NancyJerry

Leighx, Of course you know there can be complications with any surgery. If you look for it, you'll find people that have gone through horror stories. I've had many procedures in my life that haven't "worked." I had In-vitro and 4 miscarriages (my friends all got pregnant the first time), I had a bladder sling 1 week before my sister (her's worked perfectly, mine did not), I have periods from hell that never stop and so got and IUD that stops "most" peoples' periods (guess what? mine did not) - don't even ask about my bunion surgery! LOL. This is NOT pity-me parade, just stick with me here. So when I went to have my surgery, I was so scared (certain really) that I would be that ONE PERCENT of people with complications. I just knew it wouldn't work for me. When I woke with gas pains (because you will have these and nauseous - which you MAY be), I figured this was it and I'd made the biggest mistake of my life.... Here's where the story gets good, I got home and within a couple of days I had ankle bones!! YES - I said ANKEL BONES. I was so excited to have the edema go down in my legs and feet. And I could WALK, and I STOPPED hurting! My feet, my legs, my knees, my back. Within a couple of weeks I was already happier and healthier than I'd been in a very long time. I'm now more than 3 months post op and I RUNNING. I started the Couch to 5K program, I joined a gym and I can do things my body has refused to let me do before. I don't need daily naps, I'm happier to be around. I can go into stores and by a LARGE shirt and know it will fit when I get it home without trying it on. I could go on and on, but people here have already done this - find the good! If you still want this and need this, then please spend some time searching success stories and find the reasons to have this surgery, not the reasons to not have it. IMO you'll be much calmer about the whole thing! :-D Best of luck to you while you make this decision!!

Susie, I love reading these too! I can relate to many of these too! Congratulations to you!!

Welcome! Your dedication pre-surgery will really help you post-surgery. Can't wait to see your progress!!

Lot's of inspiration here! Praying for you!!

Relax and try not to rush this. There will always be the next thing you "can't wait for" (moving through the food phases, losing another clothing size, getting to a certain weight, etc. It's a long process/journey/experience. Take it day by day without too much over-thinking! Good luck to you - you'll do great!

If you didn't hurl you did great!

The Celebrate Company is an A++ company. If you can afford and tolerate their products they are wonderfully and thoughtfully created for people with our needs!!

I had my surgery done here in the middle of Michigan with an EXCELLENT surgeon. I had a drain tube for a total of 8 days. IMO, people tend to advocate for what they went through, so being true to form, I have no regrets for having my drain tube. It was crazy easy to take care of and like Karen mentioned, having a visual as to how my incision was healing was very comforting. My first days I had a brighter red-ish color and about 30cc's per day. By Day 8 the drainage was more like a light blush color and only about 10 or so cc's. The drain tube reminds me of the bulbar end of a turkey baster with a plug (like you find on inflatable toys). It collects the extra drainage and when you empty it, you unplug it and squeeze it out. Easy and clean!

My only advice is to not hurry yourself through your food phases. Or as you are advancing stick with boring or bland foods In the end it helps you to only eat when you are hungry and to not over eat because you aren't very excited about your food. To be gentler to my system I just used Ramon Noodle seasoning packets (through away he noodles) for my Soup. I truly believe moving slowly through the food phases helped, almost cured, my head hunger! The progression my doc had me on was slower than most. Couldn't even have fish or eggs or cottage cheese until week 8. At times I just wanted to advance anyway since it looked like everyone else did and tolerated the foods just fine, but I made a commitment to my doc's plan and I'm so glad I did.

Yup. We can dump. Usually sugar induced, but for me it's rich-foods induced. When I was still in the clear liquid phase I tried straining Progesso chicken Soup just for its broth and holy man did I get SCK! Sweating, chills, nausea. Sugars only bothered me a little bit very early on (didn't try any until around 4 weeks post) but now a s long as I eat a good meal first either I don't want that sweet treat anymore or I only have room for a few, satisfying bites.

I don't think they would expect everyone to disclose all details regarding their weight loss. Whether it was Weight Watchers, Atkins, prescription appetite suppressants, etc. my point being NOBODY losses 100 ponds and transforms their body easily- regardless of the tools they use. Enter the contest and win if you can (and I hope you do!). This is what I, myself, believe. That being said, non surgical people do think we've taken the "easy" way out. And I've been told that by saying I've lost my weight through smaller portion sizes and working out is a lie of omission. That hurts. The only thing I've left out is that I had surgery to help with my portion sizes. I still think, for your situation, (just based on body transformation) I wouldn't say anything about the surgery. I mean really-the question (contest) is-did your body transform more than other bodies, right? Go with you gut and good luck with the contest!

I missed changing my weight here last week, but I'm down 4. CW - 172 Challenge Weight - 168 4 more to go!

So sorry you are feeling like this! What does your surgeon/NUT have you eating at this point? At 3 weeks the only things I ate were Protein shakes and bullion Soup. I could also have sugar free popsicles and Jello but didn't like the aftertaste. If you've advanced your diet maybe you could go backwards? If you're having intestinal issues, maybe you're lactose intolerant? Have you talked to your doctor? Sorry, this doesn't feel like much help at all. I hope you get the help you need - and quick!

When I'm done eating I seem to give birth to a "pterodactyl"as my husband has so kindly dubbed my burps. They are significantly better when I keep up with my Nexium! Good luck!!

Your before and afters are great!! Congrats on your success!!

So sorry you are frustrated and stalled for so long!! Hang in there! I'm sure it'll get better. You're surrounded by people who have been or are in the same place you are in. Find comfort in that!

I love, love, love the Premier Shakes (30 grams). I hear the Ensure are good, but my NUT advised me to avoid them due to high sugar content. Good luck!!

Feel better soon! I'll pray for your quick recovery!!

ASK, ASK, ASK. Worst they can say is no. Congratulations and keep us posted regarding the outcome of all of this!

At one week I was only allowed clear liquids and protein shakes. It was nice to be able to "chew" SF popsicles. It doesn't last forever. Try not to rush through your food stages. I had a particularly long food progression (couldn't even have cottage cheese until week 8). But I SWEAR it helped break the "head" hunger issues I've had to deal with for years! Good luck!

OH! VERY EXCITING! Congrats to you and enjoy that trip!!

You seriously crack me UP!! LOL - THANKS for sharing!