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Bill: My recovery is going well. I'm a bit bummed though because the weight loss hasn't really started yet. Oh well, all in good time, right?

Pasquini: I so understand what you're going through. The liquid preop phase was very hard for me. Early in the process (day 3 or 4) I broke down and had some chicken -- I figured it was protein and since it was boneless and skinless it wasn't going to really "hurt" me. Turned out that it didn't. It was much easier to stick with the liquids the second week. You CAN do it. You're gonna be THE WINNER in the Pasquini 500! Sleek GTO kickin' ass big time don't ya know! E

Raine: Sorry to hear the applesauce didn't work for you. I have only 2 small pills so maybe that's the limit. Let me know how the jello shots work, I'm always open to try new things (at least once anyway). E

Credit Card with 3.99% interest for 12 mos.

Raine I was sleeved on the 26th and understand the pill problem too! I was having a terrible time getting them down after they were crushed -- I wanted to chug water to get the yukky taste out of my mouth. I found an easy way to dissolve the pills and get them down is to put them in 1 tablespoon of unsweetened applesauce (I mix it in a shot glass). I stir it up really well and then just sort of "sip" it down. It's made a tremendous difference and I get all of the medication down (when I crushed it and tried to mix it with water there were all these little grains in the bottom).

This morning I realized that I had done something pre-surgery that was one of the major catalysts for making the right change in my life AND that it would give me a "jumpstart" on emptying my dress shop closet. Dress shop because it has sizes galore. The thing that I did that pushed me closer to the sleeve? Getting rid of all of my clothes that were too large. Since my dieting career started, I would get to a particular size, buy some nice clothes (yep, I'm pretty high maintenance) but not get rid of the ones I was "replacing". They just moved to the back of the closet (too lazy to clean it out). Then whenever I would start to gain (yep, every single time), I'd have those old reliable fatter clothes to move back into rotation. But, about a year and 1/2 ago, my closet was really bulging at the seams and something had to go. I took all of my too large suits, dresses, skirts, tops and jackets to the cleaners and from there to the local women's shelter. They were, to put it mildly, ecstatic. It seems that they get LOTS of clothes in smaller sizes but not too many beginning with XL, 1X.... And since I work in an office, the clothes were quite suitable for appearing in court. I also brought in the matching shoes, belts, scarves because I was excited to help, and I needed the room. I also told myself that I was going to wear the clothes I have and not shop for new ones until I could buy a smaller size. About 3 months before my surgery, I found that nothing fit me anymore -- they were too tight. I cried when the 18's that fell off me just a few months before now could barely contain my expanding assets. I also went to Lane Bryant and bought 3 pair of pants in a size 20. For me, that was the last straw. I started really looking at myself in the full length mirror both dressed and undressed, and absolutely loathed what I saw. I cringed and fretted so much each morning that I was ruining my day before I even got out of the house. I knew the only way I'd be able to get off this roller coaster was to be sleeved. And, the journey was quite brief -- 7 weeks from informational seminar to surgery. And, now, I'm ecstatic that lasting success is right around the corner. Because there's not a lot I can do yet, I took a "tour" of my closet and started looking at things that I'll be able to wear again, soon. I have some 14's just begging to be donned and I'm so excited that it's really going to happen. I hope that I don't slip past those sizes, because then I will have to start shopping again. Think DHs don't listen ? Well, the ONE thing my DH remembered from the informational seminar was the word "Goodwill" -- 3 of the women who presented their success stories raved about Goodwill (and Plato's Closet) and how cheaply they are able to dress now. DH was thinking about my Talbots and Coldwater Creek habit and now just looks at me and smiles when he says "Goodwill, is gonna be SOOOOO good for you"! . My takeaway from this little learning experience? If it don't fit, get rid of it -- and I'm looking around now to see what else isn't fitting with my new lifestyle......

Kristy: Not weird, completely normal. In fact, if you weren't you would have to ask yourself if you really understand what you're about to do. It will be ok. Good luck and godspeed girlfriend! :hug:

After watching one of Julie's videos, I bought Why we get Fat and Good Calories, Bad Calories by Gary Taubes. I also read A Guide to Weight Loss Surgery: Professional and Personal Views by Rhonda Hamilton. I believe they helped me make an informed decision (of course aided by all the info here on VST and OH).

Kristy: Good luck and godspeed. It'll be tough at first, but keep in mind that you're soooooo worth it!

Eore4 I had my sleeve surgery the same day. Sorry to hear that you were vomiting. I was lucky and didn't vomit at all. I do understand the scared of the new stomach stuff. I don't want to invite problems by NOT paying attention. I am so looking forward to being out a little farther and having a better understanding of this new relationship with my stomach. For years it seemed to me as if I was disconnected from it, and now that it's up REAL close and personal it's kinda freakin' me out. Haven't "heard/understood" it for so long, I'm worried that we don't even speak the same language! (And whatever language I come up with it'll be some time before I'm fluent in my "tummy speak"....) Rest up and take care of yourself, the best part is just around the corner..... Empress

I know it sounds so cliche, but I got up this morning really thinking (and believing) that this is the first day of the rest of my life. I was sleeved on Tuesday and got home from the hospital around 5:30 last night. As I sit here musing (because there's not a whole heck of a lot I can do just yet) it struck me that my new life is truly underway. I prayed and believed that I would have a successful surgery, a miraculous recovery and a complete restoration to perfect health. The surgery was a success, the recovery is going as well as can be expected -- I surprised the nurses with my mutliple trips around the hallways Wednesday and Thursday, and by the amount of air I could manage in my incentive spirometer (1750). One of the nurses said she had never seen anyone get to that level so quickly post op in her 20 years as a nurse. Told me I had a great set of lungs (I do, I do!) and, since I'm so motivated to succeed, I will do anything and everything I need to to make that happen. I've waited over a 1/2 century to start living happily and comfortably inside my skin and I have an intense need to try to make up for lost time. Impossible I know, but I want to enjoy every moment from here out. I'm sure that because I've had multiple extensive surgeries in the past I was better prepared to deal with the recovery from the sleeve surgery. Have to admit though that I was a bit surprised how much the incision where they pulled my newly divorced tummy through hurt like a hummer for the last few days. The "Bari Bear" that I got at the hospital has been most helpful with that pain. Love that little guy now!!! It really does help to have him to hold against my tummy whenever getting out of bed, coughing, turning over and I highly recommend using one (or a pillow) to help ease the pain. I'm down 14 pounds since my preop liquids (3 since Tuesday). Haven't had a real issue with the gas (intestinal or otherwise). I had to laugh though because I've been telling my DH for years that "ladies" never pass gas and had to explain to him why I was so happy yesterday after a short farting session (one of the requirements for release from the hospital is being able to burp and fart (though not at the same time)). Loving my sleeve. Can't wait to get this baby really rockin'!!!! If you're sitting on the fence and can't decide whether or not to have this surgery, just do it! Life will happen to you whether or not you're doing something to get healthy, so why not go for it???

ANYTHING for you CW!

Isn't it really the TAILwind that gets to stinkin' up life for us?

Crosswind: I love your posts, your insight, your humor and your intelligence. I find you (through these posts) to be a thoughtful, thought-provoking incredibly intelligent and articulate woman. I consider myself incredibly blessed to "know" you. Thank you for the raw honesty and frank brutality that come through when you pull the curtain away from that wonderful wizard of Oz. Sometimes he's so full o' shite messin' in our lives that being fat is really just a small detour off the shitskyway we sometimes know as life. It ain't a bed of roses, and if it is, it's still filled with LOTS of manure (compost) at any given time. My best to you and my sincere hope that you will never stop posting. You have the ability to pull all the weird word activity swirling around in my mind and express it precisely, succinctly and, entertainingly. I look forward to your posts -- thinking about them reminds of the old Anita Bryant tv ad "a day without oj is like a day without sunshine" except for me it's "a day without a Crosswind post is a day without fresh air." You go girl -- you rock! E

Looks like one more thing we'll be able to do in our group! Of course, I'll need to get a new bike, but it's on my "punch bowl" list (not ready for the "bucket" yet!). Can't wait!

I read on here (I think) that holding an alcohol swab under your nose helps get rid of nausea. I tried it in the hospital and it definitely worked for me. I keep a couple of the little swab packets handy and open one and wave it under my nose whenever I need to alleviate nausea. Now that I'm 5 days post op, the need to use them has diminished significantly.

Coops, you are one beautiful chick (before, during and now)! Terrific job too. Keep up the great work. E

Deb: That's FABULOUS!!! Way to go girl! :party4:

Well, he THINKS he may get me to go there, but after 32 years with me, he should know better by now....

It'll be a great NSV for you when you get to the 6/8's again! Here's to never having to "rebuy" anything again (unless of course, we WANT to). When I find something I like that fits, I have tendency to go back and get mutliple colors -- I may need to work on that!! Good luck on Wednesday.

SG: Since I know how to sew and have a fabulous machine (high maintenance thing again) I have contemplated reworking some of my more expensive/favored items. Can you post the link so I can check out the videos you mentioned? I could really use some creative energy right now.... E

SunnyD: Thanks for the encouragement. I feel like pinching myself to make sure that this isn't a dream. I keep thinking of all the fun stuff I've wanted to do but couldn't because I was too fat. Waiting patiently is NOT one of my strengths -- I want patience and I want it NOW! . All in good time, all in good time.....

Apple: I'm also a Christian, married to GMan, mom to 2, grandmom to 3. I'm 56 and was sleeved 4 days ago. Pleased to meet you.