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stlfocus’s Posts
Topic: RE: cost of my RNY.. shocking!
You got a bargain! My costs have approached $60,000. Also very glad my insurance covered it. I still had about $5K out of pocket, but money well spent.
Topic: RE: Feel stupid asking this but....
Four months after surgery I went to Walt Disneyworld. Even the roller coasters (which I regretted but not due to surgery issues!).
I think you should be fine.
I think you should be fine.
Topic: RE: Where are the TALL post opers at??
I am 5'8", currently 156 - goal is 150. Surgeon originally set the goal at 140, but after my last visit, he bumped it up to 150. Since I am 61, I don't know that I want to lose a whole lot more because I think too thin will make me look older than I already do
I wear a M or L top, 8 to 10 in pants and jeans. I have found that expensive clothes run larger, so I can wear an 8.
I thought I had a large frame also, but now that 94 lbs is gone, my frame is smaller than I thought.
I haven't been 150 since I was probably 13 years old, so I can relate to never having been slim before.
I wear a M or L top, 8 to 10 in pants and jeans. I have found that expensive clothes run larger, so I can wear an 8.
I thought I had a large frame also, but now that 94 lbs is gone, my frame is smaller than I thought.
I haven't been 150 since I was probably 13 years old, so I can relate to never having been slim before.
Topic: RE: What do you eat?
Sin Kim, you said exactly what I was trying to say above, but you sure said it much better than I did!
Topic: RE: What do you eat?
I would ditch the Lean Cuisine. They are usually full of sodium, and there are so many other foods that will give you more protein. And you should always be concerned about protein, because carbs will only get you in trouble. How are you getting 60 grams of protein in your coffee?
I eat a lot of cheese, cottage cheese with pineapple, high protein meat loaf, and milk. I usually have oatmeal for breakfast, along with a high protein item. Also once in awhile I have beef jerky or turkey for lunch or dinner. I am not much of a cook, so most of my meals are very simple and repetitive. I do better sticking to the program if I don't have to think about what to eat.
I often have almonds for a snack.
I eat a lot of cheese, cottage cheese with pineapple, high protein meat loaf, and milk. I usually have oatmeal for breakfast, along with a high protein item. Also once in awhile I have beef jerky or turkey for lunch or dinner. I am not much of a cook, so most of my meals are very simple and repetitive. I do better sticking to the program if I don't have to think about what to eat.
I often have almonds for a snack.
Topic: RE: Is this normal?
Hah - I agree with you about feeling like an imposter! Sometimes when I take a size M off the rack, I expect the clerk to come up and tell me that I can't possibly fit into that size. Often I choose a size that looks to me that it will fit. When I try it on, it turns out to be miles too big.
Topic: RE: 4 1/2 months out!!
I am about 7 months out and generally eat about a cup of food each meal. I would ditch the toast if I were you and add a slice of cheese or some other form of protein.
But 70 lbs in 4-1/2 months is AWESOME! Congratulations.....
But 70 lbs in 4-1/2 months is AWESOME! Congratulations.....
Topic: RE: Need CPAP advice
A CPAP machine is a wonderful thing when it is fitted properly. I had an awful experience the first time I tried it and gave up. My doctor kept bugging me to have another sleep study and try again and I finally did.
I told the sleep tech of all my issues previously, and she addressed them. It was good from the first. A few years later I had some problems and returned to the medical supply place, and they were able to lend me a machine that tracked my sleep patterns and apnea issues. After they analyzed the results, they made an adjustment to the pressure, after consulting with my doctors.
It can change your life once you get it adjusted properly. Let your doctor know it is not working correctly. LIke the previous posters have said, there are many different masks available. There are also machines that change the pressure. They start out on a low pressure so you can go to sleep and gradually increase the pressure.
There is no reason to suffer with a CPAP machine.
I told the sleep tech of all my issues previously, and she addressed them. It was good from the first. A few years later I had some problems and returned to the medical supply place, and they were able to lend me a machine that tracked my sleep patterns and apnea issues. After they analyzed the results, they made an adjustment to the pressure, after consulting with my doctors.
It can change your life once you get it adjusted properly. Let your doctor know it is not working correctly. LIke the previous posters have said, there are many different masks available. There are also machines that change the pressure. They start out on a low pressure so you can go to sleep and gradually increase the pressure.
There is no reason to suffer with a CPAP machine.
Topic: RE: Now or never
Pretty normal. One warning though is if you gain too much weight, your surgeon may postpone surgery.
One concern most surgeons have a is a fatty liver getting in the way and eating junk is a good way to grow your liver (I don't know if that is the proper medical term). My surgeon told me he has started surgery and then closed the person up without doing surgery because the liver was in the way.
One concern most surgeons have a is a fatty liver getting in the way and eating junk is a good way to grow your liver (I don't know if that is the proper medical term). My surgeon told me he has started surgery and then closed the person up without doing surgery because the liver was in the way.
Topic: RE: Fast Food?
I have come too far to let things like McDonald's derail my progress. I agree with another poster that I will have the pintos and cheese at Taco Bell or chili at Wendy's, but I stay away from McDonald's. Unless I stop in the drive-thru and get a large unsweetened ice tea. Can't beat it for one dollar!
Like Kelly said, you can certainly eat anything you want, but I assume fast food is one of the reasons you became overweight to begin with. I don't want to tempt fate and get back into the fast food trap ever again. It is so not worth it.
Topic: RE: Just wondering
Eggs can be tough for some people. I do OK at 7 months with scrambled eggs,but hard boiled get stuck every time.
You might want to hold off on eggs for a week or two and then try again. You may do fine the next time. Sounds like the egg got stuck, whch is what would cause the pain.
Oh, and make sure you chew really well.
You might want to hold off on eggs for a week or two and then try again. You may do fine the next time. Sounds like the egg got stuck, whch is what would cause the pain.
Oh, and make sure you chew really well.
Topic: RE: Meeting with surgeon in a couple weeks.
All of us that have WLS had that moment when we knew it was time. I ignored that for a long time and waited until I was 60 (dumb). I went to an informational seminar and waited another 2 years before I had the courage to make an appt with the surgeon.
My insurance company also required a 6 month supervised diet with my PCP. I had to meet with her every month without fail. If I missed an appointment, I had to start the process over from the beginning.
In additiion, I had to have a mammeogram, pap, colonscopy, EKG and multiple blood tests. I met with the surgeon several times, the nutrionist multiple times, the physical therapist once, and have a psych evaluation.
After paperwork was submitted, I was approved in 2 days. I was stunned and then put off the surgery to the very last minute the approval allowed.
Finally did it on 9/19/11, and only regret was not doing it sooner. I started iat 251 and 7 months later I am at 157 - 7 lbs from goal. Those last 7 lbs. are going very slowly.
I would call your insurance and get definite specfic requirements so you are not spinning your wheels. After you start with the surgeon, they will make sure all of those requirements are met because it is their goal to get you to surgery.
As far as BMI goes, it depends on the insurance company. I think I was only 37, but I had high blood pressure, sleep apnea, high cholesteral, and bad knees.
Good luck with your decision.
My insurance company also required a 6 month supervised diet with my PCP. I had to meet with her every month without fail. If I missed an appointment, I had to start the process over from the beginning.
In additiion, I had to have a mammeogram, pap, colonscopy, EKG and multiple blood tests. I met with the surgeon several times, the nutrionist multiple times, the physical therapist once, and have a psych evaluation.
After paperwork was submitted, I was approved in 2 days. I was stunned and then put off the surgery to the very last minute the approval allowed.
Finally did it on 9/19/11, and only regret was not doing it sooner. I started iat 251 and 7 months later I am at 157 - 7 lbs from goal. Those last 7 lbs. are going very slowly.
I would call your insurance and get definite specfic requirements so you are not spinning your wheels. After you start with the surgeon, they will make sure all of those requirements are met because it is their goal to get you to surgery.
As far as BMI goes, it depends on the insurance company. I think I was only 37, but I had high blood pressure, sleep apnea, high cholesteral, and bad knees.
Good luck with your decision.
Topic: RE: What's it like. . . .
breakfast: 1/2 cup oatmeal with splenda and tsp. margarine
1/2 cup cottage cheese
snack 1 cup milk
lunch 1-2 slices cheese
1/2 cup cottage cheese with a little pineapple
snack 1 cup milk
dinner 2-3 oz. high protein meat loaf or just plain hamburger
1/2 cup cottage cheese with a little pineapple
snack 1 cup milk or 100 cal. pack of almonds
I eat the same thing every single day until I get tired of it and then I move on to the next meal.
I don't take any protein drinks any more. My favorite vitamin is the calcium chew caramel from Bariatric advantage. It is just like candy.
Topic: RE: Finger Nails
I get the appropriate amount of protein, take the correct vitamins and have been taking biotin since surgery, and my nails still are awful.
Some post ops say their nails are better than ever, but it is not universal. I am only 7 months out so I don't know if it gets better. Hope so.
The hard nails have run off with the thick hair I used to have!
Some post ops say their nails are better than ever, but it is not universal. I am only 7 months out so I don't know if it gets better. Hope so.
The hard nails have run off with the thick hair I used to have!
Topic: RE: Chapped lips
Make sure you are not getting dehydrated. I would up your water consumption and see if that helps.
Mentholatum really helps me when my lips get horribly chapped.
Mentholatum really helps me when my lips get horribly chapped.
Topic: RE: beans
I cook Navy beans per the package directions with a little salt pork for flavor. Then I freeze them in single serving sizes, and they last a long time.
When I eat them, I add some raw onion. Yum!
Another option is canned fat-free refried beans, again with raw onion and a little cheese.
When I eat them, I add some raw onion. Yum!
Another option is canned fat-free refried beans, again with raw onion and a little cheese.
Topic: RE: too sweet?
I had a rash on my behind too. It burned more than it itched. I tried absolutely everything to get rid of it with no luck. UNTIL I tried a tube of Aveeno Eczema lotion. In two days it was better and within a week it was gone.
I have no idea what causes the rash, but I have to use the the Aveeno lotion every couple of weeks to keep the rash away.
Hope it works for you.
I have no idea what causes the rash, but I have to use the the Aveeno lotion every couple of weeks to keep the rash away.
Hope it works for you.
Topic: RE: Protein drinks
I hated all the powders and settled on two different premades. One was EAS AdvantEDGE available at Walmart for less than $5 for a 4 pack. Comes in dark chocolate, chocolate fudge, strawberry and french vanilla. All are good, but I prefer the chocolate flavors.
The other is a fruity drink - Isopure. Comes in punch and grape. It is about $10 for a 4 pack. It is sort of like a koolaid drink.
One warning - do not stock up on too much because your taste may change tremendously after surgery. What shakes you like beforehand may turn your stomach afterwards. I was hooked on Unjury chocolate and stocked up on it. Now I have two tubs that I can't tolerate.
The other is a fruity drink - Isopure. Comes in punch and grape. It is about $10 for a 4 pack. It is sort of like a koolaid drink.
One warning - do not stock up on too much because your taste may change tremendously after surgery. What shakes you like beforehand may turn your stomach afterwards. I was hooked on Unjury chocolate and stocked up on it. Now I have two tubs that I can't tolerate.
Topic: RE: Oh my aching bum!
I am 7 months out and finally the pain is starting to subside in my tailbone. I assume it was the padding going away that started the ache, but I can't explain why it is feeling better now.
So hang it there - it MAY get better. It sounds like it doesn't always get better.
So hang it there - it MAY get better. It sounds like it doesn't always get better.
Topic: RE: Protein shakes?!
I agree with you - Unjury is nasty. Try to get some samples of other brands to see what you like. I know I threw away more protein shakes than I actually could get down. I understand if you buy something from GNC and can't tolerate it, they will let you return.
I finally settled on a premade shake from Walmart - AdvantEDGE Carb Control. They are about $5 for a 4 pack. Comes in chocolate fudge, dark chocolate, strawberry and french vanilla. The strawberry and vanilla were OK, but I am more of a chocolate fan. I didn't get the nasty protein smell/taste from this one. 17 gr. protein for 110 calories.
Also I was able to tolerate Isopure - it is also premade but more like koolaid. I only tried the grape and fruity flavor (I can't remember the flavor name, but it was pink). It was a little more pricey - about $10 for a 4 pack. I haven't used in awhile, so I can't recall exactly what the protein content was.
I feel your pain - just keep trying until you find something you can tolerate. I am done with shakes now because my nut wants you to get your protein from food rather than shakes.
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