jj7481

The more overweight you are the easier you will lose. I lost 17lbs pre-op with just the 2 wk liquid diet.

Welcome! Yes, there are many different stories of doctor and insurance requirements before surgery is approved. Best of luck and hopefully we can help you along the journey.

Find out specifics then file an appeal from there. Many insurance companies have specific requirements before they will make an approval. Some require x number of mos of dieting, others an exercise routine, etc. Call your insurance company direct to find out exactly why, then find out what is required by them for approval.

Also, dumping typically occurs when you've eaten a meal high in sugar (or fat). Those symptoms are: Nausea Vomiting Abdominal cramps Diarrhea Flushing Dizziness, lightheadedness Rapid heart rate

Slightly (or partially) obstructed outlet means food is blocking the opening of the pouch to the intestines. From what your describing it doesn't sound like a dumping episode as that lasts (typically) for more than an hour. And, like you said, you felt better once it passed. When food isn't masticated (chewed) enough I can cause an obstruction. This will cause a fullness/pressure in your chest and can sometimes feel like food is backing up into the throat. Trust me, this is a daily struggle to remind myself to SLOW DOWN! It takes time to establish a multi-chew, slow eating habit.

As in they had to track 6 mos of weight loss, or just seeing what weight you were at for BMI calculation?

There are several options for Protein besides powders. There are protein infused foods, unflavored mixers, and concentrated protein "shots." New Whey protein is what I was on during my liquid phase. It's a concentrated protein that provides 42g in just over 3 oz. Not the best tasting but you'll get your protein and not have to drink milk or milk products.

I hated looking at myself in photos so I, like others, took the photos rather than being in them. I hated looking at myself in the mirror because I was disgusted at how big I had become. My wife, in her infinite wisdom, made me take a pre-op photo and still pushes me to take one every few weeks so I can compare the weight loss. Begrudgingly, I'll admit she's right in that taking progress photos are beneficial (just don't tell her I said that).

Dark red kidney Beans well cooked with cheese and seasoned with Tony Chachere's seasoning was always a favorite of mine.

A fever under 101 post op is normal especially if Tylenol helps. Keep an eye on it but make sure to keep up on your nutrients and keep as hydrated as possible. It's not a bad idea to keep your surgeon in the loop, but they'll probably advise the same and have you keep an eye on it from home.

What reason did your insurance co give for the denial? Talk with your surgical team, in particular the person in charge of insurance and billing. Work with them on filing an appeal.

Part of the liquid diet should be some form of liquid Protein. You'll be surprised how much more energy you have once you are intaking adequate protein.

Sounds like you were slightly obstructed. Get a bottle of Papaya Enzyme Extract chewable tablets. This helps break down the more complex Proteins. Outside of that, continue to work on chewing your food VERY well. Especially eggs and meats. Constantly remind yourself to slow down, chew every bite (albeit small ones) 30-40 times, then swallow.

This is normal. You've already done the hard part in making the decision to have the surgery. The rest of it's a journey for wellness. Nothing changes overnight. Stay on task, don't try to do it all at once, and keep pushing forward. You've got this!

Honestly, all you can do is worry about you. If you spend all your time wasting energy on negative people you'll be exhausted from that alone. Remember the one thing you have control over is you and how you react. If you need to ignore it or tell yourself how miserable that person must be....then so be it.

I opted for bypass over sleeve. The procedures have about the same success rate but I couldn't get over the fact that part of my anatomy would be taken out of me with the sleeve. With bypass the plumbing is "rerouted," but can be reversed if need be.

I'll admit that I get scared when the weight doesn't seem to be coming off or I gain a couple pounds back. Flashbacks fill my head from all the yo-yo dieting of the past. Outside of that I fear an outlet blockage leading to another EGD. Well, not fear that as much as dreading the possibility of the procedure. I also have many of the same fears already stated especially that the weight won't stay off and I'll be right back in the same boat in a few years.

This is key right here. And it doesn't stop at just Protein drinks. Your diet and food tolerances will be trial and error from here on out. Have you looked into the lactose free whey? Isopure makes a quality LF product as well as Optimum Nutrition Hydrowhey. There are several options available it will just take time. My recommendation would be do buy small "sample" sizes until you find one that works. THEN you can move into different flavors.

I've been overweight most of my life. From the "husky" stages of childhood to overweight teen then eventually obese adult. I've lost and gained back hundreds of lbs over time. Tried almost every diet from Atkins to Weight Watchers. While I'm still young in this journey, I'm finding my lifestyles changes improve drastically. Best of luck with the surgery and good luck with your continued success.

I wouldn't be either as that's a lot of money. What was your pre-op BMI for the intragastric balloon?

Excellent post. Thanks for sharing!

I was on 15mg then upped to 30mg also. I saw weight loss with 15mg but slowed and then upped to 30mg. One thing I learned from phentermine is it's a small tool in a big project. The rate of regained weight is high once people stop it. Like I said, it's a patch. Have any of your docs put you on a calorie or portion restricted diet? How about an exercise plan? Lifestyle modification is key.

What kind of diet restrictions/restructuring are you on? Any workout routine? I used it and lost >50 lbs. Unfortunately, it all came back (and then some). To me it's a temporary patch that didn't really change my lifestyle habits. Bariatric surgery has given me that "push" to help make changes and be aware of what/how much I'm putting into my body.

As long as you are sticking to the guidelines set forth by YOUR nutritionist....you're doing exactly as you should. My plan doesn't list calories as the focus. More so the carbs and portions (no more than 1/4 cup per serving in the period you are).

Protein is the biggest and best thing you can do for the time being. Make sure you are getting in all required protein. Supplement with Biotin and ride this phase out. Can you slow it? No. But, the regrowth phase will kick in eventually.