alisha29

I was in Disney 6 weeks after my surgery. Suggestions: Ohana's at the Polynesian resort. Best food I have ever put in my mouth and it is all grilled.
Garden Grill in Land pavilion at Epcot. They have great grilled fish, grilled veggies, and other grilled options (you get all of the options brought to your table for one price). The food there is sit down, family style, and characters come to your table.
Magic Kingdom...eat at the Liberty Tavern. Much like the garden grill. Delicious and mostly healthy.
Animal Kingdom eat at the Tusker House. It is a buffet, but very healthy options and a lot of variety. Also, has characters that come to your table as well.
Fast food choices usually offer something somewhat healthy. Have a great trip and enjoy the food! If you can only do one nice sit down place, please do Ohana's. Book your table for the when the firework display is at the magic kingdom and request a window seat. The music is playing the coincides with the firework display and you get a better view there than you do inside the park. It is a Disney Must-do!

I went to the doctor for a 4 month check up to hear I look like I am failing because I have only lost 34 pounds since surgery. I have kicked it into gear, keeping my calories between 800-1000 a day. I work out on my incline trainer for an hour burning 600-650 of those calories. The first week, I lost 4 pounds, so I felt very encouraged. This week, I gained back 2 of the pounds I lost, but I have did nothing differently from the first week. I am hitting my Protein goals, consuming plenty of water...I just don't get it. I do eat some carbs, but minimal considering my calorie burn work out. I really need help. Suggestions? I am now feeling like I am destined to be fat and no matter what I do, it won't help. This surgery nearly killed me when I developed a pulmonary embolism...it has to be worth it in the end. I seriously am getting super discouraged. I am drained of energy, which I am sure the blood thinners don't help, but a few hundred calories and working out hard to gain weight!?!?!?

Pre-OP: 314
DOS: Oct. 22nd, 295
Today; 256
Had a follow up with my surgeon this past week to which he told me I look like I am failing because I have only lost 39 pounds since surgery. Obviously, I am a slow loser, but I am losing weight. I still have all of my thick hair, my skin is tightening up, and I have lost 4 pants sizes. Geeze...I didn't think I was failing, just slower than most. Regardless, those words hit home and made me evaluate my diet and exercise routine. Exercise had been hard since I did develop a clot after surgery, but I feel great now so no more excuses.

Pre-OP: 314
DOS: Oct. 22nd, 295
Today; 256
Had a follow up with my surgeon this past week to which he told me I look like I am failing because I have only lost 39 pounds since surgery. Obviously, I am a slow loser, but I am losing weight. I still have all of my thick hair, my skin is tightening up, and I have lost 4 pants sizes. Geeze...I didn't think I was failing, just slower than most. Regardless, those words hit home and made me evaluate my diet and exercise routine. Exercise had been hard since I did develop a clot after surgery, but I feel great now so no more excuses.

Pre-OP: 314
DOS: Oct. 22nd, 295
Today; 256
Had a follow up with my surgeon this past week to which he told me I look like I am failing because I have only lost 39 pounds since surgery. Obviously, I am a slow loser, but I am losing weight. I still have all of my thick hair, my skin is tightening up, and I have lost 4 pants sizes. Geeze...I didn't think I was failing, just slower than most. Regardless, those words hit home and made me evaluate my diet and exercise routine. Exercise had been hard since I did develop a clot after surgery, but I feel great now so no more excuses.

My surgery was 10/22. I started out at 295 day of surgery. Today, 11 weeks later, I am 264. 31 pounds...that is a little less that 3 pounds a week. I know that is a good pace, thus far, and I am well pleased (although I wish it were more), but here is where the problem is....
I can eat anything! Nothing seems to cause me problems! I don't eat nearly as much as I used to, but I do find myself grazing way too much throughout the day. I can't eat big meals, but I fear I am falling into some really bad habits with snacking, that will catch up with me and could be slowing my progress. I don't want to be a failure! When I am home, I have no issue at all. The problem is at work. I teach kindergarten, and think I am eating from stress. The problem is, I eat before I even realize I have eaten! When I am aware of it, I stop myself, but I get in a daze at work, busy, and stressed, and eat without even realizing I have. Please, any suggestions or help??? I am joining group exercise this week, and plan to be more faithful to tracking in my fitness pal...but at work I get busy, forget to track, and then overdo it. Please, be kind in your response, and offer helpful suggestions, share your story and what is working for you.
Seriously...I can eat anything! Sleeve of Steele! Wishing I had some repulsive foods, or felt restriction when snacking....but nothing!
Blessings to all

Hey there,
First, just breathe. Second, you are normal to be scared...this is a serious surgery and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
After 3 weeks, you have a low risk of a leak. 5-6 weeks, your risk of clots goes down as well. I am 5, almost 6 weeks post op and just found out yesterday I have pulmonary embolism. While it was scary at first, I have realized that as serious as it is, I am getting treatment and will be okay. Worrying about complications does not help a thing. Just listen to your body. I had pain in my chest on the left side, that hurt worse when I would breathe. I tried to ignore it an pass it off as a pulled muscle, but decided to go to the hospital to check it out, just in case. Glad I did, as it likely saved my life. Point is, you are almost out of the window of serious risks, and if one occurs, just listen to your body and get help right away.
One of my favorite Scriptures reads, "Don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself."

Hey there,
First, just breathe. Second, you are normal to be scared...this is a serious surgery and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
After 3 weeks, you have a low risk of a leak. 5-6 weeks, your risk of clots goes down as well. I am 5, almost 6 weeks post op and just found out yesterday I have pulmonary embolism. While it was scary at first, I have realized that as serious as it is, I am getting treatment and will be okay. Worrying about complications does not help a thing. Just listen to your body. I had pain in my chest on the left side, that hurt worse when I would breathe. I tried to ignore it an pass it off as a pulled muscle, but decided to go to the hospital to check it out, just in case. Glad I did, as it likely saved my life. Point is, you are almost out of the window of serious risks, and if one occurs, just listen to your body and get help right away.
One of my favorite Scriptures reads, "Don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself."

I know there are a ton of threads about stalls, but I still cont understand how I am only eating 500-650 calories a day and not losing weight. I will be a month out from surgery Monday and have only lost 18 pounds since surgery. I actually lost more 2 weeks before surgery than I am since the surgery. I just don't understand! I was released this week to work out, so I will try that but I have not lost anything in a week. So discouraging to feel like I am even failing with the surgery. I was so excited the first 2 weeks when the weight was falling off a pound a day, but now, nothing. Please, someone who has been through this, tell me how to make it start falling off again. What did you eat, how much, and how often?
Also, Protein Shakes are making me seriously ill. I tried an Atkins bar yesterday and it was much more tolerable to me. Are these suitable Protein replacements? I have tried so many different protein shakes that I hate, that I have just about given up. I have ordered some muscle milk light to see if that one will work for me, but wondering about the bars. I ordered some from Quest that I am praying are suitable. Does anyone know if it is okay to eat Protein Bars instead of drinking protein shakes?
Thank you for any offers of encouragement and support!

I personally bought jr. Strength chewable Tylenol. I took 3 to be an adult strength. I found grape to be the tastiest.

I went back to work 1 week post op. It actually made me feel better faster. The first 2 days were rough, but I brought Tylenol to last the day. Good luck to you and think positive!

Thank you for the recipe! Sounds delish!

I am 10 says post-op. I am SICK of liquids. I am so burned out on Soup, pudding, shakes that I feel like puking every time I have to drink one down. My daughter is eating a sloppy Joe in front of me, and I swear I could tackle her down and steal it. I can start mushy foods in 4 days. I never thought I would be so excited for tuna fish or egg salad. I crave it now, and cant wait!Please tell me I am not alone! After pre-op diet and now this liquid diet, I really want food, that I can chew 40 times, not slurp. I know I need to wait, but honestly, it is just 4 more days? What could be the harm...I don't think I will make it the weekend. Head hunger, acid, whatever it is, I really am hungry and want food!

This may be TMI, but what the heck. Ever since phasing into solids I get this nasty methane-smelling gas that fills a small room. The dog cowers in the corner. The flies drop on the table. The neighbors wonder if there is a gas leak in the neighborhood. Obama calls me to create a new clean energy company. Ok, maybe I am throwing in a little humor and hyperbole, but it is true. Do you think this is because of all the Protein I have been eating? I hope it goes away eventually like Hair loss because all I can think of is that old garbage pail kid card from the 80s with an atom bomb coming out of his behind. Thoughts.

I was sleeved on the 22nd. I feel all the same things as you. I have found to take a sip, let is sit a minute or two and then another. It takes forever to get anything down, but I don't want to risk a leak. I also was very nauseous in the hospital, even threw up blood. It was very painful and scary! Everyday gets better than the day before. We need to get our rest though and our Water. I don't always feel my bladder, but I think it is because I am not guzzling fluids like I used to so my bladder is never as full as it used to be.
Speedy recovery to you (and to me)

You have a greater risk of dying in a car accident during your morning commute to work, but I doubt you will stay home and stop working...why? Because you need to support your family. The same is true of the surgery. Doing it will help support your family. It is hard to get a good life insurance policy when you are morbidly obese. Think about how much your life means to them, and realize that fear is keeping you from giving them your best!
Prayers for you as you consider changing your life!

You have a greater risk of dying in a car accident during your morning commute to work, but I doubt you will stay home and stop working...why? Because you need to support your family. The same is true of the surgery. Doing it will help support your family. It is hard to get a good life insurance policy when you are morbidly obese. Think about how much your life means to them, and realize that fear is keeping you from giving them your best!
Prayers for you as you consider changing your life!

I was sleeved on Oct. 15th. The pain you are feeling near your incision is the pulling of the stitch on the stomach. This is what my doctor told me and said it was normal. Mine is hurting less every day. I too struggle to get in my liquids and Protein but it gets a little easier every day as well. I lost 11 lbs pre op and am down a total of 23 now. It does feel great to be loosing. I will be glad when I can eat soft foods. I'm tired of Soups and pudding. Hang in there everyone and keep us all posted on how you are doing.

You got this! I'm getting sleeved Monday as well. I nervous, but excited to start my new life and a new me.

Guess who got approved??? This girl! Yay! So excited. Go to weigh in tomorrow. Praying I am 10 pounds lighter so I can get this scheduled! Yay!

I'm approved, I'm approved, I'm approved! Shout it from the roof tops, I'm approved!

Guess who got approved??? This girl! Yay! So excited. Go to weigh in tomorrow. Praying I am 10 pounds lighter so I can get this scheduled! Yay!

Question...I have bcbs Alabama insurance. I have completed all of the steps for submitting my request for surgery. I did not have 3 years of medical records but used dates photographs and the past 18 months of medical history. My insurance denied my claim within a day of my request. My surgeons office says this is normal when they submit a claim with photographs but that they resubmit and get the approval. I am freaking out here with all the time and money I have already invested! Has anyone else ever had this experience or can share what your experience was with my same insurance? Any info would be helpful. Now I am wondering if I need a plan b and try for self pay in Mexico. Roughly how much is this option? Any advice and support will be helpful! It took several months to come to terms with having the surgery and the 7 more to meet insurance requirements. I have too much invested emotionally and financially for my journey to end here.
Blessings to all!

Hello everyone!
I began my journey 18 months ago. It took me several months after going to my first seminar to.decide that gastric surgery was for me. At first, I thought this is the easy way out and that I just needed to work out more and eat less, so I gave that a try. 18 months later, I weigh more dieting and exercising! I love food, and I eat so often I don't even realize I am eating. I enjoy working out, but as my weight has climbed, it has become more difficult to work out. So, 7 months ago, I decided this surgery is for me! I am eventually healthy except for being fat and miserable (praise Yehovah for that!).
I did not have 3 years of documented medical history, mostly because I did not have health insurance until 18 months ago. My insurance, bcbs Alabama accepts dates photographs in lieu of, so I did submit pictures with all the other necessary documents. I was immediately denied! My doctor has said this is normal when submitting pictures in lieu of records and that he will resubmit and it will be approved. I am nervous that after all the time, money, and emotional investment that I will be denied. Has anyone had this experience? I am proceeding on as if I will get approval am seeing the nutritionist today. I need this surgery ASAP as I have plans for Disney in December. I hope this is a realistic goal. I would love to be walking around south Florida lighter and thinner.
Anyways, I refuse to quite even if denied. I will self pay but will need a loan for that. Anyone have suggestions for this avenue? I don't like debt, but honestly am willing to have it to live healthier. Mexico scares me, but seems way more affordable. Thoughts, experience, and support is greatly appreciated!