Cabingirl

I have difficulty meeting my protein target of 60-80 g per day -- the only way I can really come close and know that I'm making it is to record the food I eat. I use Fitness Pal, and there are other software programs out there. I have to make recording a habit, but it certainly makes eating habits clear. You may want to consider the same thing if you really want to know how much protein you're intaking.

I've had bad experiences with fresh veggies (esp cauliflower, carrots, anything dense), chicken that is over-baked (that was ugly ), and bread. I haven't had any interest in cake or cookies.

The most important reason why a surgeon, and I believe all Bariatric Centers of Excellence, require a sleep study is to determine if you have sleep apnea because it directly affects anesthesia -- it is for your safety. Many of us who are morbidly obese do have sleep apnea, and it is a key piece of information for your anesthesiologist during your surgery. This is not to minimize the opportunity to diagnose sleep apnea and prescribe a lifesaving CPAP or other device -- but prior to surgery, it is a patient safety issue. You WANT your anesthesiologist to know if you have sleep apnea.

This is so great, and I am so proud of you! Some years ago, I weighted 230-250 lbs but got physically fit, incl. a physical trainer, and it was a wonderful experience. I think that your having found a trainer who understands how your critical illness is super-smart. Maybe the most exciting part is to imagine how this will make you stronger and your body more able to knock the poop out of lingering illness. Way to go. I look forward to frequent updates, tips, etc.

My GI doc has me on Pepcid AC max 1/morning, Prevacid before dinner, and 2 Pepcid AC/bedtime. It works, any less or deviation and I'm screwed.

I was given a Vitamix as a gift last year -- we've burned up our share of blenders and we wanted to do more things. It is fantastic. It's great that there are other options out there that people enjoy as well. If I were purchasing right now, since Costco sells the Ninja, Blendtec and Vitamix and has a great return policy, I'd be tempted to purchase the Ninja and try out some of the moves that makes Vitamix great (like making ice cream, etc.).

I found several compression-type tanks at Target

Wonderful recommendations, thank you!

Wow - now that's a question for your NUT and your surgeon. Hopefully, you are pre-surgery so you can talk about this during your psychological evaluation. It may be that this restrictive surgery isn't for you - and I'd guess "thickening up" is not that difficult to achieve.

Madam Reverie, That's really interesting -- due to a serious complication following, but not as a result of surgery 4 mos. ago, I spent 9 days in ICU and 6 intubated. I have recovered well from surgery but have had a long recuperation from the ICU. Focus, memory (esp short-term) is still a huge challenge for me. My bariatric GI has me taking thiamine injections monthly, and 2,000 units orally daily. I, too, have an intense job that requires lots of "thinking." I'm still on a reduced work schedule, but not for long. I will research this. Thank you for bringing it to our attention. I need to learn more.

I use a straw occasionally, esp. with cold drinks. I've never had a bit of problem.

I've lost 3-4 sizes. I'm a professional, so I do "dress" daily. I have never liked wearing tight clothes, so I'm not uncomfortable looking a little like I'm swimming in a jacket or pants (though my admin told me last week that I had a couple of weeks to ditch the old stuff). I've found that I have been able to continue to wear some of my sweaters. Same with turtlenecks -- if the material is right, I can belt the cardies for that popular look. Skirts mentioned earlier are great solution. The sales before Christmas allowed me to purchase a few slacks, jeans and sweater. One resolution I've made is to try several of the consignment stores nearby - it just makes sense. I have a closetful of expensive suits that a friend is going to post on Ebay for me.

I've lost 69 lbs and at Christmas, my daughter cried after hugging me and realizing she could put her arms around me! It's those little moments that have been especially precious. You big losers are such an inspiration. Here's to a successful, enjoyable and blessed 2014!

I had serious GERD prior to VGS and continued to have yucky reflux following surgery. My bariatric GI tried a few things, and we settled on 1 Pepcid Max strength in a.m., Omeprazole 20 mg prior to dinner and 2 Pepcid Max strength at bedtime. The mix works great and all are available as generics.

The guidelines for eating with a sleeve really haven't changed much in the last five years, so what you learned then should be helpful now. You may want to consider contacting your bariatric center (or another if you don't feel comfortable), and ask for a referral to a psychologist/psychiatrist who specializes in eating disorders and bariatric patients. This person can help you deal with the issues you're faced with and help you get back on track. Best of luck.

Very smart move to call your physician tomorrow -- he/she is your best resource, and can tell you what is okay for you and how best to improve your diet in order to feel better, and for you to feel comfortable and confident in your new life.

The scientific evidence indicates that VSG has quite similar outcomes to RNY over time, with the exception of percentage of patients with hard-to-treat diabetics, in which case RNY outcomes are higher, and thus preferred. Failure rates are quite similar for both surgeries

That is so great! We started at about the same weight and are similar in weight now so I can relate. I bought my first 18s last week, I had needed them for a few weeks but I was holding out. I was able to fit with some squeezing into a 16 but not with comfort yet. Congratulations!

That's a great looking head of hair! You chose such a flattering hair style. I am impressed. I had always had super thick hair until I had a trauma and surgery years ago and it fell out by the handfuls, and I really was depressed by it. Then hypothyroidism took another toll. I had a tour in the ICU after my surgery, so I figure between the two, and many issues with protein, that I'm likely to lose a bunch. I really appreciate seeing how great you look and knowing a little bit more about wigs because I need the knowledge.

RJ, I am so glad to hear that you may have licked the pneumonia. I like that your docs are being extra careful with you (as they should). And a size 16! That's great. I made it to a size 18 today, so keep on keeping on! I'm right behind you.

I had terrible GERD over the last 10 years that had severely damaged my stomach, so I was no stranger to the acid reflux. I will say that mine was the very worst 1-3 months out, and it has improved over the last several weeks. My bariatric internist recommends 1 Pepcid Max in the a.m., 1 Prilosec before dinner, and 2 Pepcid Max at bedtime. This really works for me (in all the time before surgery, I'd always been on Prilosec or Prevacid, but the mix works for me).

The peer-reviewed medical journals have published significan research that does indicate that the weight loss is similar between RNY and the sleeve, RNY is hands-down the winner for the "serious" diabetic - in part due to the re-plumbing process. Your surgeon is making a recommendation that is in keeping with bariatric surgery guidelines and the Bariatric Centers of Excellence.

I believe the danger is not intubation, where the tubes go into the lungs, but if you need a nasal-gastro tube or an endoscopy. Neither are typically emergency procedures.

I was sorely tempted this a.m. by a Starbucks gingerbread loaf. And I gave in. Sadly, it did not make me sick (well maybe sick at heart when I saw the calories and forced myself to put in MFP).

I'm guessing the tilt table test was also checking for Meniere's disease - although that would not account for the cardiac issues. Best of luck to quickly find a good solution.