BlaqBeary

Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Were you given any instructions?

I've been 1-1/2 yrs out before I tattooed (January) what I wanted. It starts the back half of my neck. Its about 3 inches in length and 7 inches wide (shoulder to shoulder). But I don't think it will change much.

@Cudlyqt....I add strawberries to my strawberry protien powder (one scoop), two handfuls of ice. I also add less1/4 of half and half (thats just me)..I also add a banana. This is what I drink before I workout in the morning as well as it being my Breakfast...I drink half before workout and the rest after. Also, I forget you are just beginning and I am a year and half out. You may want to speak with your surgeon and/or his staff to see if your sleeve is able to handle it.

How are you with Vitamins? Are you taking Iron and B-12?

I know. It's rough. I would drink broth when I was hungry. Protein Shake for Breakfast. Also, try Light Muscle Milk, 25g of Protein. It's already made and it is 8.25oz. I sip these in between meals now in order to get the full 25g. I get really full drinking them too.

I'm not sure if you need a referral or not. Can't remember. Call the Kaiser satellite office and ask when is the next seminar mtg for bariatric surgery and go from there. The bldg is on Bellflower Blvd. (right side) north of the Downey facility. There are two Kaiser facilities on that side, but you want the second one before the traffic light. Call 562-622-4106 .... ask for the receptionist...Opens at 9am.

I'm from that area also....My PCP was Dr. Kalman, she referred me twice, because the first time I just was not ready. All I did was asked. However, after finding out there is a doctor who actually sees bariatric patients after surgery, and he also signs off your packet for approval once you've finished Options, his name is Dr. Chiu....I changed over right before my VSG. He is awesome and very informative. Most of he is patient, listens to you and do not talk at you, but with you. What I did is signed on to KP.org and clicked on member services, sent an email to change PCPs and the reason. Within 2-3 days, I was approved for the PCP change. You can also look up Dr. Chiu and read his Bio. It will also tell you if he's accepting new patients. I'm sure he is. He is in the Downey Orchard bldg. Good luck...Any other questions feel free to PM me. Krys

All I can say is been there, done that. Yes, it hurts like hell and a feeling like you've given up. We all have weak moments. Remember, 80% of our stomachs has been cut out of our bodies. It's a tool to keep us from gorging ourselves with food, not what actually we put in it. Your mind is in control of your actions. You have the power to walk away. Easier said than done, huh? I've had the topping of pizza, but not the bread. I can no longer eat bread anyway. This is good for me, because before VSG, I loved dinner rolls, cornbread and homemade bread my family makes at holiday time. So, glad I cannot eat no longer, it would be devastating. But be strong. In the end, it will be all worth it and you'll laugh at this day as one of your memories. Krys

Yes, drains are a part of recovery.

Thirty-five or seventeen, you have to think of yourself and the life you live everyday, which is the weight issue. It's unfortunate when you don't have the support you need. And I find it wonderful your husband is behind you. When I discussed VSG with my hubby, he told me he loved me no matter what size I am. he met me overweight and married me overweight. He said, if this is what I want to be sure I am doing this for me and no one else. My Mom had mixed feelings, but was not against it at all. She had a friend who passed away from having gastric bypass at the time I mentioned I am in the process. So, of course as a mother she was worried for an outcome that something could go wrong. But my family and friends have been supportive all the way. You will be fine. Think of yourself and your children. Most of all if it bothers you that much, try again speaking with your parents. and be stern about your decision. Sometimes we have to go against the grain.

Good question, if Protein Shakes count as liquid. I'm not sure. However, as far as broth goes, I use what was given to me in the hospital after VSG; it's by Hormel and it's Herb-ox. Taste very good and has no MSG. I found it at VONS supermarket. I searched Hormels' website to find a store near me who sales it. Good luck to you. I know it's rough, but each day is a new day and closer to your goal. I drink it sometimes; actually sip all day on the days I just don't want to eat. Krys

I've been here a couple of years now and you have to give it a chance. Sometimes people are reading your comments, questions, etc., but maybe have nothing to say or that it may not pertain to them per say. I am one of those who read and do not answer and I am a victim (no pun intended) of not having my comments responded. But the times where I need support, I may just login and read some post, and it will get me through whatever I have going on at the time. So, don't give up the fight. (smile)..... Krys

Today, as I walked along a walk way, I turned my head to see myself by the store window. Hmmmmm, I knew my lower abdomen was low as I have been losing weight; but I was stunned at how much lower it hung down. It was almost disappointing and depressing at the same time. I promise myself to stay strong and strive to the top at this weight loss game. Krys

@cudlyqt.....Even with the Panniculectomy it will feel tight?

Thanks for sharing....