suzannethemom

I totally agree. The dietician wanted me to do about six months of therapy through Park Nicollet, so they would have profited from that. I also got very lucky with Ridgeview because they scheduled my surgery quickly while other clinics were putting a “pause” on bariatric surgeries due to Covid.

My team (surgeon, dietician and exercise physiologist) were all very adamant that I don’t set my weight loss goals too low. I’m 5’4” and started at 223 (age 55). When I wanted to set my goal to 120 (based on a healthy BMI) they freaked out and said it was not a realistic goal. I was then encouraged to create “phase 1 and phase 2” goals, so I picked 160 and 140 pounds. I’m on week 14 and I have almost reached 160 pounds. I feel like 140 lbs is completely achievable. I will wait and see how I look and feel at 140 lbs.

I cannot believe that the we have such similar stories! I also went to Park Nicollet first. The dietician was overly focused on my previous eating disorder, even though I completed two years of intense therapy and group BED therapy. She wanted me to resume therapy and postpone surgery. I also went home crying. I scheduled a new consultation with Ridgeview Clinic three weeks later and successfully had sleeve surgery two months later. It’s crazy the amount of hoops some doctors make their patients jump through. I am so thankful that I ditched Park Nicollet, lol.

No, not offensive at all. I’m not a big meat eater, so the idea of eating half a rack of ribs seems crazy to me. Popcorn is another story, lol.

I only ate what is pictured on the plate. I had one rib. I can only eat about 2 ounces of protein per meal. There is no way I could eat half a rack of ribs, lol!

My plan allows all types of potatoes but NO skin allowed. I was eating mashed potatoes in the soft food stage and it was heavenly. No digestive issues at all. I recently tried oven baked french fries (with BBQ pork ribs) for the first time. I was able to eat 7 crinkle fries and had no digestive issues. It was the best meal I’ve had so far!

I’m currently taking THC gummies to help with insomnia. I researched the effects of THC and CBD on Bariatric patients before I started and studies show it has no negative effects on weight loss. I originally tried CBD gummies and they made me feel super alert, like I drank coffee. I was up until 5:00am! The THC gummies are Delta 8 strain, 20 mg per gummy. I take one and it works within one hour and helps me relax and sleep deeply. I don’t like how I feel afterwards, kinda zombie brained. I only take it about twice per week.

I’m on week 11 and average about 32 ounces daily (counting ALL fluids). I can only drink about 8 ounces at a time and then I feel full for an hour. I hardly drank water before surgery (about 24 ounces daily) so I think my body is just used to consuming less water. I have never been dehydrated or felt weird. If I try to drink too much, my throat starts to burn and it feels like the water is coming back up, so I stop drinking and walk around. Every day I try to increase my intake. The most I have ever drank was 40 ounces total.

I just bought the mini bags of ORVILLE REDENBACKER MOVIE THEATER BUTTER popcorn at Wal Mart. It is the perfect sized serving. I have an addiction to microwave popcorn. I just cannot give it up. I’ve tried. I know it’s not good for me, but I am trying to learn what my eating disorder therapist told me “all food is acceptable in moderation.” I also buy SKINNY POP at Costco. Much healthier for me, but not as good.

What is mini gastric bypass? I’ve never heard of it.

Hi Jen, did you find a buddy yet? I had sleeve surgery on April 12, 2022. I’m looking for a buddy. I’m 54 years old and live in Minnesota.

Hi Angela, did you ever find a buddy? My sleeve surgery was on April 12th. I’m looking for a buddy too.

I was allowed to swallow my Omeprazole tablet after surgery. It was a slow release tablet, which means it cannot be crushed or cut in half.

My food plan recommends no fruit or vegetables with skin. It has to be peeled. Otherwise, it will sit in your stomach for a long time.

I was also struggling to get more protein. My dietician had me buy FAIRLIFE 2% MILK (right next to the refrigerated regular milk). I used it to make my shakes and added it to everything I made like soups, Malt O Meal and refried beans. I also drank it straight instead of water. It has twice the amount of protein as regular milk.

Not odd at all. It’s a great thing! It’s the little victories that matter the most. I was able to bend over and tie my sneakers yesterday without suffocating. My husband noticed and said “Hey, look at you!”

Ditto for me. I had to watch a 20 minute informational video before I could schedule my first appointment. It was no big deal.

I agree with you 100%. I did the research and coffee also has health benefits, provided you don’t exceed 450 mg. My dietician doesn’t allow caffeine EVER, as in never! I say bullshit to that rule and plan on drinking coffee when I get to the 3rd month. I’m currently on week 7 and drinking decaf coffee occasionally.

I also had severe GERD, which some insurance companies consider a comorbidity. I think that BCBS was just being mean and looking for an excuse because my starting weight was on the lower end (223 pounds). I am doing okay on week 7 after surgery. Every day is a struggle to eat the right things and stay away from crackers. I discovered that I can very easily eat Skinny Pop popcorn, Goldfish crackers and Cheez-Its. Now I’m addicted and trying really hard to resist them. They are now banned from the house!

I had to Google HOKEY POKEY since I have never heard of it. It’s ice cream! What a cute and funny name.

Wow, you sound just like me about six months ago. It’s like I was living in denial about my weight for years until one day I finally realized “enough” and accepted that I had become obese. We all have that breaking point or lowest point that brings us to the decision to have WLS. I was angry at myself, embarrassed, ashamed and felt like a failure. I felt like I let my family down and set such a bad example for my two adult sons. Once I scheduled the consultation, I felt totally refocused and determined to make positive changes to my health. I even scheduled a mammogram (long overdue) and a colonoscopy that I was supposed to do last year. I made a promise to myself that this year was going to be a year of taking care of ME. I had sleeve surgery on 4/12/22 and things are going well. It was the best decision I ever made. I’m glad you are taking the first step towards a better YOU. You are worth it!

Haa haa, you sound just like me! I bought the book about six months ago and decided to read something else. I do that a lot.

I agree with what everyone said above. I’m on week 5 after surgery and my mood changes daily. Yesterday I was in the “angry” stage and just frustrated with everything. Sometimes I’m just zombie brain and stare out the window thinking about food. I’m reading a book that is a great boost for my moodiness and gets me out of my head. It’s called UNTAMED by Glennon Doyle. It’s full of short stories about being a woman, woman empowerment, finding happiness, overcoming shame and guilt, etc. I find that reading really helps and is a nice distraction from the negative thoughts that overwhelm me at times.

YES, I was initially denied. I have BCBS of Minnesota. My BMI was 38.1 with two co-morbidities (pre-diabetic and high blood pressure). They DENIED surgery because I take BP medication and therefore my blood pressure is under control and no longer a risk. That is so ridiculous! Fortunately, the bariatric office manager fought for me and argued with them. BCBS approved me the next day. I had surgery on 4/12/22.

The rule of thumb for almost all bariatric patients is three meals a day with no snacking in between. This is because snacking allows you to overeat and exceed calories. We are supposed to be drinking fluids between the three meals. I have never heard of a plan that has you eat every 3 hours. Recommended serving size is 1/2 cup per meal. After six weeks, you can increase to 1 cup per meal. It should only take you 20 to 30 minutes to consume your meal. If it’s taking you an hour, then something is wrong. The food is too dense or not diluted enough or too high in fat content and causing restriction.