EmpressB

I do believe the decision is yours and YOURS alone. I purposely gave none or extremely limited information to my closest friends and immediate family regarding my decision to get sleeved. I didn't want to hear all of the negativity about what could happen, and what would happen if I just tried harder. I'm an individual that is very independent and only consulted with my husband before making the final decision. I am in the medical field myself and knew all of the complications that could happen to me. I gave a lot of thought to the fact that in my 55 years I have tried dozens of diets, food plans, exercise programs and after a few months would throw in the towel due to LONG stalls, cravings, etcetera. I was also self pay and had to decide if it was worth the cost. But I realized that I have paid far more for vehicles than the surgery would cost and the surgery would save me from possible death due to my obesity issues. I made the decision that the older I got the more chance of complications would occur so I went for it. I have had absolutely NO complications. I've had a few stalls but not as bad as with my past diets. I have lost 56 pounds since June 9, 2015 and I honestly am thrilled. I have LOADS of energy, my fibromylgia pain is almost non-existent, eating is for sustenance now not out of habit. My only regret is that I didn't do this when I was in my thirties or forties. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Good luck with your surgery. Since my surgery on June 9th I've had no complications. After starting and quitting DOZENS of weight loss pills, diet plans, exercise gadgets, etcetera without success I have finally lost 43 pounds in slightly over two months and I am not craving anything like I use to after dieting for two months!!!! The best decision of my life.

Your post describes me ....too lazy to cook anything that takes too long. Since I have been able to eat solids I have been eating lots of fat free refried Beans heated in the microwave with a sprinkling of low fat cheese and sometimes a small spoon of sour. Taco Bell has a pinto beans and cheese side that is good for two meals! At work I've brought a pack of lean sliced turkey and baby swiss cheese and for a snack I make a meat and cheese roll. Since I like warm foods sometimes I microwave it a few minutes so it's not so cold. Individual servings of 2% cottage cheese is high in Protein. Yesterday I had tuna with low fat mayo and a chopped up hard boiled egg in it. Like I said cooking is not my forte. Last weekend I did actually make egg, spinach, green pepper, onion muffins as well as turkey meat loaf muffins. I have frozen some for later and have eaten some for breakfast and lunch this week. Good luck with your WLS journey. The peeps on this site have offered some excellent ideas to help.

I was self pay too but have not had the issues that you're dealing with. I am so sorry that all of this is happening to you. I'd be freaking out over the bills too. Although many people told me that I was crazy to have gone to Mexico for the vertical sleeve surgery I have had no regrets at all for doing so. I was sleeved on June 9 and have had zero complications so far I've lost 43 pounds, and it cost me $6,800 plus airfare of less than $500. Well worth it to me! Don't pay anything until you speak with the surgeon, hospital & anesthesiologist and any other billing agency to be sure that they haven't erroneously charged you.

That is so incredible. Congratulations! I am going to do everything possible to join you in Onederland before 2016.

I had a VSG on June 9, 2015 in Juarez. Dr. Rodriguez was my surgeon at Star Medica and I have absolutely no regrets. I'm down 40 pounds already.

I was sleeved on June 9 and have lost 40 pounds total (14 during pre-op diet and 26 post-op). I've stalled twice already but I am very satisfied with the amount of weight loss. I have tried to lose weight MANY times before but at about the 25 lbs. lost mark I usually began to have huge cravings and craved in. I had absolutely no will power at all - but not this time. I am following the guidelines and do not feel as though I'm missing anything. I am breathing SO much better already and have become pretty active compared to my previously sedentary life. So whether it takes me 8 months or 2 years to lose my extra weight I am progressing every day and this time I know that it is only a matter of time and my ability to be patient.

I was sleeved on June 9th. I am 5' 5" tall and weighed 293 before my pre-diet and now weigh 260 but the scale has not budged for over 4 days. I'm just not sure why since I am following the same rules. When dieting before I always seemed to lose 30 - 35 pounds and then hit a longplateau. I guess it's my normal stalling point, but I'm going to hang tough and lose the weight.

The WLS Cookbook for Dummies lists the following vegetarian recipes: fresh spinach salad with roasted corn, garlic and herb tofu salad, tabbouleh with avocado, smoked gouda stuffed peppers, tofu mexi-corn quiche, easy cheesy navy bean bake, hearty moussaka with beans, portobello burger, and black bean veggie burger. There is also a vegetable side dish section. I assume that you can not eat some of these due to the food phase that you're in but let me know if you want any of the full recipes. I'll copy and send them to you.

I purchased the Weight Loss Surgery Cookbook for Dummies and so far I'm enjoying reading it. There are recipes for the smooth phase, soft phase, breakfasts, lunches & brunches, appetizers, poultry, beef, lamb, pork, fish, seafood and vegetarian entrees Entrees, as well as side dishes, Soups & stews, Snacks, smoothies and Desserts. I have not made any of the dishes mainly because I want to read the book first and then try the recipes that sound the best. Good luck finding what you want.

I am being very careful to eat lots of protein but I have to agree with some of the others. I have not had any food that caused my stomach to roll except the protein supplement mixes I've tried. I am so glad to be in the pureed phase. I'll puree liver and eat it before I take another sip of the drinks. I have three large containers of protein supplement mix - Fuzzy Navel, Chocolate Latte, and Vanilla. Anyone know the best way to disguise these? At this point they may be best put in the trash can. I'm wretching just thinking about them.

Hagerstown, Maryland

I'm allowed to begin my pureed phase on Tuesday. I'd like to hear from others what they think were some of their best pureed food options. I tend to do better with variety so I was thrilled when I went to full fluids because there was actual taste in the food.......I mean in the liquids.

That's wonderful! I am 13 days out now and very happy with my weight loss. I know the weight loss will slow a bit but this is the first time in my life that I have lost 13 pounds in less than two weeks and haven't felt like I was starving to death.

My doctor said that straws were not banned but that they will increase gas issues and make you fill full faster. I decided to sip for a few weeks.

I'm taking two Prilosec per day for months. So far no acid reflux.

I opted to go to Mexico as well. Although I know many individuals may think that is a crazy option it was all I could afford. I can honestly say that I felt that the nurses and doctors were excellent. My surgeon and his two accompanying doctors checked on me several times every day. I am two weeks out and feel great. My insurance is excellent in most aspects but will not cover ANYTHING at all for bariatric surgery. However the insurance company has had to pay for numerous other ailments and knee surgeries due to my excessive weight. They could have paid for the bariatric surgery about 2 times by now.

Thanks for the great ideas! My grocery list for tomorrow is ready.

I am a June 9th sleever but close enough I hope. I am very excited about starting pureed food tomorrow. I am actually feeling really good now. I've lost 13 pounds post-op. This forum keeps me motivated and answers most of my questions about what is and is not normal. speaking of staples versus stitches. I have stitches but they're suppose to just disintegrate on their own. It is odd how different surgeons are!

My surgery date is June 9th. I'm nervous and excited all at the same time!