BloomSeason

I coulda sworn I replied already but.....You Guys crack me up with the melted cheese. I did have melted cheese on the Beans it was quite delicious!!
KristenLe, Yes, I haven't gotten any specific instructions to stop the Protein shakes so I assume they are still good. I just got sick of them and switched to nectar..now im getting sick of that!!....Will check the exact calories on Nectar!
I will work on eating every 3 hours...Man o man, the math in this!!! eat every 3 hours, do not drink less than 30 minutes before or after a meal...my brain hurts. I need something to zap me whenever its time for me to eat or drink. 1 zap for eat, 2 zaps for drink.

It is common but, I didn't think it would last this long... I'm back to work and fairly active.... I know my body is still changing but dang, I'm ready for energy!!!! Sent from my XT1585 using the BariatricPal App

@@sean72977
Don't Look A Gift Horse in the Mouth
kathy

I am the same way, nothing bothers me

6 weeks post op (on July 5th) and nothing has made me sick yet...I'm on regular diet now and have tried most things and nothing has come back up. Is that weird or normal? I was fully expecting to puke!
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I was sleeved on July 8th, and prior to surgery I read a recommendation to buy an abdominal binder. I put it on tonight after my first shower, and the comfort of the abdominal binder is awesome.
I would highly recommend one, it makes you feel comfortable, and like your tummy area and insides aren't all over the place.

Another item that was a game changer in recovery was this Velcro body wrap thing I used that I would wrap around my abdomen. It supported my sore abdomen and allowed me to sleep on my sides...it was huge!
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Shelly's Baked Ricotta
8 oz of Ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 large Egg, beaten
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
salt & pepper to taste
1/2 cup Marinara Sauce
1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
Mix ricotta cheese, parmesan, beaten egg, seasonings together and place in a oven proof dish. Pour marinara on top and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake it in the oven @ 450 for about 20-25 minutes (best) or nuke it till hot and bubbly. heat the leftovers in the microwave

Carbs give you energy but do not build muscle. You can get that same energy through your calories without pounding carbs.
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@@VSGAnn2014 is exactly right.
Why did we all have this surgery? To combat obesity.
Why are we obese? Because we eat too much food.
Why do we eat too much food? It's our comfort.
Why would we seek comfort from food? And there you have it.....as a coping mechanism and an escape for what is really bothering us.
When you lose your ability to use food as a crutch all that's left is the cold hard truth. It is indeed depressing. Use this time in your life wisely. To try and come to terms with what's really bothering you is one of the hardest things you'll ever have to do.
Stay the course and understand that the depression and lack of energy you are experiencing is part of this ride. You'll come out stronger and better in the end.

Well I haven't been on her for so long and it is good to read all of your posts! My surgery date was actually June 7, 2013 I have been out of town but for some reason I really wanted to share a little of my journey.
I started this journey actually 2 years before I had the surgery. It took me that long to make the decision that once I had my surgery I would never turn back to my old eating patterns. Making such a change to your body was something I took very seriously and played the head games for 2 years. You know..........You can do this just eat right, exercise stay with the program! I was at the gym 3 times a week and trying so hard. I managed to lose about 25 pounds then my mother passed away. I kept up the same routine same eating patterns and despite all I gained 10 pounds back and finally said "That's it!" I knew I needed the help and made the decision to have the surgery.
When I started the 2 weeks of liquid diet before surgery I had my answer to my biggest problem. I was a carbaholic that was the biggest insight into who I was and what was controlling me. I knew then and there I could no longer eat useless carbs. They were and are still a drug for me. Have you ever noticed when you eat a good piece of bread, cake, chip etc. it makes you want it more? It calls you from the cabinets and the frig......."I'm in here so close just come and have a few more!" Damn carbs!! I still fight this but know myself so well now I know what trigger foods to avoid and what I can treat myself with on an occasion. I am not anti carbs just the bad ones that pull you in. Avoid them!
I haven't been the best at exercising but I do go twice a week during the school year (I work at a high school) and swim and bike ride during the summer. My goal weight was 160 pounds and I had a secret goal of 150 pounds. I knew I was going to make the 160 because I wasn't changing my body without a good outcome if I could help it. The day of surgery I weighed 293 pounds and today I weigh 149 pounds. I have been able to maintain this weight pretty easily (no boasting) and am amazed and give all the glory to God and my sleeve! When I returned home from my 3 week trip I had only gained 7 pounds and knew it was mostly bloat. By the end of the first week home it was gone and I marveled at how helpful this surgery actually is!
To this day I still do not have hunger pains.........Thank the Lord!!! I know when my body is in need of food because I get an empty feeling or show signs of low blood sugar but that doesn't happen to often. Only if I am really really busy and honestly forget to eat. No eating disorder here.......no worries I still love my food!
My body definitely has wrinkles all over the place and one day when I win the lottery I will have some surgery to fix myself up. The funny thing is when I was on vacation and was carrying some Water weight the wrinkles in some areas were not as bad. This is how I knew it was Water weight. I missed my wrinkles and was happy to get them back because I felt back on track. Proof of being where I was supposed to be. Weird!! I still get a runny nose when I get full and can eat about 8 ounces on a really good day. I eat a high Protein diet with a lot of veggies and fruit. I have become a gluten free organic eater it made the difference for the last 5 pounds. I do love a Crown and diet organic coke or glass of wine. I didn't have a drink for about a year or more after surgery. This is one thing I caution everyone with. I quickly caught myself enjoying a drink in place of carb foods and put a stop to that. I thought well there is little calories and carbs in a Crown and diet coke so I will be okay and I didn't gain weight but drinking should just be kept at a minimum. You could easily fall into a really bad habit. For some reason eggs are still hard for me to eat I can't eat more than 2 on a really good day. What is up with that? Scrambled eggs........Really!!
I take my Vitamins religiously and my blood work has come back great.......very grateful! One of my favorite treats is a cup of coffee with my half of a Premiere Protein Drink and some hazelnut Creamer. It's a great middle of the day treat.
I am still the person I was before surgery but with more confidence, self awareness and energy. I will protect this new person and body with all vigilance. The true answer to this surgery is getting to know the authentic self, recognizing your triggers and fixing them. Be it personal issues or food issues such as mine. Easier said then done I realize this full on. When I was on the liquid diet I put a whole new spin on being a bitch............My family was ready to run away! Every once in awhile I will go to a restaurant that overwhelms me and I tear up and get mad but I do not stray from my eating patterns. I know myself......... I would rather be mad for a few minutes than go down that slippery slope of gradual weight gain from getting addicted to carbs again.
This was pretty long so if you hung in there and read the whole thing........Thank you!! I'm not perfect by a long shot and I'm sure there are some that would criticize. Please don't this is my life and I am feeling pretty darn good about it. I wish each and every one of you the best and brightest of outcomes!!!!

I recommend that you try Premier Protein shakes. They have 30 grams of Protein, 160 calories, and only 1 gram of sugar. I drink one a day. It's a great way to supplement my protein for the day. They have more protein and few calories than any other shake I've seen.

Ahhhh!!!! I knew I was so close I couldn't wait to weigh myself until tomorrow (my weekly weigh-in days are Mondays) and I did it! I am exactly 100lbs less than the day i had surgery in October of last year!!!!! Woohooo me
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I'm on my 4th day post op and the small scars they left look like little cuts that's healing!! The hospital stay was good they had me there for one night and that's all really you need! They had me on bed rest for the night and in the morning they had me walk down the hall a few times and use the bathroom on my own!! They then did an X-ray to see if I had any leaks which I did not! Then they brought me my first meal which was broth, Jello, Water, tea and ice chips! The hardest part of the whole thing was the dry mouth, it was horrible. Lol!! Today I'm up and around like nothing happened. Just had some vegetable broth and got full off of a few sips!! Not feeling hungry at all! Was 247pds two weeks ago and my scales just said 225pds and I feel more energized and healthy!! Good luck to all having the procedure, it's going to change your life. For the best.
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If your MD will prescribe Nascobal (B12 nasal spray), it comes with free bariatric chewable vitamins. I paid $25 copay through insurance. The Vitamins taste pretty disgusting, though.

Got my date -- it's June 21.

Whew, the first four weeks are now behind me! I've been doing quite a bit of reflecting on my experience so far, and here are some of my thoughts:
1. I've lost 27 pounds! I'm so excited by the numbers on the scale. Still wearing the same clothes though. I have a box in my bedroom already labeled "too big", and I can't wait to start filling it with clothes to give away!
2. The first few days sucked way more than I expected (too much vomit!), but after that it's actually been a pretty easy recovery. I'm meeting and often exceeding my Fluid and Protein goals.
3. I'm surprised that I don't miss junk food. I don't mind when my kids eat ice cream in front of me, or when we order a pizza. I'm mostly content with my tuna, or scrambled egg, or hummus, or cheese. However, I am starting to tire of the soft foods I've been eating and am looking forward to getting the docs okay to start trying a greater variety of foods.
4. I really want to take a bubble bath. I'm thinking I probably could at this point, but I'm such a stickler for the rules that I'm not going to do it until doc says ok. Since I was self pay, I really want to avoid any possible complications that will cost even more money!
5. Before surgery, I didn't really want to tell anyone. Now I'm so excited about my new, healthier lifestyle, that I want to shout it from the rooftops to anyone who will listen. I have not had any negative reactions from the people I've told. If they had negative opinions about it, they've kept it to themselves, so that's good.
6. I think I may be lactose intolerant now. Ive switched to soy milk, but yogurt and cheese don't seem to bother me. Not sure if things will stay this way, or if it's just part of my healing process and it will go away with time.
7. I've started a small garden, I've been walking every day, and I have TWO vacations planned in the next 4 months - Mexico with the kids, and New England fall colors with the husband.
Life feels great right now and I haven't regretted the surgery once! Thanks for reading. This site has been very helpful for me so far, and I plan to stay connected here as part of my commitment to a new lifestyle.
Christi
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Hi, all. I am going through Bailey too! I really feel GREAT about the program. Dr. Kirk (medical director) is precious and the "navigator" who organizes the schedule and all support is awesome. Timeline is like this so far:
Orientation April 14
First consult April 28
Required support group meeting on May 9
Required Primary Care appointment with formal referral on May 11
First round of appointments on May 18 (psychologist, nutritionist, exercise therapist)
Cardiologist on May 19
Second consult on May 23
I'm waiting on the hospital to call me and schedule a couple other things... hoping & praying that they fit in May too!
If I can get all these appointments and tests done in May, we will then submit it to BCBS for final approval. They DO cover the surgery (really well!) but they have to approve my claim.
Fingers crossed that June 28 will be my SLEEVE date.

I just started the process at Bailey and have my first appointments Friday. Insurance requires 6 months supervised diet. I'm concerned because my BMI is 36, if I drop below 35 I do not qualify. I have always gone up and down in weight over the years.
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For anyone who has had surgery or who is going through pre-op with Bailey, what is the approximate timeline once you start the process? And do the surgeons there use a drain or not? Thanks!

I just had my surgery 12/21/15 at Bailey! I had a good experience if you have any questions let me know! I used Dr Varnell.

I've seen a few threads about Bailey but they seem over now. Has anyone been a patient at this facility? I'd really like to get information from someone who's been through the program. Thanks

I am sleeving June 28! Will you add me to the F/B page too?
Thanks, all. I look forward to sharing the journey with you!
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Ahhhh phentermine.... I have a long, sad relationship with phentermine. I started taking Prescription wl pills in the 1990s when fen phen was the rage (it was a mixture of phentermine and something else) well it was awesome, people (myself included) danced in and out of pop up diet clinics shrieking "IM THIN!!!!" Worked like a charm. I personally lost 24 pounds. Problem was, it caused holes in people's hearts. Bummer!!!!! Diet pills fell out of fashion for a while but came back in the news with xeincal (removes fat from what you eat with rather unpleasant side effects). Slowly doctors began prescribing phentermine and I know in my area there are lots of diet clinics that will prescribe it for a hefty fee. It's GREAT at first- I say my house is never as clean as when it's phentermine clean!! I don't want to eat, have lots of energy, weight comes off- fantastic, right? Well the problem is, your body gets used to it pretty quickly. And each subsequent time you try and take it after it is less effective. You might get a great month or two out of it and that's it. I've tried asking my WL clinic doctor for more at that point ("but my cleaning non eating buzz is gone, can't we bump it up a bit?") is always met with a resounding NO. As a matter of fact, my GP won't even write a script for it- she just thinks it's too short term to really be worth it so I would sneak to clinics. I should also mention it can make you EXTREMELY irritable. I had a friend who took it and was a middle school teacher. Her principal called her in because there were so many parent complaints about her being a witch to the kids and she fully admitted it- the phentermine was making her very testy. She stuck to taking it on weekends and her own kids lived in fear of her. So.... Short working life, hard to get, can make you grouchy... Yeah, it wasn't a long term solution for me. I got a band, it worked pretty well, band broke, I got sleeved last week and am loving life. The only thing I regret is spending all those years dabbling in diet pills. I was a self pay for the band in the Dominican Republic because I had a low BMI going in but man... I after so many years of being miserable I wanted that weight off soooooo bad. Now the sleeve is awesome (insurance paid to cover broken band) - best decision of my life. My husband is thrilled I'm done with diet pills too. Surely I wasn't cranky????? Well at least the house was clean!!! . Good luck in your journey!!!!
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So happy to have found this site, and especially each of you! I have just started this process and I'm praying I am in June, or July. Maybe that's overly optimistic but my insurance and the bariatric hospital in my town each seem really efficient. I have a 37 BMI so I will have to have a diagnosed comorbidity to qualify for the surgery. Finger crossed that goes smoothly. And fingers crossed that each of you have a healthy journey too!!!
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