LAN2k

I found Uncle Bens Healthy Grain Creme of Wheat (7 gm protein), mixed in w/1 scoop of Solgar Vanilla Bean Whey powder (16 gm protein), (or Jay Robb vanilla 25gm protein), a soothing and tolerable breakfast food..eaten slowly teaspoon by teaspoon. cook the creme of wheat with water to the consistency you like best, and then turn the flame off while in the sauce pan, I add some milk (I use either goat milk, almond milk, or hazelnut milk) then I whisk in the whey powder, add stevia or sun crystals-(a stevia/cane sugar mix 5 calories)...sometimes I'll add a tablespoon of raw agave nectar or pure maple syrup for added flavor. The whole thing amounts to almost 30 grams protein and it's sustains me well into the afternoon. I also mix the whey powder in with my yogurt, let it sit about 5 minutes and mix it again. I love vanilla Greek or Stonyfield now makes an organic Greek yogurt in caramel and chocolate flavors. The breakfast cereal and later the yogurt for lunch, add up to about 50+ grams protein...It works for me very well but each of us has to come up with our own plan of eating...I just thought I'd put mine out there in case you want to give it a try. I'm 7 months almost and I still have trouble with some denser proteins like meat...You are early out so just be patient and you will find ways to get in the nutrition without sacrificing pleasure.

Nikki, Forgive me I just saw this post. I know that your real, (as are many many other's who have posted of their misfortune). You are fortunate that your insurance paid to treat you in relation to your sleeve gastrectomy. Keep the faith... I will pray that your hiv testing comes out negative. Thanks for this post and wishes for good health as you progress on your WL journey. -Lis

I think that Jodoza provided more than adequate posts w/linked references from genuine people who have had complications out of that one location: http://verticalsleevetalk.com/post-operation-vertical-sleeve-gastric-surgery-vsg-questions-answers/4737-speak-up-those-leaks-infections-5.html Since so much attention has been drawn to the problems there, I hope that measures have been taken to correct the poor conditions that caused such problems to escalate.

You can add GHI to the list. I was approved within days after my surgeon's submission. I'm on LI in New York. Where are you having your surgery? I hope you don't mind my asking. At first I was looking into Mt. Sinai Hospital, in Manhattan, a Dr. Kini (If I recall correctly), and later on I found that Syosett Hospital had a "Center for Bariatric Excellence" and within their team of 'Speciality Surgeons' I found one who does the Sleeve Gastrectomy and he really simplified the process for me. I was treated very well from the get-go and post op his availability has been near perfect...in fact I just saw him for my 6 month follow up and it was a very pleasant visit. He still wants to see me again in 3 months...and reminded me to come to his monthly support groups. I hope we get news of your approval very soon. Best wishes...and keep us up to date.

Welcome to VST, congratulations on your surgery and thanks for sharing. I don't think my surgery was video taped as was yours. That is pretty cool. It sounds to me like your doing great. Although it's beneficial that your moving your arms and legs while in bed, it is still very important that you get your body upright, standing and walking and frequently. Short walks are OK. The bloating will subside as your incision/s heal and as you heal internally. I'd say in about 3 weeks you should feel fairly normal (not so sore and bloated). Keep us posted on your progress and best wishes on your WL journey w/the sleeve.

I think it's great that you are thinking ahead, breaking certain habits and learning so much before your surgery. Keep in mind that after the surgery you may actually loose the desire you had for diet coke. My tastes changed alot and some of the things I really enjoyed pre sleeve were repulsive to me post...Best wishes to you on your WL journey.

My surgeon put me on a high protein/low carb diet 4 weeks prior to surgery...and I did it! In fact the day before my surgery I only had my protein shakes. I weighed in 16lbs lighter the morning of my surgery. Best wishes to you all.

This still happens to me sometimes and it hurts. It will pass. I haven't had the headache pain but have had that tightness and pain in my chest and it does pass. I am reminded to really be conscious of how fast I eat and how important it is to chew my food well. Three weeks out is still quite early. I'm almost 7 months out and tonight I had "chinese" some small shrimp with string beans and spare ribs...the rib meat was too heavy. I bit into a wonton from the soup and spit it into my napkin, (too heavy). I filled up too fast because I ate too fast and felt that uncomforable tight feeling in my chest...just wished I ate yogurt instead! The pasta part of the mac and cheese may have swelled once inside of you and that could be painful for a while until it breaks down and passes through.

Thanks sounds like you've got nice scenic roads to ride on. I'm in the suburbs and although we've got some nice rustic areas there's lots of traffic...I got to get me a good helmet, :tongue_smilie: (I hate wearing one).

Do you have this surgeons stats? People are prevented from posting their experiences...With what authority do you speak? With such a hostile attitude my guess is your here to do damage control.

Wow Stacie, It's good to know you are doing so much better. Little by little you will be able to get more protein in. I really like the liquid tylenol it tastes really cherry and I think it absorbs quicker as a liquid. Hope you keep us posted as you continue on your WL journey.

Hi Stacie, I sure hope your on the mend....I was told to take Extra Strength Tylenol so I bought a bottle of Tylenal Extra Strength Adult Rapid Blast Liquid. It works great not only does it take the edge off of the occassional migraines I get but it knocks out a regular or sinus headache and helps me with other aches and pains.

At almost 7 months out, I still have trouble with water and I get my water in a 2 gallon dispenser from a place that filters and alkalizes it. I can drink it as a warm tea. I found a Vanilla-Caramel tea by Biglow and it is soooo delicious. I add one packet of stevia or sun crystals. It is caffeinated and so I don't drink it at night. Some mornings I drink caffinated coffee but usually I stick to decaff. I also love the Citrus Punch flavor of Vitamin Water- they make Vitamin Water 0 now meaning 0 calories, carbs, etc. I don't like that one so I cut each of the regular 20oz bottles with my water and add back the sweetness with one packet of Stevia or Sun Crystals. I am able to easily drink at least 3 20oz bottles a day.

My BMI was 35 and I had sleep apnea, and osteoarthritis--I was approved within 2 weeks by GHI-Medicare. They even had a rep call me to tell me they approved me!! I was pleasantly surprised, and then I got the jitters knowing it was going to really happen. I hope you get the approval really soon, G' luck.

Now that you know what to do I am glad your feeling better. I didn't like water after my surgery, (it felt heavy and like it was suspended in my esophagus! I managed to get all my fluid in daily by drinking vitamin water by diluting each bottle with 50% filtered water (then adding a packet of stevia) I was able to drink 3 20oz, bottles in a day. I sipped and sipped and carried them with me wherever I went. Sometimes I would also stick them in the freezer just to get them slushy. Hope that helps.

I get that Daisy..My post would likely have been deleted had I mentioned any names.I have not out of respect for the person who I spoke with. It is pathetic that such politics are involved in keeping this board running. It's likely the same way on OH.

I would not hesitate to contact my surgeon and/or primary care physician. Things may ease up naturally but dehydration can be averted if necessary intravenously while you are examined. I was concerned early out and expressed my concern to my surgeon who had me come in for an upper endoscopy. Since I hadn't had much food/fluid intake for 2 days he also administered intravenous fluids. Everything checked out fine and that put me at ease and gradually I was taking in enough fluids by sipping things I liked (vitamin water). I hope you feel much better very soon and will keep us posted. Take care.

I am aware of someone who posted in the affirmative, often, before and after their own surgery. I had the pleasure of speaking with this encouraging individual via the phone only days after I had my own VSG. After a short while, without notice, the posts from this person stopped. After having their surgery abroad that same person referred 2 family members to the "unnamed" facility. The 2nd person suffered a serious complication and by that encounter this person has first rate knowledge of some disturbing facts that sadly will not be published through this venue. At this persons request and trust vested in me I was asked to keep the disclosure private. The only thing this person would have to gain by making their story public would be to help prevent another plausible mishap. It's obvious the person is in some way threatened or else, with or without "Alex" interception, it would've gotten out. It's logical that those who persist in trivializing and mocking other's attempts to get the awful truth out, are themselves either paid props/liars or they have trouble in facing a sad reality that might have been their own.

I'm assuming your doctor did do a leak test before releasing you? I had to wait a full 24 hours after surgery and then have a leak test before I was allowed to sip even on ice chips. I went straight for the apple juice and mixed it w/ice chips by the teaspoonful. That was how I sipped...by the teaspoon. By day 3 I was sipping on chicken bullion. I'm sure the nose bleed will not be anything to worry about but it would have been nice if your surgeon would have called you back. I just don't get why some of these surgeons aren't attentive to their patients especially a day after surgery. I think you will be fine but right now your new stomach is swollen and tender. Don't panic...you will get more feedback on here soon.

Tiff you make eating even if only a just a little a gratifying experience. Good for you!

Best wishes to you. I am confident that you will fare well and hope to be updated as soon as you are able.

Your welcome Russell...and thanks.