jj7481

Correct, but it depends how often the OP is having bloodwork done. Each surgeon uses the above guidelines especially in the first few mos post op.

I had bloodwork done by my surgeon pre-op and shortly after surgery. My next blood draw (for all my levels) won't be done until my 1 yr post op anniversary.

There is a list that surgeons/providers go by for post op BS patients. It can be found on of 7-8 of this document:

https://asmbs.org/wp/uploads/2014/05/nutritional-guidelines.pdf

To simplify things I stick to a multivitamin that has ALL of these requirements without having to buy several individual supplements. Look into optisource Complete MV. Manufactured by Nestle and utilizes the above recommendation to supply ALL necessary post bariatric nutrients.

As little as possible. I took my charger for iPhone/iPad, clean pair of undies, and socks.

A valid and common question. It depends on your surgeon and the type of surgery you're having. My restriction was lifting no more than 10 lbs for two weeks post-op, then lift as tolerated.

You will find a multitude of answers to the lifting question. Paramount is keeping I contact with your surgeon and stick to their guidelines. Outside of that strength training is important so as to minimize your lean mass losses.

You've already made the tough decision. Now, focus on the journey ahead!

Based on the metrics you provided you've got a BMI just over 35. This is the cutoff for most insurances with comorbidities like HTN, DM, etc. Otherwise you'd need a standalone BMI of 40.

The common angst you will find among many threads is dealing with insurance. Have you contacted your insurance company to find out their minimum requirements for bariatric surgery?

Depends on your surgeon and what you do. I was off 2 weeks. This was mainly due to a no more than 10lb lifting restriction by my surgeon with no lifting restrictions after that.

I wasn't given a number by my nutritionist. Mine focused on getting Protein and Water first while staying in the portion size for the various stage I was in.

In stage 4 I finally asked and her recommendation was no more than 20g of carbs per meal. This may sound like a lot but not all carbs are created alike. I also stick with getting my Protein and Water in first while eating no more than 1-1.25cups per serving.

In the first 6-8 wks, yes, we saved money. Due to the limited food items and small portions food was lasting longer. This also had an impact with my wife as she was more conscientious as to what she was buying.

I didn't buy any new clothes the first several months because I actually had a side closet full of clothes I had become too big to wear. Also, I wasn't about to buy new clothes every couple of weeks to keep up with the weight loss.

Pack very little primarily so things don't go/have the chance of going missing at the hospital. My stay was overnight so I brought my iPad (essential), new underwear, socks, and phone/iPad chargers.

No yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, or Protein shakes? Hmm, that eliminates pretty much any idea I'd have for you (almost every Breakfast I do has one if not a couple of those). Hopefully your tastes develop and your stomach settles.

Look into the alternative forms of Protein. You're kind of limited with your soft stage, but even more limiting is what you don't like. Tofu is a good source or protein that is soft. Check out Paleo diets that are low carbs and high protein.

Everyone is different. Weighing daily just pisses me off so I weigh 2-3x per week. So far this is working as I'm seeing the losses, motivates me if I see an increase, but doesn't freak me out when I haven't seen a change since yesterday.

Some people will freak out when they weigh daily and don't see a change every single day. Some people need it as an accountability. You just have to find what works for you to make sure you stay on track in your weight loss journey.

Everyone is different. Weighing daily just pisses me off so I weigh 2-3x per week. So far this is working as I'm seeing the losses, motivates me if I see an increase, but doesn't freak me out when I haven't seen a change since yesterday.

Some people will freak out when they weigh daily and don't see a change every single day. Some people need it as an accountability. You just have to find what works for you to make sure you stay on track in your weight loss journey.

Everyone is different. Weighing daily just pisses me off so I weigh 2-3x per week. So far this is working as I'm seeing the losses, motivates me if I see an increase, but doesn't freak me out when I haven't seen a change since yesterday.

Some people will freak out when they weigh daily and don't see a change every single day. Some people need it as an accountability. You just have to find what works for you to make sure you stay on track in your weight loss journey.

Interesting. I guess we get so focused on the losing part that we never thing about "relaxing." However, my relaxation comes on the days I'm not at the gym...so. lol

Yeeeeaaaaah buddy!

It is dependent on your state and the type of insurance (exchange or not) that you are supplied with. Typical requirements are as follows:

• Over the age of 13 for a female and 15 for a male.
• Body Mass Index must be over 35 with at least one comorbidity.
  • Co-morbidities include sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes.
• If you are under 21, you must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40 with at least one comorbidity.
• A letter from your primary care physician stating that weight loss surgery is medically necessary.
• Passes a psychological exam.
• Documentation showing that the patient tried to manage their comorbidities with standard treatment but they were not successful.
• The patient must complete and show documentation that he or she participated in a medically supervised weight loss program for 6 months and it happened within the last 12 months prior to surgery.
• The patient must understand they will be required to change their diet and lifestyle after surgery.
• Nutritional and psychological services must be available before and after surgery (usually from the physician’s office).

This can take anywhere from 4-6 mos to complete. Best advice is get ahold of your states Medicaid office and ask which surgical centers are approved. From there you can call to schedule your informational session and get the ball rolling.

Dayum.....

That didn't take long to escalate.

So here's the deal, @@BSanchez2016 .....I'm a big dude, too. I'm not as big of dude now, though....thanks to the magical powers of my new sleeve and simply following my doctor's gameplan.

I can happily say that my junk not only remained intact, but it's benefitted from the weight loss, too.

Is it any bigger ? I simply don't have those stats to compare........and old Dub ain't posting any pics of his junk on the web.....so you'll simply have to take my word for it.

Is it any bigger? In my estimation, yes...it is. The base pad of fat that you mentioned has diminished in size. This translated to more usable wood.

Is it any better? Again, in my estimation, yes....it is. My vascularity is at a whole new level now. Blood flow throughout the body is amazingly improved. All over the body. My rooster will crow at the drop of a hat......a slight breeze and it's cockadoodle do. It's like being 21 again.

I'm a simple dude, too. I'm all about the simple pleasures in life. I can't accurately rank the benefits in order of importance.....but I can tell you without hesitation that being 100% satisfied with my junk and knowing that the rooster will crow and stand up proud and loud......yeah man, it may not be my number one benefit.......but it is close to top of the list.

Greatest reply I've seen in a long time (pun intended)

I've always had good luck with Optimum Nutrition. They have more than a dozen flavors and it readily dissolves in milk OR Water.

I've got the regular FitBit Charge and love it much better than the Flex. I wear mine in the shower and have submerged it in Water without issue.

So far I've rewarded myself by having a more intense workout. Lol. (I know, I'm weird) I get such a rush by seeing the smaller numbers and it gives me motivation to put an extra 15 minutes in at the gym. I also use this when I "slip" and need to remind myself to get back on track.

It's not that simple. Your body needs a certain amount of Protein for daily functioning . Too much will have adverse effects on your kidneys and too little can cause you to feel lethargic, fatigued, etc.

With weight loss surgery your two primary goals are Protein and Water.

Sounds like a great plan. Yes, the first few stages SUCK but a necessary for healing and laying the foundation for healthier eating habits with Portion Control. Remember: Protein and Water first.

Vitamin B12 is usually well tolerated, even in doses well above the recommended allowances. Because B12 is Water soluble it's difficult overdoes or build up toxicity since the excess is excreted through the urine.

In rare cases people may experience tingling or numbness in the arms, hands, or face.

Even in our darkest time these beautiful moments remind us why it's great to be alive.

Sounds like a stressful time but you seem to have a good support system in your husband. Life will continue on, and you'll get through this. Like the saying goes: "Take a lesson from your dog: Just kick some grass over that s**t and move on."

In regards to pureeing all my foods....I never did. I just masticated the living crap out of each bite before swallowing. However, I stuck to the diet (approved foods) for each stage and experimented with different foods once I hit the stage 3 diet (making sure to stay within the approved foods listed).