Day Dreamer

Congrats Sarah, sounds like you are doing very well I started my MBA about 5 months and it is such a good feeling. Stay positive!! Hugs

Great Job!!!

After reading so many comments about people being near their goal weight, I have to question my own goal weight. The Dr asked me what I thought my goal weight should be based on what I believe my bone size (I said medium). So anyway I currently weigh 265 ish and I am 5'8" ish. I told the Dr that my goal was 160-170 and he smiled. He did not disagree. I wouldn't mind getting back to 145-150 lbs but wonder if that is "too thin". I would rather be 170 and very fit. Since I recently had spinal cord surgery, exercise will not be as intense as it is for other Sleevers. I included that knowledge when factoring my goal weight. The thing is, I wasn't planning on worrying about my weight, but instead to use NSV's as a tracking mechanism. I planned to weigh in maybe once every two weeks.... but I constantly read people weighing in daily (?), or every couple days. Maybe I am looking at this wrong?!?! Lastly, I focused more on other types of goals instead of my weight, such as: - being able to exercise for a full hour per day - I want to do one charity race per year (Avon, Walk for a Cure etc) - walking up the stairs without being out of breath - Walk up multiple stairs LOL - getting into a size 12, 10 or 8 - being able to play with my kids (not be winded or tired) - maybe I will never run again, but chase my kids, or even a light jog daily.. that would be nice - able to have amazing stamina in the bedroom (bow chicka wow wow) LOL - I desire steamy romance, but being big makes it kind of uncomfortable and limits my stamina - and maybe getting a few looks here and there... - this is a selfish NSV, I know. But I am 30y/o and there is still a need to feel sexy. Honestly, I wasn't so fixed on a number. Any number under 200 would be welcomed at this point. I know it sounds odd since so many people have that "number" and stay strict to it. I have always been the odd girl out, never following the norm.. So yeah, my goals seem to focus not on weight but on NSV's and I wonder if that is going to be a problem.

My COE mandates us to do a 24 hr pre op liquid diet with 1-2 weeks of Atkins beforehand. Just a thought, have you tried the

Sorry to hear that :*( Maybe you could finance your surgery??

On the flip side, I am totally amazed by those of you that posted updates hours after surgery!! Luv you guys hahahah!

If you have been on OH, you probably noticed they have "surgery angels". These angels keep everyone else updated on the progress of the patient. I think this is a great idea and wish we could do this on VST easily. (Right now you could post a comment/update on their profile or the surgery date thread.) I have gotten close to quite a few people on here and it makes me nervous when they leave for surgery and we have no update for a week (or more - or never hear from them again). I understand that not everyone wants to give out personal info and I think that is where the "angel" or trusted friend could update us. Maybe this is something we could start doing ourselves.. just keep everyone updated on your buddy. Let's look out for each other.

Amy, bawhahahaha! When I read that, bow-chicka-wow-wow ran through my mind! hahahaha!! Don't listen to me, I am a bad influence hahahaha!!! How did you do with the hunger pains?? How are you feeling now?? Hugs!!

Once the scales gets moving, this will be a fleeting thought

Bawhahaha!! *Smack* We won't forgot again Root Funny thing, there were quite a few males at intake today. Good to see more males considering WLS. Amy, Yeah I did all my intake stuff in eTown. Laura was in and out but very busy with the intake ppl. What is your pain like?? I tried to send a card to the hospital on Wed but you had already checked out I guess I am just glad you are ok!! :YAY:

Amy, Congrats on your surgery! Good to see you are home safe. Everyone has the WTH did I do moment, but it will pass. I am proud of you and routing for you girl!!! Hugs Heather

Small update - I did the intake appt today and was shocked by conflicting information. At the seminar we were told that we did not have to buy the BA brand Protein, while during intake we were told we have to buy 2 LARGE bags of the BA Protein ($50 each) PLUS the BA brand Vitamins. I wonder how strict they are with that b/c what if I do not like the taste?!? I will waste $110 (plus the vitamins) for nothing... hmm I will send an email to get more info on this from the coordinator. Intake went well otherwise. We did our weigh in, blood work, see the nut (hehe), see the NP and do a psych eval (350 questions + 1 hr with Dr). All in all it was not bad but I was hungry and tired of waiting. I was happy to be released They are supposed to submit insurance on Mon or Tue. It can take up to 30 days. Then schedule pre op consult and surgery 2 weeks after. I will keep you updated!

Oh my 2 hrs is a long commute. I have been there, done that and do not envy you I am hoping to head back to work after one week (if hubby will drop / pick up) so I can still take my pain meds but make that $$$ honey!!

WOW! Good to hear! Thanks for ther info everyone Glad to hear most everything with Water counts. I will be doing my best to get as much water in as possible.

Don't know any hospitals that do financing, and I work in finance. You will need to go through a financing company. Finance companies can provide a list of surgeons who participate in their network. Check out: http://www.bliscompany.com/programs-and-services.html http://www.carecredit.com/ http://www.patientsource.net/apply.html Good luck hun!

Those better be tears of joy!!! You are about to make a massive change to your life for the better. Yes it is scary but when you are still around to play with your kids, kids... well that is worth it!!! We are all here to motivate and encourage you. Go ahead and vent your fears but rest assured, this is the first step to a healthier you Cheers!!!

I haven't been to an Acquariam in forever... that sounds really nice! Are the Reds baseball? LOL Wow... I am so not sporty but would love to see a game - just to have something else to do on the wknd!! I might Google this. Thank you!!

I have been in KY 6 months and still haven't made it up to Cinci!! It is on my list of places to check out. Anything fun I should check out in Cincinnati?

Hi Valleygirl, first, I am not post op, however, I do understand where you are coming from. I have had to maintain (eat, eat, eat) my weight for the last month or two in order to meet BMI for approval. At this point I am disgusted with food; the smell, the taste and even the texture upon my tongue. It is revolting and I worry that post op I will not want to eat past the Protein shake phase. I am hoping this is only a phase and I will agin enjoy food as I once did - only in very, very small portions About 7 years ago I had to lose about 40 lbs and went on Atkins. When it was time for me to begin adding carbs in phase 2, 3 and on, I hated it. The taste of food made me ill because I was used to eating the same foods every week. When I broke off of Atkins and tried soda for the first time, it made me ill. After a month or so, I was right back on those old eating habits of high carb, fattening foods. The disgust finally went away. I wonder if this is the same thing happening to you. You get to a point where food is the enemy and you begin to resent it. Or you eat the same things for so long that they no longer appeal to your tastebuds. Have you tried switching up your daily routine (food wise)?

Hey there!! We are few, but we rep KY like a mass of people LOL BTW - I am close to Louisville like ccbc said. I would love to chat with you more!! So fill us in.. what's your story

Bet this won't come as a shock to most of us here; especially our Band to Sleeve sisters! (and Brothers). Too many variables are involved when implanting a forgein object in the human body. Thanks for sharing!

Cathy, congrats on the safe surgery and seemingly great post op experience. I hope that you continue on this path free of major pain!! Keep us updated :cheer:

Kelli, I just found this link in another thread - http://www.babyearth.com/green-sprouts-warming-plate.html It isa plate for babies that keeps the food warm. This would work for us because it is small, sectioned and keeps the food warm (lord knows the food will go cold in 30 mins). I am ordering mine today!!

How much Water do you actually get in per day? How do you get your water? (Tea, Gatorade, popsicles, etc) Do Gatorade, tea, coffee, Isopure, broth, crystal light drinks count toward my total water intake? - Can I freeze Protein added to flavored water to make protein heavy popsicles? Is anyone using Smart Water* brand? It is bottled water with added electrolytes. I am wondering if this is a good option post surgery to ward off dehydration. I am worried about not being able to get adequate water post op and I am a big water drinker / gulper LOL. Thanks!!

http://www.ezweightplate.com/ this one has measurement cups in the plate.. There are a lot of different types of portion control plates, but I have not found one that list protein as the "big section". Most label the big section for vegatables. My personal plan is to buy a dainty plate (something pretty, just for me) to use as my portion control plate.