trekker954

Work hard to get your Protein and fluids in post op. Take your Vitamins. There is no concrete proof that extra Biotin works and keep in mind, if you take extra biotin (other than what is in your multi) that it may produce facial excess facial hair. Most everyone has hair loss at about 4-6 months and it start regrowing back 6 -9 months.

I'm still in the Honeymoon losing stage, but that didn't stop me from attending Cleveland Clinic's group session yesterday with the topic of Weight Gain. The room was packed with a lot of veterans about 2 years out. The number one culprit per the presentation seems to be carbonated drinks (aka soda) that many cannot seem to give up permanently. I'm glad I was never a soda drinker, although I was as a kid (thanks mom - but they didn't know much about nutrition in the 50s and 60s; we also ate mashed potatoes nearly every dinner). And to add to Babbs list, you should continue with support groups or nutritionist visits even after the year honeymoon period is over. Maintain portion and calorie control. Eat Breakfast, don't skip meals. Plan and shop and cook smart. Avoid or limit alcohol. They don't believe in that 5 day pouch reset. They recommend going back to Phase IV diet plan. Here is a copy of the CCF entire plan that they released electronically. Enjoy http://my.clevelandclinic.org/florida/ccf/media/Files/Florida/bariatric-surgery/Bariatric_Nutrition_Manual.pdf?la=en

I'm 5 months and 's it's bad. Attended a support group meeting today at Cleveland clinic Nutriotist warned patients not to take massive amounts of Biotin. I won't use it at all because it will increase facial hair. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

I was approved by BCBS Fed in 2016. I was required to show 2 years of BMI history. I didn't think the policy changed at all from 2016 to 2017. If was submitted DEc. 21 - they should have processed it in 2016.

I had my surgery at Cleveland Clinic Florida. GREAT SUPPORT, great results. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

I just finished reading, the Beck Diet Solution which is filled with these type of confirmations. I actually first heard about this book here on a post. I'm glad I went to the library and got it and I rarely make recommendations. It's all about changing your thinking and how to deal with food choices/challenges. Basically it's a great book, awesome tips and a heck of a lot cheaper than seeing a therapist. The tips I took got me thru my 2 week holiday home to NYC and losing another 2 pounds as I am close to goal. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

So even before I meet with my surgeon on Friday (Aug 10 was my surgery date), Quest sent me my results. I'm showing 5 out of range results but not by much. Let me preface by saying the one time I forgot to use my multi vit patch was the day before my blood draw. duh. HDL is a low 36 (range >46); however, my CHO Ratio is now a high 5.1 (range <5.0); Iron Binding Capacity is a low 249 (Range 250-450); RDW is high 16.4 (range 11.0-15.0) and the shocker B1 is low 66 (range 78-185) it was a 120 in June. My diet is still very strict as they won't even allow me fruit or vegetables yet, so its not surprising that some of my levels are low. For the purpose of the B12 patch - which by the way, my NUT said I did not need to use, because the value is already in the Multi however, I felt sluggish and decided since I already had purchased it to use it. My results are 598 (range is 200-1100), so smack in the middle. Yeah. Pre surgery my glucose was 107 and its now 80 (range 65-99). My LDL is 123 (range <130). My Cholesterol total is 183, (range 125-200). There are still many foods that just don't agree with me, not that I get sick, but I find hard to chew to a slide down consistency like shellfish and steak (and I'm Irish, love my meat). I'm not too keen on fish overall. Chilean Sea bass is about it. lol I eat a lot of chicken made different ways, sometimes not legal sauces, but I clearly don't use much. I eat a lot of cheese and deli chicken or turkey. I have liverwurst once a week. eggs, well seems like a lot of dairy. I supplement with genpro in my morning black coffee and every now and then a Premiere Protein shake, but I do try and get my protein in with food. Hoping after seeing my surgeon on Friday and well, the NUT, she'll let me add some other things to my diet to alter these numbers. I thought maybe those of you on the patch or thinking about it, would like a breakdown. All I've seen reports come back from other posters as perfect. Maybe my doctor will think these are perfect too. Hope so. I find them soooooooooo easy to use. Just have to make sure I have them somewhere I see to remember to put them on. I use my B12 during the day (Alex told me not to use at night) and I put my Multivitamin on overnight. I once used one on my back shoulder where I have a tattoo and I got a rash. The tattoo is old, so I have no idea, but thought I'd mention it.

If ever I do not plan to eat but accompany say my daughter, we always ask first if there is a sit charge for me (I usually will show my bariatric card if I do not plan to eat). I never ask to split her meal, but if I did I too would also check what the split fee will be. Sometimes it is very high. I've used my bariatric card twice at a Chinese buffet. One charged me kids price and the other charged me senior price but I left the tip at the regular rate had I paid full price.. Yes, your doctor usually can give you a card. I travel to Europe a lot, they charge a sit fee for anyone who sits. I know this isn't Europe, but restaurants are looking at all venues and how they operate.

I lost my booty very quickly. I think that was the first thing I noticed at about three months. Flat as flat can be now (5 months out) and what's left is just saggy skin. I try not to really look at it when I'm naked. I love when put on slacks and its so nice and flat.

My surgeons insurance gal explained in detail when insurance companies require say 3 months history, it's down to the day. No Willie nilly any day in aig, Sept and oct. If it Aug 15, it must be Sept 15 and Oct 15, give or take a day, but not much more leeway. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

I lost control Xmas day. Had about 20 chocolate covered almonds. I've been away on holiday for 2 weeks without a scale. Praying I didn't gain. I see my NUT Wednesday morning. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

Stopped coffee 3 weeks preop. Started decaf 2 weeks post op. Started back on real black coffee 3 month postoperative with a scoop of genpro. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

It's very weird but many of us report difficulty drinking Water, something to do with the ph. The solution is to add flavor. Crystal lite, ice tea, etc. It will get easier in a couple of months Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

I was given liquid hydrocodone when I left the hospital a day after surgery. After my first sip, I dumped it down the drain it was so disgusting and there was no way I could down it. That was it for me. Honestly I was only uncomfortable a couple of days and my pain was mostly when I was getting up and down out of the chair. I was pretty much pain free by day 4.

If I wake up in the middle of the night when nothing else is on, I'll watch it. But I agree with amf1025, its really horrible. I dislike Dr. Now so much. And the patients are not your average person that there is no way I can relate to in real life. They all seem to be uneducated and likely on welfare or government assistance. Which pisses me off again. Obviously the taxpayers paying their six drives thru at fast food a day for the patient and typically a family member. Its just annoying. Now I really wish the actress on This Is Us would follow through during a break in taping. She was on a talk show the other day and seems to be very happy in her skin. (she looked bigger on the talk show). Yet her on air heavy set love interest who is Toby, in real life is normal size, said he basicallyis wearing a fat suit during to add 150 pounds during his taping on the show.

My insurance, BCBS federal had a long list of requirements. The surgeons insurance gal gave me that list. It was my responsibility to gather all of that evidence for compliance and send that to her. Some included additional tests and psych clearance. Again, up to me to make those appts and have results sent. Once they had everything in and each box checked she sent it to BCBS. Approval was 2 days later. IMHO, I was confident that I provided each and everything that insurance required. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

Approaching 5 months. Started slow loss of hair at about 4 months, gets worse with every shampoo. Also noticeable on my bathroom floor where I typically brush my hair. I have (had) very thick hair - so its not that noticeable to others yet. I've also noticed a lot of split ends too since surgery. ugh.

I experienced similiar about 3 weeks out. I'd say most of do. All I can add is that this too will pass as you start introducing more food into your body.

I highly recommend the patch MD multi Vitamins and the B-12 Patches. I cannot handle oral vitamins either.

I travel a lot for work. You will be fine after 3 weeks if as you say its a relaxing visit. Most important will you have a kitchen? Preparation will be the most important and who knows what you can get in Columbia. I was able to find a GNC in Mexico while I was there and purchased some of their pre made Protein drinks. You'll still be needing to supplement your diet at 3 weeks. Heck I'm 5 months and still supplementing mine with Gen Pro. You may want to pick some of that up. Tasteless and mixes into anything and gives you 30 grams. You're diet at 3 weeks will be very small and limited. You shouldn't be attempting to go out to dinner, no alcohol. Like I said, if you have a full kitchen and can supply it like you do at home, you should be fine. I was not cleared for exercise or lifting until six weeks. So keep that suitcase light or have someone carry it. Plan food/drinks for your flight.

In walmart, make sure you are looking in the pharmacy section and not food section. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

I was pretty bored today. Stayed inside binged watched netflix. While I didn't eat any forbidden food, I realized that I was grazing a lot during the day. My stomach is grumbling now since I was feeding it every couple of hours. Ugh Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

It's actually very easy. Cruise ship food managers are more interested in meeting with passengers who need to inform them of food allergies and or gluten free type issues. The easiest is to forgo the main dining room, where dinner is typically 2 hrs long, you need to wait for everyone to finish their course before they bring the next, you'll be confronted with seeing everyone's meal including desert. I suggest you just take yourself to the buffet (my main lines offer the same meals as in the dining rooms). Here you can pick your own Protein be it fish, chicken or meat. Sit away from others and not looking at the buffet. This soon post op, you'll be full very quickly. Chew to liquid consistency. The hardest part for me was trying to just cut away a quarter portion slice from the buffet. I hate wasting. No bread, no potatoes, no Pasta, no sweets, no sugar free Desserts. It's actually very easy, just don't deny your family and friends from indulging. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

Glad to meet another Rosenthal patient. Maybe I'll meet you at one of the group sessions. I've only been to one about a month out. I think they are probably good when you start eating normal food and need more ideas and support.

Merry Christmas back at you and all my fellow WLS patients. I'm spending the holidays here in Manhattan. This use to be my favorite NY food staple, the infamous Black and White cookie. I love I found it on an ornament. lol Its a struggle being back here and avoiding the temptation of B&Ws, pizza and/or bagels, but I'm strong. On the positive side, I must be walking 5 to 7 miles a day. I'm so happy losing weight will not be listed on my New Years resolution as I am almost to goal. Staying on Plan will always be a goal.