ATXHeather Member

I don't have very much support either, but that's because I'm not really telling anyone. My ex-partner knows because she will need to help with the kids and help me after surgery. And my kids know. That's it. There are local friends I could tell who I know would be supportive but I really want this to be MINE, if that…

That is a great NSV and one I hope to have one day soon. Thanks for sharing it with us.

I have a tentative date set for July 29. I am in my last month of my 3 month supervised diet. I am having a hard time getting a sleep study schedule and my surgeon requires that so I am keeping my fingers crossed that that does't postpone my surgery.

Wow! So many positive results in such a short time. And more to come!

Excellent! Congratulations on this big step.

I also really don't like artificial sweetners or dyes, which seem to be in a lot of the recommended weight loss products. I like Stur because it is 100% natural and I can throw it into my purse. They have an iced tea one that I like.

My surgeon wants me off of all caffeine. That might be why you can't have the Nestea? I use a product called Stur, which you squirt into your water. It is sweetened with Stevia and very light tasting. They have a sample pack on Amazon.

I have Cigna, which requires a 3 month supervised diet. As others as said, insurance goes with your starting weight. My doc wanted me to lose 17 lbs during the 3 month but it isn't a requirement. If I lose the 17, I can do a pre-op liquid of one week instead of two so that is good incentive for me. I meet with the in-house…

Can you buy some unflavored protein and sprinkle it on what you are already eating? Add a spoonful to your yogurt, cottage cheese, etc. Do you like smoothies? That a perfect place for some protein powder. I like Metabolic Reset in Vanilla. Eggs are a really good source of protein if you don't like meat.

I am in the 3 month supervised diet and I have not been sticking to the exercise. I'm on 1500 calories and I just feel too tired. Also, my allergies are really bad right now. I liked the example of making it my work. I teach an early morning class that I HATE waking up for, but I still do it, even when I'm tired and even…

I work part-time as a professor. I am planning on surgery on a Tuesday, canceling my Wednesday class, and teach again the following Monday. But I only teach for 2 hours and I can sit the whole time. I have someone who can take me if I'm not up to driving. My surgeon thinks I'll be fine with that schedule.

Congrats on starting the process! I have just finished the 2nd month of a 3-month required supervised diet. My surgeon has a nutritionist in his office so I meet with her every month and him every month. At first, I was irritated at the requirement but now I'm glad that it was there. It has given me time to get my head…

Welcome! I am also in my 3 month supervised diet with Cigna. My hope is to have surgery at the end of July. I am trying to use this 3 months to work out my emotional issues so that I can make the most of the sleeve. The emotional eating is the hardest to deal with and it's hard for me to let go of the "I deserve this"…

Maybe some pre-made protein drinks, like Premier Protein. Do you like protein bars? Turkey and cheese? Turkey pepperoni?

My doc's office is pretty efficient. There is an in-house nutritionist that I meet with monthly and I also meet with the doctor monthly. There isn't a required weight loss, just that I show commitment. I think they are pros on getting the insurance approval. Also, I have a limited window of when I can do the surgery so…

I'm going to try the Strawberry Mouse with unsweetened vanilla almond milk and some frozen strawberries. I'll have to buy some low-carb milk to make the other ones. Hopefully this one will be better than the concoction I tried with yogurt. Ewww.

I just set a tentative surgery date for July 29! It's tentative because I'm still in my 3-month supervised diet so we haven't gotten insurance approval yet. But they marked me down to hold the spot.

This was so great to read. I am pre-op. We have about the same starting weight and my super secret goal is to weight 165. It is so great to see that a real person did this. Thank you for posting! Heather

I'm in! I am in my 3-month supervised diet. My 3rd visit with my Dr. will be the last week in June. SW: 314 GW: 299 2 days a week of strength training, 3 weeks of cardio (walking or recumbent bike)

Sounds great. You are getting closer every day. And great news about your knee! Heather

There really is an app for everything. I'm getting it now :-)

Thanks for this! I just did a half packet of carribean cooler in about a half a glass of water. I used tap water and then added the powder. I just stirred it with a fork and there no clumps. Then I poured over ice. And it's not disgusting!!

I didn't mind the foam so much, it was the chunks. Maybe I made it wrong? I put the powder in a bottom of a cup, added some cold water from my fridge dispenser, tried stirring it but that didn't work, so put a top on it and shook it really well. I think I could do the Nectar if I could get rid of the lumps.

I hope these do the trick! I will try to find some over the next week so I can try them out. Where do I buy these? A regular grocery store or should I got to Vitamin Shoppe?

Thanks! I don't mind the protein when I can mix it with milk or almond milk and I like the Costco Premier Pre-made ones. But, my doctor won't let me have those until Week 3 after surgery. The first two weeks has to be clear-liquid protein only. I need to try IsoPure Plus pre-made drinks. My guess is they won't have chunks.…

Thanks everyone! I'm starting to come to terms with the two week of liquids. BUT, I am hoping that if I lose enough weight during the 3 month, that I can do the "Level 1" Pre-Op Diet, which is low carb and low fat. I am going to ask my doctor at my next appointment. But I'm making peace with the liquid diet.

I have to do two weeks of a liquid only at 900 kcal/day. Basically, that's about 3-4 protein drinks a day (optifast being one of the options). I'm worried about sticking with that. I have a three month supervised diet first and I am hoping that if I lose weight during that, that I can do the Level 1 Pre-Op Diet instead,…

That is a very good point! Hopefully in 3 months, it won't feel so hard!

Thanks! I am way more concerned about the pre-op diet than the post-op. I know I won't be hungry post-op so it will be a challenge to just get my protein in. It's that two weeks of liquid only pre-op that is messing with my head. I'm on 1700 calories now and I'm sitting here hungry waiting until I can eat lunch. How on…

I recently switched to MFP from the LoseIt App. I wanted more of a community so made the switch. But it was hard to leave behind all of my stored recipes, favorite meals, etc. I do find MFP to have a more complete database and I have better luck adding food on the computer than through my phone.