Tiffykins

There's been some patients that had part of the hospital bills from complications covered by insurance, but others have had complete exclusion of any complication bills being paid by insurance that do not cover the initial procedure. It seems it's all in how the hospital bills the charges, and how the doctor handles the complications. It's a tough situation to be in as I would not want bypass, and I would have self-paid for my revision if insurance would not have come through for me.

I couldn't tolerate any of them either. Either the taste, smell or texture robbed me of using them, or they made me puke my guts up. I was able to get my protein from greek yogurt, cheese, egg whites, and super mushy chicken/tuna/egg salad. It took time to build up to getting the necessary amounts, but I didn't think it was worth to puke and hurt myself to get extra protein from the mixes. A lot of people enjoy the Jay Robb brand, and the Muscle Milk Light pre-mixed cartons were 'okay ' for me for a little bit.

YAY YAY many congrats to you on getting your date, and insurance approval.

I'm down to 123lbs for the last 2 days. I'm just at a loss at this point. I started working again today. Lifting weights and ab/core exercises, no cardio to avoid burning major calories quickly. I just need to build muscle mass. I'm not happy to be honest. I'm pretty frustrated, but it'll be okay. I figure when I quit smoking I'll be eating more, and working out should help.

I shared with my immediate family and in-laws that I was going to have the band surgery. My mom had hers the year before me so they were fine with it. We had only been here about 6 months when I had surgery, and I had only made 1 "friend". She wasn't as supportive because she dropped some pretty snarky comments. Anyways, when the complications with the band became too much, and I got serious about a revision, I told only my husband, and that one friend. I didn't tell my mom because she is that typical band patient that tried to blame me for my complications and unwillingness to stick to the band rules. We found out my husband was deploying during my research stage, and I decided to proceed with the revision. I told my mom and all of the comments started. We flew my in-laws to FL from WV to stay with me during my revision since my husband was deployed. I had a helluva surgery, and recovery. I lost that one friend during my recovery which wasn't a loss in the end. When I started making friends here through our spouse's club, and other volunteer opportunities, I was open and honest about my revision. It was kind of difficult to hide the fact that I was dropping 15lbs a month. I saw these women often, we were eating out socially weekly, and I needed support. Through my sharing, my friend is having sleeve surgery next week with the same surgeon that assisted on my revision, and has taken over my care since my surgeon has been deployed for the last 6.5 months. I have not received any flack from the women that I associate with now. They are beyond supportive, at first our conversations revolved around my weight loss and surgery, but now they realize that I'm fairly "normal". I tell people that genuinely want to know. I don't hide it, but I don't scream it from the rooftops. I don't tell waiters/servers in restaurants when I only eat a small portion. I think it's a personal decision, and sometimes we are guilty of giving people just enough information about our lives to be dangerous. I feel like I gave my mom the ammo she needed to blast me. I've learned over the years to not volunteer information. If you feel like people won't be supportive, don't tell them.

Many congrats on your success thus far ! ! ! Cheers to you, and here's to more victories for you.

Take the glass off the table before you eat. It can flush the food through faster and that may lead to you being able to eat again within an hour. It takes me about 3 hours to be able to eat again at 11 months out. You won't get the satiety level if you continue to eat and drink at the same time especially this early out. I still wait 30-45 minutes after a big meal to drink. I sometimes take little, tiny sips just enough to wet my whistle if I'm eating something super spicy or salty.

I couldn't hold 4ounces of anything post-op. I was lucky to get 2 ounces of Clear liquids in every 20-30minutes. Full liquids it took me a minimum of 30 minutes to get in 2 ounces. I don't think there is really any true stretching involved. I think our stomachs are seriously swollen for several months and used to a lot of liquid/mushy diet. The part that is left is muscular, and I think it really just relaxes, it adjusts to food being put in it, so I don't think it's a true stretching like what we hear about with the pouches on RNY/BAND patients. I'm almost 11 months out, and I can easily eat 1 cup (8 ounces) of yogurt/mashed potatoes/cream of wheat/runny oatmeal. 4 ounces of dense Protein is about all I can handle. If it's super tender, medium cooked steak, I can get in maybe 5 ounces, but nothing else is gonna fit in there. I can say without a doubt that the sleeve shrinks some too. When I had my gallbladder out, and had to go back to full liquids, and chicken noodle soup, it took a couple of weeks for me to be able to eat dense protein again as my stomach would not tolerate much of anything. I had amazing restriction again, and had to build back up to eating foods that were more dense, and solid.

Any of the Protein mixes can be mixed with Water and they count as a clear liquid. Once you start mixing them with milk, they're considered a full liquid. The protein shots are not the best source of protein, but it's better than nothing. It's collagen based protein, and honestly I could not tolerate them post-sleeve. I did use them with my band early out, but they are extremely sweet tart tasting post-sleeve for me. They also made me puke even when I diluted them in water. Can you order any of the sample packs from various distributors? Isopure is affectionately called Isopuke in this household. Even my husband (can tolerate anything) nearly puked his guts up on Isopure. He wanted to use it after working out, but he couldn't tolerate it either. So, you aren't missing anything with the Isopure.

For the first 3-5months, all I could eat was 3-4oz of food per meal. Around the 6 month mark something changed, and I found that I could eat more at about 6 ounces. Now at 11 months, I can easily eat 1 cup of food if I eat slowly, and chew very well. At this point, my stomach has relaxed and is probably at the size it will remain at for the rest of my life. There are "tricks" that allow me to eat more. Like when I go out for Chinese, I drink the hot broth of the wonton soup, or egg drop soup, it relaxes my sleeve. I can fit a bit more in. Also, if I take 45 minutes to eat instead of 20-30 minutes, I can pack more in my sleeve. I had to figure out how to get more food in because I'm having trouble maintaining my current loss. I also have to eat about 6 times a day instead of the prescribed 4 meals my surgeon suggested early out. I can still only eat 4oz of dense Protein then I have to wait a little bit to get in the veggies. It really varies by what type of food I'm eating.

I'm almost 11 months out, and this is what I ate yesterday. It was a crazy carb day, and I grazed quite a bit. A lot of my carbs come from the fruit juice and Fruit Loops, potatoes with dinner and yogurt/fruit I ate for Breakfast. I do not eat like this every day. I actually keep my carbs around 80grams per day now. But, yesterday, I wanted fruit, and Cereal for some odd reason. Breakfast - 1-6oz Chobani strawberry Yogurt, 3 large fresh strawberries Snack - 3oz of teriyaki beef Jerky, 3 saltine crackers, 1- 2% extra sharp cheddar wedge lunch - 1/2 peanut butter/honey sandwich on whole wheat bread (no crust), 10-12 tortilla chips with sour cream/salsa dip Snack - 6 iced circus animal crackers Dinner - 2oz of steak, 1/4 cup of steamed green Beans, 1/4 cup of pan seared new potatoes Snack - 1 cup of fruit loops cereal with 1/2 cup 1% milk Calories - 1387 Carbs - 226 Protein - 84 Fat - 36 I got in about 50 ounces of Water, 8oz of the the grape juice, and 8oz of coffee. I eat out 2-4 times per week. Thai places - chicken Satay skewers with dipping sauce and I can at 2 skewers. Chili's - my son and I share a half rack of ribs, I can eat 2 of the ribs, and a few bites of the various side dishes, we also share the Cajun Chicken Pasta entree (yummy chicken alfredo with penne pasta and grilled cajun flavored chicken breast)I also order the 1/2 order of nachos from the appetizer menu, I can eat about 3 of them with salsa and sour cream, I order and split the Quesadilla Explosion salad with the kiddo. Mexican food - my son and I order beef and chicken fajitas for 1, I can eat 1 fajita with 2-3 strips of meat, loads of sauteed onions, sour cream, salsa and a little bit of rice. I do eat some chips and salsa before my meal. I may have a few bites of the refried beans, but I like to save room for the actual fajita. Taco Bell - Steak quesadilla with extra sauce. I can eat 2 of the 4 wedges, but I pull off the top of the tortilla. I wait about 3 hours and eat the other 2 wedges later. Or, I order a bean burrito with extra red sauce and sour cream, and peel off the extra tortilla that doesn't have any filling. TGI Friday's - I order the appetizer course of Pot stickers/chinese dumplings, and I can eat 3 of them, the inside mainly, and the outside shell of 1.5 of them with dipping sauce. Logan's steak house - my son and I split an 8oz ribeye and a few bites of the side dishes typically rice or loaded mashed potatoes with a green veggie. I typically eat a few chips with their spinach/artichoke dip before our meal. Mongolian BarBque - I eat the thick egg noodles, with cabbage, snap peas, pineapple, bean sprouts, and chicken or beef. Covered in Mongolian and Teriyaki sauce, and minced garlic. Typically, the meat gets over cooked on the grill, so I stick to the noodles and veggies/fruit. Chinese buffet - Spring roll (1 with the outer shell peeled off), peanut chicken, beef broccoli, General Tso chicken, fried rice, low mein noodles, and pot stickers again. IHOP- sirloin steak tips with broccoli Wendy's - baked potato with cheese/broccoli, small chili with crackers Panera Bread - The asian fruit side salad (it has apples), broccoli/cheddar Soup, 1/2 tuna salad sandwich with chips. Obviously, I eat a very small portion of all of these, but it gives you an idea of what I order and eat. Yes, I bring lots of leftovers home, but I make the meals last for at least 2 other meals/lunches, or even Snacks. I rarely order off the kid's or senior menu. I know people find it hard to believe but I literally eat anything and everything I want just in small quantities.

All of those comments have been received from my immediate family and a long term friend. My brothers, step-sisters and mother. Yes, the very people that are supposed to be the most supportive, and loving have bashed me since losing weight. One of my "fat" friends (as she calls herself my fat friend), told me I looked like a bobblehead doll. We've been friends for 8 years. And, she's the one that made the comment about the fajita dinner. I've actually used all of those comebacks with my family. There are various other comments that I didn't even add in here because truthfully they cut extremely deeply. I've tried for so many years to not allow what people thought/said about me bring me down. But, sometimes, it hurts, I'm human, I have feelings, and they will never realize just how badly their little "comments out of concern" break my heart.

Are you able to drink milk without issue? I became slightly lactose intolerant post-op, and I think that's why I had a lot of trouble with whey Protein drinks. Well, I hated the way they tasted or the textures, but they made me sick as well. Can you try a soy based protein mixed with Water? I was able to have chicken/egg/tuna salad on mushies/puree stage. 2 egg whites have 14grams of protein, and 3oz of chicken has 21grams of protein. I know you may not be able to get that much in during one meal, but spreading it out through the day may help you hit your protein goal. When I couldn't drink milk, I was still able to eat cheese and yogurt without issue. Milk and whey tore my stomach up and I would either throw up or have explosive diarrhea and gas.

I've had this saved for several years (like 8 years) in my email inbox. A very wise, dear friend sent it to me, and I read it often during my single years. I bolded the ones that really struck a chord with me, and my life.

I've definitely felt the same way many years ago. All I can offer you is that you won't be ignored, or stared through once you believe in yourself, and you love yourself. It took me years to love myself. I didn't always "like" myself, and my weight, but I loved myself. I figured out that before someone could love me, I had to love myself. Love yourself for taking such a fabulous step towards a healthier and happier future. Love yourself for all the great traits you have. And, remember you are a work in progress. We are all works in progress. You will find love, you are deserving to have love, and you are worthy of love regardless of your pant size.

I have noticed over the last couple of weeks that the scale has become more of an afterthought. Maybe it's because I'm maintaining now, or I'm finally happy with where I'm at weight/size/shape wise. But, to be honest, I'm kind of mourning the loss of weighing all the time. I miss the high of jumping on the scale and seeing the numbers drop. I miss seeing the scale go down every day, and wondering what I can do to fill that void. I've shopped until my little heart is content. I've decided to get some of my clothes altered because I didn't wear them that long, and I really love certain pieces. I guess this is just a different phase of this journey that didn't really prepare myself for mentally or emotionally. I never denied being addicted to the scale, but I'm realizing that I am/was addicted to see those numbers drop every day. Now, it just says the same thing day in and day out. I know I should be elated. I realize that I should be stoked about my results. But, from one addiction to another is a weird transition. And, now I'm left with nothing to find as exhilarating as the numbers on the scale going down every day. Thought I would share my newest revelation. I need to find something to excite me and give me that "umph" of joy that I had during my losing stage.

After 2.5 years of trying to get a normal relationship with my mom, it has all hit the fan again. I can't even express my hurt, and true anger. I don't know if we'll ever get passed all of this, and if we do it isn't going to happen anytime soon. Why does life have to be so difficult? Why can't we just get a long? When will I learn that it will never change? Happily, I'm not seeking comfort in food. But, I am tired of allowing her to hurt me. I'm tired of trying to have a normal relationship and getting backhanded comments, and mean-spirited things said to me. I tried to talk to her about it tonight, and it turned into a huge clusterf*ck. Now, I'm stuck going to Texas without John because he can't get leave, and nowhere to really stay because I don't want to stay with her after this episode. It's so complicated, and I'm so hurt. I don't think I'll ever be able to have a normal, healthy relationship with my mom. I've already lost the relationship with my father. I just want normalcy, and will admit that I am so jealous of other girls that have great relationships with their mothers. I am so confused, and hurt. . .

WHEW, what a weekend I had. I traveled to Virginia to visit my best friend. Well, least to say, we partied down on Saturday night for the St. Patty's day celebration. I drank like a fish, rum and cokes, several shots of Goldschlagger, and then the eating was out of control, but only by the choices I made, not quantities. I had an amazing time on vacation. It was by far the best 4 days I've had in a long, long time. I partied, got hit on, danced, got hit on some more, was told by SOBER men that I was "damn sexy". My best friend told me I look much smaller in person which was kind of creepy, but she said that I didn't even remotely look sick or malnourished. Of course, I had to shop, and she took me to colonial Williamsburg. Overall, it was an awesome trip. Well needed, and I promise it was a blast. I didn't gain 1 pound while gone either. So, that rocks. Now, I truly feel normal. I did drink way, way, way too much, but no hangover, no headache. And, when I say way too much, I mean, we ran through over $120 bucks in 5 hours between just the 2 of us, and that doesn't include all the drinks that were bought for us. I haven't drank like that in over 3 years. I'm not bragging, but I am admitting that I'm living a normal life. I wasn't binge drinking, just partying, having a good time, and got a good party night out of my system. If I only do it every 3 years or so, how can that be horrible? Ehhhhh, it was great. Zero regrets, no issues, I didn't have one low blood pressure episode while traveling. Not once did I feel faint or dizzy. The fluids, and salt have definitely helped. Anyways, so for those out there that wonder about drinking. Well, I didn't get super drunk quickly. I maintained a good buzz until about 1am, then everything, all the little details are a little fuzzy, okay a lot fuzzy ha ha ha. I'll upload some pictures later on tomorrow or Wednesday.

Wooohooo, you've done absolutely fabulous, and many cheers to your success. You can make that May 15th goal. Stay focused and enjoy your major accomplishment in graduating ! ! !

It happens to me when the humidity is super high here in Florida. It's kind of weird because I dealt with that issue with the band. The only solution that has worked for me is drinking some hot herbal tea. I found some by Celestial seasons called Candy Cane, and it totally relaxes my sleeve. Plus, it has real peppermint in it which I've found really helps when my stomach feels weird.

That's so awesome, and you're gonna love the sleeve. Keep us posted on when you get your date, and we'll all scoot over for you to have a place on the loser's bench.

At almost 11 months post-op, I still never experience true hunger. My stomach never growls, I've actually gone 12 hours without eating because I completely forgot to eat. So, for me, I have to remind myself to eat. Now, I can say that when I am more active, be it working out more, or out with my family/friends, I do get a feeling that my body needs fuel. I don't get hungry in my stomach, but my body tells me it needs food. This is one of the main reasons I won't go off of my acid reducer because so many patients that go off of their PPI mention a false hunger feeling even after eating a meal.

Rude comment : "You know, everyone knows you aren't naturally thin." Comeback: "really, I guess that's better than looking naturally fat." Rude comment: " Aren't you sad that you can't eat the entire fajita dinner?" Comeback: " About as sad as I was when I realized my back fat was gone, and I don't look like a can of Grands Biscuits that's been popped open." Rude comment : "well, it must be nice to not worry about what you eat since you had surgery." Comeback : " Oh, I know, trying to get in that 60+grams of Protein, fresh veggies, 64ounces of Water, and keeping my calories in check, is definitely easier when my stomach can only hold about 5-6 ounces per meal. It's super simple (add a nice smirk, and head tilt)." Rude comment: " You look sick, your bones are sticking out in your neck" Comeback: "really, I look sick now? Because at 270lbs (Insert your pre-op weight), all you could say about my appearance is that I had such a pretty face if I could just lose weight, I'd be gorgeous. So, which one is it, I'm skinny and sick, or fat and destined to be just a pretty face?"