Soon2BMiniMommy

Congrats to your wife! That's fantastic!! It's also good you get to see what possibilities are in store for you, too, after surgery! How exciting for the both of you....keep us posted on your and your wife's progress! :cheer2:

Oh my Gosh, I SO totally know how you feel. I feel like my life has stopped and is limbo and has been since I started my pre-op diet back in March. Everything I say to myself is "After the surgery, I will......" (fill in the blank with ANYTHING, clean the toilet, walk more, organize the garage, meet this client, etc, etc, etc). It's absolutely crazy! I wasn't even this bad when I was pregnant, waiting for my beautiful boy! I eat, drink, sleep, and dream this surgery and all the hopes and dreams I have wanted my whole life are just 'right there'. One more month, hopefully, and I can finally move on!!! VST has been my life saver, because it makes me feel a part of the whole, and makes me feel more connected to my future, if that makes sense? I live vicariously through all these beautiful people on here who share their experiences, trials, accomplishments, goals, etc. Almost there, and I can finally be part of this amazing 'club' of fortunate losers whose lives have changed so dramatically!!!

I can't remember where I read this - I need to find it so I can explain it better, but stalls are very, very important when you drop weight like we do/will with the surgery (rapidly). The body needs a chance to catch up and 'balance' itself periodically before it resets and then starts to lose again. Your body is sort of panicking in stages. It will lose rapidly, think it's in trouble (survival mode/starvation mode), then hold on to everything it can for a while (homeostasis) and also retain Fluid. It's scared it is literally going to starve because it's used to such a large daily load of calories we used to eat, often for years. This is most common at about two -three weeks after surgery the first time. But then, after a while, it realizes that this is the new 'normal' and then it will adjust its metabolism and start to lose again. You'll lose for a while, then hit another stall while it adjusts itself again. Just hang in there. Your body will adjust and start losing again. Just eat what's comfortable for you - I wouldn't try to pack in more calories if it's not what feels right to you. Have patience. You will see from everyone on here, that the numbers always continue to down, they just may level out for a while! Good luck!!

I have heard many, many times that acid is mistaken for hunger, especially after the surgery. Check out this video by Dr. Alvares, a highly respected bariatric surgeon. Are you taking your acid reducers? Did you get a prescription for one?? I have also read that people who started taking their acid reducers after surgery reported that what they thought was hunger went away. As an earlier poster said, hunger is a very complicated feeling. Head hunger, physical hunger, emotional hunger, acid, this list goes on. And if any of us knew exactly what normal hunger felt like, we probably wouldn't have needed the surgery, so we're often even more confused through this journey!! That's my biggest fear, that I won't be able to recognize, or control that hungry, wanting feeling, even after the surgery. Good luck and keep us posted!!

Oh, I forgot Tiffy....the trifecta of Sleevie babes.......especially since Tiffy went through so damn much!!! :kiss:

Determined, you are my friggin' idol.....wow, Girl, you would never, never even guess you were ever heavy!! You and Diva.....phew! I can hope to be that successful!!! :rockon:

Great question, Sue.....I wanna know, too. When does it become 'normal' and routine?? Anyone else with feedback?

Ooooohhhh, Sassy! What kind/brand?? That sounds wonderful!! I love everything banana.....:bananapowerslide:

Me, too, jlm. I'm keeping it to myself, my hubby and mom only. I have mentioned it in the past and have also been met with negativity and judgmental comments. I actually do have a thick skin, and normally don't care what people think. I am like you, though - I don't want people monitoring my progress, asking 'how much did you lose this week/month/day/whatever', asking how I'm doing, or like you said, if I hit a plateau, or God forbid, it doesn't work!! It's my business and no one else's. I do have a question for all of you out there though, that have also not told - what kind of comments or answers do you give to those who ask "Why aren't you eating"? Or "Is that ALL you're having"? I have many client/vendor lunches and coworker events, etc, and need a store of easy responses. I remember there was one woman a while back who had the band and no one at her work knew, and one of her coworkers mentioned that her 'anorexic' eating habits were making everyone look bad and that she needed to be careful or she would end up in the hospital. *Sigh*. Some people, right? I have some I've thought of but would really, really appreciate what you all say/have said. For those of us who want to keep our wonderful secret, I would love some ideas!!!

Aw, FM.....thank you SO MUCH for the stats and update! You did a great job on what you're eating and put everything in such a clear and concise manner.....loved your post. And I gotta tell ya, I think I'm going to print and frame your answer to the answer that so plagues us all. That was a fantastic replay and it so hits the nail on the head! And almost 50 pounds in a month! Damn.....keep going! It's ones like you I aspire to be like

Whoo hooo! Can't wait to join you on the loser's bench in September!! Keep your chin up, your nerves down, and just keep thinking about all the wonderful things ahead for you!!

Ate popcorn and BURST!!!??? Is that possible?? To BURST our new tummies???? Oh my gawd.......how horrible...... And yes, how do you check for deaths...must be public knowledge/stats somewhere?

Yay, Wishes!!! Whoo hooo!!!! :Banane07: So much sooner than I expected, you got lucky, girl....funny to have the pre-surg consult and the surgery on the same day. My presurg appt is Sept 9th.....soonest my surgeon could see me in September :incazzato: Then we have to submit to insurance, then get approal and a date....still pretty sure I'll be a September Sleever, too!!! I'm so freakin' happy for you!!!

FANtatistic!!! Thank you so much!!!

So I'm assuming you need to puree the Bean with Bacon? Sorry for the maybe obvious question I have a WHOLE list of food ideas you guys have all given me and off different WLS surgery websites so I know I won't run out of ideas when I finally get off clear/full liquids!

Yeah, Tiff....how do we get elite membership in the FB VSG site?

Oh, I LOVE that idea!! :lightbulb: Thanks, Pen!!! If you leave a little room at the top for expansion, can you freeze them, like soups?

The website has added more aggresive advertising tactics just this last week. Many, many of us are VERY UNHAPPY (are you listening, VST Moderators!!) that they have done this. It's not anything we are doing as individuals. Hoepfully they hear us and try to figure out a way to not be so obstrusive...

I haven't been sleeved yet, but this happens to me all the time now I wake up choking and have aspirated the bile/acid into my windpipe and it hurts and burns SOOOOO bad. I have been on 40 mg delayed release Omeprazole for years but God forbid if I forget to take it one day.....I am worried about what will happen AFTER I am sleeved since it seems so many have worse issues after the VSG. Scares me because constant aspiration of stomach acid like that can lead to esophageal cancer. Probably have a hiatal hernia that my surgeon will fix while he's in there rearranging.... As to the taco meat, yes, it happens worse with me with spiciness, or tomato-based foods (spaghetti, lasagna, pizza) taco meat is a classic, enchiladas, and if I just plain overeat....it comes back up, even if I wait two to three hours. Hope it stops, Kelly.....it's definitely no fun! And it's not right that you can't just eat taco meat....maybe ask the doc for a stronger PPI or Protonix??

Yes, Yes!!! Argh!!!! :censored: Hopefully the forum leaders/creators see this thread. I have also noticed that it has slowed the site down a bit....anyone else notice that? Takes too long to 'think' when switching betweent topics/forums and when the reply box opens up!! Not to promote any other site, because I truly do love this one he best and feel like home here, but OH doesn't have THIS many blatant, unavoidable ads....

Hey, my beautiful and handsome Pre and Post Sleevies!! My EGD/endo is scheduled on Monday and I have a question about the sedation they use. My surgeon said it's a sedative, you're not knocked out, but most people don't remember. My questions are these: 1. Does it make you 'feel funny'? I HATE to feel 'funny' if you know what I mean....like that too drunk/spinny feeling. Ugh. Or do you just feel tired and can you sleep? 2. How long does the sedative last? My appt is at 10am, and the doc says it wears off after a few hours. But how long does it really linger? My Hubbylicious works evenings and I need to pick up my 2 year old at 4pm from daycare. Possible? Or are you dingey for a while afterwards?? Any other input would be welcome...one step closer! Sure do love you guys..... and knowing you are all here with me :wub:

Oh, Bryn.....I have not yet had my surgery, but I SOOOO know how you feel. Every single diet I've been on has left me ravenous between meals and I have always, always, horfed (new word ) my food trying to fill up that hole. I completely agree with Rainy that it is so important to not let yourself get hungry. Keep something small on hand all the time and eat/drink it between your meals so you don't feel that hunger which drives us to eat so fast. The only time I have been successful at diets or controlling my intake was to plan, plan, plan and always have something handy and ready to tide me over or believe you me, I was in line at the closest McDonald's or Taco Bell!! I have been researching the band for 10 years and have heard a couple of times the 'pencil easer' analogy. I have also visited four nutritionists through my journey and all of then said that is ridiculous, way too small. They also said thumbnail, tip of your thumb, or for us mommies, toddler-sized....how you used to cut up your child's food when they were little. The one most important thing they all taught me was to above all, be PRESENT when you're eating. Most times we're not. We're watching TV, talking, doing something, walking around and snacking while preparing. They say to be really present and be aware of what you're putting in your mouth, enjoy it, savor it, put your fork down, enjoy the eating experience. I know I don't do that....when I have to actually put this into practice, it'll be tough. I just 'horfed' my late lunch again today because I waited too long and thought I was going to die of massive starvation, so I Hoover'ed through my Q'doba *snicker*. Best of luck to you, Bryn....hang in there. I think it's gonna be a real learning curve, but honestly, I think you will automatically adjust after time. Your body will learn to slow down and find it's 'after' pace....

Welcome, welcome! I am also in the Seattle area, but was born and raised in BC So excited you have a date! We'll be cheering you on! I also am not telling many about my decision, either, also a personal choice...and people are so darn judgmental!! Can't wait to hear about your journey....hope you keep us updated.

One thing I forgot to add which is probably the most important. Six months has given me a chance to try and recognize and stop my bad eating habits due to 'head hunger'. A lot of people have a really, really hard time with the loss of food and I have read so much about that sadness and remorse and frustration that I have tried to identify my own issues and think, "Now if I had already had the surgery, I wouldn't be able to go and gorge myself on this _______ (pizza, McDonalds, donughts, insert favorite vice comfort food here) and how would I deal with that?" I continue to say, "I'm not going to eat that because I won't be able to indulge like this after the surgery and I need to cope with that and figure out how to deal with that 'loss". Now, mind you, it doesn't always work, lol!! But when I don't go after the food, I do feel a bit deprived and try to figure out how I'm going to deal with those feelings after the surgery, because they are very real. Just saying, this six months can really help with the mental preparation,which honestly I think is more huge than the physical.....

Yup, you'll find most of us with insurance have to go through the same hoops. Instead of the gallbladder scan, I have to do an upper GI. And 6 months of a supervised diet with a nutritionist, labs, psych, etc. My insurance first had 3 months, then changed it to 6. Some plans don't have these long processes in place prior to being approved, but most do. I am in my last month in August....and it went pretty quick since I started in March. Don't get discouraged, something this big and life changing takes time to adjust to. I am actually glad now that I had to wait as I almost had the Band done. I have had time to research, reasearch, research and read and prepare myself to know what to expect. I do know some people on the boards who have had the surgery done within a couple of weeks of starting the process and they have had a really hard time adjusting as I think they weren't prepared enough and didn't have a chance to completely 'wrap their head's around it', if you know what I mean. I have read so many experiences and stories, and I know I will have my own experience, but I feel really comfortable and well-prepared for whatever the surgery outcome will be. Believe it or not, it does go quickly. And you don't have to beat yourself up and lose weight on the 6 month plan...just don't GAIN weight or the insurance company will think you can't be compliant and you'll have to start over. Both my surgeon and my NUT (nutritionist) said the goal isn't to beat yourself up over another diet, but to try and practice the habits you will need after the surgery - eating smaller portions, more Protein, use smaller plates/utensils, chew more, etc. If you lost weight, great! But if you don't drop 40 lbs, they won't deny you. Hang in there and good luck!!