MINI-Me

That is awesome. Keep us up to take on your training progress!

One of the reasons I even know about the sleeve is due to a friend at work. She has MS and had the sleeve last February. She hasn't any any issues and sees all of her doctor's regularly to coordinate her care. She lost 80 pounds in about 6 months!!!

I'll confess that I'm confused about my job and career. I sound like I am whining since they pay me really well and never ask for OT. But, I wonder where this job is taking me and where I will be in 10+ years.

MidwestGirl - good tips - thanks!

Well, the dehydration part sounds logical. As far as your daily "allowance", sounds like you are lucky ... my nut explained that my dr wanted me to give it up forever or at least until I hit my goal (then the hope is that I won't want it anymore). Never seems like a long time for anything. Oh well ... a small price for being healthy I guess.

I'm sure this has been covered before, but I couldn't find a direct answer in my research. First, let me state - I am planning on following my doctor's orders, but I would like to know the "why" behind the "no". I am one of the world's biggest Diet Pepsi Fans. I am talking 5-7 cans a day. I understand the carbonation being bad for the new tummy, but not sure why I've been told no caffeine. Does anyone know why we are told to go de-caf? I've been weaning off caffeine slowly (to avoid caffeine withdrawl headaches), but I miss it. Decaf tea doesn't seem as fun. (Probably all in my head!) Like I said, I will follow the plan, but knowing why caffeine is so evil would help me when I want a caffeine fix. :sad0: Thanks!

My mom is diabetic and can quickly get rash/infection from damp skin. Her doctor also recommends Gold Bond Medicated. Do you have an discharge or odd smell? If so, I suggest seeing your doctor. If not, you may just want to try the powder.

Congratulations!

I am sorry ... but remember, it's 14 days towards a new, healthier you. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!! Tonight we are doing burgers. On Tuesday's a local restuarant has 2 for 1 burgers. The kids thought it would be fun to have my "last meal" there.

I had speed bumps put on my anniversary band. It was $50 for two. But, as you continue to lose weight, they will get bigger - so that might not be the most efficient in-between fix. Check with a jewlery store for a ring guard - that's what they did for a temporary fix when my husband gave it to me. And, CONGRATULATIONS on your engagement!

At your last consultation before surgery?

Question - does this happen to everyone? I have a very thick head of hair so I'm not too worried about becoming too thin. I guess the good news that less hair means less time with the flat iron! However, I might need to keep a vaccuum in the bathroom as to not gross my husband out.

I need to have 2 Protein shakes and one low carb/low fat/high protein meal each day. I can supplement with green veggies and SF Jell-O. It's only 2 weeks right? I can do anything for 2 weeks. Did I mention that two of my boys have birthdays between pre-op and my surgery??? All the cakes and ice cream. Ugh! Normally not so bad, but mixing up a Protein shake while they eat will be a good test of my resolve! :001_unsure:

Too funny ... my pre-op starts on Wednesday. I had Teriyaki Chicken tonight. YUMMERS!

Congratulations! Great progress. No one ever talked to me about increasing Protein to lose faster. I'll have to keep that in mind.

Have you tried adding Protein to your liquids? I am planning to use 100% Any whey Protein. For one scoop it has 70 calories, 0g fat, 1g Carb, and 17g protein. It doesn't have any real taste (maybe a slight hint of vanilla) and can be added to a lot of your allowed puree/liquid foods. You can also add Special K H2O Protein to your Water - 5g per packet. For Protein shakes, I am doing Pure Protein chocolate Whey powder - it has 25g of protein for 1 scoop with 3g fat and 4g carbohydrate. (This was recommended by my nutritionist.) Do you have a nutritionist? If so, they may be able to offer some additional ways to get in your protein.

I like this one! Cute and sassy :thumbup:

Congratulations! Sounds like you did everything but repair the kitchen sink. Glad to hear that you are feeling so well - but don't over do it! Keep us posted on your progress.

My surgery is scheduled for January 27th. I plan on being out through February 3rd and working 1/2 days on 2/4 & 2/5. I hope this is enough. Luckily, I also work a desk job & it does not require a lot of physical activity (a large part of my sedentary lifestyle).

I can definitely tell that this will be on of those threads that I read and re-read when I am a few weeks out from my surgery. Thanks to all the "vetrans" out there offering support and advice - us "newbies" really need it.

Yes, they are made by BMW. And, that have a fantastic safety rating for such a small vehicle. And, unfortunately, my husband put those safety features to a test in a very bad accident last September. Over $20K damage to the car, but he walked away without a scratch - not even tissue damage like a sore neck/back. When I saw the car, I just couldn't keep from hugging my husband and thanking God that he was ok. Believe me - I will definitely be on here and telling everyone how we are doing. :thumbup1: The 27th can't come fast enough for me.

You'd be amazed how much room they really have in them. Not only are they cute, but they can fly. My husband tracks his & has a blast. Of course, if I buy another one, he will kill me. I guess my NSV will be feeling cute and sassy while driving it!

That is great news! Thanks. I guess I'm just anxious to get things started & I overreacted when I saw those numbers. I don't want anymore delays - I am ready NOW!!! Whew! As far as my name - it stands for 2 things. One is obvious, a minature version of the current me. Two is my obession with MINI Coopers :biggrin0:. I have a MINI Cooper S Clubman (Hot Chocolate), my husband has a MINI Cooper S Coupe (British Green) and over the summer, we purchased a Classic Mini Cooper (English White). Our families think we need an intervention, but we know how much fun we have when we drive them. :001_tongue: Plus, I've met so many friends because of the MINI Club to which we belong. Two friends had a gastric bypass and three had lapband. So, I guess you can say I'm surrounded by a bunch of Losers! :w00t: They are very excited to see how the Sleeve does for me.

I sure hope so! :biggrin0:

I asked my doctor for a copy of my labs that she sent to Dr. Umbach for my surgery. These were all standard labs, but the only one I was worried about was sugars since my levels have been increasing & I was close to pre-diabetic stage last June. The good news is that my numbers have dropped by 10. The bad news??? My Triglycerides were sky high - like 513 when the normal range is 100-200. I have never had cholesterol issues & this is really flooring me. Does anyone know if this could delay my surgery? I don't know if Dr. Umbach has seen them yet, but I'm scheduled to fly out on the 25th. And, of course it's the weekend, so I can't call anyone. Yes, I'm freaking out a little bit (ok A LOT!!!!) - I am mentally prepared for 1/27/10 to be my "rebirth-day" and I think a delay might put me over the edge. :biggrin0: