nowatgoal

I like mnbsleeve's two cents!

What a great before/after comparison! You look amazing!!! Congrats!

I'm sorry the last few days have been pretty bad. Is it gas pain, surgery site pain, not being able to drink? Here's the link to the August forum if you still need it... http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/forum/106-august-2011-sleevers/ I hope you are feeling better soon!

I hear you Kami! I'm still so hungry and it's day 5 of 14 - I have had a constant headache too since I gave up coffee. At some point, our hunger should subside a bit since our stomachs are shrinking - right? I don't think my Protein shakes are helping to fill me at all. I'm just mixing one scoop of the Protein powder with Water and there's just not enough substance to it. Maybe I should be buying pre-mixed protein shakes? Are they thicker with more ummph to them? I'm trying to take it one hour at a time, keeping myself occupied to get my mind off my growling stomach. BUT - WE CAN DO THIS!!! And it will all be a distant memory when we get to the other side. Just read what I wrote - I sound so whiny - sorry.

Thanks, Texasmom and Ktkx! I was ridiculously nervous about making a video - have no idea why... but I'm so glad I did because I think it's going to be really fun in the long run to track this journey. Thanks for the subscriptions!

Great post with good info. Like everyone else, I'm lovin' the comeback! I'll try to remember to use that if it comes up. Question - and you don't have to answer if I'm being too forward for you: Chili seems to be pretty popular with VSG post-op and I'm surprised. I love chili but I would have thought it would 'cause (...ehem) issues - since gas/acid reflux is a problem after surgery. Is this not the case?

I know that baby food is simply blended food (plus whatever other supplements the company might add) but there is something about the thought of eating that, that just grosses me out. I can't get there in my head. And using a blender on regular foods seems to disgust me too. Maybe its the look and consistency of it when its done. I guess I'm going to have to be a fork masher and super chewer...

Wow - you're doing really well! Even though you were a low BMI to start with you still seem to losing the weight at a fairly good pace! I hope I can have that kind of success!

Congratulations on getting those liquids in and going home to your hubby and dogs! I don't sleep well when I'm not home so if your like me you're probably really tired and need your own bed. I love reading about those that have just finished their surgery and are doing well. It takes some of the anxiety away for me. I hope each day just gets better and better for you!

I've decided to "tell my story" through a video journal. I've watched so many Youtube videos made by others about their VSG journeys and it has helped me so much that I decided to quit being a scaredy-cat and make my own vlog. It will help me to look back and see where I've been and how far I've come (hopefully). So... if you have a few minutes with nothing better to do - check out (and subscribe to, if your a glutton for punishment) my FIRST VLOG EVER! http://www.youtube.com/user/slimmingsara Thanks for all the wonderful support this forum gives! Sara

You sound rarin' to go, Kami - that's awesome! I started my pre-op 3 days ago. It feels exciting to be running that last lap before surgery. I'm suffering from all day headaches though (probably because I cut out my coffee). I'm hoping today is the last day. I'm doing two weeks with Week one: 3 protein shakes and a salad for dinner. Days 7-4: 4 protein shakes. Then last 3 days just clear liquid. So far, I'm sticking to it and being a very disciplined girl.

Congratulations, Ladybug! So excited and happy for you. Keep us posted on how it goes from here...

Made my first vlog EVER today! Here's the link... http://www.youtube.com/user/slimmingsara Will probably add this to my signature. I've watched everyone's vlog's that posted there's here and really enjoyed them!

Meggie - I really laughed when I saw your Goal #1 because that is a definite goal of mine too - There's something about weighing less than the man in your life that makes you feel a little more feminine! I've watched and enjoyed many of your youtube videos (so great that you are documenting this journey). I'm considering doing some youtube videos as well so I have something to look back on... I'll watch for your happy dance Onederland video!

This is SO helpful - thanks for posting!!!

What a great update just ONE day post-op. You sound like you're doing terrific! I'm hoping my surgery goes as well as yours. I'm on day two of the pre-op two-week diet and I'm hungry and have had a continual headache (caffeine withdrawal) but I know it will be very worth it in the end. Keep us updated. :-)

Whoohoo! Congrats! So glad you are doing well and now I'll look forward to hearing all about your success post-op.

I was wondering the same thing as Jensharley - could she be thinking that since you are "dieting" you aren't cooking and she's trying to help out? But, you know her so if you're seeing passive aggressive it also fits. Your best revenge is to not let her know she's getting to you. Smile and say thank you and then throw it away after she's gone if you have to. Good luck!

I love reading these types of posts because it keeps me motivated and feeling like I CAN do this! Way to go! Your weight loss it fantastic and you are inspiring others!

So sweet!!! I love it!

Wow - you've really lost a lot in your pre-op phase! That's fantastic. And twenty years of taking meds - what a wonderful feeling it must have been to be told no more! Congratulations!! You body is really responding to the weight loss. Eating slowly and sipping are my toughest things too. That's not how I've done it for 40+ years. It's going to take some real presence of mind to remember. Started my pre-op diet today. This was a good post to read to keep me positive, because I'm HUNGRY.

I keep looking for a "LIKE" button on this forum!

Started my two-week pre-op diet today. I did have several food funeral type meals. I'm not sorry that I did but realize that it was not the best choice to make. Just think, in two more days you will not be hungry (or have very little hunger) for a long time! Good for you for making such healthy choices before hand!

I'm really proud of the fact that you are going to do this for YOU regardless of what your boyfriend or daughter feel about it. I was with my last boyfriend for 5 years and I really wanted to have WLS. He was an exercise addict and kept telling me to just exercise more and the weight would stay off. I didn't feel like I could have the surgery without his support because he was SO adamant about how he felt. It would make him angry when I even mentioned the subject. Well, I should have been ADAMANT about how I felt. I am now engaged to a wonderful man, truly the love of my life. When I brought up my wish for WLS he was immediately supportive. He said that if I had really done my research and felt strongly about this, then he would do whatever he could to help make it happen. I don't mean to say that you should leave your boyfriend, because he's probably just worried about you and the drastic nature of surgery, but do continue on the path of what is right for you. I wish I had done this years ago, without being so concerned about what my significant other felt. Perhaps, after the surgery, when he sees the weight dropping off and how great you are feeling, he will come around. In the end, do what makes YOU happy.

You look so great! What an accomplishment! You're daughter is adorable too. Would love it if you posted followup pics on your surgiversary. You'll definitely reach goal!