Jiggly Puff

Congrats on being approved!!!!!!! That's so exciting! I'm in Denver and I met Dr. Snyder. I like him very much and I know several people who had their surgeries through him at Rose Medical Center. He would've done mine but he wanted $17,500 to do it. So off to Mexico I went for $4650! My insurance wouldn't cover it here. But you'll be in good hands with a great team.

Not only did I need Liquid Protein the first 6 weeks, i still have one a day. I just believe I do better when I have alot of Protein an dthat is how I ensure it... everyday.

My doc and nut in Utah are against liquid calories, reason why they don't have us on protien drinks. Also was told coffee, milk and juices were no nos but I do know these diets are very similar to ones they have with bleeding ulcers and you hear of leaks months after the surgery. I for one would rather give up those than have a leak! High acid foods are out. I would say the Soups are because they move through your stomach fast and leaving you feeling less full but all in all, creamed Soups are loaded with calories. Chili not sure why unless its the hot chili because my doc promotes Beans big time.
Giving up certian foods for now in order to loose the weight is just something we need to do or risk failure and no one wants that. And I have to remember, this is a life style change.
I always go with my body, my decision as to what I eat. I can't go back to eating what I was, no way no how. In time like with any habit, you have to change the way you think and that takes time. With this, you have to eat but we just have learn to eat to survive, not survive to eat.
Ive seen 3 nuts, One's delivery was pretty blunt and I wans't a big fan of hers but they all had the same message. 70% protien, 30% veggies .... thats about it for me.
WIll I eat some things I shouldn't? YES, at times it will happen, will I do it often, no.
As I am typing this, my bf is drinking creamed sugared coffee and a frozen bagel sandwhich.... I just have to drink my Water and listen to his heart protesting lol

It's creepy right? The surgeon took that. I've got this image now of the surgeon and nurses taking selfies during the operation with me cut open in the background. Talk about the ultimate photobomb.

Any recipes with healthy squash of any sort is my comfort food for fall. I love spaghetti squash, butternut, acorn, yellow, pumpkin, etc. Especially with brown sugar, cinnamon or maple Syrup. And since I can only eat 2 oz's at a time, it's perfect. Eat it right out of the oven, or make a casserole or Soups, etc. This is my most fav time of the year. Squash is also very healthy and packed with Fiber, Vitamins and good stuff in general.

I went shopping today for work clothes long overdue and I couldn't believe it I'm a size 12! Yay!! I haven't been this small in over 10 years!
30 pounds left to goal weight!

I've never ever heard of this nor have I ever been asked to sign any forms on this matter. I've had several surgeries in MX.
BUT, It doesn't surprise me.. Since you mentioned the surgeons name, though. SMH

That is disappointing. I wouldn't have liked to have been presented with a bill post surgery. I understand Dr's charging additional fee's upfront for very high BMI's. After the fact seems wrong. Expecially considering the forms everyone signs are in Spanish.

I communicated privately with the OP about this topic, but since others are asking, I will share here too. I incurred a significant extra fee in February at florence that was attributed to my super-size status. While we were repeatedly assured it would not happen again when my husband went this month, we were in fact handed a bill for overages. We argued that one down by half. I can say that in talking with another couple that had VSG the next day after my husband they too were given an extra bill that was higher still than ours. And I know of one other person that had an extra bill from my asking this very question. The common denominator is the surgeon, Ramos-Kelly- at least for these instances. I should note that I communicated with a few other of his patients that did NOT have this experience.
Now, we paid the main fee via cashiers check and refused to give a credit card for the overages when in Mexico. We simply had them stop at a bank on the way to the airport to get another check/cash.
In every instance unforeseen costs from the hospital were cited as the cause (extra anesthesia, OR time, meds, etc). And I don't think Ramos-Kelly patients are unique in being given forms at hospital check in which acknowledge responsibility for such circumstances and fees are the patients and will be paid. But I must admit I have become reluctant to recommend this surgeon as a result... I could overlook it once for my surgery (and had a fabulous experience) but my tune is changed over the last three weeks for sure.

Hello! I know exactly what you're going through. It's horrible! I've never felt anything like that before in my life. So I take one Prilosec every morning and I've never had heartburn since. I am planning on going to my doctor to get a prescription for it because it'll be cheaper for me. Right now I'm buying them at Sam's for about $28 a package. They have 3 boxes in each one. And the box says to only take them for 2 wks at a time. Which is ridiculous. My dad has been taking prescription strength Prilosec for years, every single day. At least you just take it once in the morning and forget all about it for the rest of the day. Good luck!

I started at 401. 8-1/2 months later I'm 229 and still losing. The sleeve will do the Job just fine if you're willing to make some lifestyle changes. If you think you will never be able to control your eating then the bypass might be a good alternative. The upside of the sleeve is less complications and a more normal life. It works with you but it does not do the work for you.

I posted my success story over here:
http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/67034-here-is-what-the-local-paper-had-to-say-about-my-success-story/
I was 437 and now I'm 185. You can read the article in the link and listen to the radio round table I did here if you have any questions. http://www.knpr.org/son/archive/detail2.cfm?SegmentID=9672&ProgramID=2699

WOW! How good do you look?!!! Congrats on your fantastic weight loss! You look happier and so much healthier too.

I paid $12,200 all inclusive in Dallas, TX. Included pre op testing, all the hospital costs, Dr's fees and two nights in the hospital. I only need one though. Also includes follow ups. Lots of top surgeons in this area, I guess Texans are a fat bunch.

You look like Carson daly! Congrats!

Oh, that is a GREAT idea because I am getting tired of SF popsicles.

Not only do you look A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!! But the most inspiration, for me, is your smile girl!!!!!!!!! Your before picture is almost heartbreaking! And then to see how happy you are now is what is so inspirational. How we all feel about ourselves after we go through something that is this life changing is what matters most. I'm so very happy for you! I wish you many years of continued success and happiness.

I always wondered the same thing.... I freeze them all the time and eat it like ice cream so good....

I wonder why they say not to freeze? I used to work at a nursing home and we would freeze ensure for the residents....so I thought it seemed logical.

I gave away 7 black garbage bags of cloths. I did keep a pair of pants to remember where I came from. Its really great to pull them out and lay a pair of my new pants on top. I did hate to give away a few of my favs, but figure, someone else might like them as much, and I want to make room for something I really like that fits now. I had a regain last year, and had to buy some larger sizes... kept my smaller sizes in a bin... now that I have lost the regain I can now shop again in my bin! In the past I always kept my bigger sizes thinking I may need to go back to them sometime... but this time I let things go, made a new start.

I choose the sleeve for a number of reasons. First, I know a few people who had GB and all had less than successful outcomes. One even died from complications. This is not to imply that GB doesn't work for some but I don't personally know of any long term success stories. I looked into the lap band but was uncomfortable with the idea of a port and frequent injections to adjust it. A few years later I read so much about how it is not a long-term/permanent solution. I have a girlfriend who was banded 2 months before I was sleeved. Not only have I lost twice as much but I didn't understand her logic about the band being removable or temporary (she only wants to be skinny temporarily?). When I researched all the choices, I found the sleeve to beast acceptable. It's not perfect- what if I need that 85% of my stomach someday- but it was ultimately the best choice for me. Follow your heart. Good luck whatever you decide.

I wanted a permanent change.
I didn't want a foreign object left in my body.
I didn't want my intestines changed.

Wow! You hit the nail on the head girl. I also think I sabotaged my love life. Hence, why I'm single. I hope that hamster wheel has stopped now. Maybe I will get another chance to fall in love someday. I'd really like to see a better me on the other side of this weight issue. I won't have that fear of my weight problem bearing down on me like this ever again. Here's to being hopeful! :wub:

I do feel like I settled, yes. I am an educated, smart, classy woman with big goals. My husband is not a very motivated man. I love him and he's good to me and our kids. I do think that if I had had more self esteem I would have married someone who wasn't so stagnant.
At least he's good looking