LousPeachy

It's a bit expensive but if you have the money, get a Vitamix! I love mine and it will do most anything. I use mine for Soups and smoothies/shakes. Not a lump to be found. I think it would be great for post-op.
BTW, it has a 7 year warrantee. You could spend that much on replacing cheaper machines over that period of time. It does more than blend so you could use it through ALL the post-op stages and when you are on "normal" food.

Has anyone who has had surgery or is Pre-Op dealt with Medicare and AARP Supplimental Insurance? I have the one that covers the excess that Medicare doesn't as long as Medicare covers part of it.
I know the Doctor will discuss it when we meet after the Seminar but I am just curious to know.
Thanks,
Louise

I am so glad you were able to update us! And it is great to hear you are not in a lot of pain! This is a second birthday for you! I bet your hospital stay will be a short one..
God bless you,
Louise

Does anyone have a RECENT list of who is still sending out saaamples?

I worked retail for 26 years. I can't figure WHY they put PLUS Sizes on the second or third floor! Yeah, we all probably need the exercise. What we DON'T need to be so out of breath and sweaty that we can't try on clothes even if we wanted too.
I came to the conclusion that a bunch of stuffy male executives wearing $1000 suits came up with that one. :-(

Newbie here. I posted an introduction in another forum but I want to say hi here.
I am 67 and have just registered for a Weight Loss Seminar on May 22. I changed PC doctors and upon seeing that I weighed in at 385 pounds, she suggested I look into weight loss surgery. After much research, that is just what I am doing. My old PC physician just watched me get fatter and fatter and fatter and all he ever suggested for over 5 years was eat less and exercise.
I should have done this many years ago. When I retired at 64 (health problems), I weighed around 300 pounds. Here I am, 3 years later, 85 pounds heavier, nearly "chair bound" due to excess weight.
I have Medicare and AARP Supplemental Insurance that pays whatever Medicare doesn't for Medicare approved things. Hopefully it will be most everything. Has any other Senior dealt with this combination of insurance?
I am a bit scared but more excited to get all this started. My husband is as excited as I am. We hope to be able to enjoy our Senior years very soon!
God bless,
Louiseppp

I noticed most of the FREE samples listed on other topics are from years ago and the freebies they offered then are no longer avalible. I am scouring the Internet looking for free samples I have a couple that are really 100% free and many that you pay for but you can get individual servings and not be stuck with tons of stuff you don't like.
I will post totally free, if I find any, as well as those that are available for a nominal cost if there is any interest in my doing this. Reply if you would like me to do this.
MY BLOG-LOSING IT AT 67
http://losingitat67.wordpress.com
I have started posting a inspirational quote/picture every day.

Does anyone have a RECENT list of who is still sending out saaamples?

By the time I got home from the ER, the pain was gone. Since the stone was almost to the kidney, I am hoping it passed on its own (that's what the paperwork they gave me said, no more pain means the stone passed). But I am still going to see the Urologist on July 7. I have a call out to my liver doctor too since they saw a couple of things that need to be checked out. I also have to wait for the Culture and Sensivity to come back about my UTI later this week. Both doctors will want to see the CT Scan itself so I will have to call the hospital this week and get them. Also, I know the WLS doctor will want to see the CT Scan too and read the reports.
Thanks for caring everyone.
Louise

Well, my WLS may have to be put on hold for a while. I had to go to the ER last night, actually in the middle of the night.
Late yesterday afternoon, I got back pain on the left side and became nauseated. I trip to the ER confirmed what I suspected, a UTI and trying to pass a kidney stone. This is the third time I have had stones and the first two times required surgery. This time I may be able to pass it since it is the ureter right where it enters into the bladder (or it will get stuck there). Four different meds and drink drink drink, even more than before (if that is possible) LOLOL. The CT Scan uncovered a couple other things that need to be checked out before WLS but since I am only on appointment #2 of 4 NUT visits, hopefully everything will work out OK so I will keep my July 8 appointment with the surgeon to see if he will even do the surgery (liver problems).
Life is never easy is it!
Louise

Well, my WLS may have to be put on hold for a while. I had to go to the ER last night, actually in the middle of the night.
Late yesterday afternoon, I got back pain on the left side and became nauseated. I trip to the ER confirmed what I suspected, a UTI and trying to pass a kidney stone. This is the third time I have had stones and the first two times required surgery. This time I may be able to pass it since it is the ureter right where it enters into the bladder (or it will get stuck there). Four different meds and drink drink drink, even more than before (if that is possible) LOLOL. The CT Scan uncovered a couple other things that need to be checked out before WLS but since I am only on appointment #2 of 4 NUT visits, hopefully everything will work out OK so I will keep my July 8 appointment with the surgeon to see if he will even do the surgery (liver problems).
Life is never easy is it!
Louise

Well, just about two months to the day since my seminar and a brief visit with the surgeon, the right medical records were sent by the right person to the right person. In other words, after much effort by my husband and I, the surgeon has what he needs to make a decision about whether or not he will do WLS on me! But, of course, the first I can get in to see him is July 8. But, after already waiting for two months, I guess that is not bad. At least I will know if I will have surgery or not.
I haven't posted in a while. I decided to "forget" about surgery till I know if it is a go or not. I haven't lost any more weight but have maintained what I HAVE lost. I just can't seem to get going again. This has been going on for a week. I have NO idea what to do. And what if I can't have surgery? How will I ever get all this weight off.....I am afraid discouragement is reigning supreme in my heart and mind right now.
Louise

I am so very sorry. And don't EVEN get me going on the so called Affordable Care Act.
I am in Texas. Medicare pays for surgery and my AARP supplemental insurance picks up the rest as long as Medicare covers some of it. I think it is beyond stupid not to cover surgery if it is medically necessary. I will be praying things can be worked out for you.
BTW, is that dollar amount you mentioned what you pay through the ACA? If so, all I can say is Yikes!

Well, just about two months to the day since my seminar and a brief visit with the surgeon, the right medical records were sent by the right person to the right person. In other words, after much effort by my husband and I, the surgeon has what he needs to make a decision about whether or not he will do WLS on me! But, of course, the first I can get in to see him is July 8. But, after already waiting for two months, I guess that is not bad. At least I will know if I will have surgery or not.
I haven't posted in a while. I decided to "forget" about surgery till I know if it is a go or not. I haven't lost any more weight but have maintained what I HAVE lost. I just can't seem to get going again. This has been going on for a week. I have NO idea what to do. And what if I can't have surgery? How will I ever get all this weight off.....I am afraid discouragement is reigning supreme in my heart and mind right now.
Louise

YUCK!!! I feel so horrible! I had forgotten how miserable I felt when I kept eating after I was no longer hungry.....
A new Chick-Fil-A just opened this week right down the street from me. On the way home from the doctor, I decided to stop and get one of their Cobb Salads. Home I came with my salad. After eating much smaller meals the last 5 weeks, I was so enjoying my salad. Then, about 1/8 of the salad eaten, I pushed away the bowl and told my husband I was FULL. All was well in my tummy. THEN I kept looking at the rest of the salad and started eating "just one more bite".
I was FULL after 1/8 of the salad. I mean my PHYSICAL HUNGER WAS GONE but for some totally assinine reason, i ended up eating the WHOLE THING, plus a big glass of their Heavenly diet lemonade. Now I am stuffed to the gills and feel physically ill. Oh my goodness, I had FORGOTTEN how utterly terrible I felt when I pigged out!
One good thing, I doubt if I will EVER do that again. My wonderful Cobb Salad has given me an upset tummy. Too much of a good thing. I FEEL SO STUPID. Next time I will order a SIDE salad.
Why do we revert back to old habits so easily?!?! I ended up NOT really enjoying my wonderful treat. It's like waking up with a hangover. We say NEVER AGAIN. This time I think I really have learned my lesson.
NEVER AGAIN.....

@italianlady13: We are all different. Some people have craving foods that they can eat moderately. Personally, I have never known an obese person that can. Most of my downfall in the past is the belief that I can "have just a little." Next thing I know, I am eating them regularly, and have gained another 20 lbs. It is like alcohol for me (never been an alcoholic, but, believe me, I can relate!) It is about willpower (I hate that word! Many skinny friends say "Oh just use your willpower and eat less, exercise more!) I knew when I embarked on this journey that there are many foods that I can't have ever again, and I mourn the loss. If I label them "addicted to," then I have to walk away, especially when they have no nutritional value. But, again, let me emphasize, that everyone is different. For me, It is a slippery slope. I CAN'T rely on willpower when it comes to food. If I could, then I wouldn't have needed WLS.

I had guac and salsa in my puree stage. I eat them often now to spice up food. I would advise to stay away from the junk though. Yes "a little" won't hurt. But then you say you are addicted to them. You are not going to eat a little.
Sort out your food addictions so you don't harm yourself like some on here have.

Why would you eat dorritos and cheetos they do not have any Protein that is what you need the most don't go back to old eating habits. People think just because you can only eat a little it is ok. You need to change your mindset about food or you want to be successful
Sent from my SPH-D700 using VST

Thanks so VERY much for sharing all your experiences. It's comforting to know I am not alone in all this!
Nothing personal or offense intended towards ALL the young skinny pretty girls that work in doctor's offices. Not all of them operate this way. But I must admit I would rather walk into a office and see a bunch of hobbling old prunes like myself (that do the job they were hired to do) behind the desk than these young bumbling inefficient space cadets.

My "stress/emotional eating day" has cost me 1.4 pounds. That one day caused a weight gain of 1.4 pounds.
Do I feel better now two days after my binge? Not no but hell no!!! Will it be able to resist the urge to do it again? I truly don't know the answer to that Million Dollar Question. Do I regret eating a zillion calories and not even enjoying them?? A resounding YES. Hopefully I have learned a lesson and won't forget it.
It ain't easy...

I have stayed on a healthy eating plan and lost over 40 pounds. I felt SO good about everything. Then the stress got to me 3 days ago and everything went the totally downhill from there.
My husband and I got into a few rip roaring arguments. My 2 old dogs with bad tempers kept battling for alpha status and the younger ones kept getting caught in the middle, barking and growling with a few nips here and there. My PCP changed my antidepressent and it costs 10 times more than my old one. She won't switch me back and told me to see a psychologist for other options.
The WLS STILL hasn't reviewed my records from my liver doctor so I will know if I can have surgery despite the fact he has had them since last Friday. I suspect he was never given them by his office staff (call back today between 5-6). Why do I think I STILL won't know anything when I call.
And the worse, stupidity reigned just a bit ago and I ate a big hamburger with cheese PLUS I have been grazing on a huge bowl of popcorn all day. I am totally disgusted with myself. AND, to top it off, I didn't even enjoy the burger or the popcorn. I actually ENJOY the healthy foods I have been eating. What I pigged out one today tasted horrible to me. I would have enjoyed a Protein Shake more!
Thanks for letting me vent. Nobody can work all this out but me, myself and I. But thanks for listening.

I have stayed on a healthy eating plan and lost over 40 pounds. I felt SO good about everything. Then the stress got to me 3 days ago and everything went the totally downhill from there.
My husband and I got into a few rip roaring arguments. My 2 old dogs with bad tempers kept battling for alpha status and the younger ones kept getting caught in the middle, barking and growling with a few nips here and there. My PCP changed my antidepressent and it costs 10 times more than my old one. She won't switch me back and told me to see a psychologist for other options.
The WLS STILL hasn't reviewed my records from my liver doctor so I will know if I can have surgery despite the fact he has had them since last Friday. I suspect he was never given them by his office staff (call back today between 5-6). Why do I think I STILL won't know anything when I call.
And the worse, stupidity reigned just a bit ago and I ate a big hamburger with cheese PLUS I have been grazing on a huge bowl of popcorn all day. I am totally disgusted with myself. AND, to top it off, I didn't even enjoy the burger or the popcorn. I actually ENJOY the healthy foods I have been eating. What I pigged out one today tasted horrible to me. I would have enjoyed a Protein Shake more!
Thanks for letting me vent. Nobody can work all this out but me, myself and I. But thanks for listening.

Hello BariBrothers, BariSisters, BariFamilies, and general lovers of healthy, good food. My name is Smye and I live on a small farm in the Pacific Northwest.
During both pre and post op appointments with my nutritionist, I was horrified by the suggested things I could eat once I was back to 'regular foods.' The suggestions I was given were flavorless, full of preservatives & junk, and/or otherwise reminiscent of the american 'instafoods' that are, in my opinion, a huge part of the original problems. That said, I wanted to share some of the real, whole foods I've been enjoying lately without hurting my sleeve or deviating from the dietary guidelines provided to me by my NUT. I'm down 86 lb since I started this journey on Jan 22, 2015, and loving every meal as much as, or more than, pre-op.

I've spent the last 7 years accommodating good food to meet my partner's corn, dairy, and gluten allergies without losing any of the flavor or texture with 80% of all ingredients sourced from my own small farm, so it wasn't too big of a jump to make these recipes low carb, high Protein and delicious.

Over the next few weeks I'll be posting recipes like:

Bariatric BibimBop
Pho
Pastrami Sandwich
Madras curry with fried tofu
chicken tenders with sauce
Sushi - Philadelphia rolls in particular
Personal Pizzas
Smoked cherry-glazed chicken
Barbeque-smoked chicken
Ham and cheese omlette
Pickled duck eggs
Quiche
Ham, egg & cheese sandwiches
Bari-bread
Guacamole Cheeseburgers
And many more

There's no need for food to be tasteless, uninteresting, or questionable in it's contents. If there's something you'd like to see that's not here, please PM me and I'll do my best - I also make sure to try everything myself and feed it to my executive chef neighbor before I post it to ensure it's excellent!

I have stayed on a healthy eating plan and lost over 40 pounds. I felt SO good about everything. Then the stress got to me 3 days ago and everything went the totally downhill from there.
My husband and I got into a few rip roaring arguments. My 2 old dogs with bad tempers kept battling for alpha status and the younger ones kept getting caught in the middle, barking and growling with a few nips here and there. My PCP changed my antidepressent and it costs 10 times more than my old one. She won't switch me back and told me to see a psychologist for other options.
The WLS STILL hasn't reviewed my records from my liver doctor so I will know if I can have surgery despite the fact he has had them since last Friday. I suspect he was never given them by his office staff (call back today between 5-6). Why do I think I STILL won't know anything when I call.
And the worse, stupidity reigned just a bit ago and I ate a big hamburger with cheese PLUS I have been grazing on a huge bowl of popcorn all day. I am totally disgusted with myself. AND, to top it off, I didn't even enjoy the burger or the popcorn. I actually ENJOY the healthy foods I have been eating. What I pigged out one today tasted horrible to me. I would have enjoyed a Protein Shake more!
Thanks for letting me vent. Nobody can work all this out but me, myself and I. But thanks for listening.

Oh, no! Sorry to hear that you are being bombarded with stress. If stress burned calories, we all would have been supermodels a long time ago. I hope that your environment calms down so that you can have some refreshing peace of mind. Hugs from Miss Mac in Chicago.