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I didn't have to do anything with pulmononlogy. For cardiology, a lot of people have to have an EKG. That's a breeze. My surgeon also required a nuclear stress test for people over age 50 and/or people under 50 who'd had previous heart issues. For that, I had to lie on a table and they pushed me in this big loop thing that looked kind of like an MRI machine, but it was much bigger and shorter (because only your chest really needs to be inside - your head sticks out one end and you're sticking out the other end from the waist down). They did all kinds of readings - not sure what exactly, but I don't remember feeling anything. Then they gave me this shot of something that made my heart race (they said they can also make a person run on a treadmill for awhile, but it's hard for some people to get their heart rate up fast enough when they do that, so they usually just do the shot which has the same effect as really intense exercise). Then they stuck me back in the machine and did a bunch of readings again - the same readings they did before, because they want to see how your heart functions under stress, and how quickly it recovers. other than the part about the heart racing feeling freaky, it wasn't bad. No pain or anything.

I'm close to your height and started out around the same weight (5' 2" HW of 271) and had some heartburn before I started my program. My symptoms were milder than yours (lots of discomfort after eating, able to tough it out without tums, but miserable for hours after eating). I found that when I lost some weight pre-surgery it mostly went away. May have been self-inflicted pain from my habit of eating too much and too fast. I did have an endoscopy and menonotry done which was enough information to make my Dr. comfortable with VSG for me. He waved the 24 hour PH study for me, but that is normally part of tests my program does to ensure someone with GERD symptoms is a VSG candidate. Turned out that while I had a little bit of stretching in my esophageal sphincter everything looked great and I was given the green light for VSG. I'm 1 week out from surgery now and feeling really good. Part of my program's protocol includes putting VSG patients on omeprazole for the first few months which is supposed to help tame the stomach acid while your healing and eating very little. You might ask if this is something that your program does. All that said, I really understand hesitating. The prospect of GERD misery getting worse with surgery is scary. My understanding from my program is that the results of the menometry, PH study, and endoscopy are pretty reliable in determining if someone is not a good VSG candidate because of current GERD, but that there is also a chance that anyone could develop GERD with VSG, so there is some gamble for everyone. Weighting the % risk of this vs. that was one of the hardest parts of making my surgery decision. It took me 2.5 years from beginning to consider the option of WLS to signing the papers to confirm that I made the decision. I am only a week out, but so far I am really glad I did it and none of my worst fears have happened. Good luck!

I like Floradix Iron and Herbs for fast absorption and bioavailability (ask doctor first)

The first few weeks it wasn’t that bad at all, It took time to adjust to not eating so fast (but with so much excitement it was hard) so I only became nauseous when I ate fast or over did it but I learned quickly and had no issues, I wasn’t even taking the medication for acid/nausea. Now that I’m a little past the 2 months and introducing more new foods I do get the GERD, but I’m hoping it’s just temporary and apart of transition- I’ve noticed it usually happens when I take in any vegetables (specifically broccoli, which was my fav). Aside from all the vitamins, it’s the only medication I’m taking right now- it is as needed, but I take one before I have my “biggest” meal which tends to be lunch. If I don’t take it then I end up with the heartburn, nausea, etc. and will take one and it immediately helps. I have noticed getting up to walk around in between bites helps a lot.

I don't do much fast food these days, or even before, but what I preferred when I needed to during my early days - loss phase and early maintenance - was a Chipotle order of soft tacos, whatever fillings you like but I biased it toward the basic meat, cheese and veg. Early on just ate the filling out of the tortilla, but later included that, too (I never was big on the low carb game - just give me nutrition.) One taco was enough, and I would save the other two for future meals. Generally when we ate out we went to regular restaurants, more often independents rather than chains, and just ordered the healthiest things that looked good on their menu - nothing really special as ?bariatric food" - and split things up to take home the leftovers. Even today, ten years out (call it 16 for my wife) it is disappointing not to get two or three meals out of a typical restaurant meal.

I am scheduled for surgery on 3/15. For two weeks I am supposed to do 2 protein shakes a day and a small meal for dinner. Struggling with protein shakes though. They taste horrible! Am I allowed to drink it super fast just to get it done? It doesn't taste as awful right after I make it.

I share meals with my husband, maybe she'll share with you. Take a protein bar with you and sit with her. I understand eating out is the most social thing we do. But try not to eat FF, if you want fillers find protein bars you like and have one. Drinkable protein shakes, add a piece of cheese if it feels it's not enough. My husband always laughs because I always have "pocket cheese" 1 ounce tillamok cheddar squares with me everywhere (just in case i happen to get hungry) Or 1 mozzarella string cheese. Everyone just wants you to be successful- I have had Taco Bell - 1 taco bell supreme taco without shell and they put it in a bowl for me. I've tried to have 2 but never can finish it. I've had cheeseburger without bun from McDonald's as well. I ordered from kids menu from Red Robin had grilled chicken fingers (which was just cut up grilled chicken breast) Other than that I don't eat fast food. Out on the road there are so many protein shakes which will give you 30 grams of protein that are so much better as a lunch option. But if you don't think it will work for you, then it won't. Lasting life changes. I'm still only a year into this and I drink either protein water or protein collagen water every day as a meal. On my yearly check up which was 2 weeks ago surgeon was impressed with my blood work all levels great.

For the second time now I've been denied by Aetna. Their reasoning is lack of information. I started my whole journey at the of July/beginning of Aug. 2020. I did the required 12 classes as fast as they could send them to me, which at the time was acceptable. Had all the testing and everything done by end of Sept or there abouts. My hospitals insurance team got everything together and sent it to insurance and they denied it stating the didn't receive 6 months of dr supervised classes nor 24 months of documented obesity. So my Dr tacked on 4 months of classes one class a month and the nn said they would go to my previous provider for the weight history. Fast forward to now, I have completed everything and have a tentative surgery date of March 22nd. Tomorrow is to be my pre-op appointment but I found out today that my insurance denied it AGAIN. Saying the exact same reasons are the cause. I'm devasted. I've been working so hard. I've been hungry for days. Fighting off the emotional eating and sweets that I crave so badly for something that I feel like will never happen. I can't afford to self pay. I feel like this is the end for me.

I started my whole journey in August 2020. I did 12 virtual classes as fast as they could get them out to me. My case was submitted to insurance with all of the required info at the Beginning of Nov. for a tentative Dec. surgery. It came back a week later denied stating that I hadn't completed 6 months of a supervised weight management program and they didn't send 24 months of documented obesity. (I've been obese since I was a very young child) So my nut. added on 4 more months of classes which I finished the first week of Feb. my claim was again submitted with all required info for a March 22 surgery date. I called today to check the status and once again was denied with the same thing being the cause again. I am at a loss of what Aetna wants because my surgeons office says they sent it all. All I know is I am devastated right now.

I wouldn't do this in the loss phase....but in maintenance it gets much easier. Honestly, these days I just eat 300-400 calories of whatever I want at fast food places. The other day I had half of an Impossible Whopper and a coffee. Couple weeks ago I had half a fish delux sandwich at Arbys. I really like the Turkey special at Cracker Barrel...bunch of roast turkey, I skip the dressing and biscuits and get carrots and mashed potatoes. Can get two meals out of a lunch portion of this. Big thing for me, is just keeping calories reasonable. I don't eat fast food a lot, but when I do, I make a point to enjoy it and not sweat the macros so much. I DO watch the calories, and make sure to eat a healthier dinner. Losing phase, you really need to restrict the junk more and hit your protien goals. In the losing phase....I sometimes had half an egg McMuffin. The whole sandwich is 310 calories and 17g of protien...it's really not that bad a choice on the run. Wendy's has pretty good salads with low cal dressings and grilled chicken... and you can get a half order. Some of the soups and salads at Panara's aren't bad choices...watch sugar and high calorie dressings. Blackened Chicken Tenders at Popeyes could be a good choice. 170 calories, 26 grams of protien. Very spicy!

There are several videos on YouTube about this topic, if you search for "fast food for WLS." Here's one that I've seen: And yes, Wendy's chili is a popular choice. You can find options at most fast food places like salad or a grilled chicken sandwich without the bun. Some places will make you a lettuce wrap sandwich. Jimmy John's even has this on their regular menu. At Taco Bell, you can order a serving of plain meat (or add meat to a side of beans). Honestly, I don't think it's worth it, but then, I wasn't much of a fast food eater even before surgery. I paid $6.39 for the Chick-Fil-A kids meal, and I could have cooked a chicken breast and cut up some fruit at home for much less. I have a refrigerator and freezer full of easy, healthy food, so I would only eat fast food if I'm on the go. I can count on one hand the number of times I've eaten food from restaurants since my surgery.

Yes, I took a road trip a few weeks ago and had to stop for food, and I got a Chick-Fil-A grilled nuggets kids meal (grilled nuggets & fruit cup). One of the best bariatric-friendly options in fast food. Awesome to hear! What is the fruit cup?

Yes, I took a road trip a few weeks ago and had to stop for food, and I got a Chick-Fil-A grilled nuggets kids meal (grilled nuggets & fruit cup). One of the best bariatric-friendly options in fast food.

NeeWorldMe, I also have intermittent lightheaded ness. I have found that when this happens to me, I am behind on my fluids. I now keep water with me all the time. Regarding losing the hair, it is “normal” to lose hair at about 4 months. I believe I read on the Mayo Clinic’s bariatric website that while “normal” getting all your protein in each day will help with the hair loss. Also the does of Biotin may help. I take 10,000 2 x daily. Just some suggestions. 😊😊

Things to look out for: Constant and rising fever, constant vomiting/diarrhea, bright bloody vomit/stool, pain that increases over time, pain that does not diminish with pain medication, overall decline of wellness (or improvement-plateau-decline) Things you may inadvertently be doing: Not drinking enough clear fluids (only protein shakes), drinking/eating too much/fast (everything reaches the intestines quicker than with previous WLS) , taking pills that are too big (can you split them?) Definitely call your surgeon if nothing improves or you’re just worried.

12:30 tomorrow is fast approaching. I will update when able. Good luck to all March peeps. Here we go!

While doing keto I tried out Magic Spoon. The cereal smelled great, and when it initially hit my tongue it was amazing. But the taste went away super super fast and there was a fibrous consistency and aftertaste that was just really unpleasant. Given how expensive they are, I haven't ordered them again. But some people like them a lot, so would probably be worth a try if you're really craving some cold cereal and just need something to itch that scratch.

All surgeons are different my sleeve is Tuesday I wasn't ordered a liquid diet either.. actually found out 10 days before the surgery of the surgery everything was halted due to covid and the surgeon just gave the green light and everything is moving teally fast..Good Luck

Hugs hun. I know what is going through your mind. I was always heavy at at your age I was very heavy but surprisingly healthy. Fast forward 20 years and I have bad diabetes, high blood pressure, can barely walk or stand, high cholesterol. If only I would have attacked my weight head on at that age - I can't go back in time. Wishing you luck - talk to people and get their experiences.

I share this story in hopes that it may help someone to never pick up a drink after weight loss surgery or to at least be hyper-vigilant about the dangers of drinking post weight loss surgery. I was sleeved in August of 2015 @ 310 pounds. I Quickly lost most of the weight needed (lost over 100 pounds) and began running 5k. Not really setting the world on fire, but it was really good for me. I got down to a respectable 190 pounds. Prior to surgery, I had always enjoyed drinking with friends. Typical guy stuff - couple beers @ a football game or watching the game on Sunday, meeting for drinks after work, etc. Never an issue or problem. Never anything that i had to have. My doctor warned me against alcohol, sodas, and transfer addictions, but I thought "NEVER ME !". Wow, was I ever wrong. I remember the first couple times I had a beer after the surgery (I waited 6 months), it was very fizzy and uncomfortable. I convinced myself that it would get easier, and unfortunately it did. Next came the rum and coke zero. Wow, that tastes great, and I get a buzz very quickly. That fast buzz turned into getting very drunk, very quickly. Our new bodies absorb the alcohol in 1/2 the time that a normal internal system would. Over the last couple yeaars there have been many episodes of drinking way to much, blacking out, and not remembering what happened. I have had to apologize for my behavior more than once after a night of drinking. I even started drinking every day. I would make a drink as soon as I got home each day. 1 turns into 2 or 3. Just like lays potato chips you can not have just 1. Alcohol consumed my every thought. When can I have a drink? How can I make sure I can get a drink? It amazed me how I was able to justify that if Creamer was good in my morning coffee, how great would Rumchatta be (it's damn good, by the way). I am living proof that transfer addiction is a real thing. I am now in counseling for my alcohol addiction. Transfer addiction is definitely a real thing. Prior to VSG surgery I was over 300 pounds because I had an addiction to food, and all the wrong kinds of food. My new addiction is alcohol and it's best friend is food addiction. what goes with beer = chicken wings, or nuts and pretzels, what goes with a margarita = tacos, etc. Alcohol also makes it impossible to lose weight. So if you are really dedicated to clean eating but you drink, your weight may stay the same, but it surely will not go down. I have packed on 60 lbs of the 120 that I lost. And, I am slowly changing behaviors to get back to where I want to be. Addiction is sacrificing everything for that one thing ! Recovery is sacrificing that 1 thing to have everything !

I share this story in hopes that it may help someone to never pick up a drink after VSG or to at least be hyper-vigilant about the dangers of drinking post weight loss surgery. I was sleeved in August of 2015 @ 310 lbs. Quickly lost most of the weight needed and began running 5k. Not really setting the world on fire, but it was really good for me. Prior to surgery, I had always enjoyed drinking with friends. Typical guy stuff - couple beers @ a football game or watching the game on Sunday, meeting for drinks after work, etc. Never an issue or problem. Never anything that i had to have. My doctor warned me against alcohol, sodas, and transfer addictions, but I thought "never me". WOW, was I wrong. I remember the first couple times I had a beer after the surgery (I waited 6 months), it was very fizzy and uncomfortable. I convinced myself that it would get easier, and unfortunately it did. Next came the rum and coke zero. Wow, that tastes great, and I get a buzz very quickly. That fast buzz turned into getting very drunk, very quickly. Our new bodies absorb the alcohol in 1/2 the time that a normal internal system would. Over the last couple yeaars there have been many episodes of drinking way to much, blacking out, and not remembering what happened. I have had to apologize for my behavior more than once after a night of drinking. I even started drinking every day. I would make a drink as soon as I got home each day. 1 turns into 2 or 3. Just like lays potato chips you can not have just 1. Alcohol consumed my every thought. When can I have a drink? How can I make sure I can get a drink? It amazed me how I was able to justify that if creamer was good in my morning coffee, how great would Rumchatta be (it's damn good, by the way). I am living proof that transfer addiction is a real thing. I am now in counseling for my alcohol addiction. Transfer addiction is definitely a real thing. Prior to VSG surgery I was over 300 pounds because I had an addiction to food, and all the wrong kinds of food. My new addiction is alcohol and it's best friend is food addiction. what goes with beer = chicken wings, or nuts and pretzels, what goes with a margarita = tacos, etc. Alcohol also makes it impossible to lose weight. So if you are really dedicated to clean eating but you drink, your weight may stay the same, but it surely will not go down. I have packed on 60 lbs of the 120 that I lost. And, I am slowly changing behaviors to get back to where I want to be. It is a journey,, but I am worth it. I will overcome. Addiction is sacrificing everything for that one thing ! Recovery is sacrificing that 1 thing to have everything !

Maybe start practicing the pre op diet people drop pounds fast with that. It’s going to work out didn’t come this far to let 8lbs stop you! You got this !!!

I was definitely not ready for camping 2-3 weeks out. I had no complications but I just didn't rebound as quickly as some folks. I was also unable to eat at all for the first two weeks and drinking was a struggle. That got better in week 3 for me. How fast you recover is very much a YMMV kind of thing. Can you defer the decision until you see how you feel?

Ok. This is just my observations based on MY experience. It may apply to you, it may not, the only real way to find it what works for YOU is to try different approaches. But the main thing to keep in mind, is to give it some time to see if it works. I read alot of people lament a strategy isn't working (or is working) after only a week or so. Change over time is the determining factor in a successful or not strategy. Results after a couple of days is not indicative of the effectiveness of a change. With that said: KETO: At first, I tried to do KETO, but I just couldn't keep up with the fat requirement percentages while aiming for 60g protein, along with my inability to take in volume of food and staying below a certain calorie level. Eventually my diet morphed into protein-forward, ultra-low carb one (max 20g NET carbs, min 60g protein, and let the fat fall where it may, staying under a certain calorie level for my current phase). INTERMITTENT FASTING: I didn't know it until I read up about it, but I was actually doing IF. I didn't/don't eat until after noon (which was normal for me even pre-op), and I didn't eat beyond 7pm..this because I had a horrible experience waking up in the middle of the night spitting up food after surgery and it was enough for me to ensure that I went to bed every night on an empty stomach. I am not yet convinced (though I'm sure others have differing opinions) that IF actually makes you burn more fat, but I do recognize that keeping eating to a limited window does make you eat less calories over all vs. eating all day, so yeah, this would accelerate weight loss. I am now 2+ years post op, and for ME I have learned that it doesn't matter at all what my macros or eating times are, all that matters is total calories, in short CICO. I stopped being ultra-low carb after weight loss phase, and have even re-introduced bread (only my homemade ones, cuz they are delicious, lol) into my diet, and it makes zero difference on my weight (all other things being equal). There was a almost a week after Xmas where my diet consisted almost solely of just desserts. No diff to my weight. I guess because my total average calories per day was still 1800. Of course, health-wise, this wasn't the best idea, but we are just talking weight here. Because of this observation, and my super-anal disposition, I am a big proponent of tracking what you eat with the conscious intention to stay within your maintenance calories the majority of the time. As well as daily weighing, if you can stand it (some cannot, and that's cool...they just have to find another way that works for them). Also, i accept that maintenance is a never-ending series of adjustments. What works for me today may not work for me tomorrow. And what weight/size I consider acceptable today may be 10 lbs heavier further down the line. In short decide what you want today, and determine if you are willing to do what it takes to get it. If you aren't, change what you want. Sorry this was so long. Good Luck! P.S. after re-reading my post, I realize I sort of went off topic, but whateves, it's still what I wanted to say! LOL. Sorry! P.P.S. Also wanted to add the while I think going low or ultra-low carb makes little difference to my weight, it does make a difference to how I look. Lower carb intake levels make me look LESS puffier/fuller, which is good for my bod, but bad for face.