IrishEyes

I am just over 3 years postop and this is my goto Meal Replacement, when needed. Thought I would share what I consider to be a gem of a discovery.... The best Protein bar I have found is PowerCrunch "Original". (link below) It is a wafer Protein Bar and unlike any other protein bar on the market. For years, I was on the search for a protein bar that was not dense or tasted like chalk. Honestly, I thought I would never find it, thought it didn't exist, until I discovered this bar. The Original has between 13-14 grams of protein. Though that may not be a lot in the protein bar world, I have learned that the higher gram count ='s yuck. This bar meets the sweet spot with high protein and good taste. I have to hide these from family members. They are often my meal replacement but to family the bars seem to be a snack. The price is typical of any protein bar, maybe a little less. Here in Florida they run about $2 a bar and between $20-$25 for a box. I buy them by the box as they are my go to item. When I factor in how much less I spend in food now compared to before surgery, it's not difficult to purchase by the box. They can be found at The Vitamin Shoppe by the bar or the box. Recently I discovered them in my local Winn Dixie. (Buying by the box here is important, showing a demand in this store will increase the chances the store keeps them in stock). Last time I checked, the website below offered samples, which stated took between 4-6 weeks. I think every bariatric patient, 6-9 months postop and beyond, should try these. They changed everything for me. I have always gravitated toward convenient food. After surgery, those aren't options anymore. Not so much that I can't have them, I just don't want them anymore. My body simply doesn't want fast food anymore. These bars fill that void. They are my new fast food. Hope this was helpful! http://powercrunch.com/products/energy-bars/original/

The best Protein bar I have found is PowerCrunch "Original". (link below) It is a wafer Protein Bar and unlike any other protein bar on the market. For years, I was on the search for a protein bar that was not dense or tasted like chalk. Honestly, I thought I would never find it, thought it didn't exist, until I discovered this bar. The Original has between 13-14 grams of protein. Though that may not be a lot in the protein bar world, I have learned that the higher gram count ='s yuck. This bar meets the sweet spot with high protein and good taste. I have to hide these from family members. They are often my Meal Replacement but to family the bars seem to be a snack. The price is typical of any protein bar, maybe a little less. Here in Florida they run about $2 a bar and between $20-$25 for a box. I buy them by the box as they are my go to item. When I factor in how much less I spend in food now compared to before surgery, it's not difficult to purchase by the box. They can be found at The Vitamin Shoppe by the bar or the box. Recently I discovered them in my local Winn Dixie. (Buying by the box here is important, showing a demand in this store will increase the chances the store keeps them in stock). Last time I checked, the website below offered samples, which stated took between 4-6 weeks. I think every bariatric patient, 6-9 months postop and beyond, should try these. They changed everything for me. I have always gravitated toward convenient food. After surgery, those aren't options anymore. Not so much that I can't have them, I just don't want them anymore. My body simply doesn't want fast food anymore. These bars fill that void. They are my new fast food. Hope this was helpful! http://powercrunch.com/products/energy-bars/original/

Anyone have any experiences with Dr Keith Kim at Celebration Hospital in the Orlando area? I do not have a date yet but I am close. Pulmonary is the last clearance I am waiting on. So hopefully in Sept. Any info is greatly appreciated!!

Soooooo exciting mamachef! You may think you have an idea about how great and wonderful this is going to be but trust me.... its even better than you could possibly imagine! Congratulations to you for making this forever life changing choice! Get ready for a new life, literally.

Any CPAP or BIPAP users.... just want to share my experience. I was progressing along perfectly from surgery when 2 nights before my 2 wk check up I woke up a few times in the middle of the night with stabbing pain in my stomach. It happened again the next night. Luckily I had my appt with Dr Kim that day. I told him I thought it was weird that it only happened when I was asleep. Asked him if my BIPAP had anything to do with it. He said STOP using it immediately. The stabbing pain was most likely air pressure pushing on my little tummy from the inside out. He said not to use it until I could meet with pulmonolgist to adjust pressure. In my case the weight I had lost on 1wk preop diet and 2 wks after surgery had already made a difference in my sleep apnea. I needed to have pressure adjusted 2 times. My pulmonologist has me off BIPAP (went off a few months after surgery) and we are waiting for a few more pounds to be off before doing sleep study for official release. She didn't want me to do the study twice if I did it too soon. I am at 170 now (lost 72lbs so far) and I am fairly confident I don't have sleep apnea anymore. I plan on scheduling the sleep study soon. I wanted to share this story because that pain was unbearable and it was dangerous. There isn't much talk about it. I guess there are so many other things we are thinking about, its hard to cover it all. It may not happen very often. Maybe for most people by the time they need pressure change they are further along in healing and it doesn't hurt. I don't know. But if it does happen you know to stop using your machine and call the doctor right away.

@mamachef, Congratulations! You are at the doorstep of a whole new life! I am so excited for you! Its all going to move quick now! I remember the whole process seemed like it was taking forever but as soon as I was approved by insurance and had all clearances it went quick. I remember the night before surgery thinking about the process and thinking I can't believe its tomorrow. That's where you are. And its exciting! Let it be exciting! I wish I had. Anxiety is normal and in low doses healthy. However too much can take away from the journey. Before my surgery I had many unknowns. I knew I was at a Center of Excellence and prayed for success. I did NOT know of anyone who had gone before me with the same surgeon, same hospital. Not on this site. I read ALL the horror stories on this site. NONE applied to my experience. I met a girl my age at the preop DAY (its all day) who was having surgery same day. We saw each other "walking the circle" (you'll know what that means later) and she was having some difficulty due to nicked liver. Its important to follow preop diet to shrink the liver. I'm not saying she didn't follow it. I do know that what she seemed to be experiencing is what they talked about with the diet and liver. She got better in a few days, was discharged and the few times we have kept in touch she has seemed to have tremendous success. I had ZERO complications. She and I spoke a few times about this forum and how these experiences are NOTHING like what we experienced. We agreed its the surgeon and Center of Excellence hospital that made is a superior experience. I NEVER vomited. First time I did was over 6 months postop from flu like illness. As far as I know Dr Kim doesn't use any drains. No need. I can't think of all the things that scared me but I now know there was no need to worry. You do your part and Dr Kim will do his part. I am soooo happy for you!

Hi! What's everyone's status? @bcoulton, how did your appt go? I'm sorry I haven't been able to get back about any preop diet tips yet. I have been living at my Dads house for many months now caring for him since his cancer diagnosis. All of my surgery info is in a few folders at home. Hope everyone is doing well!

I find that cortisone injections help me the most. Actually, closest I feel to normal, ever. Dr gives them to me right in office. They are systemic so works on all joints. I look forward to them and since I can only get them 4 times a year (and they only last a few weeks) I sometimes strategize timing like when i need to go out of town for work, vacations, etc. Now I don't know how these shots are handled before surgery. May need to avoid preop and a little postop. If you haven't tried these shots, I strongly recommend you ask your Dr. Does more than any pain pill. And just an FYI to preops, after surgery you can no longer take NSAIDS... (non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) like Aleve, my old favorite. Wayyy too hard on little tummy. Only Tylenol (and pain meds).

Unfortunately, yes. Its as if I am not invisible anymore. More people look and smile more. Whereas before I felt as if I was kind of ignored. Now part of that probably has to do with the fact that I have a different attitude but still. One thing that irritates me is that a man almost always holds a door open for me now. I know its a nice gesture and it is not his fault men didn't do that before but its a reminder of where I came from and there sooo is a world of beautiful overweight people that out there that deserve that kindness too. The clothes part has had a strange twist I didn't see coming. I gravitate back to the plus size section every time. I am (or was) comfortable there. But its not where I belong anymore. Yet when I go to the regular sizes I feel like I don't belong there either. Its a work in progress. Funny NSV (non scale victory): that I had to adjust the seat in the car because since my bum shrunk, I was sitting lower in the seat. Losts of little things you never thought could be affected that are. Its very fun. Size wise I am a comfortable 14 with a few 12s. My personal goal is to be comfortable in a size 10. I think its doable.

Sounds like you have a great plan! Sometimes we just know who we can and cannot talk to about things. It seems as though the most important person in your life, your husband, is supporting you and that's all you need. You will be able to pull it off too! The best answer I have heard , in reference to people asking, is to say you've been working hard with diet and exercise. And that will be the truth. Its a very private journey. And is soooo much more than losing weight. Many many aspects of your health are improved with the loss of weight. Its a fantastic tool. I am excited for you!I guess partly because I KNOW how awesome your life is going to be!

@getlownurse: i went throught insurance but when I was given my info on pricing last summer I remember seeing self pay somewhere between 18k-20k. I don't know how much that has changed.

@bcoulton: I think the typical preop diet Dr Kim requires is 2weeks. I, for some reason, only had 1wk. I think I was the only one in the group that had 1 wk. It may have to do with how much you have to lose or where you carry your weight. I am not sure. I will have to look back at my notes to see if there were any tips I could share. What I can say is be sure to follow what the doc says. You are blessed to be in the hands of a great surgeon and have to do your part to make it a success. The diet is to shrink the liver so it is out of the way and doesn't get nicked. If it gets nicked you will be in pain and miserable afterwards. Its not worth it. You will love the hospital. Oh, and make sure you used the triangle over your bed to move around. I didn't notice until the 2nd day and wished I'd noticed it earlier. There are many other things but I can tell ya later as you get closer. Do you have an idea when you want to do the surgery? I think I am progressing along well. The one major disappointment is that fairly recently I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. My joints have been in pain for a few yrs and I thought it was my weight. After losing weight and the pain still there I went to a rheumatologist. I give myself weekly injections but still not helping much. I hope to increase the medicine after next dr appointment. The first yr is crucial after this surgery. The first six months is the MOST crucial. My advise to you would be to make sure you exercise, if you can. Make sure you go to all your physiologist appts. Bill is a wealth of knowledge. He does a great job of fitting in your appt with him in conjunction with Dr Kim appts. I have lost 65 lbs and that is with no exercise. My bum is smaller but its flabby. I have lost a lot of muscle along with fat and that is not good. I have not been to the support meeting either. I live over an hour away (other side of Orlando) and work nights. I think the sleeve is the best choice and soo glad I did it. A lot of my friends and family didnt support my decision for surgery. But now those same people tell me how good and healthy I look. There is a lot to learn but its fun learning because its about your new future! It is VERY exciting and I am sooo happy for you! Definitely keep in touch with me. In the meantime I will look up the preop diet stuff. Congratulations on choosing to do this for yourself!

I was not sleeved in St Pete but was sleeved in Celebration (near Disney). I do not live there, it was about an hour drive for me an I am posting this because it was well worth it. Celebration Hospital is a Center of Excellence for bariatric surgery. My Dr was Dr Kim. I had zero complications. Before surgery I tried to prepare myself for all possibilities by reading this site. I keep in touch with a fellow sleever, sleeved the same day, and we both agree that we had a fantastic surgeon because most if not all of the horrible things we read on this site never applied to us. It really has been a very smooth transition, of course its important to do our part by following drs orders with pre and post op diet. Sorry my answer is not about St Pete but wanted to share this because I would drive to Miami or Ga for Dr Kim and Celebration Hospital. Good luck! And be proud of this life changing decision. I know how long it takes to make the decision and all the emotions that go with the whole process. You are giving yourself such a gift. It feels like I gave myself life again. Take care! (Feel free to private message me if you have any questions)

I was sleeved 9-21-12 at Celebration by Dr Kim. I truly cannot say enough about him, honestly. I, like you, was on this forum pre op and prepared myself for all possibilities. Some things I prepared for were not pleasant but wanted to be prepared, period. Well I had zero complications. Zero. I think it mostly is due to Dr Kim and being at a Center of Excellence for bariatric surgery but also following pre and post op instructions. Pre op diet is crucial to shrink liver before surgery. I can cause complications, I have saw it in another patient. Whatever questions you have, feel free to private message me! Pre op I did not find out much about our hospital or dr on this forum, so I know how important it is! You made a fantastic choice with Celebration and Dr Kim!

Great snack for on the go that does not need to be refridgerated. I keep a few in my purse with individually wrapped spoons. (Only reason I have been in a fast food place postop is for their spoons! ) You do have to be quite a few months post op though. Ask your NUT when you can start eating peanut butter. 9grams of protein. Not the healthiest but does hold you over and stay with you. I wouldn't advise crackers. Doesn't feel so good and besides adds bloat and carbs. Hope it helps anyone looking for a quick snack that is sleeve sized!

I am so sorry I didn't read more carefully and just now saw you are newly sleeved. How I missed that I don't know. Guess I saw "vaca" and thought woohoo! Ask your NUT about the peanut butter. I am 7mo out and have been eating it for awhile. I cannot, however, eat it with crackers. Don't like the way it feels. Where are you going on vacation?

Depending on how far out you are from surgery..... I stumbled on the best quick snack that is ready to eat, Jiff peanut butter to-go. I keep them in my purse with little individual wrapped spoons. (Funny that the only thing I have gone into fast food places for are their spoons! ). This fills me up and stays with ya. 9grams of protein. May not be the healthiest but holds you over and is great on the go. They sell big boxes at warehouse places too. Have a great vaca!

I am 6months post-op and recently diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. I give myself weekly shots of methotrexate and seems to be helping. I still have some joint pain and it makes exercising challenging BUT I canNOT imagine how much worse I would feel if I still had those 65lbs. I feel so much better in my skin. I no longer have sleep apnea which is HUGE. Here is the challenging part, I HAVE to make sure I get all the protein and fluids in (vitamins daily and B12 shots monthly) or I have low energy. Its difficult for all of us but I think its even more crucial when dealing with autoimmune issues. Please keep that in mind. I had a problem taking Rx pills for psoriatic arthritis with my little tummy. Thats why i do injections and its the best choice i made. Very, very small needles. Easy to do and only once a week vs 2 pills a day. Life is truly sweeter now. I really wish I had surgery years ago. You all are going to be sooo happy! Its not every day you turn your life around. Enjoy the journey.

I am 6 months post op. Prior to surgery I had at least 2-3cups a day for more than 20 yrs. During the inquiry of the surgery I learned I would have to stop drinking coffee for a little bit. I honestly wondered if I could do it. I didn't WANT to do it. Strange how that bothered me more than losing 80percent of my stomach. As preop approached I gradually decreased to 1cup a day but when I tried to go without the next day I got the terrible headache. I would then have a cup to get the headache to go away. I was in this cycle wondering if I could stop drinking the darn coffee! Then one day the headache came and instead of coffee I had a small piece of chocolate (to give my headache a tiny bit of caffeine). It worked. Only did that twice and I was off coffee! Immediately postop my MIND wanted coffee, my body did not. I would smell it and miss it a bit. At the 3 month mark my family celebrated my return to coffee with me. It was sooo wonderful. But here's the thing, it did dehydrate me a bit. I work so hard to get fluids in and for every cup of coffee I have I need an additional cup of fluid. Some may say it doesnt dehydrate but i feel it in my body that it does, for me. This once addicted to coffee girl has 1-2 cups a week. It just isnt worth it. AND when I do drink it its a real treat! Good luck everyone. Its a wonderful journey. Treasure it. I wish I treasured months 2-5 more. That is really the time to super charge your weight loss.

Everyone is different... however chances are very good that you will be eating normal sized bites much sooner than you think! For ex, I am 5 months out and can't remember the last time I payed attention to my bite size. If I had to guess I would say by week 3 or 4. You HAVE to go slow in the beginning, taking it easy on your new little tummy. But as time goes on you should adjust well and be back to relatively normal bites. I also sip normally now. I CAN chug a little if I wanted to but usually not the best idea because I start to feel tightness in my tummy and say to my self "uh oh. That wasn't smart" and then wait a few seconds for the tightness to pass. Best of luck to you!

Starting weight: 243 Surgery weight: 228 (Sept 21, 2012) New Years Goal: 190 Todays weight: 191 Missed it by a pound but THRILLED at my progress, as we all should be. How awesome is it for all of us today? How many of us have had a New Year resolution to lose weight in the past? Now we KNOW we will lose it! How liberating!! All these diet commercials and finally, FINALLY, this year I KNOW I will lose weight!! This is an unexpected NSV. Starting the new year knowing the weight will come off. I just want to congratulate all of you for making this amazing decision to transform your life!! Happy New Year!!

A few things that have worked for me are: raising calorie level a few days to switch it up, but only for a day or two and increasing fluid intake to 100oz a day (per Dr recommendations). He said just the difference between 80oz and 100oz can make all the difference. Worked for me.

Prior to surgery I drank 1-2 cups of coffee every morning for more than 30 years, every day. I thought this would be impossible. I started with only having one cup every day for about a week. Then 1 cup every other day. During the time between cups if I started to get a headache I just had a little chocolate. Just a few pieces. The headaches always went away with the chocolate. I think it was key to have them on hand and ONLY eat them for headaches associated with withdrawl, otherwise I would be increasing my caffeine. AND to eat the chocolate as soon as the headache began. I was able to catch the headaches before they got too bad. After a week of this I was off coffee completely. I was truly amazed I didn't really suffer at all and I was dreading that process for months. Good luck! You can do it!!

@ilovemydachshunds, I am at 10 wks post op and I still drink Crystal Light all day. I used to love water but now its not as good as it used to be. Guess bcuz I can guzzle it down anymore. Not sure. I can drink more than I thought I would be able too, as far as like larger sips, but no big gulping. So you should be able to drink those things as long as you need them. Congrats on your decision to better your life. Even your imagination cant take you to the places your going to go to, emotionally, mentally and physically. Your doing a great thing for yourself! Get ready to wow yourself!!

When I talked to my Dr about my stalls they told me that just bumping up fluid intake to 100oz helps most people come out of stalls. Has worked for me twice.