IsaacsGram

My doctor wants me to use these custom made capsules that are made for his patients, they are large and I'm very concerned about getting them down after surgery! He also prescribes Vicodin tablets after surgery for pain-again-how am I supposed to swallow those? ??? 5 days left and I still have questions. Ugh...

So happy for you! I hope to have the strength to be "Facebook official" but it will take some time....maybe like you, when I reach a certain goal...like under 200 lbs! Great job, and great inspiration!

5 days left to go till D-Day! I bought a heating pad last night in preparation for gas pains and general abdominal discomfort. I have packed my bag, with the exception of my cellphone charger, and picked up my prescription for Lovenox and vicodin for postop. The hospital called and gave me my time- arrival at 6am on Monday! The admit person also said I didn't need to bring much except toiletries and socks. I'm bringing a robe and one pair of pj's also as I'm a nurse and don't want to be in one of those "bariatric gowns" any more than I have to! I have also used the check list that I found on here and I think I'm ready! Prayers for all of us October sleevers!

I have two sons and one daughter. My boys are the oldest, Eric is 31, Adam is 26, and Rachael is 23. They are all adults and I am proud of all of them. My daughter was one of the first people I told as we have a close relationship. My boys were both in the Army and are very physically fit and active. I had chosen not to tell them of my surgery earlier as I feared their reaction and the look of disappointment from them. But I finally came out to them this week. Adam lives in Anchorage, Alaska and I had to tell him over the phone, which was not the best situation. He was confused at first, then started with the questions, "Why?" "Can't you just go on another diet?" "What if something happens?" . So I tried to explain the physiology to him and eventually just tried to describe how my heath could be improved over the long term with this procedure. After we hung up he texted me that he is just worried about the possibilities of something going wrong and he's not ready to lose his momma, but he understands that I need to improve my health and he supports me 100%. It made me cry. Then the next night I went to dinner with my oldest son and his wife and my grandsons. I had already told his wife the week before (and I think she let the cat out of the bag) and while sitting in the living room before dinner (just he and I) I said I needed to come clean about my surgery that was coming up on Monday. At first he said he thought my surgery was later in the month but then he said, "ok?" . I said I will be having more than a hiatal hernia repair, actually the surgeon will be removing a large portion of my stomach. He just looked at me and said "ok". I said this is to help me not only lose weight but to maintain it over the long term. He said, "ok, is it anything I should be worried about?" I said, not anymore than any other surgery. He said, "ok". THAT WAS IT. I don't know if I'm relieved at his reaction or saddened that he apparently doesn't care. I'm trying to stay positive and think that probably his wife told him already and he had gotten over the shock before talking to me. She is a nurse also and Eric is so VERY not medically inclined. I think its ok he doesn't know, or care to know, all the possible complications. Now I feel like I've told everyone that matters and I can go into surgery in peace.

Amazing! You are gorgeous- I hope you are "all smiles" now!

possibly fluid fluctuations and some inflammation?

Good luck to all of us! Our new lives are just around the corner!!

Hospital called today, 4 days sooner than anticipated, and arrival time is 6am Monday morning. First surgery of the day, week, and month for Dr.joyce! But NOT his first sleeve! He estimated it would be around #1500. Wow, it's really getting real.

I have the same thoughts. I also think people not only may not like you, they don't respect you. Several years ago I lost 60 lbs (which I gained back), and I swear I got better service and was treated like a person with a brain. When you're fat people assume you're lazy and stupid! I can't wait for next year too!!

I've read it here, and my doctor confirmed; if he gets inside and your liver is too big he will close you up and not complete the surgery. He said its not worth the risk of hemorrhage.

I'm on day 7 of 12, living on 430calories a day -its getting better but some nights I wake up to a growling stomach that feels like its hitting my backbone! Thank goodness I have only 2 shakes and one meal of 4 ounces protein and 1/2 c of veggies. I just keep telling myself it will be worth it!! Lost 13lbs so far too!

"skinny water" has 100mg potassium in a 16oz bottle (skinnywater.com is on the side-so you can find it-I got mine at Target), and G2 has some too-45mg in the 12oz bottle.

I'm just realizing how few calories my MD's diet consists of- between 400-500 calories a day! I've had to buy some calorie free drinks with potassium to help with the leg cramps. Using MFP daily now.

So, three days of 2 protein shakes, and 4 oz of protein & 1/2 c veggies equals = leg cramps from HELL! Woke me up in the middle of the night with screaming pain! Dear God! But once that passed I fell back to sleep, woke up and weighed myself. 12 pounds down! Holy Cow! At this rate (4lbs/day) I should lose 40 lbs by surgery day! But of course then I won't qualify with my BMI. Hopefully they don't weigh me, BUT BE SURE I WILL WEIGH MYSELF ! I then went to the gym for the first time since starting this diet and did pretty well, considering my fatigue of the last 2 days. I also called the surgeons' office to ask about the potassium levels in their vitamins and shakes, it only adds up to about 8% of the daily requirement. The nurse there said it should be enough, but I should drink more and I could try a product called "Cramp EEZ". I went to Target and they did not carry it, but as I shopped I checked out the water section I noticed some "vitamin" waters contained potassium and some did not. So I picked up a couple "skinny water" bottles that contain 100mg of potassium each-just to try them out. This is so much a learning process.

I'm still pre-op but I've wondered about that too. My doc sends you home on pureed meat---what if I can't tolerate it? Can I just do protein shake?

I can't believe how much I've lost - although I know most of it is water weight. I'm going to the gym every other day and struggling to drink enough. At this rate I should be down 40 lbs before surgery :"wink..

I knew about the tastes changing after- but I thought I could use this stuff BEFORE....oh well....I'm giving it away to my kids(adults) and co-workers.

I am now on day 2 of my pre-op diet, surgery in 12 days. In my anxiousness to "be ready" I bought cases of Protein shakes, soy milk, V-8 mini cans, a variety of fruits and berries, and high protein Cereal & a dozen greek yogurts. GUESS WHAT? None of that is on my pre-op diet and the rest I can't have until 6 months after surgery! I had just read too much and thought I knew what was going to be ordered- I WAS WRONG! So once again, remember---research, research, research---but always take YOUR doctor's advice BEFORE buying anything!

I am now on day 2 of pre-op diet and it is hitting me hard- not hunger- but fatigue! I feel like I can't keep my eyes open! Any thoughts?

I started pre op diet yesterday too. 2 protein shakes (made with specific whey protein from MD office), and one meal of 4 oz protein & 1/2 cup of non-starchy veggies. Can also have sf jello, sf Popsicles, broth (only 2 of each). Found out during 4 .hr nutrition/pre op class we are not to have dairy until 6 months out! And no veggies for 10 weeks! I just bought a bunch of Greek yogurt and pre made protein shakes- I guess hubby will have to eat them. :-(

Best wishes and I'm gonna steal your idea for protein Popsicles! Looking forward to your update!

I go to Dr Christopher Joyce in New Lenox. His office is called BMI Surgery. Dr Brian Lahmann is also in with him. They are a center of excellence per BCBS.

You are definitely not alone on here! I had my last pre-op appointment and I start my liquid pre-op diet Tuesday, when I got out to my car after my appt I just cried and cried. I think it was just a feeling of disappointment in myself for getting to this point-where I needed surgery to "fix it". I have always excelled at things in life-except in my weight, I just feel like a failure. BUT I plan on focusing on the positive, and look forward to getting the old "me" back! Keep your eye on the prize!

I work out at the Wellness Center that is affiliated with my local hospital-there are cardiac rehab patients and people from young to very old and I feel much more comfortable there than at a traditional gym. Most hospitals-especially larger ones have workout centers available to the general public for much cheaper rates than most gyms.