Lila21

Many, many congrats to you! I can imagine that must feel just amazing!!

Bumblestich! I am on the 14th, too!!! Feel free to friend me and we can get through this together!!!

Wow, thank you so much for sharing. That was really powerful. I think she makes a great point about how your growth can be tough on a relationship but that honesty is the key bringing things back together again.

I've been thinking a lot about this as I am due to be sleeved in less than two weeks (yipes!). I have only told my best friend, my boss, and few other people (I'm single, so I don't have have a partner to share it with). But, the more I think about it, the more I feel like this isn't anyone else's business. People don't tell me when they have their gallbladders taken out, they don't tell me when they have a stomach ulcer, or problems with their bowels, or backs. Why is it anyone's right to know the intimate details about my personal health choices. If I meet someone who is obese and wants heip, I might share it with them, but I really don't feel like this is anyone's business but mine. It kind of offends me that other people feel like it's their business to know all the inner details of my health decisions. I don't ask about the intimate parts of their lives, and I feel like I am due the same courtesy.

Yes, the forum is so supportive. I feel the same way. I hope it goes GREAT for you! Post when you are on the other side!! Sending you healing energy~

this sounds sooo good. can't wait to try it!!

haha. Sorry, you are way too sweet to kick in the ass! :-) Seriously, though, this too shall pass. One thing I thought of the other day was that my friend who has had one of the few successful band stories that I know of was losing around 1 pound a month at the end of her weight loss journey, but she still got to goal!!!! How's that for tortoise and hare!? You will get there!

Jeez, I would *hate* to have to move to a warmer climate :-))

There are also some cheap Spanx at Target. I have to say, though, the Spanx I got at Lane Bryant is pretty heavy duty, much more so than the Target ones. But, I can't imagine wearing that every day and still breathing :-) So, my guess is that the Target ones (or whatever knockoffs) are just as good for every day use...

Best of luck to you! I know you will do beautifully!!! I'll be thinking calm and uneventful surgery thoughts for you! Please post an update when you are able!!

I don't have any words of wisdom since I am not yet sleeved, but I think Tiff's suggestion is wise, and it's true for other types of weight loss, so why not VSG? I am sorry you are going through this, but I think you are doing so well! I hope you feel less frustrated soon!

One other thing I'll point out: I lost a lot of weight "the natural way" about 8 years ago (approx. 100 lbs), and many of the issues people mention above are pretty much the same between a major weight loss and WLS. You still get loose skin, you're going to pick at your food because HELLO, you have to starve yourself to stay on most diets, and your arms will still be saggy. I think the only difference is that the volume of food is going to be less, and that may be more obvious. This part, I don't have any experience with since I am pre-op. :-)

I told my boss, and he has been very supportive. I think it's a good idea since might end up having to take more time off if anything goes wrong, and you may not feel great right off the bat. For me, it took a lot of pressure off to know that if I had any issues, I wouldn't have to spring it on my boss that I would be taking time off, etc. I don't think your boss necessarily NEEDS to know, but if it makes you more comfortable, I'd suggest it.

You might also want to try Nectar. It's a protein drink, but it tastes more like Kool Aid. It comes in Lemonade Stand, and other fruit flavors.

Thank you, PlannerGirl! My surgery is in a little over two weeks, and I'm starting to feel scared! But, I know from reading this forum that it is well worth it. But, it's always, always, always helpful to hear of someone who has an easy recovery!!!

I agree with Tiffy. Start the low carbs. It sounds like a paperwork snafu that they might be able to fix pretty easily. I know that my insurance coordinator seemed pretty casual about fixing the paper work and resubmitting it (as though it would be something to expect), so I wouldn't give it up yet.

Yes, my suggestion was going to be Zicam + EmergenC. Hope you guys feel better soon!

Also, if you are looking for material, I actually often check out what people are wearing in "US Weekly" or "OK" or whatever is at the checkout at the grocery. Then you can sort of pick a celebrity whose style fits yours and see what they are wearing. Not that you would want to wear that exact outfit, etc, but it's a good way to develop an idea of what you like. After a while, you'll get a sense of what's in style that also fits your taste.

Dangit! I just wrote a long reply and somehow lost it! Here's the gist of my suggestions.... :-) 1) Don't buy clothes that don't fit your lifestyle. You can still be casual (if that's your style) and dress nicely. Check out a men's episode of "What Not to Wear" for tips. 2) SHOES! Most men ignore shoes unless it's a special occasion, but you can get shoes that are casual and COMFORTABLE but still stylish. Check out Fluvag, for example. I live in a city where men and women walk all the time, so the shoes have to be comfy. But, also I live in a city full of fashionistas (both men and women). Trust me, you don't have to wear uncomfortable shoes to be stylish...but you cannot wear Nikes every day and pass the fashionista test! 3) Get your girlfriend to help you. If you don't have a girlfriend, a close woman friend (or sister) will help! Heck, if I'm in the area, I'll help! Most men I know who dress well get a lot of help from their girlfriends! Believe me, we love to shop :-)

I am in the pre-op process, but I can give you some info. Regarding quitting smoking: smoking really affects your ability to heal properly. It affects your capillaries and your breathing. After surgery, you are far more susceptible to pneumonia, so you need your lungs functioning at their best .Regarding the pre-op diet, it really varies from doctor to doctor, and also how overweight you are. Some doctors prescribe two weeks of ONLY shakes, some prescribe one week. I think it really depends on the doctor's given philosophy and your particular health concerns. I have surgery on the 14th and my doc requires 2 weeks of partial liquid diet, and no food at all the day before surgery, but you need to find out what YOUR doctor prescribes.

Holy WOW, Irene!!!!! I mean.... WOW, you look amazing, and in such a short time! I am getting sleeved in a little over two weeks, and this makes me so excited to start my journey! Thank you for sharing!

Globetrotter, I would bet a large chunk of money that it's water weight. A lot of the food we eat on Thanksgiving is saltier (think brined turkey, gravy, etc.) than you might normally eat. Try low sodium for a few days and see what happens. I know it's frustrating, but I don't think you are doing anything wrong, so try not to stress too much! <hugs>

Yaaaaaayyyyy!!!!!!!!!!! Mini-me, that's sooooo awesome! What a great story! I love how the salesperson got so excited for you, too! What a great all-around experience. I don't think I've worn a size 4 in my life! :-)

Now I know who to call if my cat gets stuck in a tree!! Really great NSV, congrats!