RobinMvsg

I'm totally with ya on that need to carb detox, Brandi. I've been contemplating a two week liquid fast like pre-op... I don't know if I really need to go that extreme, but I don't think it would hurt. I just need to get that carb monster outta my head.

Let's share some personal truths about the process here.
At 9 weeks post-op, I have found one thing to be consistently true: I have to take a total no-BS approach to this process or I won't be successful in the long-term. After a very long night of thinking of my past, my present, and my future, after confronting all the habits that got me into this place, I realized that to be successful I need to be CONSTANTLY DILIGENT about sweets, Snacks, sneaks, and lies.
Sweets: It's possible that sugar really was the glue that held me together through all I've been through over the years. I love sweets. I still love sweets. I think about chocolate chip Cookies for way too many moments each day. Unfortunately, it won't take too many sweets to add on hundreds of calories each day. One McDonald's cookie is 160 calories! So... my sweets... you have to go. But wait! I'm supposed to have 4 calcium chews a day! Those are like Starbursts and make nice treats! However... this means I'm still in the habit of popping sweets all day. From now on, I'll be chewing those with my Protein Drinks. It's a slippery slope from popping Calcium chews to popping real candy, so the habit itself has to go.
Snacks: My nutritionist gave me a meal and Protein plan. Unfortunately, I have always been a huge fan of what I call "boredom grazing." Passing the fridge? Maybe there's something interesting in there! Just returned from shopping? Must be time for a snack! Going through a drive-through for a drink? A small fry order wouldn't hurt much. Sigh... If I have to avoid the whole main floor until I break this habit, I will do so.
Sneaks: I'm not going to have a snack. I'm just going to have an olive. I'm done eating dinner, and I'm full, but I think I can squeeze one more bite in as I put the food away. I stuck my "to go" box in the fridge after returning from dinner, but I'll just have another bite or two before going to bed. Need I say more?
Lies: Oh, boy... the lies I told myself as I got to this point. "I'll eat what I want on vacation but lose it as soon as I get back."; "This looks like about a 100 calorie serving..."; and, oh, yeah... "I'll start tomorrow." What's my current lie??? "This is about a quarter of a cup serving. Ok, I'm being really good, so I'll MEASURE that quarter of a cup... yeah, that's a quarter cup, but I'm just going to heap a couple of mashed carrots on top of that cup, because those won't really hurt." These lies hurt no one but me. If I'm going to succeed, I must demand TOTAL HONESTY from myself.
So my solution is now to track every single bite of what I eat--even one measly olive--and analyze what I've done each day, to do my best at all times, to be as plan compliant as possible, and to get right back on track the moment I notice I've gone astray.
I am determined to succeed.
I am detetermined to change.
I am determined to get my life back again. One habit at a time. Every day. Forever.

Oh, I don't know....I wouldn't be too hard on anyone that asked me such a question, especially since it was one concern that I had myself. People aren't always asking questions to shoot each other down. There are many times they are just curious and possibly are considering the surgery themselves and just want to be well informed. Lets give people the benefit of the doubt before shooting them down.

Oh, I don't know....I wouldn't be too hard on anyone that asked me such a question, especially since it was one concern that I had myself. People aren't always asking questions to shoot each other down. There are many times they are just curious and possibly are considering the surgery themselves and just want to be well informed. Lets give people the benefit of the doubt before shooting them down.

i haven't had surgery yet but i had lost 20 from the preop period. i went from a 20 to 16W/18. Since i'm having my surgery in less than 3 weeks there is nowhere my size will go but down!! it felt sooo good cleaning out my closet.. good bye to the 20's then the 18 then the 16, etc.. gotta make room for my new skinny clothes i'm going to buy can't wait!!

I swear by "Better than Bouillon", it costs a little more, but it tastes so much better and has less sodium.

I went to TJ for vsg with Dr. Kelly, my patient coordinator was Sandy and I am very happy with the service I have received through Sandy. However, I do have some serious concerns regarding the coordinator Trish. Sandy took the time to answer all my questions and helped me prepare for my surgery, about a week prior, Trish called me and offered me a discount if I canceled and then re-booked with her. What the hell is that all about?
I was well cared for during my whole trip, upon arrival I received a survival bag that contained a folder of information regarding my post op diet, gatorade, broth, lemon-glycerine swabs, chapstick, a Diet Minder diary to record my eating habits and information about Tijuana. I had the misfortune of meeting Trish at the hospital, she was over an hour late which I find very disrespectful and rude. Her apology was flimsy and phoney. Dr. Kelly was kind and courteous, I felt comfortable with him. florence Health was acceptable but not as nice as other hospitals I have used in other parts of Mexico. My procedure was uneventful and I was well prepared by my coordinator for the post op phase. After my procedure, I was taken to the Lucerna and 'hit up' by Trish for 22.00 upgrade - typical Mexican!
Dr. Romero provided my aftercare and was wonderful, he has called me several times since my return home and has been very helpful and considerate, I would highly recommend him. I know other patients were handled by Trish, I am not sure I would want to be taken care of by someone with no medical background. It was disconcerting to hear tales from other patients of her taking them shopping while they were nauseous and hauling them off only to shops that she receives a kick back from.
The part that has me most concerned is my friend is also booked with Dr. Kelly in late April - she wanted her procedure at a different facility. Trish called her and 'informed' her that Dr. Kelly no longer has privileges at 3 of the alternative hospitals she had selected. It seems that florence is the only facility he is allowed to practice medicine in which is raising HUGE doubts about ethics of Dr. Kelly! I think if I had to do it all over again, I would still use A Lighter Me but select another surgeon in Tijuana and avoid the whole Ishy Trishy conflict.