lkcraig316

I'm not to the point of being on the two week pre-op diet yet, but I can tell you what my doctor's plan is: FIRST WEEK Two Protein shakes per day One meal per day (the list has what frozen meals are acceptable and what amounts to use of regular food if you choose not to do the frozen meals) Drink 64 oz. of Water per day SECOND WEEK Four Protein Shakes per day 64 oz of water per day Both of these weeks you can supplement with unlimited SF Jello, SF popsicles, unsweet decaf tea, broth, and Powerade Zero Hope this helps.

I'm so excited for you!!! Just think how much better you'll feel. I wish I had done this 15 years ago, but I guess it doesn't matter how young or old you are, as long as you get healthy!!! Lisa

Gosh, that is AWESOME! I haven't done that since I was a teenager. However, at 47 I don't think I will even try it after my surgery. No telling what things I would pull, strain and break!!!

I just got my first order of Rodan & Fields Soothe skin care system. My daughter has been using their Proactiv with GREAT results, so I thought I would give their "grown up" products a try. They also have an Anti-Age system, but right now my skin is red and splotchy so I want to calm it down first. Then I will probably move on to the Anti-Age in a few months. I'm 47 and hoping to have my surgery in April. I figured I better start taking good care of my skin because even though I can't see any wrinkles under the fat, I'm sure there are some that are just waiting to show themselves after I lose weight!

I'm certainly not concerned enough to NOT have the surgery. But it amazes me all the things I keep thinking of that will be changed. It will definitely be an adventure. One that I am SO READY for! Lisa

I haven't seen my "real" face in over 20 years. So I'm kind of scared about what it will look like when I lose all the weight. My face will age from my late 20s to my late 40s in just a matter of months. I've not got any wrinkles yet because my fat puffs them all out. So I'm really curious and nervous about how lined my face will be. I'm hoping my fair complexion with minimal sun over the years will help, but I still know I will look a lot older once the weight is gone. Anybody else think about this or am I just a little too weird? Lisa

Congratulations! Every tiny little milestone is a reason for celebration! I can't wait until I'm sleeved and can have my own little NSVs.

I worked with Amy Simmons at the consultation. I don't know if she will be the same one who submits my packet or not. I have Aetna and I have heard both good and bad about getting approvals from them. Amy didn't seem too worried about it, though. What insurance did you have and how long did it take for approval? My last appointment is April 6 and it would be super if I could have my surgery before the end of April. I go to my first support group meeting on Feb. 1--the same day NotFatJustExtraFluffy has his surgery! So glad about the nausea. I've never had trouble with anesthesia, but I just always want to be proactive and ward it off just in case it's going to bother me this time. Go Rangers! I was cheering them on during playoffs and the World Series. I'm actually a Cincy Reds fan, but they did so badly in the playoffs I had to pick another team after they were eliminated. I was really impressed by the Josh Hamilton story so I decided to go with the Rangers. Did you have to do a diet for a few months for your insurance? I have to do 3 months with Aetna. I'm right at 40-41 BMI. What happens if I lose during those 3 months and drop below? Do you think they will not approve me? I do have co-morbidities (high blood pressure, GERD, high cholesterol, borderline Diabetes II).

Haven't had surgery yet, but when I met with my surgeon, he recommended at least 2-3 weeks. He said I would be recovered enough in a week to go back but because of all the metabolic changes I will be going through and learning to drink/eat in a whole new way, it would be advisable to give myself 3 weeks. I have four weeks saved up, and I can do some things at home so I will decide after a couple of weeks whether to take 3 or 4. I guess it all just depends on the patient and surgeon. Lisa

NOTFAT: I live in Hermitage, so I am just a few exits down from you. I have to attend the support group in February and March to meet my insurance requirements. I knew VSG patients meet with the bypass patients, but I was hoping there would be more VSG attendees. Keep me informed on your surgery! I am very excited for you. SETTEBE: Oh, I'm sure we will pick your brain clean. Especially since we have the same practice doing our surgery. What about nausea? Did they do a good job keeping it at bay? That's my concern even more than the pain. I HATE throwing up. BTW, my husband and I lived in Carrollton, TX (outside of Dallas) for about 9 months back in 1985, before he got transferred back to Nashville. I liked it out there. Lisa

Beautiful family! And you all look so happy. Thanks for posting the before/after shots to remind us that we can all be successful!

Ooh, Plannergirl, that sounds amazing. I made the mistake of buying instant oatmeal and it is just not what I remember my mom making me when I was a kid. She told me to ALWAYS use the regular oatmeal. I think I'll try your recipe.

Congratulations! Wonderful news!

Thanks, Tiffykins. This was always the downfall of all my previous diets. I would just get so hungry and shaky the week before that I would cram anything and everything into my mouth. I will focus on the fiber-filled carbs this week and see how that goes.

So, I'm supposed to be eating healthy and losing weight for the next three months. My insurance requires it. I started two weeks ago and was doing pretty good until Friday. I'm supposed to start my period next week and I am hungry all day long right now. Any good ideas on how to get through this without putting on MORE weight than I already have? I also find that this time of the month I get really shaky if I cut the carbs too much. HELP! Lisa

I am so sorry that you are being treated this way. All I can say is that he must have a lot of insecurities to be so adamant about you losing weight. You know you will always have support here at VST. Anytime you feel nervous, scared, or just want to share a victory, post it on here. You will see how many people are truly there for you. Lisa

Wow. I think I would have had a thing or three to say to him. Maybe you can just chalk it up to senility. Sometimes elderly people lose their filter.

That is absolutely FANTASTIC!!! CONGRATULATIONS!

Yes, my cousin, who is an RN, told me that Dr. Spaw was the best. I think his personality is so encouraging. He put my whole family at ease. Will you be going to any of the support group meetings?

Have fun! And, yes, it was definitely worth spending some money on a new shirt. Enjoy it!

Today I saw Dr. O'Bryan for my psych evaluation. I was a tad nervous going in, but felt relatively good about it. After it was over he said, "You know so much about the procedure and what to expect afterward that I feel like this went by way too fast." So I just want to think all of you out here in VST land. There was not a question he asked to get a feel for how ready I was that I didn't know the answer to just by reading all of your wonderful wise comments. I also think it helped that Dr. O'Bryan is VERY knowledgeable about WLS and how it affects the whole person, as well as those you have relationships with. Every day I take another step toward being sleeved just reinforces that I'm making the right decision. Lisa

Hi, Branc1! Your statistics are great! How are you feeling? Did you have your sleeve done in M'boro? My daughter goes to MTSU, but we live in Hermitage. Lisa

Hi, I'm a sister Nashvillian! Dr. Al Spaw is doing my sleeve, probably in April or May. It all depends on how long the insurance takes to approve me. Have you had your sleeve yet? I have been looking on here for someone from Nashville, but you are the first one I've come across. I'm so excited to meet you! Lisa

That is FANTASTIC! What a great day for you!

It's basically acid reflux. What do you guys call it over there? I have been reading all the Sophie Kinsella/Madeleine Wickham books lately and I have found myself having to look British terms up. It's so funny how we speak the same language and sometimes still don't know what the other is talking about! :Pl Lisa