jg7979

I told them--there were questions when I suddenly started drinking Protein Shakes and stopped eating ice cream after lunch. Also, I used FMLA for all of the appointments, etc. and applied for short term disability for surgery.
I could have just as easily taken my PTO and not said a word.
A lot of it depends on what your job offers you to cover time off, but it is one of those things you have to do what is comfortable for you. You are doing it for you, so don't let the negative voices weigh you down...

If you have access to Aetna's website, you can access the list of providers.
aetna-ioq-bariatric-guide.pdf

Try the savory Protein options from Unjury. I switched to chicken noodle Soup flavor post op when I suddenly could not tolerate anything sweet. You are not taking a reflux medication post surgery?
Just tell yourself that the hunger is in your head and let it pass or go for a walk to distract yourself. The first two weeks were the same for me too--I equated it to quitting smoking. You are reprogramming your brain to perform lifelong routines but suddenly without the meals/snacks and drinks. It will pass.

Isopure has a natural line of powders that use cane sugar--and a surprisingly small amount per serving. 25g of Protein and 3g sugar. Mixed into Water or skim milk it 1000x better than a premade shake--no thickness or off taste (other than one would expect from whey isolate).

If you have access to Aetna's website, you can access the list of providers.
aetna-ioq-bariatric-guide.pdf

It was 2-3 weeks after my last nutrition class. I didn't even know it happened.
When I received the letter, I called the surgeons office to ask if they needed anything, and they said I was all set. Insurance just sends the standard letter, but no news is good news when it comes to approval.

The best estimate is your out-of-pocket maximum. Between the scopes, scans, and pokes to get cleared for surgery and the actual surgical costs, you are going to reach the max. My advice is to start the process soon to keep all of the costs in the same year, or wait until next year and max out your HSA/FSA contributions to pay for it.
Before I signed up, I did not realize all of the pretesting that was needed--ultrasounds, x-rays, lab tests, ekg/cardiac, stress test, endoscopy, sleep study, psych clearance, nutrition classes. There were several thousand dollars in bills before I was ever approved for surgery. I have Aetna PPO and they require you to use a facility they designate as a center for excellence, so the requirements may be higher than the non-insurance/cash programs.
I have been billed about $20k for the actual surgery (hospital, surgeon, anesthesia), but insurance has reduced contracted rates. I will likely receive a couple more bills, but my out of pocket for surgery is about $2500 because I already spent $2000 on the other expenses (not including nutrition classes).
The hidden costs: All of these appointments and tests require substantial time away from work. Lean Protein and fresh vegetables cost more. Protein Shakes, protein powders, supplements, etc. add up quickly (and you will want variety). I will save on prescription costs though since I will not need several medications anymore.

The feelings of frustration are definitely normal, and I have had some dark moments too but you have to coach yourself (your mind) to focus on what can do and have and why you started the process.
A nutritionist at my work told me how proud she was that I was so enthused about eating scrambled eggs one morning after seeing me have shakes everyday... I asked why, and she said that many of the patients she used to work with were so focused on what they couldn't have or what the restrictions were that they made themselves miserable. You get to choose what matters to you...
I work at a major financial technology company and EVERYBODY carries a Water bottle. They are trying to eliminate bottled beverages altogether to reduce waste and encourage people to drink water. And people off all ages carry a lunch on the metro to work. You certainly don't look silly or abnormal.
I can agree with the sentiment, at least in my case too, that my program could have better prepared me for the mental battle--or at least provided a sense of how rough the ride can get. But like others have suggested, there are mental health providers that specialize in these issues.

Actually it was half way decent. Tasted like a very light (watered down) thousand island. I have NO idea what xanthan gum is but if it's going to help me and not kill me I'll deal with it LOL.

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The feelings of frustration are definitely normal, and I have had some dark moments too but you have to coach yourself (your mind) to focus on what can do and have and why you started the process.
A nutritionist at my work told me how proud she was that I was so enthused about eating scrambled eggs one morning after seeing me have shakes everyday... I asked why, and she said that many of the patients she used to work with were so focused on what they couldn't have or what the restrictions were that they made themselves miserable. You get to choose what matters to you...
I work at a major financial technology company and EVERYBODY carries a Water bottle. They are trying to eliminate bottled beverages altogether to reduce waste and encourage people to drink water. And people off all ages carry a lunch on the metro to work. You certainly don't look silly or abnormal.
I can agree with the sentiment, at least in my case too, that my program could have better prepared me for the mental battle--or at least provided a sense of how rough the ride can get. But like others have suggested, there are mental health providers that specialize in these issues.

The feelings of frustration are definitely normal, and I have had some dark moments too but you have to coach yourself (your mind) to focus on what can do and have and why you started the process.
A nutritionist at my work told me how proud she was that I was so enthused about eating scrambled eggs one morning after seeing me have shakes everyday... I asked why, and she said that many of the patients she used to work with were so focused on what they couldn't have or what the restrictions were that they made themselves miserable. You get to choose what matters to you...
I work at a major financial technology company and EVERYBODY carries a Water bottle. They are trying to eliminate bottled beverages altogether to reduce waste and encourage people to drink water. And people off all ages carry a lunch on the metro to work. You certainly don't look silly or abnormal.
I can agree with the sentiment, at least in my case too, that my program could have better prepared me for the mental battle--or at least provided a sense of how rough the ride can get. But like others have suggested, there are mental health providers that specialize in these issues.

The feelings of frustration are definitely normal, and I have had some dark moments too but you have to coach yourself (your mind) to focus on what can do and have and why you started the process.
A nutritionist at my work told me how proud she was that I was so enthused about eating scrambled eggs one morning after seeing me have shakes everyday... I asked why, and she said that many of the patients she used to work with were so focused on what they couldn't have or what the restrictions were that they made themselves miserable. You get to choose what matters to you...
I work at a major financial technology company and EVERYBODY carries a Water bottle. They are trying to eliminate bottled beverages altogether to reduce waste and encourage people to drink water. And people off all ages carry a lunch on the metro to work. You certainly don't look silly or abnormal.
I can agree with the sentiment, at least in my case too, that my program could have better prepared me for the mental battle--or at least provided a sense of how rough the ride can get. But like others have suggested, there are mental health providers that specialize in these issues.

The feelings of frustration are definitely normal, and I have had some dark moments too but you have to coach yourself (your mind) to focus on what can do and have and why you started the process.
A nutritionist at my work told me how proud she was that I was so enthused about eating scrambled eggs one morning after seeing me have shakes everyday... I asked why, and she said that many of the patients she used to work with were so focused on what they couldn't have or what the restrictions were that they made themselves miserable. You get to choose what matters to you...
I work at a major financial technology company and EVERYBODY carries a Water bottle. They are trying to eliminate bottled beverages altogether to reduce waste and encourage people to drink water. And people off all ages carry a lunch on the metro to work. You certainly don't look silly or abnormal.
I can agree with the sentiment, at least in my case too, that my program could have better prepared me for the mental battle--or at least provided a sense of how rough the ride can get. But like others have suggested, there are mental health providers that specialize in these issues.

The feelings of frustration are definitely normal, and I have had some dark moments too but you have to coach yourself (your mind) to focus on what can do and have and why you started the process.
A nutritionist at my work told me how proud she was that I was so enthused about eating scrambled eggs one morning after seeing me have shakes everyday... I asked why, and she said that many of the patients she used to work with were so focused on what they couldn't have or what the restrictions were that they made themselves miserable. You get to choose what matters to you...
I work at a major financial technology company and EVERYBODY carries a Water bottle. They are trying to eliminate bottled beverages altogether to reduce waste and encourage people to drink water. And people off all ages carry a lunch on the metro to work. You certainly don't look silly or abnormal.
I can agree with the sentiment, at least in my case too, that my program could have better prepared me for the mental battle--or at least provided a sense of how rough the ride can get. But like others have suggested, there are mental health providers that specialize in these issues.

I told them--there were questions when I suddenly started drinking Protein Shakes and stopped eating ice cream after lunch. Also, I used FMLA for all of the appointments, etc. and applied for short term disability for surgery.
I could have just as easily taken my PTO and not said a word.
A lot of it depends on what your job offers you to cover time off, but it is one of those things you have to do what is comfortable for you. You are doing it for you, so don't let the negative voices weigh you down...

I go back to work in the morning after three weeks off, and I am surprisingly excited. At work there will still be a focus on getting enough fluids and remembering to eat a meal.
The post surg problems/concerns I have now are related to low calorie/low blood sugar moments, so I don't think sitting at home is going to help me learn how to adapt, but I had a very smooth recovery from what I have read.
The best advice I have is never trust a fart if you are away from home...

I go back to work in the morning after three weeks off, and I am surprisingly excited. At work there will still be a focus on getting enough fluids and remembering to eat a meal.
The post surg problems/concerns I have now are related to low calorie/low blood sugar moments, so I don't think sitting at home is going to help me learn how to adapt, but I had a very smooth recovery from what I have read.
The best advice I have is never trust a fart if you are away from home...

Isopure has a natural line of powders that use cane sugar--and a surprisingly small amount per serving. 25g of Protein and 3g sugar. Mixed into Water or skim milk it 1000x better than a premade shake--no thickness or off taste (other than one would expect from whey isolate).

Isopure has a natural line of powders that use cane sugar--and a surprisingly small amount per serving. 25g of Protein and 3g sugar. Mixed into Water or skim milk it 1000x better than a premade shake--no thickness or off taste (other than one would expect from whey isolate).

I think most Americans who go through the courses and education to get insurance are at a huge advantage in knowing what to expect. I’m in Australia, decided to have surgery I’m late June and had it in August. I was pretty unprepared. The main thing I did not know is that you get a honeymoon period in the beginning and weight just falls off (for most). Take advantage! Later you will deal with stalls and the restriction lightens and it becomes more work to lose weight.
Eventually you feel pretty “normal”, like after 18 months or 2 years, regular portions go down pretty easy. Also carbs go down easy. I can eat half a large pizza or a large bag of chips in one sitting, or like a massive box of popcorn. If you want this to work long time, you still have to avoid slider foods.
Also, the psychological aspect of WLS was pretty intense and unexpected to me. You can lose friends. My Mum is nicer to me now that I’m not super morbidly obese. Suddenly you are no longer invisible to the general public (or the opposite sex). It’s a lot to deal with. Plus you can’t blame all your problems on being “fat” anymore. There are huge highs and lows during the first year!

Hmm.. I guess I have a strong stomach in that sense because I haven't really had any issues like that. But maybe that will change in the future. I'm six months and a week post op.

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I wish I would have known that when they say your tastes will change, they mean what was okay before surgery will make you nauseous and queasy after.
It is more than just not liking something... just the thought of certain foods/shakes makes me physically ill.

Makes things not want to stay down for me. At most, I swish a sip after I am finished just to rinse.

I wish I would have known that when they say your tastes will change, they mean what was okay before surgery will make you nauseous and queasy after.
It is more than just not liking something... just the thought of certain foods/shakes makes me physically ill.

I'm 4 weeks post RNY operation. I've noticed that now that I'm unable to eat food I get angry about food. I get mad that I can't eat, mad at my friends and family because they can eat what they want and I even get angry at the fact that I drive past so many restaurants etc... Is anyone else struggling with this at all? Does anyone have any ideas on how I can change that thought process and not let it bother me so bad?
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