Christabel

It was around January 15th of this year when I went to my first informational meeting about the sleeve. Since then I've been through all kinds of tests, physical and psychological, and waited patiently for things to fall into place. Tomorrow is the day. At 6 a.m. I show up at the hospital, and at 7:45 a.m. they begin. I am excited, scared, nervous and happy all at once. At 5' 3.5" and 237 lbs. with multiple comorbidities I know I am doing the best thing for my health and for the rest of my life. The only worries I have are about complications from the surgery, so if y'all would pray for smooth sailing for me, I'd appreciate it. Oh, and please move over, will you? You've got a wide load comin' atcha on that loser's bench!

M'dear, you are getting off easy! My surgeon requires 5 Protein shakes a day plus only Clear liquids for 12 days, then only clear liquids for the last two days before surgery. It really isn't as bad as it seems. If you have your mind made up that this is what you want mor than anything and you're going to do it, it's not that bad. I honestly haven't been hungry at all, and my surgery is Monday the 27th. Just keep your eyes on the prize, my friend! It's a gift, so take it for all it's worth!

Um...not really. Try the wonton soup without the wontons instead. You still get the ambience, but less calories. And the nurse in your surgeons office won't yell at you. Take it from someone who knows. I tried for hot and sour soup without the chunks.

I got some Lactaid-type pills at GNC today. I'll give 'em a whirl. Where can I find Nectar?

Day One of liquid diet, and the protein drinks don't seem to be sitting well on my stomach. I'm getting a lot of heartburn, gas, etc. and feeling sick to my stomach after drinking them. Consequently, I've only had two of the five I was supposed to drink. I take Prevacid on a regular basis for reflux, but it doesn't seem to help with this. Any suggestions?

I'm pre-op as well and on the 2-week liquid diet before surgery. Having the same problem here. I bought several ready-made shakes of different kinds, but haven't found one I like yet. Muscle Milk sucks eggs. The GNC products all left an aftertaste. I'm trying the EAS next, but I'm not hopeful. At this point I'm thinking I'll lose weight just because I can't stomach the Protein shakes. FIVE A DAY??? It's been hard enough to do TWO. Blech.

I do, too! Congratulations!

Wow. We are required to do 5 protein shakes a day, at least 64 oz of water, and as much of any other clear liquid (broth, crystal light, sugar-free popsicles) that we want.

This is exactly the reason I haven't told anyone except close family, one friend, and my boss. My husband and boss both say people are going to start asking questions when the weight starts coming off, and my answer will be that I'm doing a doctor-supervised diet. That way they won't be watching every bite I do or don't take or try to be my food police. It's none of their business. If they want to support the loss, great. If they want to criticize the way it happens, they won't have the chance because they won't know.

Have you tried sugarfree gum? I know many surgeons don't want us chewing gum, but that might satisfy you until you can actually get some solids in. Check with your doctor first.

I wonder what those people who compare losing weight to breaking a leg are thinking. A broken leg heals. It doesn't break over and over again with the break getting worse each time, finally staying broken because we just get tired of trying to get it to heal. If those who judge us could only live in our bodies for a short time, they'd come to realize that obesity is indeed genetic in some cases, emotional in some cases, and permanently incurable in many cases without the assistance of this type of surgery. I am so tired of people thinking we're "taking the easy way out" or doing this instead of changing our lifestyles. What do they think this is if it isn't a lifestyle change? This is the biggest committment I've EVER made to losing weight and keeping it off, not counting the thousands and thousands of dollars I've spent on every weight loss gimmick and diet and gym and pill in the book! I'm so frustrated with those who judge others - especially us!

Late last year when I started talking about getting sleeved, Hubster was all for it. He knew how much it meant to me, how much I wanted to be skinny. I went to the surgeon and found out my insurance was one of the most difficult to get approved. Hubster was still with me, still encouraging. Then I got the approval. And I got a date. We went out to dinner Thursday night, and the first thing out of his mouth was "What are you going to eat if we come here after your surgery?" And it continued from there. He questioned if I would cook dinner anymore. He wanted to know how we would have the family time we have now around the table if I was only eating a small amount of food. He said it would be "weird" and "different" and "just not right" for that to happen. I asked him where the supportive guy was that had been around for the past year, and he said that was before he realized the surgery was a reality. Before he thought it might not happen because of the insurance problems, etc. Now it's going to happen and he's not so sure it's a good thing. So how do I deal with this?

We have a chance to go on a 4-day cruise over the Presidents' Day holiday in February. My surgery is scheduled for Dec. 28th, meaning I should only be about 6-8 weeks out when we leave. What should I expect to be able to eat? Should I bring food along? Has anyone else been in this situation, and if so, how did you cope? Any advice appreciated! C

Makes me so angry I wanna go eat some donuts. *wink* Just kidding...honest!

I have never been more happy to have had a hysterectomy. Just sayin'... :laugh0: