SleevedJune62013

All I know is I'm taking 10,000 mcgs daily of Biotin & I'm growing an impressive beard & having to shave my legs more often!

I have UHC Choice Plus as well. My Doctor's office "patient advocates" said it would take up to 14 days to get an answer back on my package they put together. On day 13 I called UHC & they said they declined it because they were playing phone tag with the surgeon's "patient advocate". They needed a surgery date. Once I began "advocating" for myself I was approved within 24 hours.

I'd probably go for the pork rinds if on a road trip.

This is actually a good idea. They should start a swap shop thread. I'm sure everyone has a Paypal account if they want you to pay shipping and or make a little profit.

I second the sharts! Directly out of surgery you're begging to fart & Can't trust a fart the first couple of weeks. I ended up with almost pneumonia right after surgery as well. I was a smoker prior to surgery though. Was down to 2-3 cigs a day but I still paid dearly for it. Fever & coughing so bad I was peeing myself. Doesn't feel good to cough with a tender tummy.

Got these at WalMart. I chose the gummies because I wanted to "wrestle a bear". Kidding of course, gummies don't have any iron in them but that bottle is at home. It's chewable & 27 grams of delicious. I'll take a photo when I get home if you'd like. Got them at the Vitamin Shoppe.

My husband & I are rolling!!! Thanks for the giggle. Giving up cock would definitely be the hardest. All joking aside, I struggled pre-op with smoking, liquor & sweets. I literally gave then up a day or two before surgery & I haven't smoked a real cigarette since. Drinking is a trigger for me to start smoking so I had a few puffs of my hubbies ecig the night we had drinks with friends. I had a Bloody Mary & it took me 2 hours to finish it. Surgery was like a rebirth for me I guess. There's no way I'm gonna screw this up. Working out & eating right are my new addictions. Good luck! For the love of God though, NEVER give up cock...........tails. Teehee.

Go to SAMs Club & buy Premier Protein shakes. They have 30 grams of protein. They're only 5 carbs & 160 carbs for 11oz. They're pre made so you don't have to bother with mixing powders & have a screw top so you can put them back in fridge if you don't finish. I find they're thinner than Boost & Ensure so easier to swallow plus the Boost & Ensure where way higher carb & calories & lower protein.

Crystal Light Mojito flavor is the BOMB!

I'm 5'3.5" weighed 230 on surgery day 6/6/13. I've been working out almost everyday for over a month because I'm scared of saggy skin. Problem areas are rippled, sagging skin top inner thigh, stomach pooch & under arm wings. I'm hoping I can firm everything up but only time will tell. I'm down to 198 now. I do at least 30 mins on treadmill or elliptical & strength training. Ab crunches, shoulder press, arm curls, etc. I have a friend who was sleeved last July at 280 & is down to 150 but she barely ever worked out & has horrible bat wings saggy stomach & inner thighs. You can't tell at all I she wears mid thigh length shorts & regular sleeved t's but very noticeable when she wears sleeveless tanks, dresses or shorty shorts. I believe sagging skin is inevitable if you don't work out so I'm trying my best to offset it. I also drink tons of Water & add collagen to my Protein shakes. I'm not sure I have all the answers but I'm doing everything I can think of.

Great question! Can't wait to see more replies from vets.

I had a Bloody Mary. Not sure if it was the best choice but my nutritionist ok'd V8 & soft veggies so I even ate the olives & green beans. Took me two hours to finish it but it WAS a 10 dollar dang drink. Glad I got good use out of it and it ate like a meal with a buzz to boot!

????Oh, Happppy Daaay ????. Don't you just feel like singing!

I called it my "last meals tour" in May. I tried to fit in all my favorite meals before surgery. I've been off carbs & sugar since June 4th so I find it easier now to use my meals as nutritional intake opportunities. The mini stomach helps of course. Protein first. Lots of liquids, then if I have room left for a craving I get a sugar free snowball or no sugar added frozen yogurt.

I've noticed acquaintances aren't rude enough to ask. My weight loss struggles are a private matter & I'm not afraid to tell the first person I barely know that exact thing. Thankfully I haven't had to. I hate to lie more than sharing my story though. I've been open & honest with friends & family. More so since its over & done with. I shared my plans prior to surgery with two "friends" & 1 was upset I was willing to risk my life for something I could do with diet & exercise & the other felt the need to educate me on the necessity of having arm reduction & a tummy tuck after I lose all the weight. That made me stop sharing my desire to have surgery prior to getting it done. I only spoke to veterans after that. Good luck! Acquaintances are only complimentary so far.

I would try a few cheapos until you find a brand you like. Some require a heavy draw & some are just plain heavy to hold.

How many of you have actually reached your healthy BMI according to the BMI chart? I was telling a coworker today that my suggested weight is 120. She's a very frail looking woman & she said she weighed 120. I'm not sure 120 is right for me. Am I just making excuses?

What are "slider foods"?

I told the doctors office I quit 2 weeks prior to my surgery but didn't until 2 days prior. I was also down to 2-4 cigs a day before quitting as well. They didn't test my blood for Co2 or whatever but I had a chest X-ray at pre-op appointment. I did try to catch pneumonia right after surgery though & that was the most miserable part about my recovery. I would suggest trying to quit altogether before surgery & use that respirator thingy if they send you home with one at pre-op. I haven't smoked a cigarette since. With all the cardio I've been doing at the gym with the treadmill & elliptical I'm thankful for healthier lungs. I have a coworker that had gastric bypass & never quit. She was honest with her doctor & told him she just couldn't give it up. She was still able to reach her weight loss goal being a smoker. Good luck with your decision.

I literally laughed out loud. I'm so using this!