Losingit2018

I am just starting my optifast pre op diet. I will not be able to drink premier on the pre op diet or post op. Only certain shakes that will be allowed on my plan. My mom is elderly and drinks the premier to increase protein. I got the box of peach for her and kept two to try myself.

I got the peach at Sams on Wednesday. It is very good. Pretty sure that flavor is exclusive to Sams for now. They are also releasing a cookies and cream flavor for Sams from what I am hearing.

Right. I understand that. We do what we have to do. I had ESD that showed no reflux as well.

I am so very sorry to hear this. I had my gallbladder out years ago. The constant severe pain sounds like you are having an attack. I am shocked that they are waiting two weeks to remove it. Last thing you need is for it to burst. Maybe they know from the ultrasound it will be ok for two weeks but very weird to me. I had ultrasound on a Thursday right after severe attack. Scheduled surgery for the following Wednesday and I didn't make it. Ended up in the ER and had emergency surgery. So, if the pain gets to be intolerable, the ER is an option. I really feel for you being in that kind of pain. Nothing else like it.

Did any of you have any type of reflux issues preop? This worries me a bit. Only because I do not want RNY and would be upset if I were forced to revise to it after the sleeve

I got the peaches and cream yesterday. It is pretty good. I like to use the caramel in my coffee. It is too sweet to drink on it's own IMO I like the Strawberry and Cream as well.

WOOHOO!!!! Way too go, Fluffy! Now, get down to business and get yourself cleaned out so you can go home! HA!

Here are a few more reasons to choose COE Another important feature of an accredited Center of Excellence is the training that is required. Below are a few of the required training courses that the hospital’s staff are required to take. Obesity Sensitivity Training Proper Moving of an Obese Patient Recognizing the signs and symptoms of bariatric surgery complications Post-op care of the bariatric patient Bariatric surgery post-op nutrition For these reasons its a good idea to have your surgery done at a COE even if your insurance doesn’t require it.

You would want to choose a COE whether your insurance requires or not IMHO COE stands for Center of Excellence. Hospitals have to go through a rigorous reporting process and inspection to become a COE certified hospital. Along with having certain types of equipment geared towards the bariatric patient, they also have to maintain minimum number bariatric cases per year in order to maintain their standing. Hospitals that are accredited Bariatric Centers of Excellence are required to maintain a minimum of 140 bariatric procedures per year. Currently, in the United States there are two institutions that inspect facilities, collect data, and accredit hospitals with the Bariatric Center of Excellence designation. The American Society of Metabolic Surgeons (ASMBS) and… The Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) While these institutions have slightly different requirements, the intent is the same. Their accreditation signifies a level of excellence in the field of bariatric medicine.

You are doing really well! Looks like you have lost almost 100 pounds already.

My program doesn't do a puree stage. We go from liquids to a soft solid stage. Right now I have just prepared for the Optifast diet. I start it on Saturday and do it for 4 weeks until surgery.

That is awesome, @FluffyChix!!! I did not know but, I will keep you in my thoughts. Please do update us when you are able to do so. I am certain that you will do well. You have managed to lose about half of your excess weight pre op!! That is already quite an accomplishment. Big Congratulations to you!!

Woohoo!!! That makes 4 of us scheduled for March 26. We can be great support for one another.

I have not yet seen anyone say that it doesn't grow back. All accounts of hair loss that I have read say that it will grow back for certain. Keep your protein consumption up and it will grow back.

I take Miralax every single day in my coffee. I have for the past 11 years. It is very safe and works very well. Blockages are no joke and could kill you. Never go more than 3 days without seeking some kind of help.

Welcome to you both. I have not been here too long myself but I do feel that you will both get plenty of support here. I have found that you don't really find too many judgemental people in the overweight/obese community. Stick around. I feel sure that others will be chiming in soon. Meanwhile, I am glad to meet you both

So sorry that I forgot to come back and update. It all went well. No blockages at all.

I am March 26 as well

Not sure how many there are but, mine is one for certain. My insurance requires it and I would not have surgery at a hospital that was not a COE. Just my 2 cents

Thanks for the positive thoughts. I will have the heart cath done next Tuesday. If they find a blockage that is significant enough for a stent, it will be 1 year before I would be released for elective surgery. This is really going to suck badly after being so close.

I may end up in April with you. I went for my cardiac clearance a few weeks ago. The Dr did EKG and then sent me for a stress test and echocardiogram on Thursday. Found out yesterday those tests were abnormal. I am going in to see the cardio Dr Monday morning. He will be scheduling a heart cath. Looks like I have some issues with my heart.

I figured it was probably a state by state thing.

You may want to call the number on the back of your card and ask what the criteria is to be sure. I did find this info though https://www.obesitycoverage.com/bcbs-of-illinois-requirements-for-weight-loss-surgery/

Congratulations!!! I know it must feel sooooo good to have this part behind you. Best wishes for a quick and painless recovery.

Ouch. That really doesn't sound like a person that truly understands the struggles of a carb addict. There is some truth to the fact that you can't eat what you don't have available. Except for the fact that some of us will have cravings so strong that we will drive to the store lol Give her another chance before totally writing her off. Maybe you will feel better about her the next time you meet with her. BTW- Once you go through the carb/sugar withdrawals, you will quit craving them.