Sai

I still grapple with food addiction. I was never one for alcohol or drugs (not even prescribed sleeping drugs). I have a hard time sleeping, but when I ate a big meal, I'd sleep like a baby, hence food became my comfort, my relaxer, my natural sleeping pill. Like any addiction, it is difficult to overcome. Since wls, like you said, it's better, but we just have to stay focused to be successful. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

My strongest urge to binge is after 8 pm. I have a diet app to remind me to watch out for emotional eating that goes of at that time every night. I come on these forums, read some posts, line up a bunch of hobbies that I do for my evenings: games, knitting, reading, musical instruments, exercise... Etc. For other triggers, I always have little baggies of healthy food to carry with me or in the fridge if I'm at home. My favorite though is carrying string cheese in my backpack. It's filling and fun to eat. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

I was told to sleep in any position that is comfortable. I slept on my side with a little pillow tucked under me. I also used a wedge pillow. It helped me get up easier the first day or so. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

My bariatric center contacted me, and about a week later I got the paperwork from my insurance company.

I was tested about a week before surgery. It was a urine test. You can call and ask them when they want you to take it. I'm sure they are used to it. hehe

I know it's been said but what an amazing and detailed post. I copied it and put it in my notes for inspiration. Thank you.

I never stopped regular coffee. I was told to cut it down to 1-2 cups a day. I'm 3+ months post-op.

Drama always happens when someone takes good advice as a personal attack. Their normal response to it is almost always over the top. Moving right along...

Most of us take in low carbs after WLS. When your insulin levels go down, excess sodium is flushed out along with a lot of Water (hence a lot of water weight lost in the beginning). Too much sodium lost is not a good thing, gives you headaches, constipation and a number or other symptoms since it's a vital electrolyte. So low carbers, salt it up lol... If you aren't on a low carb diet, pass the salt hehe.

After the surgery, the first week, it was uncomfortable to lay completely flat, so the small incline helped my breathing (I'm asthmatic), and it made it a lot easier to get up for my walks, meals... Etc. It does make sleeping in my bed more comfortable.

Bread cheese, string cheese, grilled seafood, sashimi, raw oysters, edamame, occasionally pork clouds (pork rinds made with olive oil and low processing) for a snack, unflavored Protein GENEPRO in my coffee are some of my favorites... I don't like turkey, chicken very much. I wish I did. I don't like any Protein shakes or Protein Bars but it's mainly because I've always had an anti-sweet tooth. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Little over 3 months out here. 3 oz dense Protein and about 1 oz veggies or other is about perfect for my tummy. I have eaten on occasion 5 to 6 oz total but then I feel uncomfortable. I eat every 2 to 3 hours. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Wedge Pillow for the hospital? Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App No, I bought one from Amazon. I still use it every night. I love this thing hehe. https://www.amazon.com/InteVision-Wedge-Pillow-Quality-Removable/dp/B009HHLBKK Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Wedge pillow. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

I still wrestle with this but I know why. For me, it is because my dad grew up poor and work so hard for all of us to have an easy life. As a kid, he didn't know when he was going to get his next meal. After I had gained quite a bit of weight, my dad told me "You don't have to eat that all if you're full. All the poor, starving people in the world won't be helped by you being overweight." That was a key turning point for me to let it go. He's right. To combat it, I only order a very small amount or share my food if I go out.

I'm on the BCBS PPO plan, and I had to fork out $6500 but that was to meet my deductible and a few pre-op tests that weren't covered by my insurance. Having said that, it was so so so worth it.

Oh no... Now I wanna get the VitD/Calcium and the Iron now. Look what you do to me? (I'd say the B12 too but I have a couple of bottles I need to finish up first /cry)

Many people feel similar to how you're feeling, so yes, it is very normal... Including the doubts whether the surgery worked or not. For what I've read and what I've personally experienced, a healing stomach (a swollen stomach), excess acid mimics hunger. I was never told this... And from day 2, I was confused like you were. I didn't know until I did research. My best advice is this: Make sure you take your antacid as directed, make sure you work hard to get your water and protein in as your program directs. My hunger dropped off big time on day 16 or 17, some people takes a little longer and others are even faster. Hang in there. Congrats on your surgery!

I failed my first too (they had a hard time reading my pulse correctly and a couple of other problems), but then they had me take a nuclear stress test, and I passed with flying colors. I hope that will be the case for you.

Pros: -Removes a large part of Ghrelin (hormone that stimulates hunger). While I may still feel hungry off and on, the cravings have subsided, and therefore, it's easier to choose healthier nutritious food when I get hungry. -Stomach is smaller so less food satisfies me. It's functionality is the same as before surgery, just the capacity has changed. -Dumping is rare since the pylorus remains intact. -Can tolerate any foods I ate pre-surgery, just a smaller portion. -Doesn't decrease the absorption of nutrients. Cons: -Surgery is irreversible (although a common fear is that we may stretch it out to pre-surgery size lol). *I do not regret it. I'm very happy with results, and how I feel.

I've been using appetizer forks and spoons. I need to check out those portion controlled silverware though. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Oh Nilla, what an amazing amazing story. You are such an inspiration. Looking forward to your updates as your journey continues. Congratulations on your surgery! Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

I relate. It's so ridiculous for me to have the heater set to 78 all the time, and yet I'm tired of feeling like I'm freezing all the time... And I'm still cold. Lol Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Doh you're right hehe. I was thinking of the sleeve. I didn't have healing hunger or acid hunger with the band at all. Head hunger, yes. ^^ Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

I think by "user error" my surgeon meant compliance, that in his experience band people were less likely to follow the rules. But with any procedure we have to follow the rules to be successful. We all know that. @@laceemouse Yeah, I agree with that. I just see a lot of people who are forced to have revisions due to band complications through no fault of their own, and others insisting it didn't work because of their "user error". Product liability type of issue. Hehe Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App