JamieLogical

The shoulder pain sounds like gas. Try some GasX strips and try walking more... even if it's just marching in place. That helped a lot with my gas pain. The "hunger" could be acid. Are you on a PPI?

Someone else here on the forums actually suggested it to me. The type of sugar in gummy bears is processed very quickly and quickly elevates blood sugar levels the same way the special tabs that diabetics take do. I was getting dizzy immediately after working out. Eating just a few gummy bears would make me feel better very quickly. But obviously, don't overdo it. They are pure sugar and empty calories!

I have a desk job and returned to work 15 days post-op. I was okay in terms of pain and nausea, but I was still very tired. Fatigue was my main issue for sure at that point until I was onto more solid foods and could get more calories in. I just went straight to bed as soon as I got home from work each day in the beginning. Also, it's worth noting what food stage you might be in upon returning to work, as some are easier to deal with and plan for than others. I was still only on full liquids when I first went back to work, but progressed to purees in the first couple of days I was back.

You may just need to eat more frequently because you won't be able to eat as much at one time.

Definitely drink a lot more. I also found that my blood sugar dipped really low after cardio, so I literally started eating 5-7 gummy bears after each workout and that helped!

I spend a lot on protein bars now (they aren't cheap!) and vitamins. I would say, in general, our grocery bill is about the same or a little bit higher when I factor in the protein bars. However, I spend MUCH less on eating out and buying snacks at work!

Make sure you post back and let us know how everything went!

Welcome! You have a long road ahead, but you will get a lot of great info here and, hopefully, from your surgeon. You'll get a much stronger sense about what to expect and it won't be so scary.

Costco had some AMAZING red lentil penne for a while, but it seems to have been discontinued. It was Uddo brand and I can't even find it to buy it anywhere online anymore. So disappointed, as I have not managed to find another high protein pasta substitute that I can stand. Tried chickpea... tried Barilla's protein pasta... tried my grocery store's "super pasta"... all are terrible.

I have this same issue. I don't think it's from my implants so much as my weight loss. My arm pits are very "hollow" now and it is hard to get the razor down in there and get the skin flat enough to actually shave. I am seriously considering laser hair removal.

Often over 1K a day differential when I'm on track. But I'll be honest, that's HARD. And I still lose way less than the 2 lbs a week predicted. Often when I'm not totally on track it's more like 800-900. Calorie intake ranges from about 800 to, on a really heavy eating day (say once a week or less, o the weekend) 1,300. Most of the time calories are about 1K, which is about what my fitbit adjustments say to have. Well, 1000 calorie a day differential isn't too extreme. Ideally you'd want to increase both your calorie intake and activity level and maintain an 800-1000 calorie differential each day for steady loss.

I self-pay at all an option for you? While there are no guarantees, the long term success rate of WLS is much higher than that of traditional diet and exercise alone. It sound like you could truly benefit.

@@DangerMouse007 I've never heard of a surgeon or nutritionist not at LEAST setting a protein goal. A lot won't give calorie or carb goals, but no protein goal? How are you supposed to know what to eat?

How many areas they will do at once just depends on how long you'd have to be under anesthesia and how much blood loss you might have. No surgeon in the US or abroad wants to keep you under anesthesia for more than like 6-7 hours or risk you needin a transfusion. If you go to Mexico, you aren't required to bring anyone with you and I would actually advise against doing so, because they will be bored out of their minds and you need to focus on your recovery, not worry about keeping someone entertained. If you have surgery in the US, you will need someone to drive you, as you won't be able to drive on your pain meds. There are some insurance companies that may pay part, though it's rare. You need to call your insurance company and find out if they will pay and what their requirements are. You may need to have a documented history of rashes or chafing from the loose skin, so you would want your PCP to start documenting that ASAP.

Makes me feel almost blessed to know my insurance wouldn't approve me from the start so I didn't waste all that time and money only to get denied. I really hope you can appeal and still get approved. Did they tell you why you were denied? Is it anything you can work to remedy and reapply?

@@VSGAnn2014 He passed out twice this week and still wants to try to drive? I second your exasperated "Men!"

You can!

@@Katie Loesch-Meyer I am really shocked by all these NUTS recommending so few calories so far out from surgery. 800 a day at 9 months seems insane. I don't see how that could possibly NOT wreck your metabolism long term. At least you are ea ting "extra" on the days you are active.... You said you are logging with your fitbit and my fitness pal, right? What are your daily differentials coming out to? Are you seeing more than a thousand calorie a day deficit?

Haven't seen one started yet, so I thought I'd start one for this week. I have a couple of NSVs this week: Finally got my wedding band and engagement ring resized. They were literally falling off. Now that I've been maintaining for 6 months, I figured I'd go ahead and get them sized to their FINAL size. Ran 7 miles for my half marathon training last weekend. Bought a new FitBit Blaze. It arrives today! What were your NSVs this week?

I'm at goal and have been maintaining for 6 months and I still need a lot of sleep. I try to get at least 8 hours on week nights, then "catch up" on the weekends by sleeping 12-14 hours. Ideally I'd get about 10 hours a night, but that's just not realistic.

You should have no issues taking protein powder in a carry on. I did it multiple times. Ready-to-drink shakes wouldn't be allowed though.

I went back to work 15 days post-op. I have a desk job as well. For me, the main issue at that point was fatigue. I was exhausted and just went straight to bed as soon as I got home every day for those first few days. 3 weeks would have been better.

Do you know what your body fat percentage is? That's a FAR more meaningful number than BMI or just straight weight. I am still technically "overweight" but desperate not to lose any more pounds, because I'm down to 21% body fat.

The good news is, post-op, more than two bites of McDonald's will make you feel sick, so you won't be doing that often!

I'm 18 months out and there is NO WAY I could eat two eggs AND a banana for breakfast. That's a lot! I can eat maybe one egg with a little cheese on it and half a sausage patty these days....