DanaInNewOrleans

Hi Nanci,
Looks like I'll be in the same situation as you. I take meds that I really can't stay off for more than a few days. Are the Clear liquids immediately post-opt the standard? I was thinking pudding or something like would help. Crush everything up and maybe mix it and take tiny tiny bites? But at that rate crush meds and trying eating them in pudding or something will become a full time job because I have to start the process again at night....and I get nauseous very very easily. Nausea is like a phobia for me...I think that is what I'm most worried about having the surgery because I know it is inevitable. I discussed it Thursday with my surgeon and he kind of looked at me like This is what you're worried about? I'd take pain over nausea any day ( of course I'm talking about moderate pain-- not being being burned at the stake pain!). Uh oh......

I love milk. I could probably drink a half-gallon per day.
So, even if you drink skim, which is what I like, that can add up to a lot of calories. It is tempting for me to have liquid milk sitting in the fridge.
My solution? I started buying powdered milk. That way I can add some spoons to Protein Shakes, sugar free hot cocoa, coffee, tea, etc.
This solves my problem because I won't make a pitcher of powdered milk, I think it tastes terrible. Too watery.
But, mixed into other things or used for cooking, it works well. It makes things a little creamier and more tolerable. I like it as a coffee creamer, especially because regular Creamer, real or fake, it suppose to be terrible for you.

Ok, is a Protein shot an injection or an bar shot? LOL..... I would welcome a daily injection over the putrid protein stuff.

Thanks! I never thought about the subscribe thing -- I was thinking about it just as notification. Easy easy!

1. I confess that I never have gotten in all my fluids, Protein, and Vitamins on the same day.
2. I confess that I haven't been to the gym since June.
3. I confess that I enjoy a few cocktails per month.
4. I confess that I like the look on people's faces that I have seen since surgery.
5. I confess that before surgery I was in such a deep lonely depression that I didn't think I deserved to live.
Dang that felt good!!

I confess that this journey is both harder and easier than I thought it would be.
I confess that in public situations I finagle things to make it look like I've eaten more than I have.
I confess that it makes me sad that I might never be able to consume a large sandwich with big ol' slices of homemade bread again (like I need it).
I confess that I occasionally use a straw.
I confess that I haven't told anyone about my sleeve and I don't plan on it. I don't need your negativity or opinions.

I confess too that I think about food way more than I want to.
I confess that I don't exercise as much as I should.
I confess that I drink Sonic caffeinated several times a week and love every drink of it.
I confess that I weigh myself every day.......at least once.
I confess that I'm never hungry and sometimes eat Snacks because I'm craving something.
I confess I spend too much time VST when I should be doing other things.

I CONFESS THAT I:
* sometimes get irritated at the success stories here...I WANT TO POST THOSE PICS!
* am addicted to weighing myself ( after going YEARS not knowing my weight!)
* I can't wait to flaunt my new body
*

I confess that I too, think about food way too much, but I know Im not really hungry.
I confess, because of number 1, that I am totally addicted to sunflower seeds
I confess that I drink caffeinated coffee everyday, but add Unjury unflavored to it.
I confess that since I quit smoking in December, I still think about smokes everyday. (prolly explains #2)
I confess I eat chocolate once in a while, but I think that is why I DON'T eat it everyday.
I confess that I USED to get upset about missing my old eating habits, but now Im proud of the fact that I don't give a crap about it anymore
I confess that I lie to my husband when he wants to go out to eat and I don't. I tell him I don't feel like it. The truth is, I have better things to do than to sit and watch him and the boys make 5 trips to the buffet.
I confess that I am secretly amused when my husband eats a big plate of carbs and fat... I just think "Keep going skinny man, one day you wont fit into that chair".
I confess that I am proud of the fact that I am forty something and getting physically fit. I make sure everyone in the house knows I just came from the gym.
I confess that I looked in the mirror way too much today, the first day I have worn size 14s.

I don't know why everybody thinks the "dreaded Protein Shakes " are so bad. I had been drinking them for years before the surgery. I liked them then and I sill do. It's important to find one you like before surgery. I love my Met-Rx. It's the only chocolate I get, and I'm a chocoholic, so it satisfies my cravings. Maybe I'm just lucky. But I will say I never found one I liked right off the bat. It always took drinking a few to acquire the taste for it. Also helped to not have any sweets during that same time period, so there was nothing else competing with it for tastes.
I know some peoples tastes change after surgery. For me, I gagged at the thought of any more Soup after surgery. But still loved my shakes. I hope you find one you love. It will make your road so much easier.

Thank You!
I know you said "I can't consider plastic surgery for now, probably not ever as I have limited funds." here's some info that can be helpful to you and others as well. Lots of insurance companies do cover plastics after weight loss surgery. They must be medically necessary so have your pcp write a referral to a surgeon, Have your pcp document any issues related to the loose skin...rashes (keep receipts for creams too) or neck and back pain, etc. photos of the rashes are very helpful in getting approvals. Do not refer to it as plastics or cosmetic surgery, it is body contouring after massive weight loss.
I went to a plastic surgeon Thursday and now waiting for pre-authorization from my insurance co for plastics. Passing along the cpt codes... you can call your ins co and ask if the codes are covered...if you ask about the procedures the operators always say no cause they don't know any better. Mastoplexy (breast lift) "cpt code 19316", Brachioplasty (arm lift) "cpt code 15836", Thigh lift "cpt code 15823", panniculectomy (tummy tuck w/no muscle reconstruction) "cpt code 15830".
Again don't call there and ask "is plastic surgery covered" the operators are not the ones who know...they simply are call center operators that can relay info from your file or their computer and can change pcp, address, etc info in your account. They are not experts they use a intranet to search for the answers to your questions. A middle man so to speak. They do not make the decisions they can pretty much only change your pcp or give you info based on what is in your file. Pretty much all you do is call get a rep and say "i am interested in finding out if some procedures are covered, i have the CPT codes" They will be more than happy to give you the answers because you have done half the work by having the CPT codes ready for them. Let me know how it goes. Be sure to ask the % covered some are 80/20 mine is 100% with a $250 co pay after my high deductible is met which it is my daughters are having their tonsils removed this year.
I am pursuing brachioplasty and mastoplexy and my surgeon is going to zig zag the scar in my armpit so he can pull the bra back skin into it and make it one long scar from my inner elbow into my armpit and down under my breast and up to center so it's back breast and arm all at one time. One procedure one long scar on either side which i am fine with. better than 3 different procedures.
Let me know how it goes if you call your ins co.

I have realized 3 weeks + postop that this whole thing has a major psychological impact. If u turn to food in times of emotional need you will feel a void on top of your normal healing process. Add to that some difficulties and hormonal changes and it becomes clear that this is not easy. Hang in there it is a serious adjustment and a major undertaking. Some days are better than others and yes yes yes it gets better. Go ahead and cry there is a certain amount of mourning that needs to take place. I wish u the best and obviously have experienced and still do these same challenges. Wishing u peace,
Suzie

anaustin
sorry you had a rough start after being sleeved - being in the ER/hospital shortly after WLS
glad you are home now - the good news, you are feeling better now
no time period that you will feel better- sooner than later it should get better - having no regrets about being sleeved
try not to 2nd guess yourself - you came to the hard/good decision to have the sleeve. you will realize soon that you are glad you stuck to your decision, and you will feel healthier and happier - and will great
some people do have initial problems and doubts about being sleeved -those thoughts usually go away
in the long run, you'll realize how wonderful this new tool is - work with it, you will feel great
frequent the board to give information - and cry out for help anytimes
now, get some kleenex and dry off those pretty eyes and give us a little smile - that alone will make you feel better inside

If you subscribe to it then it stays for you to reference.

I just subscribe to them so I can refer back to the info when I need it, I'm not sure if there is an easier way.
I'm on my phone app and when I hit the button to reply there is also a subscribe option.
Hope that helps

I'm getting sleeved on Tuesday. I was concerned about what to drink during the week after surgery your blog spells it out for me. Thanks for the info

DanainNewOrleans
Missed this thread - thanx for bringing it back to life

It does not sound like a fun problem, but remember that the pill crushing etc is for a finite period of time. Probably about a month. When I saw my surgeon for my first post op visit I was cleared to take pills. I was allowed to take my thyroid med as soon as I left the hospital. You won't be able to throw em back and chug anymore, but you will be able to take one at a time with a swallow of Water consecutively. Also for the interum period, find out if there are other delivery systems for your meds like liquid, soulutabs, or even shots to get you through until you are clear to take pills. Also VERY IMPORTANT, check with your pharmacist that crushing is OK for each of your meds that you will be crushing. Some delivery systems are extended release. If you crush them, you get full dose at once which would not be good.

My doctor considers applesauce as a clear liquid. Perhaps you can mix your crushed pills in the applesauce and take them that way. However don't forget you have to get sugar free applesauce! Normal applesauce may have too much sugar at first. But I guess if you only eat a little bit of it you'll be okay. Ask your dr if this method will work for you!

Soo sorry this is an issue for you. Hopefully sometime soon after surgery that with weight loss will come the bonus off less meds needed but still doesn't help immediately post op. Ask your surgeon and anesthesiologist about the anti nausea patch. I think that would help you greatly so you won't have another pill you would need to take. I was just told about the patch as nausea is an issue of concern for me too. And the patch lasts a few days, much like the one's you would get for a cruise for sea sickness.

Ok, just read this great thread! It's an older thread which means there is a whole new group of Sleeve Veterans who can share the "ugly truth". Those veterans probably read this thread 8 months ago when they either pre-op or newly sleeved.
So come on new veterans, inspire the Pre-Op and Newly Sleeved! Lets hear the "Ugly Truth" about your new lives.... and hopefully we can be the veterans in 8 months!

AHEM! The name is RootMAN, thank you very much - it's not all chicks in this forum!

I need to add to this one!! When sitting at my desk and a paperclip drops into my lap and I quickly close my legs to catch it and hear the paperclip hit the floor because it passed thru the space between my thinner thighs!! LOLS!!

Biotin! and I hve read Iron helps as well. Talk to your Dr's office to make sure you can take them and how much

Hey everyone. Been browsing the site for a little bit. Tons of wonderful information. Currently in the process of pre-op testing. I'm a 30 year old male, 6ft.2in. 380lbs(+,-), married,1 child(daughter 5months old). I work as a nurse. I have been cleared by cardio, did the nutrition thing. Had sleep study done and diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. Now i have to go back for a second study and meet with a pulm. dr. Psyc appt is 9/11/12. I would like to have surgery late november, early December. No date set as of today. I've been 300+ lbs for the past 12 years of my life. Tried multiple diets, did the gym thing. Lost a few lbs here gain a few lbs there. Never could keep the weight off. I look forward to losing the weight and keeping it off this time.