kcuster83

it might have to do with the insurance company requirements as far as how often they report thru the process. Might not have anything to do with the team itself. Who knows, insurance companies will get you any way they can.

it is the only way I have ever ate eggplant. I don't even know if I found a recipe or what.. it was so long ago!

oooOOOoOOoo, sounds good. I used to make pizza with egg plant. Just have to bake the egg plant 1st to crisp it up some before adding toppings or it is too soggy. Then just add toppings of choice and bake until melty and yummy.

Have to make sure you stay above your insurance requirements. You BMI changes rapidly as you loose weight, with you being at 43 it wouldn't take much for you to fall under 40.

You nailed it! Well said!

You did figure it out, it is there dear.

I had a long convo with my surgeon and I am really not any more informed. I specifically asked about this, for reasons of birth control! He says medications absorb while traveling through the small intestine so they absorb normal. BUT then he prescribes Ursoldol (or how ever it is spelled) to help prevent gall bladder problems during weight loss and when I got home and read the visit notes and instructions it specifically said to "take Ursodol by itself to insure proper absorption" So I asked, and he said it is more of taking a bunch of meds together that may cause you not to absorb all of each actual medicine. I don't really know, I take it alone most of the time as he stated.. but I am SO PARANOID about this with the birth control. I have no desire for kids... I have had custody of my nieces and nephew and all it did was validate my feelings of not wanting kids. Don't get me wrong I love them to death, but I love to send them home too. haha I ranted and probably didn't help, sorry.

WOOHOO! Congrats and best of luck!

Good ole ketosis! I didn't get body odor but my breath was horrible no matter what I did. It passes.

I have tried the premier by itself and was too sweet and tasted too much like fake caramel. But I planned on trying it with the coffee because it will likely cut the taste. It is ALWAYS available at my Bj's and Walmart and then when I go looking for it.. guess what? Sold out everywhere! HAHA My luck!

I am 38 and started with a BMI of 57! Three and a half months post op my BMI is now 43! I am not far enough out to talk about long term success but as far as I am concerned (and my team), right now I am killin' it! I had an easy recovery and easily slipped through each phase and into my new normal life. I wish I did it 10 years ago. My surgery was extensive, basically 3 surgeries in 1. (Bypass, Hernia repair and esophagus repair and "trimming" due to damage from the years of GERD.... Took about 5 hours. I know everyone is different, but I also know positive stories help when people have the jitters. I was/am pretty healthy. My only medical issues were high blood pressure and severe GERD. So I didn't have a lot of risk with surgery other than the normal risks that just come with any surgery. My surgery was extensive, basically 3 surgeries in 1. PS: Bypass seems to have cured my GERD! You got this! Relax and enjoy the ride, it is so rewarding when you see your efforts paying off!

I do the exact same thing! I am not creative like these people who make all these yummy sounding drinks. haha I want to be, but don't. Also, I don't have or want time to play around in the morning before work. I would rather sleep. I am looking for other caramel protein drinks to try because Fairlife is impossible to find around me, or you pay 3x the normal price!

Just check with your team. I was approved to start soft foods a day early so I could start on the weekend before I went back to work.

Agreed!

I was full liquids the day I was home from the hospital. Only on strictly clear liquids for the first 2 days.

Every team and their plans differ so much you will get 100 different answers here. Mine was 2 weeks each phase. 2 weeks liquids, 2 weeks pureed, 2 weeks super soft foods and then on to solid foods and slowly introducing yourself back into a normal balanced diet. I would just follow the directions of your team, if you struggle when you get to a particular stage reach out to them for help/guidance.

Yes ma'am! Our bodies/bellies are weird now. I don't know what surgery you had but I had bypass. I have been lucky and pretty much able to eat anything but still sometimes something gets me. For example, I can eat chicken. Any kind.. cooked any way you can imagine but I can't eat cold. I have tried twice and was sick for hours. Just have to learn as we go and if it is something important enough you can always try again a few weeks/months later.

Yep, just like they all said. It happens to all of us. Don't stress and don't obsess. If you follow your plan, stay in your calorie range, get in your fluids and proteins you WILL loose the weight.

Try something less dense. Or maybe thin out the oatmeal? Thinned out mashed potato or refried beans? My first pureed food was egg salad. I don't know what your plan allows so these are just suggestions. Good luck, don't be afraid just take it slow. You learn as you go.

I doubt your team will berate you and if so I would consider a new team. (If possible) The entire reason you are there is because of the struggle. I believe every teams (surgeons) requirements are different. Mine had a "final" weight check it was the last time you were weighed before surgery would be scheduled. At that point in time you had to be close to where you started but some gain or loss was acceptable. BUT at that point up until your surgery day you could NOT gain weight. If you gained weight, your surgery would be rescheduled. My pre-op diet was technically 10 days but I did it for 14 days because I didn't want to start it over a weekend. I thought it would be easier while I was occupied at work. I was correct, by time the weekend came I was ok and got thru it pretty easily. I am sure it also has to do with what your pre-op diet allows. Mine was 4 protein shakes a day plus you were given a list of foods that you could eat up to 6 servings of each day. The ability to actually eat and chew made it easier for me. You will be fine, just put on your big kid pants and get determined! You can do anything with determination. Good luck!

I learned the hard way, try new things AT HOME!

I took a day trip the first week after surgery. I just packed a small cooler bag with waters and protein drinks. We went to lunch and I had soup. Walked around the outlets shopping, I did pretty good just got tired quick. I have since spent weekends away out of town, now onto normal foods. You just have to look over menu's and don't hesitate to ask for substitutions. I ordered a side of broccoli and took 1 bite and realized it had so much butter it was ridiculous. Now, I always remember to order my vegetables plain or get fresh veggies on the side. I always take protein shakes with me, to make sure I balance and meet my protein goals.

Yum, I can't wait to try it. Maybe this weekend, nacho night!

Agreed, the tortillas are expensive too. But considering I only 1 or 2 at a time they last a while. I had to freeze them so they didn't mold. I haven't tried them thawed out yet though, it could ruin them. The reviews said they freeze well though so we shall see.

ooohhh, I never thought about just using non-stick spray!