Everything posted by BLERDgirl
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Reductions before op
Also possible blood thinners.
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Facial Creams
Creams don't work. It's a matter of genetics. You can help minimize appearances by staying hydrated inside and out, but I wouldn't waste money of fancy expensive creams that promise miracles. FYI - You posted a PDF that requires downloading to view. You might want to upload the picture to your media to make it more easily view-able. ETA: I stand corrected. Many have success with with retinols. The recommendation to see a dermatologist or licensed esthetician is a good one.
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Wasting food mental issue
I was raised to clean your plate. Once the allergies kicked in as an adult I did change a bit. Early on post-op I learned that taking that last 1 or 2 bites was often not worth it. I am frugal and on a fixed income, but I just learned that I sometimes have to let things go. I am pretty good about making smaller portions and I am pretty crafty with leftovers. I rarely have to throw food out, but yeah, basically I had to give up the clean your plate mentality. I think this is an issue for many of us, however once it gets to unhealthy proportions such as keeping food past the expiration date it may border on a addiction. If this starts to feel unmanageable you may want to seek counseling.
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Too big to fly?
You can get them from travel stores. Here's one and I've also seen them on Amazon. I should mention the extender will not work on all airlines. I know a few people who have 2 and switch up depending on what plane you are riding on. Honestly I found it easier to just ask the flight attendant. Most of them are very nice and discreet about passing it to you.
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Too big to fly?
Seriously check out that Facebook group Flying While Fat. They are super supportive and give really good tips
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LIQUID Diet
In the mean time call you doctor or nutritionist. I don't know what stores are nearby but I would try buying some protein drinks like the special k protein waters. None of this does you any good if you can't keep it down. It's also better to find this out now rather than post op. So call the nutritionist.
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LIQUID Diet
Try the protein drinks. Isopure no carb is the one I use. It's more on the Gatorade side. Some ppl don't like the smell so try putting it in a cup with a lid. Again, dilute it if you have to. You're going to have to lay around and find what works for you.
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Trapped Gas!
Agreed, you need to move to get the gas out. I would also try raising and lowering arms as if you are lifting dumbbells. The Gas X likely won't work because the gas isn't in your tummy.
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LIQUID Diet
I didn't have a pre-op diet but it's not uncommon to experience difficulties with the milk-y shakes. Until your unflavored powder arrives, perhaps try watering them down so they aren't as thick. It may take longer to drink them, but hopefully it will help you keep them down.
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Compression Active Wear
I have both yoga pant and tops. I've bought them from a variety of places. Eastbay & Under Armour sell both men and women's clothing.
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So - Plexus Slim?
I did a google and found this. Besides the somewhat unprovable claims it just seems like a science project of junk you don't need. You could probably get a similar effect drinking some herbal tea with stevia instead.
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Driving myself to the hospital...bad idea?
Yeah it's fine. I had a friend drop me off and just had the hospital call when I was out of surgery. I didn't need anyone sitting with me and I didn't want them stuck sitting in a waiting room.
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3 months hair loss
Why it happens. You pretty much just need to ride it out. My dermatologist says Biotin doesn't really help hair regrowth, but it does help skin and nails. This may help.
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What's your rule of thumb with nutritional facts?
I use MFP. It does have the feature where you can add or create recipes and save them. I start my day with completing it for the day, In the evening I adjust it for what I actually ate and add in my exercise. It give me a good way to not only monitor my protein, but also watch my macro nutrients.
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Protein drink without "Whey"
Do a search on the forums for vegen alternatives. There are loads of them from soy isolates to pea, hemp, brown rice, etc.... Here's a recent thread.
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Anyone skipped anti-DVT injections?
I had to have an ultrasound of my legs to check the circulation. They saw no evidence of DVT or poor circulation, so the IVC filter was just precaution. I also walked in recovery and was pretty mobile post-op so I didn't get those compression boots they put on pts in the hospital.
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Who and when
I received a handbook on my first appt with the surgeon outlining the entire process start to finish. We had to attend the seminar before we could get a date with the surgeon. I don't actually know exactly when they requested pre-certification from my insurance company. I received the letter in August and my date was set for September. I still had to complete my sleep study, and nutrition class.
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What's your rule of thumb with nutritional facts?
Pretty much what @InnerSurferGirl said. I aim for 100gms of Protein a day. I buy foods with minimal ingredients, and as few artificial or man made ingredients as possible. If I can buy organic, non-gmo I do so. I do't eat a lot of bread, white rice or crackers. I do eat brown & black rice occasionally as well as whole grains.
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Plan B
It's best to get that info from the surgeon since the requirements can vary program to program.
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Protein Shakes - Do I have to?
I would recommend buying from GNC,Vitamin Shoppe or a similar online retailer. If you don't like something you can return the unused portion for your money back I used ProSource no carb because that's what was given in the hospital. It's very thick and sweet, but I would add it to herbal tea to thin it out. I used Isopure unflavored. Check the Vtamin stores, there are several brands out there. It's a matter of taste really. I use the Isopure drinks but I only drink the tea and coconut flavors. I dilute them with water. I also use the unflavored powder and add it to Soup. Word of warning, unflavored means no flavoring added, not tasteless. There will be a slight flavor to even the unflavored powders but I find that using herbs and spices helps cover that.
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Silicone Scar Sheets -How Long?
I used Scarfade gel for my VSG incisions and also some pretty significant scarring I had from facial shingles. IIRC any treatment decreases effectiveness after 6mths and is completely ineffective after a year because it's completely new skin by that point.
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Getting cold feet
@@Cutepretty1 - I think it was a combination of the things I did, my positive attitude and most importantly my doctor's skill and technique. I was already worked out regularly before surgery. Particularly core strengthening exercises. When I woke my abs were sore, but not painful. I didn't need pain meds and I could get in and out of bed unassisted. My surgeon uses water, not air to check for leaks so no gas pains.He does the procedure laporascopically via robot, so there was minimal cutting. I worked in hospitals for many years as a Child Life Specialist. It was my job to explain medical procedures to pts. so I was familiar with pretty much everything going on. I had no fear, no tension. I also have a pretty high pain threshold. So minimal pain, lack of nerves. I was up and walking, sipping easily. The worse thing to happen to me was I had to have a PICC line instead of an IV and I got a rash from the tape.
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Pain in chest
It most likely is. Are you taking a PPI?
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Protein Shakes - Do I have to?
Try the clear drinks. The milky shakes can sometimes cause problems for folks. Also try getting some unflavored Protein powder and adding that to broth, clear Soup or herbal tea. When adding to a warm liquid it's best to dissolve the powder into a small amount of warm, not hot Water and then add that to whatever liquid you are having. It's also best not to add the powder over direct heat. Common protein requirements at 60 -100gms per day. Call your nutritionist and ask what your protein goal should be.
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CHOKING ON A HAIRBALL?
That's acid. Unlike heartburn the acid build up that comes with this surgery can feel exactly like you are describing. Call your doctor and get a PPI. Prilosec is not a reactive drug. You can take it whenever you have an acid attack. It needs to be in your system which is why taking the prescribe dosage daily is important. Typically it take 3 -5 days to effectively make a difference.