KristenLe

@@kayceelizzie I use my Blender Bottle every day (Pre-op diet). They are great for work. I bought appetizer forks and spoons (didn't want baby ones). I bought some Atkins Lift Protein drink and some Powerade Zero to have on hand (not a lot), a few packages of sugar free drink mix - similar to crystal light to add to water), a few different kinds of herbal teas (including the Smooth Move one for constipation). At the suggestion of other members, I bought a few comfy front closure bras (no wires) to wear post-op.

@@Michaiah Halley I encourage you to continue reading some of the threads on this forum. It's not fair to compare your situations with him and his decision has nothing to do with your weight loss achievements. As a medical student, I'm assuming you also know the risks of obesity. If you look into the statistics of someone losing weight on their own - only 5% are able to maintain that weight loss. Some of us find it near impossible to lose weight at all - never mind keep it off. I hope that you can support his decision once you've researched more of how this surgery has saved many lives.

@@carolynlyerly It's not uncommon to stay the same weight during this time - there's a lot of fluctuation (menstruation, Water retention, constipation, time of day of weighing, clothes you wear, etc.). Just continue with a low carb high Protein diet and you should be okay.

@@Qujazmaine October 15th is in 3 days. Do you mean November 15th? Aetna is known to be one of the more strict plans and I don't believe they'll approve you if you gained 12 lbs. I highly recommend going on a bariatric approved Protein shake and non-caloric liquid diet immediately. Drink tons of Water and avoid sodium. Gaining a few lbs can be explained by water retention, your period, constipation, etc. - but I don't think you'll be able to explain 12 lbs. Good luck.

@@Capricorn86 Looks good - hopefully you won't dump from it! That would put a damper on your enjoyment.

@@anonmom It will depend on when they submit the paperwork for insurance approval. I don't think it will be an issue if you lose - as long as they've submitted after the 1st visit.

@@busybeebug It's a forever no on my plan. Same as @@blizair09 - anything that expands (bread, rice, pasta). It's a waste of space in your stomach during the weight loss phase as far as I'm concerned. In the early weeks out - it's actually dangerous (could easily get caught in your staple line and cause a leak).

@@rachel_bypass yahoo - that's great!!! It's be here fast!!! Congrats!

@@mallnut If you are able to drink more - that's great. They just don't want you to get sick.

@@ereese310 I would appeal.

@@mshaw That's so annoying!!! Stay on them - don't let them forget about you.

@@mallnut I don't have a clear liquid stage so I'm not sure what your plan is. I am on Clear liquids AND Protein shakes day 1 post-op. I would imagine if you've gone 12 days without protein - you are going to be exhausted.

@@ereese310 Oh no!!! What happened??

I'm on day 9 of shakes, broth, sf popsicles and celery and 100 ozs of Water. I can't believe I'm doing as well as I am. I haven't put one thing in my mouth that isn't on my plan. I think it'll help for my liquid stage post-op. 4 more days of this diet and then Monday Clear liquids for surgery Tuesday.

@@thmitchell Mine wasn't received for a while but my surgeon knew that it was approved. I would call your surgeon's office - they should be able to look online to see that it was approved. Congrats!

@@muhol88 It's normal. You just had major surgery. Be sure you are walking several times a day to ensure blood circulation and to get rid of any remaining gas. Are you getting enough Protein? You will most likely have to remain taking a supplement (shakes or powder added to liquids/food) in order to meet your goal. Be sure to stay hydrated! If you are on blood pressure medications - have your BP checked as they may need adjusting. Try sleeping in bed with a body pillow for support and use a heating pad. Hang in there!

@@AmberMarie86 Use this time to prepare yourself as much as possible. Learn and practice eating how you will need to post-op. Figure out ways of combating head hunger and cravings. Start cleaning out closets. Get organized. Waiting sucks but make good use of the time!

@@deeclem19 That makes no sense to me. What is your portion of the cost of surgery? My surgery has a $1,000 deductible. So - that's all I should have to pay to the surgeon. If your surgery isn't covered until you've met your deductible - then I would think you would owe the surgeon $1,400. Out of Pocket is how much you should have to pay in total before insurance covers 100%. That's my understanding anyway. I think you need to get clarification from the insurance and surgeon. You wouldn't owe the surgeon up to out of pocket expenses. You should only owe them the deductible (up to the max deductible met).

@@skinnyjeansatlast You think 26 lbs in 7 weeks is slow?? You're starting off at a lower BMI than most - you've lost more than 1/3 of the your excess weight already - that's not crawling! That's a good loss. As others said - there's nothing you can do to accelerate your loss (safely). Keep following your plan and go to your event happy with your loss.

@@marissela928 You've lost 34 lbs in 4 months - at your starting weight (lower than most) - I don't consider that a slow loss. Your expectations may be a little too high. Tracking intake is important - as you don't know if you are meeting your Protein goals, Water goals or eating too many carbs/sugars. You need to make sure you are getting at least 60-80 gms of protein and more than 64 ozs of non-calorie fluids. Avoid bread, rice, Pasta, Cookies, candy, chips, etc.

@@tenseintexas Have you talked to your surgeon about this?? This isn't necessarily "normal" at 8 1/2 weeks out. You should be able to eat. Please call your surgeon - maybe you have something going on like a stricture or something.

@@Shell Renewed The reason for not having seeds or nuts isn't because of nutritional values - it is not usually allowed for several weeks even during the solid stage.

@@shirleyjohn001 hair loss is common with weight loss surgery - but if it's not growing back I would have them check thyroid just to be sure.

@@tess170 Swedish Fish are gooey and can easily stick or cause an obstruction. They could catch on a staple and cause a leak. This isn't about throwing up or dumping - it's about causing a complication. Prescribing liquid diets has nothing to do with insurance approval. Why did you have surgery if you're just going to eat what makes you feel good? Swedish fish are not soft foods by the way. They aren't allowed on my plan EVER. It doesn't matter how small you started out or how much weight you've lost - this is about your stomach healing and avoiding complications. You are an adult and can do what you want - I'm just making sure that others don't read your posts and assume this is okay.

@@LIsaRaye81 I"m sure your period has something to do with it. I gained 5 lbs from mine - and lost it right away once it was over. Water is definitely the key - so that should help too. Add lemon and drink decaf tea (iced or hot). Avoid sodium. Good luck!!!