BeagleLover

Here's an article I recently found on sleeve plication: http://www.endobariatric.com/weblog/2014/06/16/sleeve-plication-vs-sleeve-gastrectomy

With the RNY there is malabsorption. With the sleeve there isn't, so you absorb more vitamins and minerals. Why set yourself up for dumping if you don't have to? I also am pre-op diabetic, so have learned to use Sweet N' Low for cold items and Splenda when I'm cooking something. I don't think I will change back to all sugar (because that will still minimize the carbs), but, post-op, I'd sure like to have a *little* chocolate once in awhile!

Welcome! Lots of people that have had RNY. Look at the surgery forums for the one on RNY.

Congratulations! I've read a great suggestion on this site to order small add-ons to a purchased meal. It's lower cost and lower portion amount than ordering a full meal.

I suggest you go to the library and check out some cookbooks from different countries to find out what you like (my personal fave is Indian). You can make great veggie dishes and freeze them in ice cube trays, then into a large zip lock freezer bag. A little more work up front, but DEFINITELY worth it & take out what you'd like to eat at breakfast time & it'll be easy to microwave in the afternoon or for dinner.

I read on this site about ProSource and ProSource Plus, available respectively from First Option Medical and Healthy Kin. http://www.firstoptionmedical.com http://www.healthykin.com It is a liquid Protein that was reported to have been used in the bariatric hospital, mixed with Crystal Lite. Doesn't need refrigeration (can take it anywhere with you) and doesn't clump in hot Water and doesn't have the weird aftertaste. I suggest you double check this with your nutritionist. Hope this helps.

Chapstick small firm pillow (in case you cough) Gas-X strips

I've read that walking a lot really helps to dissipate the air.

I can't answer-- I don't know what they will do. Will the surgeon's bariatric coordinator work on it for you? If not, I'd check with OPM and find out what their appeal process is-- get it down step-by-step so you can appeal it without missing a beat.

Way to go!

My husband knows a lot about health insurance and said it was more unlikely under the federal plan because there is an appeal process mandated by OPM.

You look much healthier--- congrats!

One day this throwing up will be over and you'll be able to enjoy eating. Best of luck!

@@BeatrizS1974<3 sleeve You look fabulous!!!

I hope you eventually get to the goal you are looking for. I don't know how old you are, but I'm impressed! You eat much better and have probably lengthened your life considerably. You are able to be so active! That's a lot to be proud of!

Do you drink this straight, or mix it with Water?

Just found a post today on it. It was given to him in the hospital, mixed with crystal lite. Looks good to me! Better than buying super expensive clear Protein drinks, goes in everything hot or cold. Looks very versatile to me. I'm going to call my NUT tomorrow to see if she concurs. National Nutrition liquid Protein PROSOURCE AND MIX w Crystal Light http://www.firstoptionmedical.com [Prosource] http://www.firstoptionmedical.com/Medtrition-National-Nutrition-Prosource-Liquid-Ora-p/35210.htm 10g protein/oz. SALE: 32oz. $29.95 ($10 off) Free Shipping – Orders > $100 Medtrition/National Nutrition Prosource Liquid Oral Supplement 32 oz from FirstOptionMedical.com is a liquid supplement that is ideal for open or closed tube feeding systems. 100% Essential and non-essential amino acids and 10 grams protein per ounce. Translucent non-staining color. Add to hot and cold foods and beverages for additional protein. http://www.healthykin.com [Prosource Plus] ProSource No Carb 15g protein/oz. 60 calories $33.95/32oz. ProSource No Carb from HealthyKin.com combines the efficiency of hydrolyzed collagen and whey protein for a concentrated, low-volume, high-protein supplement containing 15 grams of protein and 60 calories per ounce and 100% of all essential and non-essential amino acids. ProSource NoCarb Liquid Protein's hydrolyzed protein is broken down by enzymes into free amino acids and polypeptides that are easily digested and absorbed by the intestines. Clinically proven to raise albumin levels in hemo-dialysis patients, ProSource NoCarb Liquid Protein can be used for protein malnutrition, gastric surgery, and other applications where low-volume protein supplementation is required. ProSource No Carb Features: Acts to meet the increased protein needs during periods of metabolic stress or inadequate intake Complete hydrolyzed protein Provides all the dispensable and indispensable amino acids required for protein building sugar-free form that requires fewer digestive enzymes for absorption than intact protein Low in phosphorous, potassium, and sodium and complies with the majority of dietary restrictions Part numbers: 11525, 11525, 11545, 11545, 11535, 11535, 11476 ProsourcePlus $33.95/32oz. http://www.healthykin.com/p-3282-prosource-plus-liquid-protein.aspx ProSource Plus Liquid Protein from HealthyKin.com combines the efficiency of hydrolyzed collagen and whey protein for a concentrated, low-volume, high-protein supplement containing 15 grams of protein and 100 calories per ounce and 100% of all essential and non-essential amino acids. ProSource Liquid Protein Plus's hydrolyzed protein is broken down by enzymes into free amino acids and polypeptides that are easily digested and absorbed by the intestines. Clinically proven to raise albumin levels in hemo-dialysis patients, ProSource Liquid Protein Plus can be used for protein malnutrition, gastric surgery, and other applications where low-volume protein supplementation is required. ProSource Plus Liquid Protein Features: Concentrated liquid Proteins for ease of administration, consumption and improved compliance Lactose and gluten free Shelf stable Do not refrigerate Part numbers: 11671, 11671, 11661, 11661, 11651, 11454, 11454 Good luck! I just heard back from the company. It has a very little protein isolate.

Good question! I've had similar struggles.

On this site today,I was lucky to read that a member, while in the hospital for surgery, received either ProSource and ProSource Plus liquid Protein, mixed with Crystal Lite. Amazon has it; so does First Option Medical: http://www.firstoptionmedical.com/Medtrition-National-Nutrition-Prosource-Liquid-Ora-p/35210.htm ProSource Plus is carried by Amazon and http://www.healthykin.com. It's an unflavored liquid protein, added to cold or hot liquids (no clumping). I'm still researching it, but think it might be more versatile and better than buying very expensive ready-mixed clear Protein drinks, protein powders that don't mix well, having to buy large amounts that don't taste good after surgery, or the aftertaste often reported. I'm going to show the info to my NUT to see if she would recommend it. Hope this helps!

I've heard walking helps the gas problem a lot!

I can't address post-op issues yet, but I think it would be a good idea to let your doctor know about how low the blood pressure is! I've seen loads of posts about Protein powders being hard to tolerate, especially right after surgery. You may want to ask your NUT about two products mentioned on this site, ProSource liquid Protein, available from Amazon and First Option Medical,http://www.firstoptionmedical.com which was reportedly used in the hospital, mixed with Crystal Lite. Also, ProSource Plus liquid protein, available from Amazon and http://www.healthykin.com. I'm still doing research on these to find out what the difference is between the ProSource and ProSource Plus. . They are unflavored, liquid and mix in either cold OR hot. I thought this might be a good alternative to purchasing very expensive ready-to-drink bottles containing protein for a Clear liquids phase. Hope this helps!

I don't use any anti-aging serums. I got a boonie hat from costco for $15 which has a very wide brim. Every time I go outside I wear it to prevent sun damage. If you can't or don't want to wear a hat, I suggest you use a good sunblock lotion with an SPF of at least 30 and polarized sunglasses .

I wonder if the person at the insurance company gets some sort of bonus for successfully thwarting a surgery. I've heard UHC is difficult. That's what I have.

I think a therapist may be able to help you sort all this out. Please do your best to get as much Water and Protein in as possible.

I suggest you go to the bariatric coordinator of the hospital you want to attend. They know the rules and have had extensive experience working with them.