katikati

My sweet, sweet Mom made chicken broth for me because I don't care for canned chicken broth either. I've been such a ridiculous red meat eater my entire life (I'm a born and bred Texan, I came by it honestly), that I thought I'd prefer some beef broth on my pre-op liquid diet, so got some of the beef broth in paper cartons. Three to be exact. I heated one mug full, and it was just disgusting. I was already feeling a bit ill, and for some reason that beef broth smelled exactly like wet dog to me, and didn't taste much better. As a result, I can't even imagine drinking it post-op, homemade or not, because my sense of smell and taste is just so completely sensitive and out of whack. Those three cartons are still in the fridge. x[
The chicken broth my mom made has been an incredibly nice break from the plain Water, sweet popsicles, and sweet Protein drinks. She just put a whole chicken in the crock pot and covered it with store-bought chicken broth (low sodium). She did salt it some and put a bay leaf and let it cook for hours and hours. After that, she strained it to get all the the meaty bits out. Then she strained it again through cheese cloth to make sure it was perfectly clear for my clear liquid phase. Then she let it chill for a bit and skimmed all the fat off. I know it sounds really plain, but it's not. It's very savory, and I'm glad now it's on the plainer side because my new stomach is so picky a week out from surgery.
The only time I regretted her making it was my second night home when I got really nauseas (I was dehydrated) and a chicken was cooking in the crockpot. The smell was so unbelieveably potent and I would have gladly hurled it out the window if I could have lifted it just to get away from it. Thankfully, a Promethazine, a cool and damp washcloth over my nose, and about 30 minutes saved me, the crockpot, the chicken, and the window from disaster.

My sweet, sweet Mom made chicken broth for me because I don't care for canned chicken broth either. I've been such a ridiculous red meat eater my entire life (I'm a born and bred Texan, I came by it honestly), that I thought I'd prefer some beef broth on my pre-op liquid diet, so got some of the beef broth in paper cartons. Three to be exact. I heated one mug full, and it was just disgusting. I was already feeling a bit ill, and for some reason that beef broth smelled exactly like wet dog to me, and didn't taste much better. As a result, I can't even imagine drinking it post-op, homemade or not, because my sense of smell and taste is just so completely sensitive and out of whack. Those three cartons are still in the fridge. x[
The chicken broth my mom made has been an incredibly nice break from the plain Water, sweet popsicles, and sweet Protein drinks. She just put a whole chicken in the crock pot and covered it with store-bought chicken broth (low sodium). She did salt it some and put a bay leaf and let it cook for hours and hours. After that, she strained it to get all the the meaty bits out. Then she strained it again through cheese cloth to make sure it was perfectly clear for my clear liquid phase. Then she let it chill for a bit and skimmed all the fat off. I know it sounds really plain, but it's not. It's very savory, and I'm glad now it's on the plainer side because my new stomach is so picky a week out from surgery.
The only time I regretted her making it was my second night home when I got really nauseas (I was dehydrated) and a chicken was cooking in the crockpot. The smell was so unbelieveably potent and I would have gladly hurled it out the window if I could have lifted it just to get away from it. Thankfully, a Promethazine, a cool and damp washcloth over my nose, and about 30 minutes saved me, the crockpot, the chicken, and the window from disaster.

You bet! I wish I could tell you how to convince the people who think it's cheating or lazy that it's not, but I really haven't found a way. I just choose not to talk to those people about it. They can say that the whole time they're watching you shrink, if they want. All that matters is that you're taking care of yourself. If they become genuinely interested in how it's working, then you could talk openly about it. I'm very protective of this process. I consider myself in a vulnerable state and want to do everything I can to keep myself positive, encouraged, and on track, and for me, that means not opening myself up to the criticism of the misinformed right now.
I noticed I completely missed your main question, which was what to expect from your initial consultation. I think it's probably different for everyone, but it will most likely include getting your vitals before the appointment, discussing the requirements of your insurance for surgery, the requirements of your individual surgeon, and laying out the path to surgery if you're approved (i.e. tests, pre-op diet, etc.).
Have you already talked to your insurance company to find out the requirements for approval of the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy? If not, it doesn't hurt to go ahead and call and find out so that you know that going in. Common requirements are a bmi of 35 or higher, certain comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, or arthristis, etc., and sometimes a physician-monitored diet for a specific amount of time. After your consultation, you will probably be expected to get a psych evaluation, an Upper GI, and/or some other testing. I had to get the psych eval and a clearance letter from my PCP before I could even get a consultation with my surgeon. It was fairly easy from there. Pretty much all that was left was to schedule the surgery date. You will find that most bariatric surgeons are scheduled weeks, or sometimes months out, so don't expect your surgery date to be immediate if you've met all requirements.

Hey, Celtika, and welcome to VST! Don't be nervous about your consultation, there will be plenty of opportunities for nail-biting moments later, so you can just save it for that. Right off the bat we know those people making assumptions are wrong because they don't even make Twinkies anymore since Hostess went out of business. Seriously, though, being stereotyped is one of the worst of the evils of dealing with being overweight in this world. I found I got the same kind of reaction when I discussed surgery with people as something I was thinking about. When you present it as a possiblity, I guess people think that means you've asked for their input on it. Once I decided I was doing the surgery, the surgery was scheduled, and it was about a week away, I told a very small group of people. I was firm and presented it confidently, and not one person said anything negative about it. They were all very supportive. I think it's a combination of being wise about with whom you share this decision, and sharing it confidently once the decision is made. Few people would poo poo the idea or criticize you for taking insulin for diabetes, or wearing foot supports for fallen arches, or wearing a CPAP machine for sleep apnea, and you most likely wouldn't consult them on the decision to do so. This is the same deal. You're doing this for your health and to aleve these problems/almost problems before they get out of hand.
I'm glad you're here! I'm one week out from surgery and this forum has been my biggest tool along the way.

You also have the baby to consider. It's good for your weight loss to wait, but you also need to be able to consume the nutrients and calories needed to support another life, and early out from surgery, that's much more difficult.

I wondered myself about the connection between being cold and Protein intake. When I was in my first few weeks post-op, I was freezing cold all the time. I had pajamas, heating pad, space heater by me, and a blanket at all times. Given my starting weight, it wasn't realistic that this early out I was just carrying around less insulation. I noticed, though, once I was able to get nearer to goal on my daily protein intake that the constant freezing began to subside. I do feel cold more often now than I used to, so I'm thinking this really could be a nutrient intake thing. Please note, I have no research or facts to back this up. Just personal observation.

Hi everyone. It's been a long time since I've dropped by, but I just want to give an up date and a word of encouragement. I had my one year post-op yesterday. It was a bit late (2/14/12 surgery), but anywho. I was down #160 (335-175), twenty dress sizes (28-8) and over 252 inches. If I can do this, anyone can. I had my toes in the grave. I was on 21 meds and the doc told me I would die that way...whether I lost weight or not. Because of my problems he (my PCP) didn't think I would lost a huge amount (50-60#), but he encouraged me to have it do so I could 'feel a little better about myself.' Well, I'm glad to say I proved him wrong. I did lose weight and a lot of it. I also lost all of the meds and the cane/walker/wheelchair. I am a WALKING miracle. I give praise to God for my healing. Now because I was instantly miraculously healed, but because he allowed me to find the path and the means (insurance) to get what I needed to be healed. I do believe God instantly heals somethings in some people, but I also believe he uses the hand of good physicians to administer healing. This is the way he chose to give me mine. I encourage anyone that has had a long, unyielding struggle with obesity to talk to a doctor about WLS... Sleeve in particular. If you are on the edge trying to make up your mind, take my advice. Do it! You are sick? In pain? Lonely? Depressed? What are you holding on to! You have nothing to lose, but all of that. Are there risks? Yes. Is it hard? Yes. But come on. We all know the fat has a 100% chance of causing complication/death. Is it really that much of a gamble to take a 1% chance with a surgery. You're more likely to get killed in a car wreck on the way to get your next fast food burger. Do yourself and your family/friends a favor and choose life. I did and I would do it again and again.

Before surgery (28, 335#) and on my 1 year Surgiversary (8/10, 178#)

At my 1 year post op (8, 175#) holding my old size 28 skirt.

Side view. Now a size 8.
Sent from my iPhone using VST

Your work outs sound intense and amazing. It seems like it's possible that you're building muscle at the same time that you're losing. Or, and I'm a newbie, so please defer to the opinions of more experienced VSGers and your surgeon/nutritionist, but with work outs that intense, I wonder if you need to up your calorie intake. It could be a combination of those things.

Your work outs sound intense and amazing. It seems like it's possible that you're building muscle at the same time that you're losing. Or, and I'm a newbie, so please defer to the opinions of more experienced VSGers and your surgeon/nutritionist, but with work outs that intense, I wonder if you need to up your calorie intake. It could be a combination of those things.

Best. Fiance. Ever.

I went to buy new bras and some new work tops today. When I got home my fiancé was being a good sport and looking at my findings.
He looked at me and said "your cloths are getting so tiny!"
Made my week!!!!

Hey, fellow sleevers. I've been on MFP since my surgery, but now that I'm tracking actual foods instead of just a daily liquid intake, I think I would enjoy having some friends on there. Does anyone else here use it?

I have to be honest, I was sleeved on 2/6, and I only starting feeling better about 2 weeks ago. I stayed extremely weak and run down until about 2 months post-op. That being said, I am larger than your average VSG patient, so that could have something to do with it. I've read many people who say it took them about 6 weeks to have their energy back, so hang in there. As for taste, that comes with the territory. I posted about it recently because I experienced this with liquids immediately post-op, and it reoccurred for me recently with anything I ate. I was told that can happen when your body goes into ketosis. Since it's a signal that my body is burning fat, I've decided to try and be grateful for it any time it happens.

Wow, I can imagine you would have mixed emotions over that. All in all, though, what a joyous surprise. You do still get to plan for a new life! A brand new precious life that has begun and will be making an appearance in about 9 months or so! <3

How exciting for you, MissFae! I wish you the very best during your surgery! Do let us know how it went. Regarding adding friends in MFP, I can only tell you how I do it on my computer, and I assume you're using the app if you posted from the waiting room. However, maybe the process is similar. It certainly took me a few minutes to figure out how to add by username. Go to the MFP page, click the Community tab, choose "Find Member" below that and to the left, then enter the username in the farthest right box and hit search.

I live in Topeka, KS. While I love my community, the one thing I detest about living here is Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church. If you aren't familiar with their name - these are the people that picket funerals with their hate signs targeting homosexuality.
Recently someone bought the house across the street from the Westboro Baptist Church compound. Today they painted it rainbow, just like the gay pride flag. it is very colorful, and awesome.
It will now the be the first thing the phelps will see when they come and go!
I am sorry for crashing this section of the forum when I am straight..,but it made my day and I figured some in here might get a little joy, too!

Hi, Sherrichr, I'm in Memphis too! I had my surgery in Nashville (long story) a little over a week ago. I've heard wonderful things about Dr. Weaver. Welcome to the forum and best wishes on your journey.

I know every surgeon's prescribed diet is different, but something I was advised to do once I advanced to mushies was to eat dense Proteins only, and then a little mashed veggie from a very short approved list, if there was room. I'm one of the few sleevers who don't eat yogurt. Greek yogurt is actually on my list, but I burned myself out on yogurt pre-op, and I don't care for greek yogurt. Eating the dense Proteins (tuna, salmon, chicken) fill you faster and stay with you longer, as opposed to yogurt which I imagine passes through a little more quickly. However, if you're on your surgeon's plan, and you're taking your recommended amounts, it sounds like there's nothing to concerned about.
I found the consequences of eating too much last night and it was horrible. I was sick to my stomach, I just felt this tuna sitting there in my esophagus trying to decide if it was going to go upstream or downstream. It was a tense half hour or so, to say the least. I have been able to finish a full serving my Protein, even though I've really wanted to. It's hard to leave a third of that meat in the bowl. However, today I had food for Breakfast for the first time instead of a Protein shake, and I was surprised that I actually was able to finish the whole thing! (2.6 ounces.)

I know every surgeon's prescribed diet is different, but something I was advised to do once I advanced to mushies was to eat dense Proteins only, and then a little mashed veggie from a very short approved list, if there was room. I'm one of the few sleevers who don't eat yogurt. Greek yogurt is actually on my list, but I burned myself out on yogurt pre-op, and I don't care for greek yogurt. Eating the dense Proteins (tuna, salmon, chicken) fill you faster and stay with you longer, as opposed to yogurt which I imagine passes through a little more quickly. However, if you're on your surgeon's plan, and you're taking your recommended amounts, it sounds like there's nothing to concerned about.
I found the consequences of eating too much last night and it was horrible. I was sick to my stomach, I just felt this tuna sitting there in my esophagus trying to decide if it was going to go upstream or downstream. It was a tense half hour or so, to say the least. I have been able to finish a full serving my Protein, even though I've really wanted to. It's hard to leave a third of that meat in the bowl. However, today I had food for Breakfast for the first time instead of a Protein shake, and I was surprised that I actually was able to finish the whole thing! (2.6 ounces.)

... you have a dream about buying a handful of Fiber One bars to eat.

... you have a dream about buying a handful of Fiber One bars to eat.

... you have a dream about buying a handful of Fiber One bars to eat.

... you have a dream about buying a handful of Fiber One bars to eat.

... you have a dream about buying a handful of Fiber One bars to eat.