BeanitoDiego
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I've only tried a few products, but have found two convenience foods that are good for packing a lunch/snacks while I'm engaging in outdoor activities. The first one is the Caramel Crunch protein bars: https://store.bariatricpal.com/products/bariatricpal-high-protein-bars-caramel-crunch I also like these Protein Crisps in ranch and barbeque flavor: https://store.bariatricpal.com/products/bariatricpal-protein-crisps-ranch?variant=12060717809740
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In the USA, federal legislation called the No Surprises Act was enacted in 2021 to help patients out when they cannot consent to being touched by someone out of their insurance network. It has been supplemented with changes as recently as January of 2024. These types of bills fall under something called, "surprise billing," and patients have protections and rights against certain charges. Here's a link for more information: https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises Many of us have had to navigate the complex insurance system in the States and we are no strangers to advocating for ourselves. I was hit with a surprise bill 4 months after my surgery and having knowledge of this legislation helped me avoid paying a large amount of money to an out of network provider that assisted with my surgery.
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I changed my profile image to a molecule of protein. Why? Because I am certain that it saved my life.
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I haven't tried a boil in bag, but I incorporate quinoa regularly into what I eat these days. It is easy to prepare from scratch. I found this site that is a good introduction into cooking it: https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-cook-quinoa-perfectly-article Hope you enjoy it! I like it with roasted veggies on the side, or topped with melted cheese.
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BeanitoDiego changed their profile photo
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BlueParis reacted to a status update:
Oh yeah, something I wanted to rant about, a billing dispute that cropped up 3 months
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Oh yeah, something I wanted to rant about, a billing dispute that cropped up 3 months ago.
Surgery was in August of 2023. A bill shows up for over $7,000 in January. WTF? I asks myself. I know that I jumped through all of the insurance hoops and verified this and triple checked that, as did the surgeon's office. All was set, and I paid all of the known costs before surgery.
A looong story short, is that an assistant surgeon that was in the process of accepting money from my insurance company touched me while I was under anesthesia. That is what the bill was for. But hey, guess what? Some federal legislation was enacted last year to help patients out when they cannot consent to being touched by someone out of their insurance network. These types of bills fall under something called, "surprise billing," and you don't have to put up with it.
https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises
I had to make a lot of phone calls to both the surgeon's office and the insurance company and explain my rights and what the maximum out of pocket costs were that I could be liable for. Also had to remind them that it isn't my place to be taking care of all of this and that I was going to escalate things if they could not play nice with one another.
Quick ending is that I don't have to pay that $7,000+. Advocate, advocate, advocate for yourself no matter how long it takes and learn more about this law if you are ever hit with a surprise bill.
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Some days I feel like an infiltrator... I'm participating in society as a "thin" person. They have no idea that I haven't always been one of them! 🤣
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Travel 6 months Post-op
BeanitoDiego replied to Julie.Nudge's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I travelled internationally two months ago, and was 6 months post-op. I brought protein bars, protein-enhanced electrolyte water mix packets, an empty water bottle & coffee cup, and snacks like a nut-based trail mix that I like to put together. I also hauled a giant plastic container of protein powder with me because I LIVE for my morning proffees. No problems crossing any borders or with any airports/security checkpoints. -
My go-to is always firm tofu or tempeh, stir fried with vegetables or prepared in an air fryer and served with roasted vegetables. I flavor the tofu in different ways; BBQ, ranch, honey mustard, and teriyaki are my faves. Quinoa mixed with black beans or black eyed peas, also with veggies, makes it onto my plate a few times a week, too. A trick that I have learned when preparing firm tofu is to squeeze out the excess water. I found something called a tofu press that is basically a box with a heavy spring. Place the tofu inside, press down, close the lid, and the excess water is drained out. It really, really helps!
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Socks at night are a must-have! This will be my first summer post-op, and I can already tell that I will be in long sleeves and pants more often than not.
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For me, the changes in the way that I began feeling physically were motivating. I felt lighter and more ease of movement in the world. I liked seeing more of my natural jawline in the mirror. There was a spark that really wanted to see how far I could go on this path, and I am pleased as punch to be where I am at today!
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At the beginning of my fitness journey, I joined a national chain gymnasium for a little over $10 per month. It rhymes with Janet Witness, and had a variety of low impact and muscle building machines to try out. Pushing towards 300 pounds, I had to work up the courage to be there but soon found that everyone was in their own little zone, paying me no mind. I took advantage of their membership benefit that allows one to meet with a trainer to plan a custom routine. Three years later, I am still a member of this gym and am grateful for the healthier lifestyle seeds that they helped me plant.
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Bravo! 👏
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I have been using a retinol-based product at night, washing it off of my face in the morning. I also put it on my neck, chest, arms, and hands. But please be cautious and read up on retinol before starting to use it. One is required to use sunscreen religiously while using retinol-based products and to continue doing so up to two weeks after discontinuing their use. Hopefully some others will chime in with their solutions. I wish you good luck in finding something that will work well!
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Belly fat problems after surgery
BeanitoDiego replied to Megan Black's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
The difference in photos is striking, especially considering that they are only 4 months apart! Are you doing any exercise or training for your core muscles? That has helped me a bit, as my stomach is still a bit pronounced, too.
