LosingItForMe2011

I have 5 tattoos and 3 piercings in each ear. One tattoo is on my right thigh and is the size of a dinner plate. Sometimes I forget I have it until I put on shorts LOL I have one on my left wrist that is in chinese writing which means "Open the eyes" - to remind me how lucky I am, how beautiful everything truly is and to be thankful. I have a butterfly on my left foot with a lotus flower and swirly q's, the last two are above each ankle...one is a tulip and lady bug, the other a sunflower and bumble bee. Hoping to get one more on my left thigh of an angel holding an american flag or depending on what my leg looks like I may carry on with the butterflies all the way up my leg. we'll see

Thanks Don. Surgery date is definitely 7/11. They offered me 7/3 but, I already had everything set at work for 7/11 so that wouldn't of worked.

Good luck tomorrow Artistapril

Having a medic and nurse on the RNYTalk boards will be very helpful! Please, PLEASE don't ever hesitate to pipe in if you think someone should seek their surgeon or medical help. Quite often folks post things here that make me scratch my head as to why they haven't called their surgeon/bariatric center to confirm it's nothing or to confirm they need to go in. I'd love for folks who see these things and dangerous signs and symptoms to feel comfortable to pipe in. So glad you're feeling better julia! Welcome to the boards dstollery and good luck with your journey as well.

If you know you're drinking enough water Mami then definitely call your surgeon if it's continuing. You could need some other supplement so better safe than sorry.

Although I haven't had the surgery, my nutritionist has had me drink 1 shake as a replacement meal a day and that's been for the last 2 months. Needless to say I've needed to change em up for sure. The PB2 makes the shakes really rich and thick. If you like Peanut Butter and chocolate you'll like the combo as a Protein shake. It's great that the PB2 adds protein without all the fat of regular pb too. Now...I have to figure out the best way to flavor vanilla shake. I don't care for the vanilla AT ALL but, I have a whole tub of it. Thinking I may try adding the PB2chocolate to it. Yup..they make PB2 with cocoa in it. So I'll try that next. Might even try my orange capella in it in hopes it make it more like a creamsicle or something. Just anything to cut the taste of the protein aftertaste from the vanilla. Any suggestions?

I just heard today, after calling my insurance company myself, that my surgery has been approved. YAY! I'm going to Tufts Medical Center in Boston and the last I heard my surgery is scheduled for July 11. My woman who does the scheduling for my surgeon went home early today so I'll call again tomorrow to confirm.

Congrats. Hope you're feeling well and walk, walk, walking

My bariatric group did blood work...from that point on they had me take a Multivitamin, D3 and Calcium daily. They do that to build up your Vitamin levels and get everything balanced. When surgery comes, we don't take the Vitamins again until after our first post-op visit. About 2-3 weeks after the surgery day. I asked about vitamins right after surgery and they said sometimes folks stomachs are very sensitive to vitamins because they can be harsh and some can't tolerate it yet. Instead they said your body has enough stored for the 2-3 weeks without you having issues. They'd prefer we took the time for our incisions and stomach to heal then start into the vitamins. Oh and B12 will come after surgery.

Welcome dstollery...I'm waiting for insurance approval as well. Good luck!

Niecie and Don....I'll be interested in the group as well. Just waiting for my dang insurance approval and surgery will be 7/11. Man this waiting is nerve wracking.

I have read that we can become Lactose intolerant for a period after surgery. They suggest you switch to Soy protein and then later try the whey again. Have you tried soy protein? There are soy protein powders that you can add to other foods such as unsweetened applesauce or other mushies if you're allowed to have them.

Hello Disney, I haven't had my surgery yet but, if that were happening to me, with all that I've learned already....and from experience with a lapband....have you measured how much you ate? Maybe you're stomach isn't quite ready yet for the mushies or you've taken in a little more than you can so it's taking longer to digest. So when you add a little Fluid into your pouch it's causing the pain. Definitely call your surgeon/nutritionist - whoever moved you to mushies and let them know what you're going through. It's always safer to do that Good luck and I hope it goes away for you.

welcome home Julia! Glad you're feeling better. Did they let you know what caused it? Are you at risk for it to happen again.

You are very welcome. When you first get them, you'll have to test how many drops are enough for you. For me I find with my chocolate whey Protein shake (Pure Protein brand) I use 8 oz of Water, one scoop of the powder and 10 drops of coconut and 8 drops of toasted almond. My FAVORITE combo. Another great taste if you're craving Peanut Butter is to use PB2 in your Protein Shake. It's rich and it adds more protein to it without adding a lot of fat.

People are all different but, in the end THIS decision is your own. You are the one who will live your choice, no one else. Some comments will be condescending and others supportive. The ones that count are the comments you're telling yourself Shrug them off and let them know you appreciate their concern but, you and your surgeon know whats best for you. The best weapon is being all studied up for yourself. Obtain all the info you can to keep yourself well informed, on track and prepare for the changes that come along. Good luck!

Welcome

Oh Lordy! LOL Well they say sexual healing

Dizziness can be a sign of dehydration. Make sure you're getting your fluids in and to call your surgeon/bariatric center right away. You could be low on other vitamins as well so best to give them a call

I'm now waiting for approval but, my surgeon will be Deborah Abeles at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, MA. Their Weight and Wellness Center crew has been fantastic and very informative. Come on approval!

I hear you there eg. I'm going to have to call my insurance company to find out if they have everything they need and to see if they've given approval or not. I have a date for July 11, I sure hope it's not another let down. Thinking if I call I can plead my own case as well and being that my full time job is dealing with insurance companies I know for a fact if the patient calls, they can sometimes get further with the company than the doctors can. We'll see. Still have my fingers crossed! I really need this to help me lose weight. My lapband was a wonderful tool and helped quite a bit until it slipped TWICE!

Vamp...PM Alex or use the Contact us function and ask.

You look fantastic!

Exactly my thoughts as well. I hear folks all the time wishing they were in their 20's. Not me...40's is cool by me

atc I have the dummies book on my KindleFire. Easy to do a search of the book for topics I'm looking for. Have you tried that? Sounds like you have a great book too. Might have to take a peek at that one.