kczar

Veronica, I think about this as well. I've been at least the chubby girl since I was seven. It's difficult to visualize myself as a thin person. I think I'll have to do some work on me because (for the most part) you don't stay 100+ pounds overweight without a reason. I think for me, it acted as insulation from rejection. If someone didn't like me, of course not. It's because I'm fat. Once I've lost the weight, I lose that excuse. So it's kind of scary. But I'm ready to face it now!

Sorry you're having a blue period. Although I haven't been sleeved yet, I've read a lot here about the dumping of hormones associated with this surgery. Do you think that could be part of the reason? Encountering food you can't have would have to be tough at this stage. Your body is still recovering from a major procedure. Take it easy on yourself. So basically I can't offer you any advice but can give you a bit of sympathy!

Welcome! So glad you're doing well post-op. Keep us posted on your progress. (And get those smaller scrubs, there's no going back!)

Good luck! You'll do great.

It's natural to be nervous. You're giving up control to someone else. Let the anesthesiologist know how you feel and he/she will give you a mild sedative through your iv. Once you've had that, you won't care what happens! When I had surgery earlier this year (not sleeved yet), I let my anesthesiologist know I was claustrophobic and he made sure the oxygen mask was just close to my face rather than strapped on tight till I went under. They're truly there to not only make sure you stay under during the procedure but also to make you as comfortable as possible. Thousands of people are put under every single day. It's really an extremely safe process. As someone (a nurse) said in another thread, you will probably be at more risk of something happening driving to the hospital than during the procedure itself. Just make sure to talk to your surgeon and anesthesiologist. You'll do great!

Sounds like you have an awesome attitude! You've done fantastic so far and I'm sure you'll be very successful post-op. Keep it up!

Welcome! I would suggest ordering samples from a variety of manufacturers and see what you like best. As mentioned above, there is a great thread (think it's in the Nutrition section) that lists sites you can order samples from. For me, I can't stand any of the RTD (bought six different kinds from the Vitamin Shoppe and took three back!). Right now, I like the About Time Protein powder. They use very few ingredients and don't have a lot of filler like some of the others. They're sweetened with Stevia, so it's nice to have a natural sweetener. Do keep in mind that it seems that tastes can change post-op, so don't buy a six months' supply of anything. And you might want to try Isopure fruit flavored drinks for some variety. They're too strong for me but I dilute them with a bit of Water and they're not bad. Good luck!

I'm still pre-op but have started taking those dreaded "before" pictures. Yes, they're painful to look at, but I think they're the best way to objectively track the transformation that happens during this process. I'm glad you're going to start doing this as well. And please post them as you go along!

If you have no problem with Stevia, you might want to try the About Time protein powders. They have very few ingredients and use Stevia to sweeten the different flavors. And they carry an unflavored powder as well. I like them a lot.

Wow, I'm so sorry that your family isn't being supportive. Family always seems to be able to hurt us more than anyone else. They know all our weaknesses and insecurities. Stay focused on your journey and know that you'll prove them wrong. You're taking the tough road; it's easy to sit back and continue to get heavier. It takes real strength to make this change. You can do it! ETA - I think you should change your screen name, too. It sounds like it's something that's been said to you in the past and I don't know if it reflects who you really are now. (Of course, it could just be an inside joke that makes you smile, so if that's the case, carry on!)

Thought of another one - being able to wear the robe provided at a spa and not having to bring my own so it would cover me.

It's normal to be scared before surgery. Yes, there is a risk to this or any other procedure. All you can do is weigh that risk against the risk of staying obese and developing life-threatening or life-shortening conditions. Only you can decide if it's worth it or not. But from what I've seen on this board, even most of those who have significant complications would still get sleeved if they had to do it again. Take care.

Congratulations on your date! Welcome to the boards.

So sorry you're going through this. But you sound like a tough lady. You're doing the right things to get healthier. Hang in there, hopefully in another month or so this will all seem trivial. Take care.

I'm so sorry! You should be able to appeal the decision. Have you talked to the insurance coordinator yet? Good luck!

Congratulations!

Because you're Mrs. Bucket? (It's Bouquet!) I've seen others have the same issue. Just edit your profile, delete the tickers and copy the code in again.

So sorry you had to go back to the hospital. Let them get you feeling better and get some rest!

I can't really stand any of the RTD's but most powdered protein I can take. I like About Time the best, mainly because they have very few ingredients and aren't overpoweringly sweet. Have you tried the Isopure or Cytosport clear drinks? (I think Cytosport is now called Whey Protein and they're available at the Vitamin Shoppe.) I don't like them full strength but weakened with a bit of water, they taste pretty good and have a good amount of protein in them. Good luck!

Yikes! That's a little scary.

Sorry you're going through this. I had the six month requirement as well. Believe it or not, the time does really go quickly! I've got my fifth appointment next week so I'm about 5-6 weeks away from getting a date. Take this time to work on the things that you'll need to do post-op (not drinking during meals, eating small bites, chewing thoroughly, etc.) It helps me feel like I'm making forward progress. I was just talking to my cousin at lunch today and told her I was actually happy to have this six month period to prepare myself mentally for my new life. You'll get there, just hang on!

Good luck, Tiffanni! You'll do fine. It's great that you're making the changes you need to in order to be successful. I would think working at a fast food place post-op would be like working in a crack den for an ex-junkie!

I eat both the steak and chicken fajita products now. I'm so glad they will probably still work for me once I'm sleeved!

Wow, interesting that something that's almost all water can still cause you to feel overfull. Good to know since I absolutely love watermelon. I'll definitely take it easy post-op.

Take care of yourself, Reet! If you have outdoor plans, you're going to need to drink even more.