Elisabethsew

I'm only using the protein bars when I need a protein source. When I work a 13 hour night shift, I sleep through lunch and I can only "fit in" vitamins/medications and coffee for breakfast. I eat the protein bar while I'm driving to work.

I haven't had a desire for sweet things but that was never my problem pre-op. I have dark chocolate in the house and have a small piece if I crave it but that's not often. The way I lost weight prior to WLS was through healthy eating and that's what I am back to now. Eating small portions of healthy food is what I observe "naturally" thin people doing. Making that a habit, and my way of living, plus the effects of the VSG surgery is my recipe to get to goal and STAY there. LOL.

Welcome, Marci! Congratulations on your success and your new life. Have you found it easy to maintain your loss?

While it sucks that you did not hear about the sleeve, it wasn't a total loss. You learned what you didn't want and got to talk to a surgeon. Great!

I clicked on the link and the message is you're being investigated for TOS violation. I had to shut down my computer to get out. However, I DID read the letter and found it addresses all the points objectively and accurately. It's well written and should win you a review of the appeal. Good luck!

You're entitled to be whiny. You've been through a lot. They will likely decrease the hourly rate and then wean you to an IV solution of D 10 W before discontinuing it. Ask your MD about compression TPN... off during the day hours and on from dinner to 6 AM.

I like the chocolate graham ones. They were the only ones they had in the grocery store.

TPN is very high in dextrose and abruptly stopping it will cause your blood glucose level to crash. That poses a whole list of complications that you don't want. I've got my fingers and toes crossed that you'll get good news on Mon.

The only protein drink I can get down is Soy Slender. I just did without the required protein until I went to the soft phase.

I believe they advise not drinking 30 minutes before and after eating.

Congratulations on getting a date. You're going to love the sleeve. I'm sticking to 3 meals a day of healthy food and can definitely feel the restriction. What the band promised, the sleeve delivers!

Congratulations on deciding on the right surgery and surgeon for you.

One of my closest friends is an OB/GYN there and his patients love him... Dr. Chin.

What works for me is adequate protein, carbs from veggies and fruits, and very low fat. I'm 2.5 months post-op and have noticed over the past few weeks the true degree of the restriction with the VSG. I stick to the 3 meals a day and that seems to work best for me.

Make sure you list adhesive tape as an allergy when they ask you about medication allergies. They use dermabond to close your incisions.

That surgeon is one who I would advise people to steer clear of.

Congratulations on making your decision. I know you did a lot of research and I'm sure you'll be happy with your choice.

I'm glad you got the email from Gaby. I never received any of that information. LOL.

In N.Y. leaks are covered by insurance by nearly all carriers (got that info. from the billing dept. of the health care system I work for).

My dosage of nexium was 40 mg/day. Dr. Aceves uses 20 mg. I began having heartburn again around 2 weeks ago and it got real bad 3 days ago. I took the 20 mg but added my regular 40 mg dose and that did the trick. I am now using 40 mg day and have not had any heartburn in 2.5 days.

I'm an RN also and had surgery with Dr. Aceves. Yes, complications are covered. For example, one person had a "funny looking liver" and Dr. Aceves did a biopsy at no charge. He stands by his surgery but hasn't had a leak so there's no complications. LOL. I told two people and went to Mexico alone. Both were ready to have a stroke that I was (a) having surgery in Mexico and (:confused1: traveling alone and both are the only ones who knew I was having the revision to VSG from the band. I worked a 13 hour shift, went home and showered, grabbed my luggage, and flew 6 hours to San Diego from N.Y. The care at Almater Hospital was great and the hospital was immaculate. Pre-op testing was fast and efficient and the Lucerna resort was beautiful. I saw the surgeons 3 times a day and all the RN staff are BSN prepared. Grab your fiance and tell your family you're going on a short vacation. This is for you and not them.

Let us know what you decide.

After passing out on post-op Day 5, Nina got in touch with the surgeon (don't know which one) and later Gaby, who gave me the OK to use Soy Slender drinks (cardboard containers in grocery stores in health food isle). I also purchased the Special K lemon water. It had 50 calories and 5 g protein in 16 oz and helped me get through a 13 hour work shift until I could go to full fluids. Email Gaby.

I went with what they had printed in the booklet they give you with the info. I had to do 10 days of clear only so I guess it changed since April. I never heard from Gaby... was told she was away. I guess you contact her if you need her but I don't think she follows up with patients... unless that changed too. LOL.

Welcome! Mac used Cirangle (I think, LOL) and a lot of us used Aceves... both great surgeons. Like you, I decided to keep my surgery between me and 2 others and I don't regret that decision at all. Let us know how you do with insurance and keep us posted on your pre-op preparations.