Sullie06

Thank you. I wish it had been an easier journey for you as well.

Like others said I would get a different PCP, especially since they will be managing your health post surgery as well. I actually was referred to my program by my OBGYN and so she did my referral letter but my PCP as been very accommodating as well.

I had one and I had the sleeve. It's common practice at my program, everyone gets one. I had it for about 48 hours and it was removed before discharge.

I stalled at 10 months out and I'm bouncing between 190-187 pounds myself. I've been changing my diet around as well as increasing my protein and fluids which was hard for me. I actually added a protein shake back into my diet as a morning snack. We will see how it goes. I was back down to 187 even this morning so I'm hoping to break into the 186 plane and keep going. I have lost 113 pounds however so I've lost more than my projected weight loss by my NUT and I'm within 15 pounds of my surgeons goal.

I hope you are feeling better soon and you get home to your boys. I myself had zero complications and my pain was minimal and managed well while in the hospital but one of the men in my local group who had surgery around the same time as me had a really rough go. He had a leak and ended up on life support in the ICU for a while and had repeat surgeries. It was touch and go for a while but he is now almost a year out and has no regrets. He comes to support groups to tell his story to and let people know that even in the darkest moments there is sunshine. He said that his weight would have killed him if he didn't take control and now hes healthier than ever.

These ones only have 25 grams but I was having a hard time stomaching shakes after surgery and my NUT actually suggested I try these ones and they worked. She said the 25 grams was okay because I could actually stomach them. Like you it was more of a texture issue than a flavor issue. She also suggested I make up the protein by adding protein powder to my meals so it worked out. Also maybe try a protein water or tea. Isopure has a water that has 40 grams of protein in it I believe and they have the texture of a water. They have many different flavors so it might be trial and error to find one you like.

I need to have my Gallbladder out. I had my VSG 12/30/16. In June I started having abdominal pain that was actually center and radiated to the right. My surgeon suspected Gallbladder as the pain can radiate. I had an ultrasound that showed normal results, no stones but he wanted to be sure so I went for a HIDA scan. My ejection fraction was 85% so above the normal range. My surgeon says they consider normal below 60% so I would need it out. However, as I don't have stones and my pain is intermittent I could wait on it. I will be having it out after the first of the year as my time resets at work and I used so much for my VSG I had to wait.

GNC makes a pretty good protein tea, they also have protein waters on the market now that are not horrible tasting and much easier to stomach than the shakes. Immediately post surgery I could no longer stomach most protein shakes, they were to sweet and thick. I found the GNC Lean25 shakes were pretty good and they have so many flavors. As for vitamins, what about a patch?

When I was on pureed some of my go to meals were: Pureed chili with a little melted cheese and low fat sour cream Refried beans with salsa and cheese Ricotta bake Cottage cheese with peach baby food mixed in Pureed tuna with a little mayo and relish. Cream Soups. Check with your NUT or Surgeon to make sure you know what is allowed as every plan is different. I was allowed pretty much anything during my pureed stage as long as I could get it to the this pureed consistency.

I'm a mother with 2 small children, ages 2 and 4 and work full time outside the home. I had no co-morbidies going into this surgery and was healthy other then my weight. But my weight effected everything, I couldn't play with my kids like I wanted and my knees and back ached so badly from carrying the weight around. For me, having this surgery has changed my life in the best ways. I don't struggle with food. I can eat everything I did prior to surgery except eggs. I have no issues with dumping (haven't dumped ever) or food getting stuck. I can eat a normal meal size in comparison to my thin female friends and average 1000-1200 calories a day, I'm meeting my protein goals and while I don't meet my fluid goals everyday, I do most days. This journey is different for everyone, some will struggle while others do not. There is a risk of side effects with any surgery but there is a huge risk of health issues with being obese as well. You have to think about which is a bigger risk to you and your lifestyle.

Thank You Brittany! This site was so helpful to me early out so if I want to do something for someone else. You will do great, it's a process and it's tough at first but it gets better with each passing day.

I actually made my husband take over meals for my kids during my pre-op (which was only 4 days) and then during a couple months post op. It was actually easier post-op because in the early days I had no desire to eat.

I went into the program 7/19/16 and was sleeved 12/30/16 but I was approved the last week of November, I chose to push it out past the holidays because I have two small children, so I could have had it done a month earlier. My program only required a 90 day program at the time but it's since moved to a 6 month program in the past year.

Love spicy food and have no issues with it. Buffalo chicken is now one of my favorite go to meals.

My brother in law was referred to have Gastric By-Pass by his doctor. He's about 5'9", weights about 350, is diabetic and is disabled. He's had back surgery, needs a total hip replacement and is only 33 years old. When he told me that, I said you should do it, it will be life changing. He says "I'm going to wait a few years to see if you croak from your surgery before I even consider it." Gee.... thanks brother. He also continuously mentions how I've lost to much weight and that if I'm not careful I will die.

I tell people about my surgery as I feel fit. I don't go up to every stranger I meet and tell them all the intimate details of my life but if someone asks, I tell them the truth. If people have something to say, I really don't care because I know how hard this journey was and I know those same people were likely talking about me behind my back even more when I was large. I've always been fodder for gossip, being very overweight, so at least I'm finally comfortable in my own skin and so much healthier. I do like to tell people struggling with weight and who have asked me about how I lost mine. I don't' tell random stranger who are overweight because I never would have wanted to be told but I've had a few co-workers, associates and a friend reach out to me about my possibly having the surgery themselves. My doctor did not every suggest WLS and she was not super happy when I chose it, she actually asked if I really wanted to do that and that she can put me on physician led diet (again!). The doctor who did refer me was actually my OBGYN and I cannot thank her enough for saving my life!!!

I really liked the GNC Lean25 shakes. They are a light lighter in texture than many of the shakes I tried and they come in so many flavors, including special seasonal flavors so you can switch it up if needed.

I was a BMI of 38 at the time of surgery, I was a 41 when I went into the program and I was worried I wouldn't be approved as I had no co-morbidities but I was still accepted. I will be 1 year post op on 12/30 and I've lost 113 pounds. I'm currently sitting at a BMI of 27 so almost in the normal range and about 15 pounds from goal. I'm currently bouncing up and down 3 pounds.

Congrats!! Best feeling ever.

Good luck and welcome to the other side (almost). To answer your first 3 questions, yes get a food scale. It will be a life line for quite some time, I still measure stuff if I'm unsure though I can pretty much eye a plate and see where I'm at now. I used measuring cups for everything early out. If it was liquid, I measured it. I also got 2 ounce disposable cups with lids and would put my food in those and store it in the fridge. As for the phone app I've been using the Baritastic App since day 1 and I love it. It's designed for people who have had WLS. The anxiety/depression I cannot help with but maybe talk to your doctor who manages your medications, if you are on any, or a therapist/psychologist if you see one regularly.

Just wanted to say good luck to all of you. I'm a late December sleever and coming up on my 1 year anniversary of my sleeve (12/30) so I was experiencing all you are now, last year. You will do great and it's completely worth it. Just listen to your body, sip sip sip and follow your surgeons plan to a T.

Chili is a great option. You can put it in a crock pot and make it as spicy or mild as you like. Bring some shredded cheese and low fat sour cream to melt on top. Also buffalo chicken dip is another good one. I use canned shredded chicken and make it in a crock pot. You can use low fat dairy options when you make it. I personally just eat it off a spoon but bring chips for your co-workers. Grape meatballs are so good if you looking for something a little sweet too.

Thank you! She must be pretty great

It's not a HIPPA violation as Hippa only pertains to covered entities but it could be a violation of company policy or privacy laws depending on your profession and location. That being said in order to report it to a higher up or HR you would need pretty solid evidence, for 2 reasons. The first being you don't want to accuse and potentially get in trouble an innocent party and the second being they may ask for detailed information when making a complaint such as who said what to whom and when. It's also possible that someone overheard or saw something while in a supers office but was not told directly by your supers. I think your first step would be to just go talk to your supervisor and express your concerns. It's possible the people in to office just noticed you lost the weight. My boss and supervisor know and 2 co-workers but nobody else in my office but people all over the building have noticed and commented on my weight loss.

I like my surgeon. I've seen him at every appointment and follow up. He pushes me and sometimes I get frustrated but I know his personality now so I'm used to it. I did a lot of research which surgeon to go with and it was a big help that my hubby worked with him numerous times in the OR and trusted him. He will be doing my Gallbladder surgery next month so I clearly trust his ability and skills. Honestly, many surgeons are not known to be the most personable but they typically deal less with the patients themselves. My OBGYN for example, I love her but I saw her probably 30 times while I was pregnant at least, plus follow up and every year for maintenance so it's a different kind of environment with surgeons. I've seen my surgeon maybe 6 times, in the same amount of time, didn't even see him the day of surgery or for follow up, his colleague saw me.