Lila21

Good luck!!! I know you will do wonderfully!! Please post when you are on the other side :-))

Unbelievable! That is so inspiring!!! Thank you for sharing!!!!

I have the same problem. About 7 or 8 years ago, I managed to lose about 130 lbs with very strict dieting. Even after I lost the weight, it was a continual struggle with the scale, fighting to keep it off, gaining some, losing some, and finally gaining it all back slowly. People who don't have weight issues do not understand what a constant struggle it is. Because of the fact that I have lost this weight before, I've been told time and again, "You lost it before, so you can do it again." I think the best you can do is explain to them that you tend to regain weight, and that you want a sustainable solution that's going to work for the long haul. Ultimately, some people may never understand why we made this choice, but I think as long as you are sure that you are making the right choice, just try to ignore the comments and know you are doing the best thing for your health.

I got my packet for pre-surgery requirements today, and I noticed that my surgeon suggests (but doesn't require) a pre-op liquid diet for two weeks. I am currently on the South Beach diet and doing OK with hunger, but I am afraid I'll be starving on a liquid diet pre-op. Does anyone know the reason it has to be liquid. I understand why post-op it must be a liquid diet, but not sure why you need to do that before the operation. I am curious because I tend to stay less hungry on solid foods, and if the goal is just to lose weight, I'd rather stick with South Beach.

Yay, I'm so glad to meet someone who will be in the WLS support group! To add someone as a friend, go to their profile and click "add me as a friend." To add the ticker, you have to go to a ticker site, and then you enter your stats. Once you get all your stats into the program, you copy the code into the signature of your profile.

I did try making a shake in the Mason jar blender, but I haven't tried mushies yet. Protein shake turned out great!

Hi Sharin, I am not yet sleeved, but in gathering info, i found out that you can attach a mason jar to an Oster blender and it works the same as the magic bullet. It has the same easy clean-up, but more power. I have also heard you can use this same method to make baby food, so I plan to use my Oster blender and a few mason jars to make my mushies as well. .... However, I will let experienced sleevers chime in since, I don't know yet if my little scheme will work :-)

Please don't let the comments get you down! People DO get jealous, and people DO get uncomfortable with change.... even GOOD change!!! They will get used to it, and in the meantime, you are looking so fabulous! Major congratulations to you, you are looking so healthy and gorgeous!!!

Oh wow, that's so awesome!!! I really like Dr. Cirangle BTW, I think I kept him for something like 2 hours asking questions! And he patiently answered every one! I'll be going to the support group in SF, what about you? Are you in San Jose? Let me know if you need a buddy!

Well, personally, I lost 130 lbs doing that, but I couldn't keep to such a strict regime, and I gained it back. I think that's beauty of the sleeve. Finally something to help us KEEP IT OFF!!!

lol, they are so tiny, I thought they were moles! Thanks for letting me know, it's very reassuring that you can barely see them! You are going to rock that bikini!!! Way to go!!!!

I wonder if liquid supplements might help? I don't think they are as carb-filled. I was looking into the liquid vitamins that is made by Celebrate. It's wild cherry flavored and is supposed to taste like Kool-aid. Maybe give that a shot?

Wow, I'm so sorry to hear about this. It sounds just miserable! I did want to thank you for sharing it, though, because if it happens to me, I'll freak out a little less (I am still pre-op and trying to learn everything I can about what to expect post-op). I wonder if Lactaid or something would help?

Oh, I am the day before you!!! Sleeve sister!

Hi folks, I am getting sleeved on Dec. 14th with Dr. Cirangle in San Francisco. ginnywinks, I'll be just a couple of days before you!!! Guys, this is just around the corner! I'll be on a high protein low carb diet starting next week, and I'll be on liquids post surgery, so DougNichols, you are not alone!!! I think it will be fine, however. I have spent too many Christmases feeling overstuffed; it'll be a nice change of pace!!

Wow, you look stunning! I am pre-op, so I was just curious... where are the surgery scars? Did I mention you look Ah-May-zing?!

Well, here's one last thought. I lost weight the hard way about 7 or 8 years ago, about 130 lbs. I had a similiar experience in that the weight loss was not very obvious at first. But, at around 75 lbs my clothes were not only too big, they were literally falling off of me. At that point everyone (and I do mean EVERYONE including people I didn't know at the gym, etc) started complimenting me. So, weight loss is weird, and it becomes noticeable at different times on different bodies. I know it's hard to be patient, but you WILL see a difference.

Awww, it's great to see you so excited! Say it a million more times! Thanks for being an inspiration!!!

no, no, keep them coming, Chilo! So inspiring! You look fabulous!!!!

I feel similarly. I am pre-op, and when I've shared my interest in WLS with people, the response has been overwhelmingly negative. I think people feel it's very extreme, and they fear something bad will happen to me. Also, the majority of the people in my life are not overweight, so they really don't understand what a struggle it is. They can't understand why diet and exercise are not enough for me. So, for me, I am keeping it to my two best friends and this group until I am pretty well post-op. After that, I might share it. But, I have enough of my own fears and worries to deal with, I don't need everyone else's, too!!

I think it's also really important to look at your particular surgeon's stats. My surgeon has had a single death in 15 years of performing this particular surgery. Make sure you find a surgeon you trust in a facility you trust!

Globetrotter, Maybe try to take a lot of measurements. I know you said your measurements haven't changed much, but those 50 lbs have to have come from somewhere! Also, if you are wearing the same size as you were pre-op, do you wear really loose clothing? Maybe you should try something a bit more fitted. I know it's hard, but think that in another 25 lbs, you will be down 75 lbs! Wow!

I definitely recommend something with some stretch in it. I've also been told when you buy jeans with a little stretch to buy them a little tight. Also, if you are in a size 20, I had a lot of luck with the Old Navy Diva jeans. Those are definitely cut for hourglass, and they have a lot of stretch.

You were sleeved in August!? Wow, way to gooooooo!!!!!!!! :::happy dance:::: :-))

Wow, sounds like you are doing great--except the muscle spasms! :-( I hope that gets better soon :-)