Hi Everyone, I am just starting to get going with the gastric bypass process, My previous primary care doctor is not covered by my new insurance and I am looking for another. The task is a little daunting. If anyone has any suggestions of a physician that is great and very encouraging about the surgery please let me know. Thanks so much for your help Danielle

Hi Stefani, I'm in the southern end of the state. I had my surgery at Stanford before moving here. The first month is a big adjustment. I'm 11 months out. I find now that I get ion nearly 80 ounces of water a day. I found two things that for me are fantastic. Acheive One which is like a starbucks drink. No sugar and no fat with 20 grams of protein. Skylar Haley is coming out with a decaf version of it. The other is RTD extreme smoothies. The Pralines and cream are so good. It has 35 grams of protein in it. The Extreme smoothie is a bit on the sweet side for me now, so I thin it down with milk. Funny how even splenda can seem to sweet. They both are good sources of liquid. I found the powders protein drinks were fine short run, but I can't stand them any longer. If you want hot chocolate, find the Nestles no carb type. It's sweetened with splenda and very good. A warm drink will make you feel fuller faster. I carry a bottle of water with me everywhere. I set certain time limits as to how much I want to drink during the day. I get my protein drinks down and at least 24 ounces of water by noon. Another 24 by 6 pm, which I usually exceed. Then it is the rest of the evening that I work on the last bit I want to get down. Here is a fun recipe for a protein drink you can make yourself. It tastes like liquid cheesecake. two large frozen strawberries, 1/3 cup non fat cottage cheese, 1/3 cup non fat plain yogurt, splenda to sweeten and non fat milk to thin it down, blend until smooth. I also add a 1/4 of an orange to it. You can put in any fruit, just freeze it first so that it makes it thick and cramy like a shake. I also found some good albumen protein (egg) powder. I add a scoop to the drink. My son loves this and he would just as soon he had it and not me. So at times I will mix a big blender full and share the rest with him. As to the med's ask your pharmacist. It maybe the pill has sugar as one of the ingredients. See if he knows of the alternatives. He will be the best source over the dr. The pharmacist knows the meds, the dr.s just know that a type of med is good for what you have, but maybe unaware of what compounded it.

Hello All, I'm just wondering if you chose to tell your co-workers prior to WLS. I work in a small office with me being the largest by 150lbs. They are nice ladies but I don't want to feel that I need their approval. What did the rest of you do? Kadie

Stefani: I'm from Utah also, West Jordan. Welcome to the OH website... it has truly been a god send. Regarding the medication... while I have not had a problem like yours I was wondering if there is an alternate medicine to the one you are taking that would do the job but not cause the problem you mentioned. I'm sure you are in contact with your Surgeon and they often have some ideas. I had alot of trouble getting enough water down but finally decided to mix it up and drink some Crystal Lite and some Swiss Miss Chocolate (limited amounts of the chocolate) it at least helped me get a little more down. Best wishes to you, Marva

According to the news and the PA at the surgeon's office where I *had* an appointment for next week, on February 21st the announcement was made that "Medicare would cover some procedures only at hospitals considered "centers for excellence" by the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Bariatric Surgery." Hospitals were given no time to apply for certification from either organization. We ALL need to contact our federal congressmen and senators about this. The more he11 we raise, the more likely it is the rule will be reversed or revised. Here are some things to point out in your communication (preferably by phone): 1. There was no notice given for this ruling. Hospitals should have had time to apply for certification. 2. Obesity is a life-threatening disease and this ruling has dramatically reduced the facilities available to perform bariatric surgery for months to come. 3. Waivers ARE available and you should urge your politicians to push for a waiver for your particular hospital. Here's the list of US Senators. Just find yours and slam them with emails & phone calls: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm Here's the list of Congressmen. Ditto above: http://www.congress.org/congressorg/issuesaction/alertlist/?issue=30