GassyGurl

Been there, done that! At my first visit, I was told that I couldn't even lose 1# or I'd be denied. I couldn't fathom going through 4 months of classes, counseling etc and not being able to lose a pound. It was too risky, so I just shopped around for a self pay package and went for it. I probably could have used the hernia route as plan B, but I made up my mind that I was blessed enough to be able to afford it, so I decided to just do it. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

My high bmi was 35. I felt awful, had high cholesterol, pretty diabetes and high BP. I'm 5'2" and felt like a frumpy, dumpy blob. I was 32 bmi the day of surgery. I feel so much better! Joints don't hurt, I have better endurance and lastly I'm so much smaller. I don't feel like I'm going to die young any more. I have zero regrets. I have lost a total of 46#, and had an easy recovery. I woke up in no pain, and I feel satisfied eating my tiny portions. I always ate because it was there, and now I feel like I have a reason to turn food away. It feels empowering. Lots of folks wonder if their making the right decision. But for me, I knew everything I had failed at, the scales 15 year trend going up, and just knew I had no other option. I'm worried about long term success, but so far so good (4 months). Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

I can't comment on the gastritis, but the hernia is no big deal. Most overweight people have them, and it's an easy fix for the surgeon. A few stitches and it only adds a few minutes. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Which side did you lay on?! Left is the magic side. Maybe lie a little on a pillow for a little pressure. Or maybe lean over the edge of the bed if you can tolerate it? For me, laying on my left side was a godsend. Hope it passes soon! Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Dr Ariel Ortiz at the obesity control center. I ended getting mine done in Florida, but the only 2 Dr's I would consider are Dr Illan and the OCC. Superb credentials and patient reviews. Dr Ortiz has plenty of YouTube videos. Just make sure you search for Ariel Ortiz. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Be sure of whose requirement they are. Insurance, surgeon or hospital? My blood work and ekg had be to be within 30 days of my surgery. Some surgeons put a time frame on a Egd too. So just make sure you're totally clear on who is requiring because it might me a mix and they all might have different time frames. Good luck! Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

I buy super thin crust and enjoy a piece on occasion. I choose the smallest piece I can find. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Go for it. I have never seen a piece of medical advice advising against it. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

We all have moments when we feel like our weight loss isn't enough. How much of our lives have focused on a stupid scale? As long as you're sticking to your plan, try not to worry so much, as your body is changing, even if you don't see it. Sugar and cholesterol is getting better, you're probably more fit! The scale will catch up on its own timing. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Is it a one time reading, or multiple high readings? How active are you? I'm now able to keep mine in check with walking, water and keeping my sodium lower. Every now and then it's a little high, like if I ate jerky the day before. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

And our nurse says it's not an immediate thing after surgery, it starts around the 100 day mark. I'm on day 102 and haven't noticed anything abnormal yet. Fingers crossed! Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

I found the liquid calcium at Walmart. I also forgot that I take a super b complex about every other day. (tiny gel cap). I didn't really look for many liquid vitamins. I originally bought calcium citrate pills and they were huge. I prefer gel caps, chewable, anything but tablets. I hate when things feel like they get stuck and start to dissolve! Yuck. I also tried to keep it simple and inexpensive. I live in a very rural area, so my choices are Walmart, Amazon, or Costco (rare trip every 2 months). I read a lot about people having taste issues with the iron, so I did put effort into that choice. The Bari melts actuality tastes good. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

They make posture trainers. Ive thought about getting one, because all I do is sit hunched over a keyboard all day long. Here is a quick example: VOELUX Adjustable Figure 8 Back Posture Corrector and Clavicle Brace https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MT9BLHF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_AExeAb4XAFCEJ Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

In the hospital, I had iv Tylenol and had no pain. On day 4, we had a 12 hour car ride home. I think I drank some liquid Tylenol, but didn't really need it. The worst part was the gas pain. I just lid the seat back and let hubby drive. It wasn't the most fun thing I've ever done, just a little uncomfortable at times squirming around from the gas. For vitamins, I take: Daily' 2 children's chewable complete Liquid calcium Barimelts vitamin D Barimelts iron Chewable biotin (5000mg) Weekly B12 sublingual (5000 MG) I can swallow pills, but the chewable are easier and taste better. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

I had a bmi of 35.4 at my consult. BCBS said I couldn't drop below 35. In couldnt bear the thought of maintaining (not even able to lose 2 lbs) during the 3 months supervised diet, so I just went the self pay route. Plus, I wasn't fat enough in 2016. I was in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017 but since I was a few lbs short in 2016, I probably would have been denied. I may have been able to go through it all and appeal if needed, but I was ready to get the surgery Done. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

I add to coffee and oatmeal. It adds a little creaminess. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

My favorite meal during purees was buffalo chicken dip. I had no issues... Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

I never blended anything. I chose soft stuff like yogurt, cheese, canned chicken and chewed it till mush. My Dr was OK with this. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm 5'2" and my high weight was 195 on June 1st. Surgery weight 180 on August 11th, and now I'm down a total of 43 lbs. Current weight 151.7. It seems slow to me, but I'm off all meds, and dropped 1 pant size and down to a medium top (from XL). I'm thrilled! Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

It was on mine. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

I love the Avia brand leggings at Walmart. They have a horizontal waist band, and a drawstring. For me, I can pull them up over my belly and they stay up fine. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

The first time anyone said something (who didn't know about surgery) was about 40 pounds/2 months for me. And it was my boss who said "keep it up and you will be sporting a bathing suit in a magazine". Eeewwww. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

I take 5000 whatever the unit is strawberry flavored chewable from Costco. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

My nurse says the 100 day mark is when it will probably start. She didn't say how long it would last, but I assume, one hair 'cycle'. Can't really prevent it, but biotin and protein might help. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Jerky is one of my favorites, but salty. I also eat Almonds. I try to stay away from protein bars, but keep one around for an emergency. Have fun! Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app