BLERDgirl

@@Kindle -sending happy healing thoughts to both you and Abraham.

I didn't postpone but I would suggest asking the doctor how long you can safely postpone for. They will be able to give you the best answer. I can answer the other questions. My out of pocket expense was $400 plus copays. (I can't recall if that included the $200 for the nutrition class or not). I had 3 appts with the bariatric team, 2 visits with the sleep center for my sleep study, an upper GI, chest xray, Pulmonary functions test, ultrasound of my legs and an appointment with the vascular surgeon because I had an IVC filter put in prior to surgery. I paid copays for the bariatric appts, 2 sleep center appts., & the vascualr surgery appt. I bought my supplements and Vitamins from the drug store and not my surgeons office so they weren't extremely pricey. I will say this. If you can, join a gym or start some form of regular exercise. I literally had no problems with surgery at all. I was walking in recovery, never needed pain meds & had no issues with gas ever. I think the fact that I had been exercising regularly may have helped. Either way, it couldn't hurt.

I agree. Proteins are what will help keep you full. Here's my handy plant based Protein chart.

@@catherinecaddle - Have you met with a bariatric sugeon yet? My PCP wasn't even involved in my insurance request. My bariatric doctor submitted the request. He was able to write the letter of medical necessity. My Primary only found out when the insurance company CC'd her a copy of the authorization.

You didn't. FYI - don't ever allow an employer to make you feel that you have to devulge personal information such as this. It's illegal. You didn't need to tell her anything other than you had a personal issue that requires time off and you are making her aware 3 weeks in advance. She can ask, but all you have to say is it's a personal issue.

Would they still write you the letter if you called them? It might be worth paying out of pocket for an office visit if getting that letter is indeed necessary. Just check the employee handbook and see if they legitimately can require it from you. I would also start communicating everything in writing and keeping a copy of it If things get really messy you want a paper trail.

This is my best advice to people having trouble eating. Super slow. Take one teeny bite. If you are using regular sized utensils, you don't want more that ¼ of the spoon filled with food. Chew, chew chew until the food dissolves in your mouth. Then wait 2 minutes. 2 full minutes. Then if all is well take another bite, and repeat. It will take forever, but as long as the food is moist and soft enough it should be okay.

@@Joann Valdez - Did you lose 100 lbs since pre-op or since surgery. Either was I would think that's a good weight loss. As for the hair thinning discussion. So far my hair is still okay but my finger nails are a hot mess.

@@samuelsmom - I never had a clear liquid stage pre or post op. My practice has a manual. It's not online, but they have one. I am one of those exceptions being a vegetarian and having allergies. Many people come here and vent, when they need to go back to their nutritionist and say, "This isn't working for me." The answer may be "suck it up" or it may be "try almond/soy/rice/hemp milk, try soy Protein powder." It may even be a third option I haven't thought of. Regardless unless you go back or call your nutritionist you won't know.

You can try getting your fluids and Protein in one go. If you are dehydrated or malnourished you are going to feel bad. Protein drinks really are trial and error. This is why it's helpful to work with your nutritionist. Sometimes the big name ones aren't going to be your cup of tea. My NUT gave me a list of acceptable drinks but also gave me basic guidelines of at least 15 gms of protein per serving and no more than 6 gms of sugar and just try to keep carbs low. Armed with that info I went around and tried various powders, pre-made drinks and liquid Proteins. Initially I used CVS brand whey Protein powder and Prosource no-carb Liquid Protein. Then I started using Isopure unflavored whey. With the CVS brand I mixed it with almond milk, FAGE 0% greek yogurt then added a ton of ice and a little bit of Water. It would take hours to slooooowly sip but I kept adding ice keep it cold and as long as I went snails pace slow I had no problem keeping things down. The Prosource no carb was good for mixing with herbal tea. Isopure mixes well with everything. Yogurt, juice, hot Soup, tea or coffee. When I started eating I found I had to go super slow. I would put a super small bite on the very tip of the spoon. Chew that until it dissolved, wait 2 minutes before I took another bite. My first egg took an hour to eat, but I kept it down. In between I walked. At 2 weeks post op. I was cleared to drive. At 3 weeks I resumed aqua fit class.

What does you employee handbook state? It's times like these you need to reference that and follow it to the letter. If they give you flack then you can file a grievance. They usually back down when you have your ducks all lined in a row. Also you didn't need to tell her what it was. It's none of her business.

I didn't have any issues with gas. I did begin to have a slight issue with acid around 6 weeks but my doctor increased my omeprazole to 40mgs & that seems to have resolved things

Congratulations on the positive attitudes and teamwork! Sounds like things are going great!

Congrats! I can't even remember the last time I was in onederland. Can't wait to get back there

@@BHoenig - I always ask what guidelines they have been given by their nutritionist. No one is judging but some questioning is required if we are to offer advice. One of the main things I suggest to anyone having difficulty meeting their Protein goals or feeling frustrated is if they have discussed this with their medical team. Especially since many come here to vent but don't go back to their team and try to work out a more livable solution.

@@Peace Love & Sleeve - Are you supposed to be eating that at 10 days out? I was on liquids for 2 weeks before things like cream of wheat were allowed. You tummy is still healing. It may not be ready to handle that. What did your nutritionist recommend? Did they give you a list of foods to eat?

The he just needs to inform them that he needs some time off for personal reasons. They aren't paying for the time off so all they need to know is he won't be available to work those days.

I started at 20 mgs and didn't really need it until I started adding regular food back in. Then I found that 20 mgs wasn't cutting it. I started taking them 2 x's a day and would also use tums chewables. When I talked to the doctor he increased it to 40mgs. That seems to be working. My doctor does a 90 day course post op. When he increased it to 40mgs we decided to do another 90 day course.

When you learn how to eat super slow it gets easier. I also found that once I started back working out & resuming normal activities I felt better. For a while I didn't have much of an appetite, but u could eat enough to get in my protein & water.

Bob's red mill makes a plain soy isolate. You can use that to get in your protein. No sugar or other additives. Just protein. It will mix with soups or broth. You also should call & discuss this with your nutritionist. I had to make adjustments because I am a vegetarian with multiple food allergies. Speaking with my nutritionist helped me develop a plan that worked.

Not everyone has co-mores. I had a nearly 70% BMI and no co-mores - I was an active fat gal. I exercised regularly and ate pretty good. As for surgery, that's a personal decision. You have to decide how your weight effects your quality of life.

FMLA is the Family & Medical Leave Act - just say you're having a procedure done

Also walk as much as possible. The more active you are, the better you feel

Call your doctor. I prefer prescription strength omeprazole 40mgs

@@Peace Love & Sleeve - It's a little early to eat eggs. As for the protein shakes, I found most of them far too sickly sweet. Initially I would water them down and load them up with ice. It took much longer to drink them, but I could at least tolerate them. Finally I found unflavored protein powder by Isopure. I can mix that with yogurt or even soups/broth.