RoachBug

Did a ton of Egg Drop Soup during that phase. Felt I owed it to the local chinese restaurant, being that I had been a frequent flier (hehe!)>

Meal wise, have a couple that I have made of late. Favorite by far is Crack Slaw, threw in a couple japelenos, extra siriachi, and sweetened with 3 packetts of Sweet and Low (otherwise followed directions). I love it by itself or wrapped lettuce. My daughter actually likes it as main ingrediant for either tacos or burritos. Definately low carb/high protien. The other one I like is lasagna, made with sliced eggplant. The trickis to bake the eggplant slices first, before using for layering. Tried the zuchini lasagna recipe first but didn'tt care for it, switched out with eggplant and love it.

One of the other requirements I know I had from UHC was the psychiatric appt./approval

Nice, glad it was knocked down from 6 to 3. One less hoop for you to jump through. Now it will just be a matter of your programs requirements.

Went thru OSU just down the road. I also have Med Mutual Supermed Plus thru OPERS. I contacted them prior to contacting the doc, to see what exactly I needed to do. I was given a checklist. I met the BMI and co-morbities, to proceed. I was told that I would have to have 6 consecutive month visits with a physcian, whom would supervise a weight loss diet. The rest will depend on the program you are going thru. OSU required numerous tests, blood work, visits to a nutritionist, 4 weekly pre-op group meetings (you will actually learn a lot at these), sleep study, ect. On the plus side, I actually was approved prior to my last scheduled visit with the surgeon.

Prior to surgery I was taking Metformin, Glyburide, and a low dose of insulin. I had only been on the insulin for about a month and a half, in order to help bring down the A1C. Prior to the insulin, test were norm in the high 100's, after starting they averaged between 110-125. Took a half dose of insulin the day before surgery, have not had any since.

I was cleared to take the Glyburide and Metformin when I was sent home, however, blood sugar was dropping too low. I did tests frequently and after the first few days, stopped the Metformin and Glyburide altogether. I still check my blood sugar daily, range between 85 and 100 with no diabetes meds.

As for a lil' background info, my heart suckeths. Had first heart attack at 37 (stents), artery RCA collapsed 2 of the stents (more stents), Internal Cardiac Device implanted (ICD pacemaker/defibulator), forced to retire (was a Deputy Sheriff), second heart attack at 39 (more stents), umpteen caths (and a few more stents). Been on the list for a transplant for some time. Decided on the Gastric Sleeve after my Heart Failure Specialist said that loosing weight would help me move up on the list, in addition to numerous other benefits. Had the procedure on 05/26/16, in total down 82lbs. so far.

Have been using my nitro quite a bit more the past few months, seems to go in cycles. My doc advised that I had not had a cath since 2014, and felt it best that they go in a check. All my previous stent placements had been in the RCA (which is pretty much a solid line of stents by this time). They found 2 additional blockages in different areas this time (2 more stents).

Now for the NSV part... I have several tats. Two different nurses commented on the tats and said that they thought they recognized them (the John Lennon one in particular). When I told them that I was a frequent flier at OSU, both asked if I had lost quite a bit of weight. Same thing happened in the Cath Lab prior to surgery with two different surgeons.

This in addition to the fact that the nurse whom gave me the obligatory belly button to knee shave being cute, definitely brightened my stay. Back home today and watching OSU and BG.

This past week I have come to the conclusion that my feet are getting a tad skinnier. Been doing my best to keep active, since the end of May I am down 77lbs.. The past week when I have gotten back from my daily walks, I have either found new blisters or bloody feet (broken blisters). I was complaining to my daughter this weekend, because the shoes are well worn and shouldn't be causing blisters. She replied, "Dad, your feet have shrunk like everything else on your body. They are just sliding in your shoes more causing the blisters".

So yeah, feet can eventually get a tad smaller width wise. I guess I can suffer through some blisters.

Had a nice little NSV myself today. Only have a couple pair of shorts left (that l can wear safely/ without falling down). I knew I had dropped a size or 2 from 42-44's I had been wearing. Did a little shopping at Kohls and actually fit comfortably into a size 36 pair of Levi denim shorts. I seriously do not remember the last time I was in a 36, let alone getting the first pair I tried on.

I was on Metformin, Glyburide, and insulin (low dose). All were taken normally up to day of surgery with exception of the insulin, which was 1/2 reg dose the night prior. Since that time I have not taken any of the 3. I test regularly, even without the meds the first couple of weeks I was getting low readings (mid 50's to low 60's) and took glucose tablets. Since that time I have been hovering in the 90's.

​Srry, having some problems posting a link. I will put up the URL below, it's worth a watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp03eKouOiY

Retired Deputy Sheriff, had about 15yrs in before having to retire due to heart problems. I whole heartedly agree with your post.

On a side note, if you see a LEO, take the few seconds out of your day to "thank them and tell them to stay safe". It means more than you would think.

Was up at the lake last weekend, visiting some friends (a couple of which are vegetarians). As everyone was partaking in a bowl of ice cream, I was asked if I wanted a little. I held my tongue from what would be my normal reply (being that there were kidlins around). Instead I politely declined and asked her if she would care for some dead dried out cow ( I was eating jerky).

I went through OSU (Martha Morehouse). Fairly positive they have group support meetings on Wednesday evenings. I know they suggested people attend after the Wed nutrition classes. You can contact OSU Martha Morehouse for information on times to make sure.

Have a VivoSmart here, really like it. Garmin makes some solid fitness trackers. I had originally planned on picking up a Fitbit but the fact that the VivoSmart was waterproof (the HR+ is also) sealed the deal for me. I never take mine off.

Have a Garmin VivoSmart here, really like it. Was orriginally planing on picking up a FitBit but liked the fact that the VivoSmart was waterproof. Went snorkeling with it while in the Bahamas last week, love it.

Just got back home a couple days ago from a cruise to the Bahamas. Definitely got in my exercise while on the trip. I was over my goals with the fitness tracker every day. From the buffets to the formal dining, I had no problem finding something I could eat (protein). My daughter and brother especially liked the formal dining, being that they always ended up with the desert and 3/4 of the steak! Was pleasantly surprised to find I dost 3lbs. during the week I was on vacation. Though it was a bit of a slow down than the norm, I was worried about gaining, so it was a win for me.

I am on quite a few meds for heart failure, plus prior to surgery insulin and meds for Diabetes. Luckily I have eliminated the insulin and diabetic meds (Metformin and Glyburide) since surgery. As for the drinking, I could not take much more than small sips for the first few days. I was used to getting all my pills out and downing them all together with a big gulp of Water. I made that mistake one time, was not a good feeling. Now it takes me a few minutes to get them all down. In the hospital they ground down some of the meds (though this can not be done with the extended release meds), though this was only for the first couple of days. Everyone seems to be on a different time frame but about 5 days post op I could drink normally.

Everyones dietary plans seem to differ. I was not allowed eggs, however, I did get the OK for Egg Drop Soup. It definately hit the spot for me.

@@losingtheselumps lol! I love the Snickers commercials.

You had me at, "I hate cats".

Glad to hear. The pain will get better soon, along with the ability to swallow. Congrats again!

Hope you are doing well!

Was diabetic here (Insulin, Metformin, Glyburide), prior to surgery. Have been off the insulin since day before surgery and stopped the rest 4 days later. After surgery I kept testing in the low 60's. Since stopping the meds, I have been ranging between 90-115. I did have hypoglycemic episodes prior to surgery but knock on wood, have been doing a lot better.

Dub is right the low blood pressure will give the same symptoms also.

Next time you start having a episode, try drinking some orange juice. The juice will spike my blood sugar fast and clear up the majority of the symptoms. I also keep some Glucose Tabs around the house and in the vehicle in case needed (they are just flavored sugar wafers that dissolves in the mouth.