Lee

Also, for buffet situations, not this one in particular, but other.... I've heard that you can restaurants will let you order off of the child's menu. That would probably mean paying child price for buffet. I went to lunch with my local WLS support group and several ordered from the child menu. The waitress didn't even ask to see their Bariatric Meal card. Restaurants tend to be very understanding. They want our continued business. They probably know that we'll come in with others that will pay full price.

Rob, that's great advice! Allforone, how are you feeling this morning??

Kai, being pre-op, I have no words of wisdom, but I can offer hugs. I'm sorry this is happening to you and I hope one morning you wake up and suddenly can eat. Have you talked to your doctor or nutritionist?

My Kaiser plan is: Stage I - day of surgery (Wednesday for me!) Stage II - full liquids - day five after surgery (Sunday for me) Stage III - pureed foods after call from NUT, generally two weeks post-op. I think Kaiser calls the pureed, what others call mushie. After pureed.. Stage IV - soft foods stage, moist protein and a little veggies and fruit. Stage V - after three month post-op class Always protein first.

allforone, welcome home! I'm so happy to read that everything went ok for you. I can't wait to read more about your journey. Please update when you're able to. I don't know about the arm ache, but I can tell you that after my gallbladder removal in November, I had a headache for a couple of days. We're not used to the anesthesia or the things they pump into our IV. I bet it goes away in a day. Are you able to sip water and get hydrated?

Thanks Laura. I'm running out and didn't plan to buy anything new until post-op. I'm just having fun trying different things now and experimenting with Isopure jello etc. My program wants me to get all protein from food post-op anyhow.

I'd say forget the buffet and order a bowl of soup as Barbara suggested. If it were me, I'd say I have a lot of food allergies and had to eat at home, that coming along for the company was the important part of the celebration for you. You can use MSG as an excuse, or whatever. Bossy lady doesn't get to ask you questions. A polite smile from you should take care of it. If asked further, tell her that your physician recommends that you don't eat out. If she asks what allergies, smile and tell her that you'd hate to bore her. Then ask a nice general question of the group. I spent nine years as a vegan who didn't eat any sugar. Social situations, I just used food allergies and often took my own food.

I'm so happy to read that water is tasting good again!

Hi Andrea, I'm in the Kaiser system so I too am no help with the insurance end of it. I did however want to welcome you. I look forward to sharing this journey with you!

Hi Lou, I don't know about the weight loss, but I know that lots of people will chime in with advice. I just wanted to welcome you to VST. I look forward to reading about your journey.

Hi Ishary! I'm so glad you posted. How are you doing? Please share about your first two weeks. Us pre-ops live for those posts! :001_unsure:

I'm going to try the peaches w/ vanilla powder this afternoon! I'm starting to run out of protein samples but won't buy more until post-op when I see what I still like. I'm afraid to order, then hate it later.

Hi Barbara, When I had to take Chemo type drugs, I used the Nioxin products. My hairdresser is recommending them after surgery. I lost a lot of hair, but it grew back. I'm hoping the same after VSG. I had my gallbladder out in November and I'm still seeing hairloss from that. ACK! I'll check out the Ovation products.

Congratulations Katrina!

Hang in there. Hopefully everything is fine!

NewLife, I'm so glad you came and posted how you're doing. 101 pounds is awesome. You're already in the Century Club only weeks after surgery. You did such a wonderful job taking care of yourself pre-op to bring you to this point. How lucky you had family around to distract you and keep you smiling. My surgery is next week. I too am single with lots of friends to come see me. My greatest joy is that my son is coming home from NY to spend 3 days with me once I'm out of the hospital. Family is such a comfort, isn't it? You're doing great. I can't wait to see how you progress on this journey!

Bitsy, Welcome!! Please keep us updated on how you're doing!

Hi Deb, I just wanted to send you some hugs. I'm sorry this is happening to you.

Firefly, Welcome Home!

Welcome! Your surgery is the day after mine! I think it's going to be a very good week. I had to smile when I saw your name because I was raised in Ohio and called my father "pop".

Thanks for letting us know about Nicole! So happy to hear that she's done and everything went well.

Laurel, congratulations on your successful first month. Welcome to the VSG family!