LeaninLanc

What is your restriction like with dense Protein? ‘“Pouch Reset” is a fad diet and won’t change the restriction of your pouch or sleeve. If you’re not feeling much restriction it may be what you’re eating (e.g. slider or non-dense food) or you’re still trying to chase that full feeling you had pre-WLS. Are you measuring your food? If not, I recommend it so you can get used to what the right portion sizes should feel like.

When you guys called your insurance company to check in what did you ask? It's been a week for me and I'm dying to call I just don't know what to ask them.

I have Empire BCBS NY and was told I'd be approved if I didn't gain any more weight than my first weigh in. She also wanted me to lose 30lbs prior to surgery last weigh in I was down 14lbs.

Congrats on your surgery. I'm not sure if you're traveling by air or land. My experience is that you might want to plan to take a small cooler or use a hotel mini fridge to stock up on the items you are eating at six weeks. I found I had only a few go-to foods at that point and even if we went out to eat I just ate a few bites off my husband's plate. Eating at six weeks (and even now at 5 months) is more a task to be managed than an experience. Best wishes!

I was sleeved 3-6-17 and remain thankful every day for this tool. I started at a higher weight and have lost 83 lbs. since day of surgery. I still have 80 pounds to go and that will put me at the middle range of a "normal weight" for a tall 59 year old. I am confident that I will reach that goal in 12 months, in time for my 60th. It's so refreshing to get good lab reports and good blood pressure readings at the doctor. I'm trying not to take this opportunity for granted. Glad to hear everyone is hanging in there.

I'm 8 weeks post-op but can tell you that I purposely ate a variety of favorite foods, before surgery, with the thought that once I'd had surgery I'd still "want" these foods but would have to deny myself. What I wish I knew then is that my tastes would change and that, at least in the early months, I would feel no desire for those foods I used to crave. Self-discipline with food has never been my strong point (duh) but the VSG makes it much easier to stay on course.

Congrats on your surgery. I'm not sure if you're traveling by air or land. My experience is that you might want to plan to take a small cooler or use a hotel mini fridge to stock up on the items you are eating at six weeks. I found I had only a few go-to foods at that point and even if we went out to eat I just ate a few bites off my husband's plate. Eating at six weeks (and even now at 5 months) is more a task to be managed than an experience. Best wishes!

I was sleeved 3-6-17 and remain thankful every day for this tool. I started at a higher weight and have lost 83 lbs. since day of surgery. I still have 80 pounds to go and that will put me at the middle range of a "normal weight" for a tall 59 year old. I am confident that I will reach that goal in 12 months, in time for my 60th. It's so refreshing to get good lab reports and good blood pressure readings at the doctor. I'm trying not to take this opportunity for granted. Glad to hear everyone is hanging in there.

I would definitely delay surgery. It sounds like a wonderful trip so why not be able to enjoy it 100%? At four weeks I was definitely still trying to figure out my food intakes and that's with having known foods, known quantities and regular meal times. I also found myself tired and at times, not wanting to be too far from the bathroom as everything "got adjusted" in my digestive tract. Safe travels!

Has anyone taken phentermine pre op or even post op?
I've just started this journey and I'm on phentermine 15ml (30ml cut in half). I was told I could stay on it, since my surgery will be in 6mo+ and I can only be on this rx for like another 3month safely.

Has anyone taken it post op?

I believe it spelled out physician supervised. I called the BCBS office and had them email me all their Bariatric surgery requirements. I had hoped to use some weight watcher records but that wouldn't fly as I hadn't seen a doctor or CNP monthly to monitor. I'm sure a representative at BCBS can clarify for you.

Hi guys! I'm new here! surgery date is July 17th I'm super excited and have a very supportive husband.
Right now, nobody knows about the surgery except my husband and one friend i trust who has had it done. The reason I'm keeping it quiet is because my mother and sister have both had negative comments about it in the past and I don't want the negativity in my life right now.
There's also a part of me that feels, its my body and my decision and I do not need to feel obligated to tell anybody my story.
Then there's a small part of me that knows it will be difficult when everyone starts asking me and I dont want to feel as if im "lying"
Any advise? Has anyone felt like this ?

You have nothing but good things ahead. A year from now you will be well on your way to meeting your goal. Wishing you the best!

You look gorgeous, keep it up and well done

Sent from my SM-G930T using BariatricPal mobile app

I think the "feeling of fullness" varies from one person to another but until I got into solid foods I didn't really get "that feeling". I do now though and it's literally a tightness telling me that one more bite should not enter. I've also found that I get the hiccups if I go over by a bite or two. Not pleasant.

Congrats. We are surgiversary twins. You've done so very well. I don't know about you but these past four months went by much more quickly than my 6 months of pre-op prep.

I find I have a lot more time on my hands since my prior pursuit of food is now a task and not the high point of my day. For the first time in years I am approaching a birthday (I'm well into my 50's) and I can confidently say I will be thinner next year, I have broken the cycle. I can walk by a mirror or plate glass window and feel pride not disgust. More energy in all areas. I no longer dread doctor appointments. Seating choices are no longer an issue.

The list can go on and on! You will soon be making a similar list!

This is a GREAT thread. Lots of good insights.

Yes on people treating you differently! I hadn't truly realized how invisible I was when I was fat! Now people make eye contact, smile, approach and offer assistance... but they also hit on me (despite my obvious wedding ring)!

I love shopping now. I can find things that fit anywhere I go. Which is wonderful but as has been said, expensive to replace EVERYTHING!

I'm active and run marathons. I play and participate in life (water slides, zip lines, trampoline parks) with my kids rather than sitting on the sidelines watching.

I was mentally dreading the two week pre-op diet that my bro-in-law described as the worse part of the VSG process. I was astounded when the scheduling nurse said to just follow Clear Liquids 24 hrs prior. When I asked my surgeon at my 1 week follow up he said that there are more longitudinal studies showing that the protocol of two weeks to shrink the liver is unnecessary. I counted myself blessed as I chose this physician primarily due to insurance coverage.

That is one perfectly composed letter! I told only my closest family and friends along with one co-worker who would be covering for me. I spent months thinking about how I'd tell people on the periphery. Closer to surgery I realized that it wasn't necessary to tell anyone else. I had visions of being on the receiving end of many questions. I'm 3.5 months out and almost 70# down from surgical weight and not one person has asked what I did to lose weight. I've received lots of "You're looking great" though. Your approach was well thought out!

Hi, When I went to the Psychiatrist, she told me at the end of the session that she was approving me. I think they just want to make sure that you can understand the surgery. Also, if they feel that you need additional support, they will help you with that. For instance if you are a night eater, binge eater, etc. They are there to give you the extra support if you need it.

These next months will go quickly (when you look back). It's a very exciting journey. Congrats!

That's awesome my surgery is also scheduled for 6/28. Pre-op diet start tomorrow... time to let the nerves kick in!!

There can be great feelings of buyers remorse the first week or so after surgery. It's very helpful to have a trusted partner/friend/family member who can "check in on you" emotionally and provide reassurance. I was second-guessing my decision and was way too post-surgery brained to be able to remind myself this was all worth it. Best wishes!

I wish I'd known that all those foods I "enjoyed" one last time (out of fearfulness that I'd never eat them again) would lose their power over me post-surgery. I'm 9 weeks post op and about 47 pounds down from surgery and so far not really missing those foods. I put too much mental energy on my "food funerals".