MINI-Me

You guys are right. Thaks for being level headed for me. This sleeve seems like a miracle too good to be true. I keep waiting for someone to say "pyche - it was all a big joke. You will gain back all the weight". But, it WILL NOT happen this time.

I've been lurking a lot on Obesityhelp.com. It seems like I've been reading several posts out there lately about people being 2+ years out and gaining weight. Tonight, I read another about a woman who's gained back a lot of her weight and basically starting over again. Where were these kind of posts when I was doing my research? Why amI freaking out now when I am so close to goal? Did I see these posts before & just ignore because "I will be different"? I need someone to talk me down. I am so close to goal. I NEVER want to be that fat girl again. Am I going to gain again just like I have after EVERY diet before? Please ... I need some reassurance - I feel like crying.

Tell him congratulations from all of us. Glad to hear that the surgery and immediate post op went so well. And yes, tell him to join us!

WOW! You have done an amazing job and an inspiration to many of us. Thanks for sharing your story countless times & being there when we have questions. Today truly is your birthday - celebrate your new life!

For me, I had a friend with the sleeve. I watched her amazing transformation & just had to know more details. The more I researched, the more this surgery made sense to me. I was considered a "lightweight", but due to my family history & watching my sugar numbers increase, I knew what things would be in 3,5,10 years. It wasn't pretty. Are there days that I wonder about all of this? Yes. Would I do it again if I could go back? Heck Yes! If you've been through your classes, you know your options. Talk with your surgeon and get his thoughts. I know that once I met with my surgeon and heard his experiences/confidence, it gave me the confidence to make my decision. As far as the clears. It was explained to me that it's any liquid you can see through (or partially see through like broth). Full clears are items that you can pour through a strainer - yogurt, sf pudding, etc. You will get exact information from your surgeon and/or nutritionist. I know this is a hard and scary decision. Keep asking questions ... this board is awesome at helping you do your research. Good luck on your decision!

GREAT JOB Anna! Very proud of you ... and yes, please find a way to bottle that motivation/energy and send some this way.

Just checking to see if you'd heard anything. I'm sure that bill from your doctor was a shocker!!!!

It really does depend on your healing process. However, I've learned there is nothing like the inner-strength of a mother. Especially when she is watching one of her kids go through a major milestone. Just line someone up to transport you & take it easy. You should do fine. But, plan on lots of rest before and after the event - don't overdo it.

Congratulations! Feels good, doesn't it?!?!?!?

Very happy for you. You go girl!

More likely, the insurance company hasn't had a chance to pay yet. Most insurance companies can take a few weeks to process a bill (especially one that has an authorization and requires a manual payment) once received. Your doctor is probably billing prior to the insurance company having a chance to review/pay the bill. I wouldn't worry too much unless you have a denial EOB from your insurance company or your doctor says it was denied.

Anyone want to chat? I have the window open if you'd like to come out and talk...

I'm sure Tiffykins will chime in since she is a band to sleeve revision as well as some others. I too have 3 friends with a Band and 3 with Gastric By-Pass. All 3 with the Band have not met their weight goals in the 2+ years they've had the Band. What they have had is lots of complications including vomitting, esophagus swelling and scarring. 1 of the By-Pass friends is one year out and very close to goal. Another one met goal at one year and gained 80% of it back the second & third years. My last friend with by-pass, has been at goal for 5 years and had plastic surgery about 2 years ago to remove excess skin. So, I have seen issues in 5 of 6 friends. I knew I did't want (or qualify) for by-pass. I watched my friends struggle with the Band and knew that was not right for me either. I have 1 friend with the Sleeve. We have simliar personalities and issues with food. We were also 3 pounds away from the same starting weight. She has done wonderfully and has kept off the weight in the past 18 months. After talking with her & watching her life transform, the Sleeve was the only option I continued to research. I am now 4 months out and a little over 18 pounds from goal. I went from obese to normal BMI in 17 weeks. I am still amazed & keep checking the scale to make sure someone isn't playing a trick on me. So ... back to you. Why do you think changing your mind on the surgery will extend your surgery date? Is it due to insurance? Have you talked to your surgeon about the sleeve and its benefits for you? Is he willing to change the surgery to a sleeve? If so, he may be able to help expedite an approval from your insurance company. Best of luck in your decision.

Another "Ditto All The Above" and just wanted to add ... you are doing great with the Protein. For many of us, that was the big worry in the beginning since we couldn't get down the shakes. Many of us drove our husbands, wives, significant others crazy. If it feels like too much, just come out here. We've all either been there, are there, or planning on being there. So, we can support one another.

How long does it take you to eat the Soup? If less than 20/30 minutes, you need to slow WAY down. You won't have much of a full signal when on liquids, but slowing down may help with the volume. If it's not your speed, you may want to call your surgeon/nutritionist and discuss your concerns. They may be able to alleviate your fears or provide additional advice. Best of luck! :thumbup:

Great post. Congrats on your progress.

I'm not trying to be controversial here, but that seems to go against everything I've been told. Do you have any medical references about this?

Check out this post from Tiffykins. http://verticalsleevetalk.com/pre-operation-vertical-sleeve-surgery-vsg-questions-answers/5640-questions-ask-pre-op-consult.html

I sooooooooooooooo know what you are feeling. The best advice is to come here and come here often. Let this time be about you. Do your research, ask your questions, and focus on your needs. We will be here for you as you go through your journey. Welcome!

I apologize if I came across the wrong way. Everyone really has to do what works for them. I definitely support you following your plan surgeon's plan. Luckily, I have been able to incorporate some of these carbs and still lose weight. Maybe I could lose faster if I didn't, but I'm just taking it day by day.

It amazes how different diets are. I am so glad my plan didn't say this - one reason I picked the sleeve was to learn new eating patterns to allow me anything in moderation. ? No BREAD, Pasta, RICE, POTATOES ? forever That being said, I would advise everyone considering or having had surgery to work with their doctor and nut for a plan for them. We offer good advice and personal experience out here, but we definitely aren't qualified medical personnel. Best of luck finding what works for you.

Ash - I'm not sure what to say. Until reading the previous post, I would have said to up the protein and get in more water. What does your doctor say? I know for me (pre-surgery and post surgery) that the more protein I got, the less I wanted to eat of other things. What is your caloric intake? Are you still tracking your meals?

Anna - I am so proud of you. What an inspiration you are. You offer kind, solid advice to so many. Great job on the weightloss and learning how to be the new you. You go girl!

Very happy for you - your recovery is AWESOME. Wish I had been like you, but in hindsight, the pain/nausea was only a few days.

I do not have any advice for the piraformis muscle, but I just HAD to say CONGRATULATIONS. Way to go on losing the weight. That is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!