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Apple203

Gastric Sleeve Patients
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Status Updates posted by Apple203

  1. PSA:  Don't try to eat flank steak at Week #5, no matter how thinly it is sliced, how small the pieces are, or how much you chew them.  Just don't do it.

    1. Show previous comments  6 more
    2. Apple203

      Apple203

      It was a big mistake!

    3. Mattymatt

      Mattymatt

      Naw, Apple. It was just a mistake. We live, we learn ... right?

    4. Mattymatt

      Mattymatt

      I am still learning to slow down my eating. Yesterday's nutritious grilled chicken salad came up cuz I ate too damn fast.

  2. It was like a scene from The Exorcist tonight.  Pizza was involved.  And hanger, lol.  I stayed strong (somehow) and made my planned Curried Lentil Coconut Soup (soooooo good) and let my guys eat their #@$%& pizza without me.

    1. Show previous comments  3 more
    2. Apple203

      Apple203

      Strong like a bull indeed! :D And I smell like curry still, LOL. But truthfully, this recipe is fantastic! Makes 6 cups/servings: 180 calories, 23 carbs, 9 fiber, 7 fat, 8 protein, 3 sugar. I did use S&B japanese curry (as recommended) and I used full fat coconut cream. I was carb-lean the rest of the day and made all of my targets! Try it! https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/curried-lentil-tomato-and-coconut-soup

    3. FluffyChix
    4. Orchids&Dragons

      Orchids&Dragons

      Thanks for the recipe, sounds delicious!

      Pizza night is still once a week or more at my house. I've just got to ignore it, although I have snatched the occasional mushroom!

  3. Onderland!!  Where's the emoticon for cartwheels?

    1. Show previous comments  3 more
    2. FluffyChix

      FluffyChix

      LOL, hope you're not mad at the LMGTFY part. LOL. I was being silly--not trying to slam you! :)

    3. Sleeve1stFitNext

      Sleeve1stFitNext

      Congratulations!!!

    4. newself

      newself

      woo hoo! Congrats!

  4. Stall Day #7...sigh

    1. Show previous comments  3 more
    2. KimTriesRNY

      KimTriesRNY

      I’m sorry to hear of your stalling. I hope you see progress soon. If you can eat more maybe try increasing intake? I’ve been pretty consistent on 700-900 calories a day. You can increase calories and not volume by just eating say full fat cheese instead of low fat cheese, that kind of thing. Idk. It works for some people. I know how disheartening it is to be stuck....we all just want to get to our goal weights!

    3. Mattymatt

      Mattymatt

      Keep your chin up, Apple! This won't last forever. :D

    4. Arabian78

      Arabian78

      I'm sorry you've stalled Apple. It does suck, but it will pass. Don't get discouraged. Just keep pushing through and before you know it, you'll be down again.

  5. Just had my 7th and final nutrition appointment this morning -- 5 weeks to go!!  Paperwork goes in for approval next week.  Pre-op diet starts on Feb 27th.  Excited!!!  :D

    1. Show previous comments  2 more
    2. FluffyChix

      FluffyChix

      Yeah, hear ya on the schedule being what it is! Glad there's no worries on the 2lbs. I was up 1.5lbs from Visit #5 to #7. She wasn't worried, said they expect those things. AWESOME that the approval is a slam dunk girl!!!

      About the liquid diet...honestly it isn't that bad. It's more the habitual thing really. You're gonna rock it like nobody's beeswax. But I would start stepping down off the carbs soon, and also cutting back on any carbonated drinks, caffeine and alcohol. It makes Day 1 much easier to handle mentally.

      ((hugs))

    3. Little Green

      Little Green

      Congrats! We'll be on the losers' bench soon enough :D

    4. Sleeve1stFitNext

      Sleeve1stFitNext

      Congratulations!!! You are almost there. You will have your Phoenix day soon. (That's what I call my surgery date because that was the day I reborn).

  6. Pre-ops DONE!  DONE!  DONE!   Appointment with surgeon in a week -- he all but said he'd submit me for insurance approval at this point, even without 6 months of classes under my belt.  If I ruled the world (haha), I'd have surgery on 12/18 and take two weeks of leave over the holidays -- with nobody in the office the wiser.  We shall see. :-)

    1. Show previous comments  2 more
    2. Berry78

      Berry78

      It would be so awesome if y'all end up surgibuds! I have 3 wonderful ones myself. So nice bouncing ideas off someone that is at the same stage..

    3. Jenna1896

      Jenna1896

      YAY !! I only have an EGD left in 2 weeks, then I'm done. :)

    4. Hopep4673

      Hopep4673

      Sounds like we will all be close together...

  7. Got my date, and I'm kinda bummed because its so far away:  March 14th.  My surgeon is a marshmallow about the dates, but his office staff is run by an 86-star general and she says I have to have 180 days in before we file with insurance -- not just 6 dietitian meetings, but 7, effectively.  And here I thought I could even get in early -- nope!  Oh well, it is what it is.  

    My personal goal is to lose 10 pounds by March 1st, but no more.  Feels doable.

    1. Show previous comments  2 more
    2. Mattymatt

      Mattymatt

      March 14th is a blink in the eye of time! Believe me, it will pass faster than you think. I don't have a surgery date yet but I am using this time wisely to start developing the better habits needed for success after surgery. I have made it a soft goal to try to lose 30 pounds prior to the day of surgery. My insurance does not require it, but my body will sure thank me. You can do this!

    3. FluffyChix

      FluffyChix

      Awww girlie!! I'm so sorry about this!! But I do agree with @BlackCatMatt--that the day will be here before you realize it--especially with the holidays here.

      ((hugs)) and sorry for the disappointment. :(

    4. Gen17

      Gen17

      I had to wait six months. It goes by quickly, believe it or not, and helps prepare you.

  8. I have scheduled every required test: endoscopy, cardiac+stress test, psychological consult, radiology exams, lab work.  Sleep study is being scheduled by the surgeon's office.  Its a big lift!  I wonder how many people give up along the way?

    1. Show previous comments  2 more
    2. Bhageerah

      Bhageerah

      Wow! I am speechless! But at least you are almost done and almost to the end and can see the light at the end of the tunnel! Good luck and I know that you will do well!

    3. Michelle'sgarden

      Michelle'sgarden

      Sounds similar to all the tests I had - every time I had a day off I'd have 3-4 appointments a day- just to get them all done. But finally six months after I started I had the surgery and recovery has been great - I've only lost 16 pounds since 8/14 but I've replaced all my clothes and moved from a 26 to 18 so I'm not too upset.

    4. Apple203

      Apple203

      Sounds wonderful, looking forward to being on the losers bench in Jan/Feb!

  9. I've been thinking about what my surgery goals are.  Here's my list:

    1.  Neck circumference less than 14-inches, which is a threshold for sleep apnea.

    2.  Waist less than 32.5 inches, or half my height, which is threshold for heart health.

    3.  Weight down 50 pounds or more, which is what the two heavy-as-heck dumbells in my media room weigh.  This will be good for my hips, knees and feet.  This will put my weight to at least where my PCP wants me.

    Everything else is gravy.

    Psych evaluation in 1.5 hours -- I'm a little nervous!

    1. Show previous comments  1 more
    2. FluffyChix

      FluffyChix

      So glad you liked your guy and that it went well! I really enjoyed the guy I went to and talked to him about helping me in the future. He was very onboard with it. :) I used the computer to take all the tests. Yay!!

    3. Berry78

      Berry78

      Psych eval... good thing I skipped that!

      Muhahaha Muhahahahaha

    4. Starsmore

      Starsmore

      I like your list of goals...I keep telling myself "strong not skinny." But I should probably set up something more definitive!

  10. Two months behind me now, and my energy is finally picking up.  So for folks just getting surgery, if you don't immediately get the energy surge that people talk about, be patient!

    1. Show previous comments  1 more
    2. FluffyChix

      FluffyChix

      Yay girlie!!! I'm so happy for you! Congrats. Being pooped sucks!

    3. Apple203

      Apple203

      @Orchids&Dragons I'm sorry to hear that. Do you think you are getting enough calories, vitamins and water? Of course, it could well be that your body needs a little more time to recover from surgery.

    4. Orchids&Dragons

      Orchids&Dragons

      Thanks, Apple. Saw the doctor for my 12-week follow-up this week. Told him about nausea, weakness, dizziness and being unable to tolerate solid foods. After we talked, he ordered a big panel of blood work, a sleep study (because I bascially don't) and an upper GI. The upper GI was this morning and showed severe reflux. No surprise to me since I'm still on prescription-strength PPIs, 2x a day. I was afraid they might find a stricture, so at least it wasn't that. Calories I average around 700, which seems about average around here. I drink plenty of water but I'm on diuretics because my legs are so swollen, but my urine isn't dark, so I'm sure that's ok. I'll know about the vitamins when the bloodwork results come back. Sorry for the novel, but thanks for asking!

  11. OMG -- just got insurance clearance -- pre-op diet starts in a week, surgery on March 14th.  EXCITED !!!

    1. Show previous comments  1 more
    2. FluffyChix

      FluffyChix

      Yay!!!! So excited for you girlie!!!! Start a My Weight Loss Story and I will come cheerlead for you!!!! Congrats!

    3. ProudGrammy

      ProudGrammy

      woof woof you made it to the doggy park. soon you'll be be running around chasing your tail lol congrats kathy

    4. Apple203

      Apple203

      haha :-) :-)

      We love the dog park, especially when we go in the convertible! pant pant, lolling tongue

  12. I just added up my bills for pre-surgery clearance to-date: $2,997, what insurance paid, not what was billed. Includes: endoscopy ($900); cardiology ($603); psych consult ($532); radiology ($336); six dietitian group classes  ($210) ; surgeon ($192); 1st sleep study @ home ($144); labs ($59).  Wow!

    1. Show previous comments  1 more
    2. Apple203

      Apple203

      I know, TG for insurance!

    3. Mattymatt

      Mattymatt

      For me, as I am living on very meager means, if it were not for insurance, this would never happen.

    4. Berry78

      Berry78

      Dang! I don't feel so bad about forking over $5k to go to Mexico (without all the hoops). Not sure what my out of pocket would have been with insurance... (the 2-3 year wait put me off that plan.)

      Good news is you'll know you are healthy!

  13. Last night I made a recipe with a high grade szechuan peppercorn shells.  I read about the numbing properties, thought I'd be OK, but WOW, holy mackerel!!  I thought I was gonna die!  I had water to wash it down and the water tasted SO WEIRD.  Made me wonder if this is what I might expect after surgery.  I lived/ haha

    1. Show previous comments  1 more
    2. Apple203

      Apple203

      2 t, but it was for 4 servings. I'm totally with you in wondering what to expect post-surgery, like will my favorite things still taste OK? And if they don't, will it be permanent or temporary?

      So did you get your date yet?

    3. FluffyChix

      FluffyChix

      *sigh* No word here. My oncologist just got to the letter this week. I also had my 5th RD appointment last week. So I'm sure they may only just be doing it...if they decide to do it at all? I guess I'll check in with them next Monday for grins. I've kinda decided to just sit back and enjoy the ride for the next 3 months instead of trying to stress about it. You know? I'm gonna have a couple of "food funerals" and a couple of glasses of wine during the holidays and try not to go off the deep end with the diet. Kinda 90/10 approach since I technically don't have to lose any more weight.

      How are you doing with changing habits and doing your RD stuff? Do you have a specific amount to lose? Mine was 5% of total weight and she said I'm done with that and am about 2-3lbs from being at the 10% mark--which my insurance doesn't require.

    4. Apple203

      Apple203

      The waiting sucks, no other way around it. Food funerals -- yep, having those. I gained about 5 pounds since August -- but I've settled into a 1500 cal 40-40-20 diet now. No pre-surgery wt loss requirements for me, Its awesome that you've lost weight ahead, because its going to go a long way to getting you to a solid final weight.

  14. Knocked out Nutrition Class #5 of 6.  We covered the pre- and post-op diet, and I am THRILLED to report that I get to eat real food pre-op!  Four meals a day with 4-6 ounces lean protein, veges and salad (and 2T dressing), plus 3 fruits or yogurts a day.  Now that December is almost over, I am getting excited again.  :)

    1. Show previous comments  1 more
    2. Apple203

      Apple203

      Hey @FluffyChix

      I have a 7th appt one-on-one with nutritionist, so technically I have 7 appts, too. I have my date -- March 14th. I keep waiting for someone to start a March 2018 thread -- hey, a girl can dream!!!

      Do you know what your pre-op is? All protein shakes is an option for us -- LMAO -- who would pick that? Granted, if that is what they recommended, I would absolutely do it, just not CHOSE it.

    3. FluffyChix

      FluffyChix

      Why don't you start the thread girlie? :D My pre-op is 2 weeks of liquid protein. I can have 1 of them per day that has 1 oz of frozen spinach and 1oz of frozen blueberries and 5g of psyllium. LOL. Livin' the dream. Livin' the dream! I think you should do it for no other reason than to be my supportive bud. ;) hehehe!

    4. Apple203

      Apple203

      Thats basically my everyday breakfast -- except I opt for flax seed instead of psyllium. YOu'll rock it -- you've done great so far, like poster-girl territory for your nutritionist, I am sure!

  15. Just changed my HW to reflect my weight when I started pre-op diet, which was 3 pounds higher than when I first met my surgeon.  6 more days!!!

    1. FluffyChix

      FluffyChix

      Oh you little stickler! Wahoooooo only 6 more days! The time is gonna begin to fly now girlie!!!! Stay busy this weekend and you will get through it quickly!

    2. Apple203

      Apple203

      Stickler, I resemble that remark! :angry::lol: From your fingertips to god's ears, cause it seems like its been forever!!

    3. FluffyChix

      FluffyChix

      Bahahahaha! Ok, prayin' now!!! I know it feels like THE LONGEST TIME!!!! And omg! The liquid diet. So. Much. Liquid. Protein!!!! Fu*k me now! :lol::o

  16. Today is my first bariatric challenge: zero fat for the whole day to prep for radiology tests tomorrow morning (required for surgery). Just had a Oikos triple zero with strawberries -- yum!  

    1. FluffyChix

      FluffyChix

      Why zero fat? What kind of radiology tests?

    2. Apple203

      Apple203

      Zero fat for 24 hours was prep for the abdominal sonogram, more specifically for gallbladder imaging. Overnight fasting was required prep for an upper GI series. I also had chest xrays.

      Good times!!!

    3. FluffyChix

      FluffyChix

      So interesting. Never heard of that prep for the abdominal u/s/gallbladder imaging! Congrats on your tests and for getting them done in one fell swoop! Woot!

  17. Meeting #6 with dietitian tonight -- woot!   Surgery is creepy closer, I'm tired of waiting!!! 

    1. FluffyChix

      FluffyChix

      ((hugs)) Just keep swimmin' Dory! :D Congrats on numbero seis!!! It's gonna be overy 'fore you know it, hon!

    2. Sleeve1stFitNext

      Sleeve1stFitNext

      You are almost there. Just a little bit longer. It will be soo worth the wait.

  18. Week 8:  Lost 4.2#s this week, 38.8 pounds overall (including what I lost 2 weeks pre-op).  I am feeling optimistic that surgery is working for me!

    1. Orchids&Dragons

      Orchids&Dragons

      Sounds great! Congrats!

    2. FluffyChix

      FluffyChix

      Yay!!!! Woot!!!! That's wonderful!!!! Congrats girlie!!!!

  19. Why haven't you been banned??

    1. Abeille213

      Abeille213

      You're messaging me privately and posting here also even though I literally have never seen your name before. I must be famous. And you must have absolutely no semblance of a life.

    2. Apple203

      Apple203

      I found an old post of yours, seems the shoe is on the other foot now: Okay, Steven, Abeille, you've gotten the attention you came here for. You can pretend to be an adult now and stop harassing her.

      My personal recommendation is a mea culpa.

  20. Happy to set month 3 behind me!!  Onward and downward :-)

    1. Orchids&Dragons

      Orchids&Dragons

      Time flies when you're having fun! ;)

  21. Radiology tests done, onward to cardiologist for pre-surgery stress test.  So far, so good!  :-)

    1. Apple1

      Apple1

      You are getting closer!! Many blessing to you for a safe surgery!

  22. My crazy pre-op clearance requirements:

    Done

    • labs
    • radiology upper GI, chest xray, abdominal sonogram (hiatal hernia)
    • cardio stress + echo
    • sleep study (tonight)

    Remaining To-Do's

    • psych consult
    • endoscopy

    Plus

    • 6 diet consults (2/6 done)
    • 3 surgeon appts (1/3 done)
    • PCP final pre-op

     

    1. Michelle'sgarden

      Michelle'sgarden

      Exactly what I went through - you can do it! Stay focused on the end result and time will fly by.

  23. New pic is my labradoodle, Murphy.  Sweetest dog ever!  :778_heartbeat:

  24. Today was my first appointment with Dr. Gandas @ AAMC.  I am fired up and ready to roll !!  I have to see a TON of doctors appointments to schedule tomorrow, and my goal is to knock them all out before my November appointment with my surgeon so his office can send my paperwork in for insurance approval and schedule surgery for late January.  Evidently, paperwork can go in before dietitian meetings are finished, but surgery date has to be after the last class meeting.  Surgeon seemed a little bored with the whole thing, LOL, we mainly talked about the work I do (energy policy). :-)

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