Howdy

Hi all! I'm in Virginia and new to the board, just thought I would stop in and say Hi.

Welcome to the VA Board! Please take a few minutes to tell us about yourself and where you are in your journey. Let us know if you have any questions and/or concerns. All best!

Thanks for the warm welcome. Well, as I said I'm in Va. I have not had my surgery yet. I am looking to get lap RNY but am a high risk surgery. I have been working with Dr. David Spencer and hope to have a date set for March of 09. I have seen a few people here have used Dr. Spencer and would love some feedback. I also would like to know if anyone has taken off a lot of weight and did not have to have plastic surgery.  What foods seem to give everyone problems and how do you get all of your liquids down in a day. Seems like a lot. Some suggestions on protien shakes would be great. Thanks in advance for any info and I look forward to sharing my expierence with you.

I am a patient of Commonwealth Surgeons and will be 6 years post op in Jan 09. I lost 178 lb in 14/15 months and have been successful in spite of some issues. Some common some not so common.

Although plastics is NOT a necessity for me, I very much WANT to have plastic surgery and from the consults I've had its been indicated that some back issues and skin irritations will be alleviated by doing so. 3 "estimates" indicate between 12 & 18 lb of excess depending on which areas I'm interested in taking care of.

Foods are trial and error even at nearly 6 years post-op. I still cannot eat tuna, chicken has to be very moist, beef is "ok" in small amounts from time to time and I at times have an aversion to yellow cheeses and other things. You really and truly won't know until after surgery what things will affect you in what ways. But, keep in mind there are TONS of options!

I used to enjoy AcheivOne's but has since stopped drinking those because of the expense and availability. I've switched to EAS AdvantEdge RTD in Chocolate. Otherwise, I try to "eat" as much of my protein as possible. My focus is getting in vitamins, fluids (good ones), foods and exercise on a daily basis.

As for getting liquids down each day I pace myself but make it easy for me as well. I fill up a 32 oz. water bottle with South Beach Drop In's or Crystal Light and drink the first 32 oz by lunch and the second 32 oz by bedtime.

Please ask away with anything else you might want to know. All best!

Hello and welcome!  I'm one year out from lap RNY.  I have not had any problems with food as long as I keep my meat moist and chew well.  I no longer eat white meat chicken or turkey as I can't get it moist enough (switched to dark meat).  Early on I had problems getting eggs down for whatever reason, but that has resolved itself as long as I eat them really slow.  Getting in fluids is challenging for me, but I meet my surgeons recommendations so I'm happy with that much at least.

I think many people would like plastics, but it comes down to cost as most procedures are considered cosmetic and it is hard to get insurance to cover the expense.  I have lost 182lbs so far and have quite a bit of excess skin.  But clothes and undergarments do wonders and generally I can situate everything where it needs to be and look good.  ;)  I would love to think about a upper and lower body lift down the road, but there are other things that will take precedence like popping out a few kiddos and all.  :)  Also you have to consider the time off from work for recovery and that is not a luxury I have at my job.

As for protein shakes, it comes down to taste and texture and I see that most of us are picky.  The RTD's are the smoothest, so if you can find one you like, that will be a good option.  I know others say Unjury powder is one of the best powders out there.  I use Nectar powder when I want something fruity tasting since most powders come in the milky'esque varieties.

Good luck!

Welcome!  i had lap RNY this past march, i was 340 on my surgery day, took meds for HB and slept with a cpap, i now use neither.  This surgery was a true life saver to me.  I wish you the best of luck!  lys

Welcome to the boards. I am still too new post op to tell you about plastic surgery. I know I am going to need it though. Everybodys body is differant though. So you never really know. I like seeing hanging skin, it means its working. lol

Hello and welcome to the VA board!  I used Commonwealth Surgeons and highly recommend them.  I have lost 260 lbs and feel great.  I don't HAVE to have plastics...but I want to have some done.  For protein shakes...it is different with every person.  I had ones early out that I loved that can't stand now.  Now, at 3.5 years out, I only use one kind on a regular basis and one other kind occassionally.  I do still try others but since I have found this and it works I stick with it.  It is EASAdvantage ready to drink.  I love the chocolate flavor.  Let me know if you have any other questions...we are here to help in any way we can!

Welcome!

I'm so glad you decided to say hi!

I had RNY on July 2 - so far I'm down 110 pounds and the skin has not been an issue. I still have 50 pounds to go, though, so we'll see...

Honestly, every person is different in foods they can tolerate. Sometimes even each person is different from day to day. It's just a lot of trial and error.

As for liquids, the biggest thing is to learn to live your life with a water bottle in hand Find one you like - it's going to be your new best friend! Mine usually has sugar free Kool Aid in it - it's important to find something you like to drink.

I can't remember if that was all your questions or not. There are lots of people here who know way more than me, and we've all had very different experiences. We're not shy about sharing them, though!

I'm looking forward to getting to know you more - best of luck!