AllieSutherland

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Centrum Adult Multi Chew 2 per day
Calcium chewable 1200 w Vit 2D 400 iu and vitamin K 80 mcg
Vit B12 Sublingual 1 day
Vit B1/thiamine 1/day
iron ferrous fumarate 1 day
Vit C chewable 500-1000 mg 1 day

Guidelines:

http://www.bariatricsurgerypittsburgh.com/process/vitamin_list.html

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/rny/4189201/VITAMINS-so-confused/

Tonight was my first informational meeting for bariatric surgery.  I really like Dr. Tom and his viewpoints/approach. 

I am a little concerned because he seems to be very enthusiastic about "dumping" and feels it's an advantage/training tool to help you eat less and keep the weight off.  How can dumping be good, after I've heard all the horror stories?

I found out that Medicaid will probably not cover the remaining 10% of VSG surgery (after United Healthcare pays 90%).  I am either at the mercy of Georgetown Bariatrics to accept that 90% as full payment, get the gastric bypass/RNY instead of a VSG (which Medicare and Medicaid will pay for), or wait until 2011 or 2012 when and if Medicare/Medicaid might cover the VSG.

The good news is that if I choose the RNY (or if Georgetown Bariatrics acepts the 90% in full), I will not have to wait more time for surgery (as Medicaid was doing with a six-month diet plan). 

I'll be honest -- RNY scares me.  I don't like the rerouting of the intestines, even if it is just joining the small intestine to the stomach.  I'm afraid that I won't absorb the nutrients that I need, even through vitamins and pills.  I'm afraid I won't be able to take my medicines with that small a pouch.  I'm also scared that I might gain more weight back with a RNY than sleeve.  I don't know if any of these are true; they are questions to ask the doctor.  Maddie also said that I would likely need an elongated piece of small intestine joined (further in than normal) because of my height.

I really, really want the VSG, and I want to get further along in my journey.  I just feel like the roadblocks are in the way and are really messing up my attempts to get this done (first the Central Baptist problems with program fees, etc. and not taking Medicaid, then worrying about my steroids use and the surgery, and now this). 

All in all, though, I'm impressed with Dr. Sonnanstine and Gerogetown Bariatrics.  I'm glad I've chosen them, and I hope that they can do my surgery.  I sent in my papers a week ago (they received them last Friday) and I'm still waiting to hear back from them.

http://www.cutweight.org/planner-results.php

88%

http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/

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Sautee 1/2 red onion and 1 finely diced green pepper until soft.  Add lb lean ground beef and cook  until brown, add taco seasoning according to directions.  I use my magic bullet to crumble finely or you could use a food processor.  Heat two cans of refried beans (I use vegetarian b/c there is no lard).  Stir ground beef mix with refried beans.  I portion this out into a 1 cup rubbermaid bowls.  When I'm ready to eat it (I reheat it in the micro, add a little water if it is not soft enough) I top it off with a dab of sour cream and shredded 2% cheddar cheese.  Yummy!  My DH likes to eat it (with chips of course) so it must taste okay to him (he's a foodie).  Lots of protein!  I did the math once, I believe it was 30 gm protein per 1 cup serving.
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Shelly's Baked Ricotta

8 oz of Ricotta Cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 large Egg, beaten
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
salt & pepper to taste
1/2 cup Marinara Sauce
1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Mix ricotta cheese, parmesan, beaten egg, seasonings together and place in a oven proof dish. Pour marinara on top and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake it in the oven @ 450 for about 20-25 minutes (best) or nuke it till hot and bubbly. I usually made it first in the oven and heated the leftovers in the microwave.
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Healty Makeover Meatloaf
http://www.delish.com/recipefinder/healthy-makeover-meatloaf-ghk1107?click=recipe_sr

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Reese's Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Pie
http://bariatricfoodie.blogspot.com/2010/06/chocolate-peanut-butter-protein-frozen.html
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White Chili Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb large white beans, soaked overnight in water, drained
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium onions, chopped (divided)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 4-ounce cans chopped green chilies
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 4 cups diced cooked chicken
• 3 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 jalapeno or serrano pepper, chopped (optional)

Method

1 Combine beans, chicken broth, garlic and half the onions in a large soup pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until beans are very soft, 3 hours or more. Add additional water (or watered-down broth), if necessary.
 

2 In a skillet, sauté remaining onions in oil until tender. Add chilies and seasonings and mix thoroughly. Add to bean mixture. Add chicken and continue to simmer 1 hour. Check seasoning, add jalapeno or serrano to level of desired hotness.

3 Serve topped with grated cheese. Garnish with cilantro, chopped fresh tomato, salsa, chopped scallions, and/or guacamole. Serve with fresh warmed flour tortillas or tortilla chips.

8-10 servings
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Low-Carb Ricotta Pancakes

2 tablespoons ricotta cheese
1 egg
1 splash vanilla
1 dash cinnamon
1 package xylitol, stevia or splenda

Top with DaVinci S/f, carb free pancake syrup
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Spicy Tomato Soup

• 1 lb uncooked boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
• 1/3 cup dill pickles or sweet gherkin, finely diced
• 1/4 cup reduced-calorie mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

For those of you that are in the cream soup stage, this is a nice receipe.


Spicy Tomato Soup
1.5c minced onion
3 cloves crushed garlic
1 tbs butter
1 tbs olive oil
1 tsp Dill weed
1/8 tsp or more of Black pepper
1 16oz can crushed tomatoes plus 2 cans of water OR 6 cups chopped canned tomatoes and their liquid
1tbs Honey
1Tbs Sour Cream
2 medium fresh tomatoes  chopped

Saute onions and garlic with olive oil and butter in a large sauce pan. Cook 5 minutes until translucent then add dill, pepper, tomatoes and honey. Cover and simmer at least 45 minutes on low-medium heat. Five minutes before serving whick in sour cream

I usually add alot more garlic and tomatoes but adjust to your taste.
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Weight Watchers Chicken Salad

3/4 pound(s) cooked chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
	1/2 cup(s) celery, finely diced
	1/3 cup(s) dill pickle(s), or sweet gherkins, finely diced
	1/4 cup(s) reduced-calorie mayonnaise
	2 Tbsp reduced-fat sour cream
	2 Tbsp parsley, fresh, chopped
	1 tsp Dijon mustard
	1 tsp fresh lemon juice
	1/2 tsp table salt
	1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

3/4 pound(s) cooked chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
	1/2 cup(s) celery, finely diced
	1/3 cup(s) dill pickle(s), or sweet gherkins, finely diced
	1/4 cup(s) reduced-calorie mayonnaise
	2 Tbsp reduced-fat sour cream
	2 Tbsp parsley, fresh, chopped
	1 tsp Dijon mustard
	1 tsp fresh lemon juice
	1/2 tsp table salt
	1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

http://theshrinkingtitan.com/category/post-op/nutrition/recipes/
http://bariatricfoodie.blogspot.com/

Syntrax Nectar Fuzzy Navel:  Mixed with 16 oz. water.  Tastes like weak Crystal Light Sunrise (OJ-like) drink with a peach flavor.  Not bad.  Better cold (with ice).  Would drink again.

Syntrax Nectar Strawberry Kiwi:  Mixed with 12 oz. water.  Takes more like Crystal Light when I used less water than the last time.  Pretty good, but has a slight hint of milk-taste too.  Again, would be better wth ice.  Would drink again.

Syntrax Nectar Roadside Lemonade:  Mixed with 12 oz. water.  Very good!  It tastes somewhat like lemon yogurt.  I don't understand why there is so much frothiness in all three, even when I don't use the blender ball in the shaker.  That frothiness/air could be a problem.  Would be better with ice.  Would definitely drink again!

Syntrax Nectar Carribean Cooler:  Mixed with 16 oz. water.  Terrible.  Tastes like coconut and banana.  Would not drink again.

Chike Chocolate Bliss:  Mixed with 10 oz. skim milk.  VERY good!  It tasted JUST like chocolate milk... no aftertaste, no chemical taste.  There was not any frothiness in the shake after using the blender ball.  Since it was cold, it was VERY good!  Only concern is the 11 g carbs and 3 g sugars.  3 lbs. of this is $45 from the website.  Would definitely drink again!

Chike Orange Creme:  Mixed with 10 oz. skim milk.  Pretty good, albeit sweet.  Tasted like a sweet dreamsicle.  No frothiness.  Would drink again.

Chike Strawberry Burst:  Mixed with about 26 oz. skim milk.  So good.  Not so sweet with more milk.  Tastes like a real strawberry milkshake!  Would definitely drink again.

Chike Banana Magic:  Mixed with about 26 oz. skim milk.  Very good!  Tastes like a real banana milkshake!   Would definitely drink again.

Unjury Chocolate:  Mixed with about 26 ox. skim milk.  Very good!  Tastes like real chocolte milk.  Would definitely drink again.

I ordered a few samples of protein drinks today (Chike, Unjury, and Syntrax Nectars).  The cost wasn't that bad, and I feel like I got a lot for my money. 

These will be good things to stock for the pre-op and post-op diets.  I also found a beef/ostrich jerky on Amazon that had 15 g protein (I think) which would be a good snack after I'm off the clear liquids and mushies.

I saw a Moresca bodice on eBay  for Ren Faire that tempts me.  It's an XXL, and it will fit a 50-55" bust.  I'm just not sure how big/small I'm going to be, when the surgery will be in relation to Ren Faire, etc.  It's in the do-able range for what will probably be 4-5 months out of surgery.  Maybe I'll lose faster, maybe I'll lose slower.  I don't know.  It's agonzing to think of all the garb I'm going to have to part with and make over again.  I have a beautiful Silver Squirrel skirt that I will have to part with.  Sadly, I know of know IWG members (or other Wenches) who are my size.  It's exciting to think of new garb, but it's also daunting.  There are many hours invested in my garb collection, as well as money.  It's exciting to think of wearing new garb, getting knee high ren boots, etc., but it's scary to think how much that will cost.  That's one of my rewards for post-op, though.  I guess I just need to be glad about it and look forward to it.

Clothes post-op are another worry for me, as I am on a fixed budget.   I guess I'll order the same type of pants I wear (less than $10/pr. at OneStopePlus.com) and wear my current T-shirts until they float on me.  I'm not a fashion maven, anyway.  I know I will have to buy some jeans and bras and panties pretty regularly as I lose weight.  I also want to get back into wearing makeup again.  It's been a long time.  I need to take care of myself.

I'm also thinking of cutting my hair since I will probably lose some of it anyhow.  It's currently to my waistline.  I hate cutting it, and I hate the thought of losing my hair even more.  Vain, I know, but my hair is something I treasure.  I usually do a drastic cut every 2-3 years with the hair going to Locks of Love.  I guess I should just bite the bullet and do it so that it's not so much of a shock and loss when I begin to lose it.

Anyway, it's getting late, so I'm going to head for bed. :)

Here are the links to order samples. The nectar drinks are on here somewhere and they are another clear protein drink. It's best to order samples so that you don't get stuck
with a big tub of something that you end up not liking.

Unjury
https://www.unjury.com/ssl/purchasing.php
Samples $1.75 each

Chike
http://www.chikenutrition.com/half-samples.html
Sample all 5 flavors for only $6 shipping

Netrition Protein Sampler Pack
http://www4.netrition.com/netrition_protein_sampler_pack.htm l
Includes samples of 14 different proteins, including a New Whey 42 g protein bullet and Champion Nutrition Pure Whey Stack. 17.99.

Nectar Syntrax
You can get a box of all 11 nectar protein flavors directly from Syntrax for $4.99 plus $5.99 for shipping. Contact Rick Davis Medical Sales Manager [email protected] ext. 803

Vitalady
http://www.vitalady.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?search=action&keywords=protsamp&SortK ey=sku&SortOrder=ascending
Tons of samples of lots of different protein products

Smart Forme Early Phase Bariatric Surgery Nutrition Starter Kit https://www.smartforme.net/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p =6
One carton each of Chocolate and Vanilla Ready-to-Drink Shakes, Chicken Bouillon Soup, Cream of Tomato Soup, Wildberry Cold Drink, Peach Mango Cold Drink, Orange Cold Drink, Hot Chocolate, Cappuccino, Chocolate Pudding/Shake, Vanilla Pudding/Shake and Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal. $19.99.

BariatricEating.com (samples)

Designer Whey

Lean Dessert Fresh Cinnamon Roll

allstarhealth.com

vitacost.com

netrition.com (DaVindi syrups, $4.99 SHIPPING)
bestpricenutrition.com

Recipes:
http://bariatricfoodie.blogspot.com/p/protein-shake-recipes.html

I'm going to start blogging some of my questions as I think of them so that I won't forget when I begin my office visits.

1.  Will I have to use a urinary catheter?

2.  When has/will the six month diet regimen begin for Medicaid since I've documented it with my family doctor?

3.  What protein drink is best/do you recommend?  How much protein should I have per day?

4.  Will I go on a liquid diet before the surgery?

5.  What are the symptoms of leaking?

I filled out all the paperwork for Georgetown Bariatrics and sent it in.  Next Friday will be my informational visit.  I'm getting very excited for the process to begin.  I even got my Sundesa blender bottles for the protein powder the other day!

My dad asked me today "if I really want this."  Yes, I do.  I'm scared by all of the "what if's" if I don't.  I think this is my chance to have success in losing weight and regain my mobility and health (as much as possible).  I know that he and my mom are scared for me.  They will be going to the informational session with me, and they can ask more questions. 
It still hurts a bit that they're not on board and totally supportive.

I'm getting REALLY tired of (well-meaning) people giving me "advice" on WSL, diest, and excercise when they know nothing about it.  GAH!  I DO WANT to hear from people who have had WSL or struggle with their weight, too.  I'm sorry, but few people TRULY understand what this process is and what it entails.  I don't even know all of it yet, but I'm sorry... someone who is 20 lbs. overweight and works out at a "super gym" DOESN'T understand what it's like to be 400+ lbs, scared for your life, and wanting to do something about it.  They don't understand why I have special needs in excercise, diet, and traning.  They don't understand how frustrating this process can be, and how long it feels to wait once you've decided to go for it.  People who have had WSL do, and that's partially why I'm here on OH.

My husband has been great through all this, even eating less so that I am not as tempted and can be successful in my pre-op diet.  I love him so much!

I am thinking of some of my "food funerals" already; I know that I can still eat most of what I want (just not as much, by far, and not always hen I want them).  Pop is going to be going from my daily routine soon.  I drink about six diet pops a day.  I also plan to start drinking protein shakes soon and eat fewer carbs. 

I also want to go into the gym more often.  I have a membership for $13/mo., so I should take advantage of it and use it as often as possible.

I am beginning my weight loss journey.  I go to my first informational meeting on 25 May 2010.  I'm both scared and excited!  I would prefer to have a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy.  It will be through Georgetown Bariatrics at Georgetown Community Hospital in Georgetown, KY.  I've always been overweight or obese.  I can't imagine beingdown to a weight that I haven't seen since sixth grade (200 lbs.)!  It will be amazing, to say the least.