Ms. Brightside

Stopped in to ALDI while killing time this afternoon. I was surprised to find cases of Hint Water (still, not sparkling) for $9.99 (typically $16-22, depending on where you buy). Also, they had organic no-sugar-added Apple & Eve juices (33 oz for about $2.60). Both approved by my surgeon for the post-op liquid phases.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Yes, I received one at my pre-op appointment today. However, I have never had a problem ordering off of the kid's menu in the past. Most restaurants do not seem to mind. The only exception that comes to mind as a potential problem would be a fancy high end restaurant. Even then, you could always get a to-go container or order a couple of appetizers.

I haven't ever had this brand, but I really do like these vegan bouillon cubes: https://www.iherb.com/pr/Edward-Sons-Not-Chick-n-Natural-Bouillon-Cubes-8-Cubes-9-g-Each/32711?gclid=CjwKEAjwxurIBRDnt7P7rODiq0USJADwjt5DAIbCjJfyRaWU2vimTIosuwoFh69rQ-jzDyZH7t93VhoCf7bw_wcB I have found them at Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Kroger, so just another option for you! I've been plant-based for a long time now, so I don't know the answer to this, but...does animal-based broth have protein in it? My first three days post-op are clear liquids only and that is what my surgeon wants me to focus on. Protein starts on day 4.

The cash option (vs insurance) is always going to be less expensive. Most surgeons in my area will perform a VSG for around $10-12K, but the insurance rate is easily three-four times that amount.

Bravo!

I received the estimate from my hospital last week (surgery is next week). $32-36K for the hospital only. This does not include the fees for the surgeon, surgeon's assistant, or anesthesiologist. This is for the sleeve and is not a revision.

I had my pre-op at the hospital last week. That consisted of testing (upper GI & EKG; would also normally include blood work, but I had that done previously), pre-registration (with the expectation of payment (or a down payment) for the hospital's services), and a mini-appointment with a pre-op nurse to go over my medical history, etc. There was no hospital tour, nor did I ask for one (what's important to me is the hospital's ratings, not what the room I'll be spending one or two nights in looks like. And, of course, I had already researched that info online). I have my pre-op with my surgeon this week. I have been told that he will review my test results with me and I will be given the chance to ask any additional questions before surgery next week.

I"m 5'6" and I have to scrunch down to take a bath, but the Lush bath bombs and bubble bars are so worth it!

Well, 5 weeks of full liquids. Basically, anything that can be blended and/or put through a strainer: yogurt, pudding, soup, protein shakes, even liquidy oatmeal or cream of wheat.

Well, the timing on this couldn't be more perfect. After years of being overweight and yo-yo dieting (with PERFECT blood work), my pre-op lab results (surgery is scheduled for 5/22/17) now indicate that I am in the beginning stages of metabolic syndrome. And I had perfect labs just a year ago! This is a warning to those who thing that they are "overweight, but healthy". Overweight does not = healthy in any way! So, my question: is it possible to reverse metabolic syndrome through bariatric surgery (and adhering to the post-op guidelines, of course)? Has anyone been through this? My main motivator in having this surgery was to avoid high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease, all of which runs in my family. Thanks for any input you may have to offer. I will be researching this like a madwoman over the weekend!

Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Congrats!

Surgeons are all so different in their recommendations. I would venture to guess that it has something to do with their education and/or experience in the field. Both my pre- and post-op diets are quite different than most others. Pre-op: low-fat/low-calorie diet for 2 weeks (no "liquids only" phase) - veggies & salads with low-fat dressing strongly encouraged! Post-op: 3 days of clear liquids only, then FIVE WEEKS of full liquids only Pre-op's not been so bad for me, but I know post-op is going to be a different story!

Bravo!

Some people will never notice or say anything for a variety of reasons. They may be too wrapped up in their own lives to care or notice or they may be fearful of offending you.

Another distraction: pampering time. My favorite for pampering at home is Lush, but it is somewhat pricey. I buy my favorites and to make them last longer, use other products in between. A brand called Enfusia is my second favorite. It is more budget-friendly and more readily available (Lush is available at Lush stores or through their website only; Enfusia is available in my area at Whole Foods and Central Market). After my pre-op testing last week, I stopped into the Lush store (which just happens to be about a mile from my surgeon/hospital) and treated myself to some goodies, instead of indulging in food (a typical post-medical appointment activity in my previous life).

Nicely done!!

How are you feeling this morning?

I am well-aware of how metabolic syndrome works. I've been keeping a close eye on my blood work (which is done annually), as well as my blood pressure, as my mother and father both suffer from this syndrome. I've had a large waistline, however, as of last year's blood work, everything else was good. My consultation with my surgeon uncovered borderline hypertension (which has continued at several other appointments since then). My pre-op blood work (they took 10 tubes of blood) reflected low HDL Cholesterol and fasting glucose levels in line with pre-diabetes. My amylase level was low, as well, which further indicates MetS. Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3102610/ Anyway, the point of this post (and as @Berry78 also pointed out), is that "perfect blood work" does not = "perfect health", as I've seen posted in these forums (and as I thought for years...I've been kidding myself!). If you are overweight, you are unhealthy and, basically, a ticking time bomb. I was also wondering how those who had the syndrome were doing post-operatively. Thanks for sharing your experiences, @OutsideMatchInside & @PatientEleventyBillion. Yes! This is the problem with healthcare, as a whole; doctors treat symptoms, not causes.

Does updating in that spot also update your ticker?

I start my low-fat/low-calorie pre-op diet tomorrow. "Made" some popsicles this afternoon. Hope they turn out, as there are so many flavors of Vitamin Water Zero to help prevent flavor burnout. Sent from my SM-G930P using BariatricPal mobile app

Ah, ok. I'm a big water drinker, too, but sometimes enough is enough. That's why I like the hint waters. You can buy individual bottles of Vitamin Water Zero at Target to try. That's what I did - one of each flavor to try, before buy the large multi-packs.

I'm 4 days behind you! I can't believe it's so close!

You may also be interested in Hint Water. It doesn't have any added sweetener at all, just a "hint" of real fruit flavoring. I don't know that the flavor in them would be strong enough to come across well in a popsicle, but they are good for drinking without adding calories!