SugarFreeMe

I didn't tell many at work the truth, I told most that I was having my gall bladder removed. Now as I loose weight I tell them I just kept with the post-op diet because it's easy on my stomach and I'm fine with it. Some asked why I was out so long (3 weeks), I told them I had some minor complications (which I did) and my surgeon required it. Not too many details, I didn't want to keep track of what I said to whom.

I'm sure they're just as great in Elk Grove, I think it's an overall philosophy regarding excellence in patient care. The pre-op diet isn't all that bad. The first day you feel like your triumphant, second day is "I got this", then on the third day you feel it. Headache, tired, yucky. After that I was fine because you start seeing the scale move. I lost 10 pounds on the pre-op. Try to mix it up, they should have given you a list of different things to mix in, do it or you will get bored. Also, as you go the shakes will start to taste sweeter and sweeter. I have a really hard time with them now post-op. I've switched to Muscle Milk light, they don't taste overly sweet and they have great Protein.

I'm just 5 weeks out from RNY - My calories should be between 600-800 daily. I think it depends more on what procedure you had and what your surgeon suggests. You can always call and talk to your Nut to be sure your on track.

Congratulations!!!! Which hospital are you going to? I was at Alexian in Hoffman Estates. I can't explain enough how awesome the staff is there. Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I did pretty much the same as chasingadream. Went to my primary who referred me to my surgeon. You can also research local hospitals and see which specialize in bariatrics. They should have a list of surgeons. From there you can attend a seminar and inquire about self pay. Typically they will offer payment plans and the price is somewhat reduced. Best of luck.

Keep me posted, and know that when she says she'll call, she will.

I actually called them and spoke with Donna. I told her I was done with everything and asked if she had everything she needed or did I need to call someone and get her paperwork. She said she would check her file and let me know. The next day she called with a date. She's always so busy and doesn't mind the call, so I'd call her if I were you. Maybe someone didn't give get what she needs and you can help the process. Don't be afraid to call. Donna is awesome.

Congratulations on your surgery. Don't worry about the weight coming off, I knew that I would have excess fluids and swelling so I stayed away from the scale for the first 2 1/2 weeks. It wasn't easy, but when I stepped on that first time I was overwhelmed with the results. As far as pureed's, I had a lot of what was already mentioned but also has cream of chicken, cream of mushroom and cream of celery Soup, all put thru a strainer. I added Protein to it so I could get that in as well. Just take it easy on yourself, the weight loss will happen, you just need to remember to keep moving.

I love Muscle Milk (light) chocolate flavored. The vanilla cream flavor is wayyyyyy to sweet for me.

Hi Amanda and welcome to the group. I had my RNY on the 18th of March, I'm down 29 lbs, but have also slowed down (actually fighting the dreaded first stall). I need to find the right mix of food and exercise to keep things going. I was doing better before I went back to work but now I'm sitting all day long and I hate it. Also it stinks because I live in the Chicagoland area and walking at night in the cold is awful. I need to drag the treadmill out this weekend so I can kick thinks up a level.

I take meds for thyroid, allergies, high blood pressure - I've taken them since surgery but i I have to crush them. I wash them down with juice to get rid of the taste.

My eval was a while ago, but while I was answering the true/false portion of the test he walked into the room I was in without knocking and caught me laughing. I turned around as he entered and said "This is hysterical, who writes these questions?" He laughed back and said "You pass, your definitely normal". Talk about relaxing the whole process. From there it was a breeze.

Congratulations. Make sure to have your sf Jello and popsicles. I became a huge fan of decaf tea. I had problems the first week or so drinking cold liquids, especially first thing in the am. Make sure to have gas-x strips and miralax. I had 3 full weeks off work and then worked one extra week only 1/2 days. Depending on what you do you should be fine with 3 weeks, I took extra time because I could, not that I needed too. Don't take too much with you to the hospital, you won't need that much. You only really need: Robe (but you can use the hospital gowns), slippers (but the hospital gives you tooties), tooth brush, tooth paste, ear plugs, chapstick, brush, hair clips if you have long hair, face cleaning wipes, body and face lotion and your cell charger if your taking that with you. I wore the same cloths home that I wore there. When your not sleeping your either sitting up watching tv or out walking the halls. If your a reader you may want to bring a book or magazine. I took way more and never took it out of my bag. Best wishes for an uneventful procedure and a speedy recover.

Love your post and find myself thinking about my own loses and gains. My surgery was the 19th of March and I've also lost diabetes and high cholesterol in additional to 27 lbs. Hoping to loose the high blood pressure soon. I can now wear my original pants, but the muffin top is gone. I'm eating food that requires chewing and has taste, good taste. Life is good.......

The pre-op diet is tough for the first 3 or 4 days, then it's way easier. Hang tight, we've all been there and got thru it. You ARE strong and you CAN do this.

hair loss is a result of Vitamins deficiencies. My surgeon said most wls patients will experience it. I've hear that 7 months is generally the start time. I'm already taking Biotin to help with that, I'm 3 weeks post-op. It helped when I went thru menopause to stop the loss and my surgeon and PCP both recommend it.

I wouldn't worry too much about sleep right now, you'll get plenty in the days to come. Make sure your bag is packed (Don't take too much, you won't need it) and make sure you have what you'll need when you get home. Make sure whoever is going with you has a list of everyone who needs to be contacted post-op. My hubby sent a mass text so it was easier for him. Things you need to take: Toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, face cleaner, chapstick/lip balm, cell phone, cell phone charger, ear plugs, hair brush and hair clips if you have longer hair. You can take a robe or you can use the hospitals. You can take slippers or use the footies the hospital has. I wore the same clothes home that I wore there. (sweat shirt and sweat pants, socks and tennis shoes). Really, that's all I needed. I took way more and never even took it out of the bag. Things to have at home: liquid Tylenol, SF Jello, SF pop-cycles, broth, liquid multi-Vitamin, measuring cups (Small). After the first week your diet may change depending on your plan but it's not something you need to worry about right now. Above all else, remember to stay positive and know that this isn't easy but being 3 weeks out I can tell you it's all worth it. The first week is tough, but it gets better every day. Keep us posted on your surgery and progress. Best to you all tomorrow.

Congratulations to you both on your surgeries tomorrow. Your procedures will be over before you know it and you'll be on your way to a new healthier future.

I find that if I suck on the gummies for a while they get softer and mushier, then I chew, chew, chew. So far, not a problem. Thanks for the heads-up. Hope your feeling better

Hi there - Congratulations on your approval. BCBS was really quick for me. Also, because Dr Guske and his group know what they're doing I think the process is even quicker for them. He did tell me that his insurance coordinators are very familiar with the employees at BCBS so submissions were almost always approved. My surgery on the 18th of March went pretty good. I had a few complications, but nothing very serious. They found a Haital hernia that needed repair, not a biggie but something else to heal from. The main complication was that my body doesn't like anethesia (I'm very sensitive to it) so what happened was that my intestines and bowels essentially "slept" for a couple days following surgery. It was very uncomfortable because I wasn't passing all the gas they fill you up with. Instead of coming home Thursday morning I had to stay until Friday night. Not a huge deal and not something that would have caused me to cancel had they said it would happen. I'm now on soft food. After being on liquids and pureed since the 3rd of March, chewing is awesome. Since my pre-op diet until today I've lost 27 lbs. It's truly amazing. Let me know when you get your date, I'd love to be able to support you and share whatever I can about my progress to help you with yours if I can.

I too have to take my meds crushed and it's awful. I take them all at once a day so I don't have to do it repeatedly throughout the day. When I take them I make sure I have a flavored beverage to drink to wash them down. It helps to get the nasty flavor out. Either that or I take them and eat a spoonful or two of Jello. You can also try hot tea. I still can't do really cold Water it has to be room temp water. It's nasty no matter what you do, but I need my meds so......

Do any of your incisions look suspect, red, swollen, hot or leaky? I had RNY, so different surgery, but still I don't believe you should have a fever of any kind. I'd call your surgeons office. I know they won't be there, but the answering service will place a call to the the "on-call" surgeon and they can direct you better then anyone on here can/should. Don't wait too long, you don't want to end up in the hospital with a serious infection.

I was on Clear liquids the first week, pureed for week 2 (strained cream Soups, refried Beans, blended cottage cheese) and now week 3 I'm on soft foods (ground chicken, scrambled eggs, greek yogurt with fruit). Did your surgeon provide a schedule as to when you can advance your intake? You really need to verify with them as to what you can have. Everyone surgeon has a different plan so what mine recommends may not be the same as yours - sorry. I'd call them tomorrow and let them know you think your ready to move on to something more substantial. Good luck.

Chewing never felt so good. I had a scrambled egg with a bit of melted cheddar and a topped that with a mild salsa. Yum.

I've heard that stalls happen to many at weeks 3 and or 4. I'm guessing your body is just adjusting, hang tight and keep working your program.