Elidh

12 hours ago, summerseeker said:

Once you get to the eat all stage, Amazons own Amfit bars are great. Low cal, low cost and high Protein. I always carry one in my bag. For you, just now I would recommend thick Soups and Protein yogurts.

Unless I’m wrong, it appears Amfit bars are available in UK, not US. If someone has a US source for these, please let us know. I’d love to try them.

I should have added - although my sleeve gastrectomy is mentioned on my id, the main reason I have one is I had a heart valve replacement a few years ago.😊 If I had just had the VSG, I probably wouldn't wear one.

I have a “my id” that slips onto my watch band. What I like about it, is that it’s a QR code that links to the website so you can change the info, meds list, etc., as needed. Getmyid.com. (and, no, I’m not affiliated ……)

Quote

How long do you have to have your 40 BMI to qualify

It’s up to your insurance and/or the surgeon. There’s no one answer - they all differ.

1 hour ago, Fred in Pa said:

So if your pancreas isn’t working, you’re type 1 diabetic? Wouldn’t that be a bigger problem over diarrhea?

The pancreas produces other enzymes besides insulin; for example, trypsin and chymotrypsin to digest proteins; amylase to digest carbohydrates; and lipase to break down fats. So it is possible for some types of cells in the pancreas to function correctly and others not.

20 minutes ago, mcipanda said:

Omgosh, on day 13 your surgery got post poned?? That must’ve been frustrating! I’m really happy you were able to have the surgery eventually.
Do you remember what you had for your liquid diet? Was it all Protein Shakes or other? I’m thinking I may move to liquids the last three days. Just wanted to see what helped you 😊

I had Protein Shakes (I think 4 or 5/day, unlimited broth, SF Jello, tea coffee). The limited choices of liquids was actually liberating, for some reason....

I was on a 2-week all liquid pre-op diet. Fortunately, I felt happy during it. I didn’t agonize over what I could or couldn’t, should or shouldn’t eat. Every day brought me closer to surgery, and that was exciting.. On the evening of Day 13, I got a call from the surgical nurse letting me know all surgeries were cancelled due to Covid. This was in March 2020. So I had another few months of food funerals, but nothing too crazy. When I was scheduled again for VSG four months later, I was happy to go back on the liquid diet. I knew I could do it; the first time was a rehearsal! I guess it’s all a matter of attitude and keeping a positive mindset.

High BUN with a normal creatinine could be due to dehydration.

(Disclaimer: I’m a veterinarian 😊)

I had VSG July 2020 (at age 68). so that puts me at about 2 1/2 years out. I started at 200#. My goal was about 139, but I have been stabilized at 144 for over a year. In fairness to the program/procedure, I haven’t exercised as much as I should have. I can eat whatever I want, no intolerances, but I try to eat protein/ veggies /fruit/ whole grains. I don’t care for carbonated beverages , so no worries there. I limit myself to eating 4 times/day. No grazing. Maybe about 4-5 ounces of wine at dinner a couple times a week. Blood pressure improved. A little loose skin, but I probably won’t have surgery. Absolutely no regrets or complications!

I took my regular meds the day after surgery, not crushed.

Fiber supplements, colace, Metamucil - NOTHING worked for me until I started Miralax. Now I take it once daily.

Aileen - welcome! Click on the Forums tab at the top of the page and go all the way down to “Other Types of Weight Loss Surgery & Procedures”. Them, select the Gastric Balloon Forums. Good luck!

I use an electric blanket and wear socks to bed year ‘round now! 🤪

Hi janice78. Is it 1 1/2 weeks, months, years?

I was 68 when I had my sleeve. My BMI was not high enough to have insurance pay for it, so I self-paid at great expense! I only wish I had done it years earlier - I hadn’t realized it was an option!

Wow - you’re an inspiration! What a pretty, joyful smile!

It took me about 17 months to lose 54 lbs. I didn't think it was hard. The restriction really worked for me and I haven't been tempted to eat between meals.

I had no gas pain, either.

I am 5’4” and was 200 lbs. when I got my sleeve in 2020. I got down to 146 and have pretty much maintained that weight for a year. I would love to lose another 10 lbs but, I confess, I don’t exercise quite as much as I could, and the nutritionist suggested light weight training, Someday…..

Hi Jessica, Here’s a link to a bariatric surgery outcomes predictor that many professionals use:

https://michiganbsc.org/DecisionTools/

I have central, not obstructive, sleep apnea so, no, having the surgery and getting down to a “normal” BMI did not have any effect on the sleep apnea ☹️

I started piano lessons. Hard to eat while I’m practicing, but I can sip on Water and coffee.

That’s a very individual thing and preferences vary, but I’ve always enjoyed New Balance shoes.

Hi Bluemoon, no I don’t mind saying. It was $25K at Cleveland Clinic (CC), including all the pre- and post-op nutrition, psych, etc. appointments. I could have found a cheaper place, I know, but I had had a heart valve replaced at CC two years earlier, and just felt comfortable there. I had initially gone to CC looking to get a gastric balloon, but the surgeon said they didn’t do those any more there. He recommended a sleeve or bypass (I hadn’t realized that was an option, even as self-pay), and the rest is history. Worth it? Absolutely! Wish I’d done it years earlier!