macadamia

just because I have literal baggage...

and here I thought we were an item...

Mine hit me up for $350 at my first appointment to cover the exercise physiologist, which I did not know about and was kind of mad, but paid it (of course). Then, right before I was approved by insurance, I saw a bill from them for $1400. I've not called my insurance company yet, I plan to do that this week, to see if this is just because of billing and paying time lag by the insurance company. I'm hoping so, because I don't have $1400...

I used to have a scale that said "one at a time" when I would step on it... Needless to say, I got rid of it.

I set a timer on my Apple Watch that goes off every 15 minutes. I sip water every time it goes off, unless I'm eating. This has helped me maintain my water intake. And, for flavoring, I use Mio Strawberry Watermelon flavoring. A couple of squirts in my water glass and I'm all set. Tap water where I live has a funny aftertaste and I do not like to spend money on bottled water, so it helps me.

I'm doing well, and thank you for asking. I'm just over three-weeks post-op and still in the pureed phase. It seems like most everything I eat is a "slider" food right now. I'm having to eat based on amount, not on how full I feel. The NUT and the PA I saw on Tuesday said this is normal during the pureed phase. As for pain, this is the easiest surgery I've ever had. There has basically been no pain. Last year, after both surgeries (May & August, 2017), I could barely move without excruciating pain in my abdomen. Now, both of last years' surgery were open procedure and the healing process took many months. The procedures I had on September 6, 2018 were both laparoscopically done and this has dramatically reduced my pain and healing process. The only place were I have external pain is where they closed my original ostomy location. This is a fairly large wound but it has healed nicely in three weeks. I do have some internal pain, based on the relocation of my ostomy, but this has been curbed with liquid Tylenol. I'm having a bit of trouble with my new ostomy sealing but this is because the swelling has not gone completely down. They found a hernia just above my original ostomy site, which was to be the new site, so the new ostomy is really high on my abdomen (he placed the new ostomy above the hernia location). I'll take some photos next time I change my appliance (I forgot earlier today to take photos). The more weight I lose, the flatter the area where the ostomy is and the better sealing surface I will have. This may take several months. Disclaimer: Please do not look at my case and think yours will be similar. Results, especially pain levels, vary greatly. I have had multiple abdominal surgeries since 1995 and my pain threshold is possibly much higher than someone who is having surgery for the first time. Also, I have been fighting a chronic illness (Crohn's Disease) for most of my life, so "pain" is an everyday occurrence. When asked what my pain level is by the doctor or nurse, a 5 on the scale is my "zero". I usually have about a pain level of 4 to 5 all the time. YMMV

Congrats on your surgery date! As for buying a bunch of food before you have surgery, I'd recommend not doing this. It is ok to buy a bit to make sure you have something when you get home, but many people have changes in what they can tolerate after surgery. Some things may taste way too sweet or salty or be just gross. I have been lucky so far - I have been able to tolerate everything after surgery. I stocked up on chicken broth, chocolate protein shakes, and applesauce. I cooked a bunch of chicken breast and put it in the freezer. For my pureed phase (which I am still on, I'm three weeks out from surgery today), I take the chicken and puree it with applesauce. It tastes ok, but I know it is not for too much longer. Good luck!

Keep it up! And, as for the BLT, I bet it was the tomato smell. They get me every time.

You can do this! Every pound you lose pre-op is one less you have to worry about post-op. The shakes are delicious, IMHO.

Do you have a "stick" blender, also known as an immersion blender? I know the post-op diet phases for the sleeve and bypass are different, but try and puree what you want to eat. It makes it much easier to chew. I use a bit of applesauce in my chicken, then blend it until it is pureed. For me, it is much easier than trying to chew it to that consistency.

Ask and ye shall receive...

Thanks for the info - I'm now subscribed to the first video. I'm shopping for resistance bands now as well. I'm always leery about them breaking and hitting me in the face. I've seen some pretty nasty photos of people getting hurt by resistance bands. I'm looking for the ones that have the protective nylon covering to catch them if they break.

Keep up the great work... day by day, little by little, it will bet better. You've got this!

That's awesome! Way to go! I had my surgery on the 6th, and am getting out of the hospital today.

What? You do not think this would screen past eHarmony's photo checkers? LOL! Thanks for the kind words, my friend! I really appreciate it. {{{{{ hugs }}}}}