ridgerunner

I finally took a before photo the day of my WLS seminar. Again horrified. But I wanted to have the before photo to compare to later. I bought an old house that I have done a lot of work to myself and I have always regreted not having before pics of how it used to look. That was an apt comparison! Me and a house LOL!! Sent from my LG-E980 using the BariatricPal App

Isn't it awful! So many things that should be easy or enjoyable are made difficult or uncomfortable because of this damn excess weight.

I understand completely! Somehow my brain is in denial about how really huge I am. I know I am super morbidly obese but when I look in the full length mirror I don't see it so much. Now when I see the rare photo of me, especially when I am next to an average size person, I see how I truely am and it is horrifying! I'm like, who is that person? That's not really me, is it?! I force myself to look now. I do not want to have any delusions about myself and how bad I have gotten anymore .It's time face reality head on and do sonethjng about it. RNY before this summer is over! Sent from my LG-E980 using the BariatricPal App

Can still see the transformation. You look fan...freaking...tastic! Sent from my LG-E980 using the BariatricPal App

sleevemom88, you look sooo amazing! Absolutely beautiful! Congratulations Sent from my LG-E980 using the BariatricPal App

After a lot of Googling this subject I found a product called GENEPRO. It takes half the amount that you need of other products for the same quantity of Protein because they put it thru a process that takes all the excess unnecessay byproducts out. It also mixes easier because of this and as far as taste, I myself barely taste it. I have mixed it in cold and hot drinks and foods and it mixes very easily. I am very impressed with this product. Sent from my LG-E980 using the BariatricPal App I looked this up and consulted my surgeons office and they have signed off on Genepro and recommend it. Unfortunately, it is not listed in any of the materials we were given as an option!! Also, I did force down a Priemere Protein shake yesterday which left me bloated and feeling crappy. During the same phone call asking about Genepro I mentioned this and was told if protein were on a grading scale of A-F my Dr's office looks at Priemere as a 'D'... Why in the hell not mention that? It's like they get an unjury kickback. Everything I've read is as above, barely able to taste it and the same protein content using half the product. I ordered mine from Amazon and it should get here tomorrow. In the meantime I was told JRobb and nectar are good alternatives and single packets are available at The Vitamin Shoppe. Thanks to everyone for their help it is so appreciated. I'm glad I could help you with finding something that works for you. You will find plenty of naysayers that want to tell you it is probably bogus but if your surgeon approves it you should feel comfortable using it as directed and not doubling up like others may suggest. There have been plenty of people who have been using it as directed and their numbers are coming back just fine. I have not read anything about the opposite being true. Not to mention the waste of money that would be. Your bloodwork should dictate if it works or not. Good luck! Sent from my LG-E980 using the BariatricPal App

Hi thebuelz I know today was surgery day and just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you. I hope all went well and you are one of the lucky ones that experience minimal discomfort. Take care. Sent from my LG-E980 using the BariatricPal App

After a lot of Googling this subject I found a product called GENEPRO. It takes half the amount that you need of other products for the same quantity of Protein because they put it thru a process that takes all the excess unnecessay byproducts out. It also mixes easier because of this and as far as taste, I myself barely taste it. I have mixed it in cold and Hot drinks and foods and it mixes very easily. I am very impressed with this product. Sent from my LG-E980 using the BariatricPal App

thebuelz, I have been prepping myself also. Less carbs, almost no suger or eating out, no pop, no coffee etc. Hopfully when liquid diet time rolls around I will have a handle on it. Sent from my LG-E980 using the BariatricPal App

the buelz, You got Roller! Good for you! I am sure they are all excellent but still, getting the "boss" must make you feel pretty confident. They have really been getting the ball rolling for you, huh. I wish you the best. Hope you don't mind me checking in later with you for an update. Thank you for all your kindness. Oh yeah, how has the liquid diet been going for you? Has it been harder or easier than you thought? Sent from my LG-E980 using the BariatricPal App

the bluelz, I also have a pretty big gag reflex, something of a phobia against vomiting (I have not thrown up in 15 yrs) and claustephobia that extends to fear of smothering which is why I have been so worried about this part. Lord I just read that back and realized what a mess I have gotten myself into LOL! I appreciate your feed back. I want to go into this with eyes wide open. I don't need any surprises where this is concerned or I may lose my cool LOL. How was your appointment today? Who will your surgeon be? Sent from my LG-E980 using the BariatricPal App

I am grateful as I am sure many many others are also. Hopefully I will be of help to others later as I get further and have more first hand knowledge. Sent from my LG-E980 using the BariatricPal App

It's uncanny how both of you could have been speaking directly to me. I am just starting my journey (pre-ops in April) and have been gleening sooo much info and inspiration from everyone that posts here. I am so grateful to you all for sharing. Sent from my LG-E980 using the BariatricPal App

the bluelz, Thanks so much for responding back! April 5th! How exciting! How long ago did you first start your journey? Can I pick your brain a little more please? Was the heart scan at the hospital a normal part of the pre-op or did they find something they wanted to get a closer look at? The EGD is where they go in through the nose and look down your throat right? I am kinda terrified of that one. Can you describe the experience? Questions, questions, so many questions!!! Sent from my LG-E980 using the BariatricPal App

thebuelz,I am using Roller Weight Loss Center in Arkansas also! I have only been to a seminar so far. So far I am very impressed with this center and their team. I will be self pay. Were/are you as well? I am scheduled to have all my pre-op tests in April. They said that my insurance will cover pre-op just not the rest. Wondering how much out of pocket will be left though. Sent from my LG-E980 using the BariatricPal App

Ouch (but worth it, right?) Sent from my LG-E980 using the BariatricPal App

Wanted to chime in with my congrats! OMG I can only imagine how awesome that must feel! Way to go girl! Sent from my LG-E980 using the BariatricPal App

I'm actually heartened by this, miiasan. If after the surgery, drinking water when I shouldn't becomes more uncomfortable than not drinking it before the surgery, then maybe I have a chance at successfully accomplishing this. Did that make sense? Lol Sent from my LG-E980 using the BariatricPal App

Ruth 1 less, That is a really good suggestion. However, I am already a very very slow eater. I worry that if I slow down more it could be 2 - 2 1/2 hrs between liquids instead of the already excrutiating 1 1/2 -1 hr 45 min. Herein lies another problem. I like to eat food intended to be hot while its still at least warm. It will be ice cold if I take an hour to eat it. Sent from my LG-E980 using the BariatricPal App

Sorry Pammieanne, I know this was not your intent for this post, I just haven't seen a lot of talk about this subject and thought I would glob on to your thread for advice, Sorry Sent from my LG-E980 using the BariatricPal App

This is the good habit I am going to struggle with the most. This actually scares me to think about. I have made a couple attempts already (surgery not til Sept) and barely made it through 4 well chewed bites before I felt like I was choking to death. I drink Water almost constantly throughout my day. HELP!! Sent from my LG-E980 using the BariatricPal App

Hi BigBen I have seen posts from all over this blue planet so I think all will be welcome. I am working on a surgery date in Sept. I would love to do it earlier but my job can't spare me til then. I first started this journey with a sleeve in mind. The thought of them dettaching and re-attaching my organ parts was too scary. I am now seriously considering the bypass even though it will cost more (I am self-pay). I keep reading about people having to revise to the bypass after a sleeve for various reasons. Being self-pay will put me in debt for quite some time so another surgery is not an option. I have also been concerned about reflux that seems to be very common with the sleeve. I don't think I would want to risk battling that my whole life. I realize that there is actually more risk of complications with a bypass but I am hoping my surgeon, who has an excellent track record, will minimize this. However, if you do decide on a bypass I would not count on dumping to keep you on track. I was hoping for the same help but I have been reading that there is only a small percentage of people that actually experience dumping. Finally, I am 5'8" 336 lbs with a BMI of 51 and since bypass has a slight advantage in 1st year for weightloss it is looking like an option that better works for me. Having said all that...I will of course take the advice of my surgeon and do whichever he thinks is the best fit for me. Good luck in your Journey BigBen. Hopefully see you around here more sharing your success stories. Sent from my LG-E980 using the BariatricPal App

You are all beautiful. Sent from my LG-E980 using the BariatricPal App

Hi skc72,How did your EGD go? I will be having one in April. What is it like? Sent from my LG-E980 using the BariatricPal App

Christina_rny,I have not gotten as far as you yet but have been busy, busy, busy reading everything I can get my hands on. The things that I keep seeing popping up again and again that you should be sure to bring are: PILLOW - a comfort from home and something to put on your stomach for the drive home in case it gets bumpy. CHAPSTICK - you will be very limited on liquids and your lips are gonna need some soothing. GAS-X STRIPS - they pump you full of air during surgery and these (as well as walking) are supposed to be really helpful for gas pain. Good luck and please keep us posted on how you do!! Sent from my LG-E980 using the BariatricPal App