SeattleSue

Yes you do!!! And you should love those pics! Cute kids too... You've done a great job...thanks for posting; I love pics!! Susan

That's a fact! My son leaves little bowls with egg remains around the rim all the time but the steam adds to the perfect poach! Of course, you could probably cover a little bowl with an inverted plate for the same result (remember to peirce the yolk if your poaching). A teaspoon of hollandaise would be awesome! hmmmm.....

I picked up a little egg poacher by Nordic Ware. It's actually called an "Egg N Muffin" for microwave use. Anyway, I paid $0.99 at Goodwill for it and googled for directions. Amazing. 45-50 seconds for a poached egg. So I tried a scramble...perfect. Sprinkle a little cheese on it (or Corn Beef Hash...or ground sausage, or wherever you're at in your diet) and voila! Made a perfect 1 egg omelette in 50 seconds. Cool Beans.

Miss Hope, you've come to the right place and are in good company. You CAN DO this. You have all the right reasons and now it'sthat you have a date AND the motivation, you will grit your way through it. You may not be able to leave the house for 3 days because it puts you out there in the smoking section, but you will work it out. I don't think I left my room for 3 days...then it got better. As for the sleeve, there is SO MUCH info here. Ask, ask, ask... It's all doable. Welcome aboard... Susan P.s., drink drink drink Water and flush your system...the pre-op diet will undoubtedly help you detox too. Think of it as a blessing in disguise!

Welcome MouseTrap. THis is a great forum... Will be looking forward to your progress reports! Susan

Yes, welcome! Sounds like you've come a long way and are ready to do this! Thanks for taking the time to introduce yourself...I look forward to reading about your journey! Susan

Good for you Jewel! Yay God

What a discovery! I bet that you feel incredible, walking on cloud 9!!!! The comment made me *snort*...I can't even imagine someone saying that to me. So happy for you Deb!! Congrats. Susan

Wow, thanks for the shout-out KayyyBeee...and for the compliment. Let me return one, GIRRLLL You are beautiful. A real stunner; old school style. I can TOTALLY see you singing!!! I'm thinking Brooklyn Tab style hahahahaha A little Kirk Franklin... You've inspired me to start my own blog, so thanks a bunch. I'm looking forward to following your journey too. All the best, Susan

Mmmmm Sounds delish... Tarragon and eggs, a favorite combo of mine...I'm sure it would be amazing with a lemon finish! I think I may try this TONIGHT!

Nothing to add but a thanks for posting. I have been low on iron for-e-v-e-r, so as I'm now headed into my 3rd week post-op, this is a good reminder that I need to start figuring out a way to get back on my iron. I was 650 mg/day pre-op! Thanks again...and good job being pro-active!

Have you had your blood pressure checked? By day 10 I had dropped significantly...probably in large part due to the "low sodium" diet I'd been on for 3 weeks! Anyway, get checked...

If you have a GNC around...go find out if you can tolerate Isopure. It's more like a gatorade. Be warned the colder they are, the less "after taste"...but they come in multiple flavors. 1 bottle has 40 grams of Protein and 0 carbs. But you canNOT give up, you need protein and it is not just pre-op. You will be relying on Protein drinks or shakes for weeks!!!! Try this...1/2Cup Water, 1/2Cup ice, Tspn or more of instant coffee (if you like coffee), 2 capfuls of a sugar free syrup if you want (I love carmel) and 1 scoop of vanilla protein. PUt it in a blender and enjoy your frapp! Again, don't give up. This is NOT negotiable. Best of luck, Susan

*snort* Where is my emoticon for that!!?

I decided to start a blog after finding out what it is lol I have not done very well updating my status because I totally get distracted by all the new posts I haven't read!! And by the time I read your experiences til I can't see straight, I'm feeling like my status is oldnews. hahahaha So, this is an invitation to follow my Blog (what a weird word). I reposted my original "my story" post of my play-by-play action in Mexico, because I'm "sort of" linear and need to have a start, middle and end. But I have added my update for being 2 weeks post-op. Keep posting. It's amazing how much information is shared on this forum. It's awesome! take care, Susan

Good for you girl! I know you picked that name for a reason...remember what it was and go live life like it IS golden!! We have a second chance and this stall canNOT last! You got a lot of good advice here--the alcohol as you know, has to go. At least for now, maybe forever if you are given to depression. Do what is best for you, not what is easiest. You totally have it in you to do because you chose to get yourself sleeved!!! You are a tough cookie... Stay in touch, Susan

I don't know how long your flight is or will be. Mine was roughly 2 1/2 hours and I purchased an extra seat (which I got refunded after-the-fact because the flight was not full). I also didn't fly into Mexico, my surgery was in Tijuana and I flew into San Diego; we didn't need passports. Govt. issued ID (drivers license) and certified copy of my birth certificate. I know it's different if you 'fly' across the border. Just thought I'd mention it. I have a detailed commentary of my entire trip posted under the "Tell you story" Forum. Maybe Bxmamma, you could do stops? It would take longer, but at least you could get up and walk at about a half-way point. Good luck, Susan

Hi Alice, My Ferritin (?) was very low 6-7, but it was the hemoglobin count my surgeon was concerned with. I took Iron gluconate (OTC) 325 mg twice a day (one in the morning for about 2 weeks, then I added a second at night when I was adjusted to the first). As for pre-op, my surgeons plan was this: 2 weeks prior 2 to 3 Protein shakes per day (min 15 grms protein per drink) dinner - salad with small amount of protein (ie., fish or chicken) 3 Day's prior Clear liquids only: Water, broth, SF Jello, Tea, Decaf coffee (no creamer), juice (apple or cranberry) 12 hours prior NO food or drink

Dee Dee, Are they giving you anything to release the gas? I got something intraveniously...wish I knew what it was... I'm saying a prayer for you; I feel so bad that you are having such a hard time of it. On the bright side, 24 oz is pretty dang good. How about some ice chips that just melt in your mouth, how would that feel? It MAY help reduce the swelling (really I have no idea but my mom instinct is to get ice on it lol...forgive my lame attempt at levity). Feel better soon! Susan

Thanks Ruby, It's very gratifying to know it was helpful. I spent a lot of time in the hall in my junrior high years for talking too much

I have been using the huge bag of powdered stuff from costco (Muscle Milk Lite Vanilla = 27 gr of Protein, like 1 carb). This is what my son uses because he's a flipping obsessed football player who is trying to bulk a bit and works out like a fiend. Anyway, I like that it's mixed with only 4-5 oz Water so it's not some HUGE ordeal to get a couple down in a day. Somewhere on this forum (and forgive me, I'd really love to give credit to this genius, but their name escapes me) suggested making coffee fraps like starbucks. OMGOODNESS I actually look forward to this in the morning... 1 Scoop of aforementioned vanilla powder 1/2 Cup water 1/2 Cup of ice 1 Tspn instant coffee (or to taste) 2 capfuls of SF syrup flavor of choice (mine FAV is SF Carmel) I feel like I'm having a frap instead of a Protein shake and that amount of coffee is perfect for me right now. I don't feel deprived of my Joe in the morning since doing these 'proapps'. All that said, I don't have all the "vitamins" probably that prepared "diet" specific shakes have, but I have to take multi-Vitamins and supps anyway. Susan

My 2 cents...I like foam (I like xtra foam on my latte's too). I didn't know it caused more gas...that's something to consider, but I don't have that issue so I guess I never noticed. PROS: Quick & Easy for Protein Shakes Good for quick sauces/dressings LOVE that it has a little handle on it and you get the sippy or snap lids for portability (i.e., running out the door--story of my life) I can whip up 2 Protein shakes in the a.m., pour half into one of the smaller cups, lid it and save it for snack (with a quick shake to revive) and drink the other now Rinse and store blades--easy clean-up. Very little counter space for something I use daily AND portable for overnighters CONS: Does not do well with "foods" as Supermom stated Like SuperMom notes, it's not great for food and It is not suitable for going from solid to purees...but because it is so portable and because it takes up so little space for something I use SO frequently (as does my football/weightlifting son---protein shakes are not new to my house!) it was a great "investment" that has paid off for me. It does great with yogurt consistancy foods. So when I make my own dill yogurt sauce (or others) it is perfect. I use it constantly and leave it on my counter. Susan

OH, that is too bad. I'm so glad you're feeling better now though. You've given some VERY good advice! Keep us posted and welcome to this side of surgery! Susan

TEEEHEEE Glad your recovery is going as well as mine did. Enjoy yourself...Tomorrow is my 14 day anniversary, post-op with Dr. Kelly also! I'm still doing great...except for a good problem, I think I need to have my BP meds reduced! lol PTL So happy for you! Susan