Recycled

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious job!!!!!!

I noticed you are a Lap-Band vet. You posted in the Sleeve Discussion. I think the dynamics of how the Lap-Band works and the sleeve are quite different, so I'm not sure how much advice from this forum would apply. (fills and sort) I'm not at goal, but in my mind I would be concerned with anything over a couple of pounds. Slippery slope and all.

Now that is a great pre-op attitude. You go girl.!!!

So far I will go to the store an buy a large variety of different foods along with various fresh vegetables and fruits and then during the week I find I just can't eat everything and end up with quite a bit going to waste. (especially the fresh stuff). I eat primarily meats, eggs, and dairy for Protein, which means there is little to no room for fruits or veggies. I end up throwing out most of what I bought of these items each week. It appears it will be a continual learning curve.

I was wondering how you get in those incredible times on MFP. Good idea, Great Job.

PDX, you need to copy this post and have it ready to re-post often, as this question will be asked over and over and your reply is insightful and accurate.

"I could only get in xxx ounces" That should be your motto. Limiting intake is the reason you had the surgery. 6-8 ounces sounds like too much. I'm three months out and 3-4 is still my limit. (and I'm glad). Don't try to force more. The stomach will relax soon enough, don't encourage it before that time. I hope mine stays 4 ounces forever.

Thank you for your reply. Sorta what I figured too. My cholesterol has dropped drastically since surgery and is really low now, so I can see maybe dropping or lowering the statin. The Plavix I'm sure I'm stuck with forever. And the beta blocker is all about regulating the heart and I doubt losing weight alone is gonna change that much, unless I can reverse the aging process and get back my 18 year old heart. Well, it was wishful thinking.

Most doctors have some testing and pre-op requirements, but it's nothing like what the insurance companies require. (They are mostly hoping you'll give up before surgery and they won't have to pay) I'm sure the Surgeon you choose will be able to schedule your surgery very quickly.

Any VSG vets out there that happen to be or were on meds for cardiac issues? had a MI a while back and got a stent and have been on Plavix, (anti -coagulant/ thinner ) Lipator, (statin) and Toporal XL (beta blocker) I had my follow up appointment with my cardiologist too soon after my VSG and didn't think to ask about the future status of my routine cardiac meds. Have any of you stopped taking any of your routine cardiac meds due to improvement from you VSG and weight loss? I take the Toporal XL to regulate hearbeat rather than for any blood pressure issue and it really inhibits my ability to reach target heart rate when exercising. Makes losing an extra difficult effort. However, over the years I have become dependent on the meds keeping me alive, so I'm reluctant to pose any suggestions to my cardiologist that maybe I should reduce or come off any of them. What has been your experiences? Anyone?

What pre-op requirements do you have? How long before surgery should any pre-op tests be done? i(e: chest X-ray, blood, EKG) What tests does the hospital require and when? Do I need to get an endoscopy pre-op? How long is the pre-op diet? Is the pre-op liquid only? What meds much be stopped pre-op and when? Does he require a cleanse the day before? (dulcolax etc) Does he use a catheter? If so, when does he take it out? Does he use a drain? If so, when does it come out? Does he overstitch the staple line? What size bougie will he use? Does he staple or glue the incisions? Does he repair hiatal hernia if found? Will he remove gallbladder if appears not normal? How many days in the hospital? What are meds he uses for pain? Will I be giving myself blood thinner injections post-op? How long? What type? When can I resume taking my meds? When is the leak test done? What are the time frames for each eating stage post-op? When is my follow up appointment? When can I go to the gym and do weight training? How many calories should I plan on daily after surgery? How much protein daily after surgery? Those should get you started. Others will surely chime in. Make a list and don't be nervous about asking. The more you know the more assured you will be.

Oh, didn't anybody mention that?.... Get use to it. That gurgling is gonna be around for a looooong time. completely normal. At least for us VSGers

Appeal it.

Hmmm, I might be a little concerned about traveling on airlines with little baggies of dry powder. I know when I go skiing, I hate dragging the skiis and boots with me so I ship them on ahead of time. Maybe a care package sent ahead would be an option. Just FYI.

What a bummer. Not much you can do but wait and see. You can however, try to put a positive spin on it. Sneezing and coughing is not something you want 'after' surgery, soooo.....better now than after. Here's hoping it goes away quick.

Paula, Welcome to the site. You have quite a bit of time till your scheduled surgery. My best advice is to either browse the topics on here or do a Search of specific topics that interest you. The more general information you gather, the less concerns you will have and your nerves will thank you for it. Typical topics and questions are covered many many times on here and much information can be obtained without have to wait on replies. However, If you do have any gnawing concerns, by all means ask away.

Let's see.......turn your head to the right and cough! oops.....wrong gender. Guess I don't even fake a doc very well.......Let's try another approach...... Confucius Say: Too many possibilities. Needs to be a professional diagnosis. Time for a visit to the PCP or Gastro-Guy.

My go to "boredom munchies" are Jerkys, raisins, almonds, little fruit cups and if I'm short on Protein for the day....then a Protein Bar.

So, now you have shown you can do it, it's time to chuck all the excuses..... Ok, don't rest up too much.....now it's time to repeat the process about 4-5 times a weeks, be it walking the neighborhood or the gym treadmill. Ok, maybe not 5k each time, but try a mile or so. There is no other exercise that you will see more improvement in such a short amount of time. You just have to get out there and make it a routine. Great Job.....keep up the good work..

RecycledPlastic

Hmmmm, what profile? My suggestion would be to first check your local Bariatric Surgeons and see if they have any seminars on Weight loss surgery. Then.......go to one! I'm not trying to be a smart alec. That really should be your first start. Along with providing info on the various surgeries, they will typically use a coordinator that can inform you of the requirements to qualify and they will check into any insurance coverage you might have for the surgery. So, as I said above...... Find one and go to it.

You have an excellent outlook. I am sure you will do very well. Wishing you a very smooth ride.

Excellent advice. You will have a different perspective without the pain.

I had knee surgery and awoke in ICU to a whopping 10+ pain level on a 1-10 scale. Then I chose to go thru it again in 30 days on the other knee. Why........ Cause I had to consider the bigger picture. The long term benefits. I am two years out from those knee surgeries feeling great and went into my Sleeve surgery with no concerns for any pain or challenges......because more than Life itself, I want to no longer be obese and have to deal with everything that comes with it. Give it time. Your feelings will change as you recognize the benefits. Hope you feel better.

I hear ya Nana. I used them quite a bit during my pre-op and in the early liquid stages. But as time goes on, I am liking the taste less and less. And to answer you question. I actually feel it is better for you if you can reach your daily Protein goals without the supplements. I now eat alot of fish, pork, tenderloin steak, turkey, chicken and ham to obtain most of my protein. Also drink fat free milk, cottage cheese, some eggbeaters, and snack on nuts and Jerky. All good sources of protein. However, I go to the gym quite a bit and I have gotten accustomed to using Quest power bars to boost my protein and add in some carbs and some much needed Fiber. And I still do drink the occasional premier shake.