elmatador

It’s just arbitrary barriers the insurance companies put up to try to prevent (paying for) surgery. You can’t win this fight - just jump through their hoops.

The head games are hard! Just don’t let them lead to changes in behavior - recognize them for what they are and stay true to the part of your mind that is wise.

Here to brag a bit and update on progress: Down 50 pounds! VSG 6/1 Pre-op 286 Current 236 Amazing to see the ongoing transformation!... May need to reassess my "target" weight. I picked 210 because that would put me below BMI of 30 (arbitrary, I know!) ans because, well, I couldn't imagine weighing that little, let alone even less!

Thanks all! I’m 5’10. Exercise - I’ve not been as consistent as I’d like, but I’m in my gym at least once a week to jog and lift some weights. I walk a lot, though, often 8-10k steps a day even if not hitting the gym!

That was my weight at the start of my 2w pre-op diet. I lost 12 during those 2 weeks, and now 38 more in my two months post!

What are your stats now? Any heartburn problems? Goal weight?

MyFitnessPal and my fitbit

The GNC chewables (cherry) are tolerable ... I've eaten worse things, for sure!

So interesting how everyone's programs differs. I've been on a regular diet (no real restrictions other than bubbles). Getting 60g protein without shakes is hard but doable, but fiber is really hard - nuts, protein bar with fiber, and some fiber gummies still don't get me up to 20g

48 down since surgery 6/1 - working to keep protein and water up, and trying to find time to get to gym!

So I spent last night in the local ER in excruciating pain from a kidney stone - my very first! My surgical team tells me that, low and. Broke, this is “very common” after WLS, including VSG. Any experience with this out there? Any advice on prevention (other than hydration)?

VSG 6/1 HW 295 SW 286 CW 240 Getting there!...

NYC here, dropdeadkim - VSG at Columbia 6/1

It seems like many surgeons prescribe some form of antacid - proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec and the like) most commonly. Carafate is very safe and can be effective, there's no real risk to it's ongoing use - but it can interfere w absorption of other meds, so I'd advise you review either with your internist or even your pharmacist if you're on other meds. That said, for what it's worth, my surgeon stopped my antacid a month post-op and said only resume of there's a lot of GERD. Thankfully, for me the weightloss (which helps GERD) has outweighed the increased pressure from the sleeve, and I have less heartburn than pre-op!

Matt - my advice is never encourage a surgeon to deviate from their usual flow in the operating room. You want your surgery to be as brainless/automatic as possible! :)

I think that anyone who says they weren't scared at some point heading up to WLS is lying either to you or themselves. Surgery is scary - and I'm a doctor, so I would know! But that's an emotional reaction, normal though it may be. It's the rational part of our minds - the part that knows that a lifetime of failed attempts at dieting, of yoyo-ing, means that if you're going to change, a major fix is needed - it's the rational mind you should listen to. All any of us can do is make the best choices for our long-term health!

So for most of my adult life I have been a huge coffee fan. Like, 3-4 cups a day, and not just for the energy but love of the taste and the experience. Inexplicably, I've lost all desire for coffee post-op: I'm a month out and still no signs of interest returning. I get some caffeine with a bottle of Bai most days (that stuff is good!), but no desire for coffee whatsoever. Has this happened to any of you? And if so, did your taste for coffee return?

My kids are 7, 10, and 12. I just explained the surgery, how it works, and why I was doing it - to get healthier. Talked about what to expect with my recovery in broad strokes. They got it and have been wonderful support and encouragement!

For what it’s worth, I feel like I’m spending a TON less on food, as a guy who would order big lunches and dinners at work, I could easily spend up to $50/d on delivered meals at work. That’s gone now - I bought a $15 quart of delivered spicy Korean soup that lasted me 5 meals!...No copay on BP meds, no fast-food stops, no bagel before work, it all definitely adds up.

I love my Fitbit (Alta) - does a great job counting steps and activity, syncs with the iPhone easily, and I think it motivates me to walk more and be more active. The leather band doesn’t collect sweat so long as I don’t wear it too tight.

Sleeve patient here, cleared this week (6w post-op) for salads

Miralax, and up the walking and fluids if you can. It will pass (literally)

My NUT says that the 30 before is nonsense, only the 30 after matters

Agree w Matt - I’d blame the shepherd pie not the yogurt. Just back off, slow down, hydrate.

Purple girl, lots of people here have said they struggle with eggs. Switch it up. Fat free Greek yogurt with some stevia, low fat refried beans with a little shredded cheese, fairlife milk or shakes, steel cut oatmeal with protein powder added were my staples in the early days.