weight loss (I consider a "step" probably 20 pounds). Since my weight has fluctuated from 16-24 over the last 6 years I do have things I can dig out of my closets/storage but a lot of that is literally buried in contractor bags and big plastic totes. And I didn't sort anything by size or season or type of outfit when I threw everything in storage over the years. I am anticipating buying a couple pair of pants and tops every month -- but I will not be buying anything that is not heavily on sale.... and if you find a really great deal it might be kind of fun to buy a few decreasingly smaller sizes to have on hand to keep trying on until they fit. ~Dana

Can you tell me the prices? Just curious.... Also, it looked like patients share rooms? The website does say that male patients have private rooms but does not mention anything else...

Of course I can see a difference!! Wow, you look beautiful.... now, when you look at those two pictures you've got to see the difference right? ~Dana

DITTO! Another post I wish I could "Like" 100x !!!

If I could "Like" this 100x I would!!!

I'm only 17 days post-op and I already know this may be the best decision I've ever made (that and my husband). I have not had one moment of regret. ZIP ZERO.... It gets kind of boring and tedious during these few weeks post-op because you are limited in choices but I know it's only temporary. I was totally relaxed the morning of my surgery. I can't explain it but I was just at peace. You will do great! Think happy thoughts.....

Great job!! You look wonderful!

Wow! You look adorable and awesome! Congratulations.... ~Dana

Hi Tina, My surgery was on 12/21 and it has been so easy - no pain, no nausea (except right after surgery because of anesthesia), no problems drinking, etc....I was worried about restrictiveness down the road too. Well, today I was reassured that I will have very adequate restriction. I thought I'd try a very very soft boiled egg....I left it in too long -- it came out like a soft hard boiled egg... I think no big deal.... I take 2 or 3 small quick bites off a demitasse spoon (forgetting to go slow) and WOW... almost immediately I felt like I was having a heart attack. And I'm not exaggerating. It was painful and very scary. I just kept walking around not knowing what to do and trying to control my semi-panic feeling. Finally I heaved it up and felt relief immediately. I'm definitely not worrying about restrictiveness anymore.....I'm sure you'll be the same. Everybody here on VST reassured me that I would feel it once I started on actual food instead of liquids....and they were right!