Daisee68

@@ginner1966 - I know this is an old post so maybe you don't need this anymore but here is the link https://cignaforhcp.cigna.com/public/content/pdf/coveragePolicies/medical/mm_0051_coveragepositioncriteria_bariatric_surgery.pdf

Congrats and thank you for posting this (and all your great advice). I especially like what you said about not being a "diet". I am still only 3 Months post-op but have been wondering what my life might look like long term and if I was getting hung up on calorie intake, etc. Obviously being so new still, I will continue to log food but I love the idea if knowing that it might not be forever if I get my head on straight. Funny enough my therapist said this to me yesterday (about not having to track forever) and I thought she might be crazy but your post/perspective has certainly encouraged me!! Keep up the great work and best wishes on the homefront!! Hope it sells quickly!

I have to set a timer on my phone for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes and only take another bite when the timer goes off.

How exciting! Congrats!

Yes, tylenol should be fine. just no Excedrin which contains asprin (or Advil or Aleve). Are you still able to have caffeine? I did and a very little of it with the Tylenol seemed to helped the headache. It will get easier soon! Today and tomorrow are the worst days!

I don't but just wanted to say congrats and good luck! Fingers crossed it comes back approved quickly!

Well logging/tracking your food is extremely important for several reasons. Firstly you need to know how much protein you are getting each day to make sure you are meeting your protein goals. Secondly, she. You hit a stall (and trust me you will), you will want to go over those food logs with your NUT to see if you can determine what to adjust, if anything. It is a very quick process to use an online food tracker.

I use Precision Engineering Whey Protein Isolate the chocolate one and the Vanilla one. They are both good. I love even the smell of the Vanilla! For unflavored I use Doc Hale's Whey-licious. I haven't experimented much with the other flavors. instead I just add flavors to these to get what I want. Eggface website has a lot of recipes - http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2007/06/my-favorite-protein-shake-recipes.html Remember your tastes may change after surgery so try not to buy huge batches now if you can help it and try samples whenever you can to see what you think before spending the money on larger portions.

​Wow! You are stunning! Looks like an incredible experience!

@DangerMouse007 Welcome! I was not on insulin prior to surgery but I think it can take a little longer to adjust if you were using insulin. It is also a little early yet, so remember if you endo does an A1C, it may still be high because you will have so old sugars still in that 3 month average. I would ask your endo about running cholesterol too. My surgeon didn't do labs until 3 months and someone else I know that had bypass has a surgeon that doesn't believe in labs until 6 months. Your endo will likely run your usual tests, but don't hesitate to ask him to run other things. And hang in there and keep working the program. Your sugars will eventually come down as the weight comes off I am sure!

@@meSparkle83 - Depending on which stage you are in, here is a link to some recipes - http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2007/06/my-favorite-protein-shake-recipes.html. Which ones did you purchase? The Premier Protein ready made shakes are good. For protein powders, I use Precision Engineering whey Protein Isolate (be sure it says Isolate) and for unflavored I used Doc Hale's Whey-licious. You may have to experiment with different kinds but I was pretty lucky to find this early in my search. I hated Isopure and nectar Syntrax though both of those are popular choices with others. Hope that helps!

@@dlw3412 - So sorry! I feel your pain! How long are you to be on Phase 2? They weren't very specific with me, so I started pureeds today (EGD was also 9/3). It just says "as tolerated". Not sure when I can move on to the next step. Guess I will just wing it! Good luck! Take it slow. Bites will come soon enough for us both!

​So sorry this happened to you but so glad you are healing! And it sounds like you have a wonderful positive attitude. You go this !!

I am so very sorry for your loss! He would be so proud of you and your sister for taking charge of your lives this way! Congrats on such an amazing decision! I am sure you will both do great! Keep us posted!

Every dr seems to call their phases something different. Can you be more specific - are you asking about pureed foods, soft foods, real foods? Which one?

I had my thyroid ablated with radiation in 2012 due to Graves Disease so I am also completely dependent upon Synthroid - like you I am now consider post-surgical (or post-RAI) hypothyroid. My endo did tell me prior to surgery that I would likely have an absorption issue. I have never seemed to be able to keep mine stable - even though I only take brand name, take it on an empty stomach, wait over an hour to eat, etc. Mine fluctuates a lot so I keep an eye on the symptoms. My endo will only check it every 8 to 10 weeks as he says it takes that long to really catch up. Would certainly be worth a call for a lab test for you! Good luck!

Yep. I did it but I started with just buying a couple sizes smaller (only a few pairs of pants) and then completely blew through one size before I went back to work and really had a chance to wear it. Now I am buying smaller fall clothes but buying 14/16 in sweaters which I feel will fit for quite some time since those will take a while to look too big. (I was previously wearing 22/24 tops. The 14/16 are a bit too small but will be fine soon.) By the way, if you haven't heard of poshmark.com, you have to look it up. Sort of like ebay but just women's clothes and accessories. Careful, it is addictive! I have enjoyed finding smaller versions of clothing I previously loved (silly I know) and then have started my own "closet" and selling some of my less worn larger sizes (including some with tags still on). Works for me because I know which size I wear at Lane Bryant, but if/when I have to shop other brands, not sure how successful I will be at finding stuff. It can be a little overwhelming! Anyway, I recommend checking it out to buy cheaper clothing for your transition.

​Thanks for sharing another wonderful sounding recipe! Keep it up! You need to start a blog!

Ok, my dr does not believe me when I say this, but I get bad Charlie horses when my thyroid is off. Did you happen to be hypothyroid before surgery? If so, you might need a med adjustment. My Synthroid is not absorbing correctly so my TSH went from .48 pre-op (a little too low) to 4.27 (too high for me) at 2 1/2 months post-op. Other than that, I second the pickle juice. REALLY helps.

For future reference, Excedrin has aspirin in it so it is a no no (though I confess I too took one once out of desperation). I too have struggled win this. Tylenol and a little caffeinated drink (not carbonated) might help. Let us know if your Dr has any better suggestions.

Thanks @toasty. Good perspective. You are probably.right at least in my case.

Wow! I'm jealous. I was on clear liquids for 24 hours then full liquids for a few days and then I can go to pureeds and eventually solid foods again. (My second dilation was yesterday morning.). Hope you continue to feel better and better!

Have you tried the Orange Crush water enhancer? It is SO good. And I can't say I have ever drank Orange Crush before but I like it much better than Crystal Light. I use the powder one (in a stick) and I only use 1/2 the packet for a 16.9oz bottle. Also I sometimes mix it with vanilla protein powder and water and it makes a great protein shake!

My Dr in Dallas is supposed to be offering it very soon. She was quite excited about the approval. Look forward to hearing about your experience

Start with logging. Just "thinking" you eat right could be an issue and using a food log will help you identify where you might need to change and/or give you something to provide to your NUT for help.