Hugs :)

Hi Everyone, I am very new on this journey and am still in the early steps of the process but I was very glad to find this forum to read about & share experiences with others who have shared in this journey... I just had my 1st appt. with the surgeon & attended a 2 hr. informational seminar yesterday, I am strongly leaning toward the sleeve, however, one of the concerns that was brought up was eliminating the use of Nsaids (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). I've tried to do some research online and it's sounding like it's a bigger concern with the other 2 types of gastric surgery and/or with consistent use... I take occasional prescription medication for migraines (Treximet), that contains an Nsaid component but is not fully an Nsaid. No other medications work for my migraines and I have never had any stomach problems or difficulties with it. I was wondering how other people here are dealing with use of Nsaids or how necessary it is to eliminate it altogether with the sleeve? I know the recommendation is always to consult the physician but I also wanted to know from those who are living with this. I appreciate all your thoughts and feedback. Hugs

Hi fellow sleevers - I need some help & advice... I just had my sleeve surgery on Tuesday (2 days ago), got home yesterday from hospital. Has anyone else experienced severe air bubble/gas pain at the top of the stomach with each sip? I am sipping very small drinks, as slow as I can and being cautious to keep as much air out as possible, but after each sip, I get this horrific pain that feels like a big air bubble at the top of my stomach. I get a little burp out after each sip then it usually feels better, but it happens with every sip & it's terrible while it's happening. I tried some Gas-X last night but it hasn't helped. My surgeon does a slightly different technique during the procedure than most surgeons to check for leaks (eliminating the need for a swallow test), in which she pumps air into the stomach during surgery, so I think that is what could be causing the problem, but has anyone else experienced this and when can I expect it to go away or will anything else help??? Thank you for any advice!

I just had my surgery Tuesday & just got home yesterday, so I am by no means well experienced in this and I have yet to start on pureed foods myself, but I just have to cringe at the thought of attempting taco sauce, buffalo sauce and chili so soon after surgery. You must remember that half of your stomach has just been cut away and anything spicy could just be pouring the proverbial salt on the wound. I know everyone is different but you will have just gone through a major surgery and must be gentle on your newly cut stomach. My nutritionist said no spicy or tomato based foods for at least about 2 months. We need to start slowly, with the easiest things your stomach can handle first and work your way up as your body can tolerate. My thought is that several of these items mentioned is in no way going to be easy enough on you poor delicate tummy this early out. Also, the high fat foods, cheese, mayo (except for maybe some low-fat versions), will also wreak havoc on the tummy's and is exactly what we're supposed to be staying away from. I also can't imagine having Beans this early out especially for anyone having gas issues. It's definitely not going to be easy and we're in this for the long haul, but the point of going through all of this is so that it will be worth it! (From my Nutritionist) Suggested Pureed Foods: Very thin Cream of Wheat (my NUT said oatmeal is still a little to fibrous at this point) Pureed cream soups/split pea soup (blended totally smooth, no chunks) S/F low-fat yogurt (I thin down thick Greek yogurt with a little milk) Blended cottage cheese (I will be trying this with some pureed S/F peaches) S/F Applesauce S/F pudding Baby food (if your desperate but some of the fruit ones are quite good) Work your way up to heavier mashed items like: Soft scrambled egg Mashed potatoes (avoid butter) Mashed canned chicken or tuna (can mash it with some avocado) Mashed banana Pureed soft vegetables or fruits (avoid broccoli & cauliflower 4 wk's - too gas producing) Mashed turkey meatballs or mashed moist chicken (red meat is often not tolerated well, use caution) Refried beans (don't use if you are experiencing gas pains) AVOID 6-12 weeks Spicy foods/salsa Tomato/acidic foods Rice/pasta/bread Celery Whole beans Corn Seeds & Nuts (12+ weeks) Caffeine (4+ weeks, acts as a diuretic) Gas producing vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, onions, cabbage - 4 weeks) Soda's & carbonated beverages (even S/F) should be eliminated permanently. I hope some of this helps! I wish you the best with your surgery!

Wow, fast responses, thanks! Just FYI I am NOT using straws (was already told it could introduce too much air in the stomach), I even make sure to exhale before swallowing; AND yes, I am up and moving around quite frequently. I've tried all temperatures & it doesn't seem to be a temperature issue. Please HELP!

Wow, I'm so glad to see I'm not the only one struggling with the decision to tell or not to tell. My surgery is scheduled for Sept. 15th and I'd really prefer to keep my personal decisions to myself and avoid the judgmental comments of others who know nothing of what I am enduring. That being said, I will take on the comments and questions on an individual bases. One of my biggest deciding factors in my decision for surgery was because a friend shared with me that she has WLS a few years prior, which surprised me because I didn't even know she had ever had a weight problem. When I started checking into it for myself, I was able to ask her about her experience and what to expect and it really helped me make my decision. So if I can help someone else along their journey, I want to be open to that but other than that, I'd really rather keep private. Since the beginning of the year, I've already lost just over 30 lb's, mostly from cutting out sugar and fast food and trying to change my lifestyle to be closer to what I'll be doing after surgery with the exception of the far smaller portion sizes post-op. I regularly work-out in an aqua-fitness class already and many people have already noticed and commented on the changes. I'm hoping this will help the additional weight loss after surgery be less of a big deal. When people are asking how I've done it, I am just saying I've been making a lot of lifestyle changes and I've also made the the comment, "you name it, I've about done it all" and leave it at that, which is true both before and after surgery. When I've had to request time off from work and other commitments, I've just told the necessary people that I'm having a medical procedure for personal reasons and prefer to keep it private. They typically think that it's a "female" issue and leave it alone. I've also read somewhere on another post in this group someone else had a great comment for this by saying "it's just one of those things that is necessary but no one likes to talk about". I love that & knew I'd have to remember that one. I am still wondering how to best handle comments post-op while still being honest but not broadcasting my personal life to everyone. I'd love to hear more how everyone else is handling this as well. Ultimately, I must remember that regardless of any comments, criticisms, or judgments I may get, my self-worth is not determined by what people say or think of me, but by what God knows of me. Best wishes to everyone on their journey!

September 15th! Pre-op appt already done, all that's left to do is start pre-op diet next week & show up for surgery! Little nervous, excited, apprehensive & relieved at same time! It helps a lot having so many people on the same journey to get support from! Good luck everyone!

Just had to share this!

Hello fellow Pal I am on the pre-op journey along with you, I just got scheduled for my surgery Sept 15th! I have been researching all the most budget-friendly options as well. Protein shakes & all the supplements are definitely pricey & a big consideration when you're on a small budget but I'm hoping purchasing less in groceries will help offset the cost. I found a few things for myself that may help... First off, each doctor has different guidelines and requirements, many doctors require you to purchase a specific brand protein and Vitamin supplements for pre/post op. Unfortunately, the doctors requirements are often quite expensive & must be factored into your surgery cost & as far as I know, most insurances do not cover this portion. You'll have to check with your own Dr/insurance. Early on, I checked into the "Insure" program I found on this site that offers to get your protein shakes covered by insurance & gave the info. to my Dr & nutritionist who checked into it & discovered they are largely a scam! The protein shakes they offer are "Premier Protein" anyway, widely available at costco (cheapest) & I've found them at Walmart, Winco & many other stores, depending on your area. I tried the Premier Protein shakes (30 gm protein in 11 oz), I like the chocolate one pretty well, tried the strawberry too & just didn't like it as well. This is one of the most inexpensive brands I've been able to find. The cheapest I've been able to find works out to be about $1.20-$1.50 per shake (that's for my area in Northern California). I've also tried the Syntrax nectar (personally I like having fruit flavored options better than most the other powders). I discovered something not widely advertised, the company offers a "variety sampler" of 1 packet of each of their 15 flavors for $17. I ordered this & got it, tried only 1 so far (not horrible but I tried the cherry & that just won't be my flavor), but that's when I started hearing all about how my taste-buds could change after surgery so I decided to wait to try the rest of them after surgery. 23 gm protein each. If I decide to go with the Nectars, it will be cheaper to purchase online, about $35 or more for a 2lb/30 serving canister. If you want to order the "Variety Sampler" you order directly from the company - you can take a look at their Facebook ad here: https://www.facebook.com/officialsyntrax/photos/pb.139333966120689.-2207520000.1440194636./770066349714111/?type=3&theater However, one of my favorite recent finds is LiquaCel, it's 16gm protein in only 1OZ! In fruit flavors, it's a concentrate that you can either take straight if you just can't choke down more (especially post-op), or dilute in liquid. You can get them in individual packets for $1.50 each or 32 oz bottles for $34. So far I like these the best for taste! I've tried the orange (undiluted) & the lemonade mixed in Crystal Light lemonade & I liked them both far better than the powdered protein shakes. I have the other 2 flavors too, just haven't tried them yet & I just ordered more. However, I know that after surgery taking it straight in the concentrated form may be too strong for me, but it can be diluted in less liquid than traditional protein shakes. You can find them here: http://www.procarenow.com/search.asp?keyword=LiquaCel&search=GO As far as vitamins/supplements, this has taken even more research... for me, I found ProCare Bariatric Multi-Vitamin chewable, very similar ingredient amounts to Celebrate brand, only $12 for a month supply & it includes Iron. I checked them with my Dr. & she was good with these. They are from the same company as the LiquaCel: http://www.procarenow.com/Bariatric-Complete-Chewable-MultiVitamin-Once-Per-Day--Formulated-for-Roux-en-Y-Vertical-Sleeve-Duodenal-Switch-30-Day-Supply_p_10002.html For Calcium, I am having a really hard time with the soft-chews, they all taste like chalk to me. Once I am able to swallow pills again, which my Dr. is OK with shortly after post-op, I found Puritan's Pride calcium citrate +D "miniatures". Smaller pills than the the more common huge horse pills, if they're still too much for me after surgery, they can be cut, crushed or disintegrated in applesauce. It works out to be 200 mg per tab, so I'll need 3 tab 2x day to get 1200 but I can handle tablets better than chews. 3 bottles $17.50 6 for $35 (6 mo. supply). Available here: http://www.puritan.com/calcium-citrate-337/calcium-citrate-vitamin-d3-miniatures-033195 I'm also going to be adding Biotin gel tabs from Costco post-op, hoping to prevent hair loss & the Dr. will let me know if anything else needs to be added after blood work is done post op. These have been all my best finds so far. Hopefully some of these can help. This is definitely no easy journey and affects every aspect your life, including financially, but I'm trusting it will all be worth it & at least I'll have a life! My mother & grandmother both passed away in their early 50's & both morbidly obese when they died -- I am planning on breaking that cycle! It is such a big help to get support from all the others who are going through the same thing or have been there! Just imagine how much better life will be at this time next year! All the best on your journey! Warm Hugs, Kristina

Hi Bariatric Pals - Can any of you recommend some budget friendly Protein shake brands that taste good but will give me the best bang for my buck? I've tried and like the Premier Protein shakes (available at costco & some Walmart's), but I am wondering if anyone has been able to find a good tasting Protein Shake or powder mix that is a little more cost effective? I need to be able to afford it but I also need to be able to choke it down, I haven't been liking most of the powdered mixes I've been trying. I appreciate your suggestions and sharing what has been your favorite protein shakes for the best prices??? Many Thanks & Warm Hugs!

Hi again - I just wanted to add the info. I was emailed by the doctor regarding the Insure program for anyone interested... "I have checked with some insurance experts and have confirmed that InsureNation is a total scam and practicing illegally. InsureNation is a call center with a licensed compound pharmacy behind it. 1. they bill the insurance for a ridiculously expensive cream 2. they give false billing codes to try to get the Protein covered. They are using a code designed for enteral nutrition (tube feeding). 3. They do not balance bill the patient, which is fraudulent. The company makes the physician complicit by sending a fax prescription to the physicians office. They are counting on the busy physician just signing it since it appears benign. I strongly recommend avoiding contact with this company." He also included a link to another forum with more info. on this scam... http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/topic/93997-i-received-my-free-protein-vitamins-and-scar-cream-today/ What a bummer!!! Also, has anyone tried the Syntrax nectar Protein powder? How's the taste & where are you finding it to purchase? Thanks Pals!!!

Thank you all for the recommendations! @@CanyonBaby, @@BLERDgirl and anyone else using unflavored Protein powder, does the unflavored still have that powdered protein taste in whatever you add it to? That has been my problem with the powdered shake mixes is the odd powdery/protein flavor. Very curious. Please keep the comments & suggestions coming!

Hi everyone - I am strongly considering the bariatric sleeve surgery & have done my initial intro seminar & surgeon appt. and continue researching everything, however, I am feeling really overwhelmed and uncertain about all the food changes, mostly about never having bread or carbs again. I know I need to do this and I want to make these changes, but I am struggling with figuring out how to completely eliminate carbs & all sugars??? It also means changing how my husband eats and I'm not sure that he is totally on board yet with all the drastic changes that will affect both of us. He wants me healthy and I want me healthy but I'm just feeling uncertain that I can make all these drastic changes forever more. Like what about vacations, holidays, multiple church potlucks & eating out? I try to eat relatively healthy but obviously there is a reason I need this surgery & I don't know how to totally make over/eliminate all the many recipes my family is used to that contain pasta, rice, bread, etc., etc., etc. Can anyone relate and how do you make all these changes necessary before you even get to the surgery, then forever after??? And where do you find bariatric friendly recipes? Also, how did your family adjust to the changes? (I appreciate your comments, but please not haters or negative comments, this decision is hard enough as it is, thanks!) Hugs