Iamreallydoingthis

Congratulations! Truly inspiring!

Since we're talking about our senses and tastes changing, how about our sense of smell? I can garlic when someone has had it and that has never happened to me before. Sadly, when my boyfriend tries to give me a kiss I almost turn away. He doesn't need to have much of it but it smells like he ate a clove or two... I've read this can last a month but for some people longer. I hope it clears up soon.

I am one week post op. I have been very fortunate that I have had no problems with pain, acid, Fluid intake etc. What advice would you give someone preparing for this surgery? I have a few recommendations of my own, but thought it would be helpful to share your thoughts on what made your process/transition smoother. My thoughts are: 1. Be mentally ready for this change. You have to realize the sleeve is a tool that YOU have to use. The sleeve isn't a miracle drug that will magically make pounds fall off. You have to eat healthy nutritional foods. 2. Hydration is key post op. If you currently are not a big Water drinker, you should start trying now to increase your intake. 3. Be prepared for comments from others that don't understand why you've opted to do this. When I first started telling people and I would receive negative comments about it, I felt defeated and second guessed my decision. 4. Start getting physically active (if you can) before surgery. Sit and use handheld weights, walk as much as you can. You don't reaize how many other muscles other than your core (stomach) muscles you use to help get yourself in and out of bed post op. If those other muscles are not strong, they will be sore on top of a stomach that feels like it has done 1,000 crunches. 5. If you are going to be out of work for a period of time, be sure you know your employer's policy on time off and understand the timeline for necessary paperwork that needs to be completed and who needs to complete it. 6. Have a meal plan for what you may like to try to eat post op. Plan your meals a day in advance. This will allow you to stick with your Protein intake goals. 7. Start walking as soon as you can post op. It truly makes a difference. 8. Listen to your body post op and keep your follow up appointments. If you had a nutritionist or bariatric coordinator, use them as resources. What else would you recommend?

Congratulations on feeling so well. I had the same experience last week. I was prepared for the worse based on some of the experiences I've read on this site. I'm thankful it went as smoothly as it did. I spoke with the nutritionist about protien the first few days as I had a hard time with the clear liquid protein and she said to concentrate on fluids more. How long til you can be on pureed foods?

I'm getting sleeved on the 16th too. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I wish you all the best!

Thanks everyone!

Steph and Kendra - thank you both! Twelve days til I'm sleeved. I just wanted to be prepared for what to expect expense wise. I've paid for the nutrition appointments and life skills classes as well as the OptiFast. The only thing remaining is my portion of the actual surgery!

Aetna has approved my surgery! I was just wondering what the average cost is for the surgery. I have met my deductible for the year so I'm responsible for 10%. What has your out of pocket cost been?

Congratulations. I found out today that Aetna approved the surgery. I'm scheduled for April 16th.

Wow, one incision???

Nice to meet you Tywania, I'm Linda. Yes, we'll support one another.

I wish you the best on your remaining appointments. The final scheduling will be here before you know it. I have been on the fence about this, but a friend of mine summed it up best...she said... you're killing yourself for minimal weight loss, how hard is it going to be when you're older. I'm 45 and have been kicking my butt at the gym . I've lost inches, but not much weight and we all know we focus on the scale. I'm ready for this... (I think )

Congrats TopGun! I wish you a speedy recovery. I got my surgery date today.... I cancelled the first date of 3/29. I think Iistened to my nay sayer friends and it got the better of me... I also think I fear the after life of the sleeve. Please keep me posted on your recovery and progress!

I had originally thought lapband, but my nutritionist thought the sleeve had better results. The countdown begins! What is your timeframe for surgery/classes etc?

HI Little Bits! I got my surgery date today - April 16th. I have been a voyeour to this site for a while, but finding a fellow Delawarean made me join today! My surgeon is also Dr. Peters. He is wonderful!