cegull

Hi Everyone,
I received a print out of various recipes from my doctor's office this week and thought I would share them. See attached.
Recipes.pdf

Hi Everyone,
I received a print out of various recipes from my doctor's office this week and thought I would share them. See attached.
Recipes.pdf

Hi Everyone,
I received a print out of various recipes from my doctor's office this week and thought I would share them. See attached.
Recipes.pdf

Yea when i shook it up it was. then i put it in the freezer for a little while and it was fine. It kinda tastes like watered down crystal light?? do you think so too or am i not putting enough powder in? hard to tell how much to put in. i didn't wanna put too much in.
lol a friend of mine said the same thing. she was on her 2 week liquid shake diet and she said " i'm about to eat my first born im so hungry" lol!!!
I'm kinda starting early... today i haven't eaten anything. I want to see how much i lose today. I've been doing shakes and salads but yesterday i messed up. i dont start the actual pre op diet til next tuesday. It's not super hard but its 830 and im starting to get a bad headache. I'm still at work...im ready to go home and take tylonal and go to bed!!!!!!!!!!! good luck, we'lll all be on the diet around the same time so theres tons of support!

I've been reading everyone's NSV posts a few of mine are:
Packing to go on a trip and not freaking about what to wear.
Having room in my suitcase because it won't be full of Lane GIANT size 22 clothes.
Fitting in my airplane seat.
Seeing plays at all the great little theaters here in Los Angeles and fitting in the seat and not pressing against the person next to me!
31 days to go!!!! Happy Dancing!!!!

So I haven't bought any "goal outfit" or anything...but recently I got a $40 check from Lane Bryant. I didnt want to buy anything for now, so decided to get something in the smallest size they sell. Man, did I do good! There was a cute dress, size 14 on the sale rack for $44.99. I get to the register and was told the sale rack is 50% off right now, so I go get another dress. My grand total including tax? $42.48. I only had to pay $2.48 for 2 cute dresses! Hoping to be able to wear them by 2013 spring. That's not my final goal though! I want to not be able to shop in ANY woman's stores!

Hi everyone I had my last nutrition class and pre-op appt at my doctor's today. It is getting SO real now!! I have to be on a liquid diet for 2 weeks - that starts Monday. I am already in da zone to lose weight so I stopped drinking all soda a couple of weeks ago and have been replacing 1 meal a day with a Protein Shake. They weighed me this morning and I have already lost 7 lbs before starting the real liquid diet. YAY!!! 3 more weeks til surgery!

Like others have indicated, this journey is defintely not easy especially when it comes to this liquid diet. But it's all good, I've already been taken off 4 pills per day that I had been on for years. I did lose some weight leading up to the diet so I'm sure that helped. We just have to keep focusing on the goal and don't give up, because we are all worth it. One more thing, I never would have thought that sugar free Jello and chicken broth could taste so darn good. :-)

@cegull I like the attitude you have. I am starting liquid diet on monday too. I have not kicked soda habit yet. Thanks for that comment cause my family is like you should stop your soda drinking now.. um no i have until 23 leave me alone. I have a great support system o should listen too...

I think the sleeve helps because it reduces our hunger and gives us a fighting chance at making the lifestyle changes that are necessary for long-term weight loss. In the beginning, it definitely seems like a magic spell has been cast upon our bodies because the weight just falls off. As we get further out from surgery, the responsibility transfers back to us, though. The key, IMO, is to make those changes and commit to keeping the changes for life. The sleeve's restriction helps, but it doesn't do all the work. WE have to do the head work to recognize and resolve whatever the underlying problem is that made us overeat or we're at risk for a crossover addiction or two.
As for preparing, read everything you can. Learn what your post op diet will be, including specific instructions for early post-op, right down to what foods are allowed and not allowed. Start now to adopt the habits of successful sleevers: 64 oz of Water and 70 grams of Protein daily, detox from caffeine and sugar, quit drinking with meals, start chewing your food 30 times before you swallow it, slow down while eating and start some kind of exercise program, even if it's only walking. All of these habits will stand you in good stead post-op.
Take your measurements pre-op, keep using MFP to track your food and exercise (I'm Lissa912 there if you want to add me), and enjoy the success you will have!
As for the naysaysers, screw them. They aren't living in your body or living your life. You know what you've tried before and you know that it didn't work or you wouldn't be contemplating surgery. Thank them for their advice and keep right on trucking!
Most of all, enjoy the journey. This isn't a race. It's a nice steady walk to get to your goal and there are lots of changes to notice and appreciate as you get there.

Okay... I LOVE MY SLEEVE!!! That outta the way I just want to complain a little bit. Some things about being sleeved really chap me. Why am I putting this in the pre-sleeve section? So everyone knows what to look forward to.

I'M FREEZING COLD ALL OF THE TIME!!! Even in Summer...
...Um...
...Let's see...
...Well...
...Yeah...

Oh Geez... that's all I can think of.

Well I finally got thru all 28 pages! Whew there are a lot of August people! I am going for surgery August 28th here in Dallas with Dr. David Kim. I'm currently 5'5" and weighed in a few days ago at 194. I would like to get down to 120-130. I started being overweight at 20, got to around 150, then by 25 I was about 165, by 30 I was 170...you see where this is headed. I have to stop NOW, so that is why I made this decision.
What am I most scared of.....I have three weeks of all liquid diets and I can't stand the Protein drinks! UGH I know this is really silly to be scared about but I want this to be successful and I don't know how I'm going to get thru this unless I find some that I can actually get down without gagging. I'm not so worried about the surgery because I'm healthy, and also it still feels a ways off to me.
Who is the one person I want to see the new skinny me?......me! I want a picture of myself that I'm not ashamed of. I haven't seen one of those in about 20 years.
What preparations am I making?
7/1- Took me 2 weeks to kick the caffeine and carbonation! wow the headaches!
7/16- Tomorrow I am shooting for limiting carbs and continuing to shop for Protein Shakes. My doctor recommends Bari-Essentials and Opti-fast. Anyone tried them? Continue to walk a minimum of 5X per week for 1 hour. Start jogging for at least 6 minutes of that time.
7/23- No carbs at all and move to jogging for 10 minutes and rest walking for a total of an hour a day. Also, this is the week of my pre-op appointments, EKG, GERD Test, Pre-Op diet seminar
7/30- Start limiting my in take significantly. Move to jogging 15 minutes, walking 45.
8/7- Last "normal meal" for my husbands BDAY
8/8-Start the Pre-Op diet
Finally, what are the three things I can't wait to do when I'm skinny?
1.Take a family portrait....I have never done one and my boys are in high school!
2. See someone and have them not recognize me. Wow that would feel good!
3. RUN, JUMP, SKIP, PLAY! I want to do everything!
Here's a new question I have not seen...what is going to be your final reward for losing ALL the weight? (I plan to have small ones along the way as well!) I want to go to Peru and walk up to Macchu Pichu! (not sure if I spelled that right)
Good luck all!

Congrats, Lissa!! You are truly an inspiration. Thank you for always being there!!

Those are great ones! Mine are:
1. Having more energy to get out and do things with my daughter
2. Polishing my toenails (trying to do it now is not a pretty sight!)
3. Getting off my medications

Tmi, but my top 3 things are:
1) wiping my butt without trying to be a contortionist.
2) shopping in any store I want and wearing pretty clothes, and heels that don't hurt
3) just FEEL BETTER!!! Inside, out, and mentally!!

Mine are:
1. Crossing my legs
2. Being able to walk with out being short of Breath
3. Getting rid of pain in my feet and back
so many more I can list.

My 3 things I want to do is
Go to regular clothing stores
Not breathe so hard after steps or gym
Going to party for my birthday November 16

Those are great ones! Mine are:
1. Having more energy to get out and do things with my daughter
2. Polishing my toenails (trying to do it now is not a pretty sight!)
3. Getting off my medications

Congrats, Lissa!! You are truly an inspiration. Thank you for always being there!!

Hi MGM! I just sent you a friend request on MyfitnessPal

Hi there! I hope you had a great 4th. I know how you feel..I am excited and nervous too. We'll get through it together!

As i browsed through the forums i noticed a large amount of people either complaining or asking questions about loooose skin, and no that was not a typo lol. For us when we lose massive amounts of weight we are clearly and visibly aware of unwanted saggy skin which may be on our chin, neck, arms, legs, and stomach areas. Most us ask the questions, but never really find the answers you were looking for. Well here are 20 ways to tighten up your skin. Doing this pre-op as soon as possible, we will be able to limit the loose and saggy skin we dreadfully detest or will come to detest.
Here are 20 ways to tighten skin after weight loss
1. Lose Weight Now!
As we age, our skin naturally loses elasticity. This means that the younger the age at which you lose weight, the better your skin will rebound. if you have a weight issue, lose weight now! The sooner you lose weight, the better the chances your skin will tighten on its own.
2. Don’t Yo-yo Diet
If it seems like you’re always gaining and losing weight, more than 25 pounds each time, that’s yo-yo dieting, and it’s terrible for your body, including your skin. The constant growing and shrinking puts stress on your skin, so stop the yo-yo dieting. Rather than gain and lose weight over and over again, talk to a pro about making a few PERMANENT key lifestyle changes. These healthy changes will help you lose weight, and keep it off, long term.
3. Don’t Lose Weight Too Quickly
Slow and steady wins the race, and helps tighten your skin after weight loss. Your skin tightens slowly, so help the natural tightening process by losing weight safely and slowly, too. Besides, losing weight permanently by making broad lifestyle changes takes time, but it also helps prevent yo-yo dieting, something else that can help tighten skin after weight loss. Bonus!
4. Scrub to Tighten Skin after Weight Loss!
Scientists think the reason using sea salt scrubs (or other scrubs) helps tighten skin after weight loss is that they encourage increased blood flow, which in turn encourages healthy, elastic skin. Whatever the exact reason, it does seem to work for many people… try using a good scrub in the shower twice a day, several times a week, and see if it helps you!
5. Use a collagen Cream
Another way to tighten skin after weight loss is to keep it nourished with a collagen cream, one designed specifically to cope with loose, sagging skin. They can be pricey, but well worth the expense when they work. Note that collagen creams won’t work for everyone (nothing ever does), so ask family and friends for recommendations before you invest in a range of products that aren’t effective.
6. Try Massage Therapy
I have a particular friend who swears her weekly massage therapy helped her tighten skin after weight loss. She complain of sagging skin, particularly on her upper arms and upper thighs, and is delighted to show off her non-saggy parts now. Why not give it a go? At best, it will help tighten your skin… at worst, you get an invigorating massage.
7. Perhaps a Wrap?
Another friend tells me his skin was tightened when he got a seaweed wrap at a local spa, and now he goes every 6 to 8 weeks to enjoy its benefits. Online, I’ve found rave reviews on the local spa he frequents, and not a single negative review. Find a spa near you and do some digging… are their clients as happy as the clients at m local spa? If so, give them a try!
8. Add Weight Training
Chance are, you used weight training to help you get to your goal weight, but if not, it’s time to add them, to help tighten skin after weight loss! If you’re worried about looking overly buff and masculine, don’t be. Simply add weights to your workout three times a week, because building toned, lean muscle under your skin will help it look tighter.
Lunges are great for sagging skin on the upper thigh. In order to tighten loose skin by exercise, you need to pinpoint the right exercises that will target the area you wish to tighten the skin on. The upper thigh requires lunges, in which you tone the gluteus, upper thigh and hamstring, pulling the skin tighter to the thigh and creating a more attractive thigh area.
Squats also assist with your lower body sagging skin. Squats are a dream to tighten loose skin by exercise. They provide an ultimate lower body workout for the gluteus and thighs. With your feet shoulder length apart, you simply keep your back straight as you lower yourself into a sitting position as if you were sitting in a chair.
Bicep curls target that nasty underarm hang. The arm skin that hangs down has been called many things by its biggest haters. This problem seems to be one of the ladies’ biggest woes and can be targeted with bicep curls. It is important that when you tighten loose skin by exercise you perform exercises that are toning the muscle, and therefore the surrounding skin.
Planks work that stomach flab. With your hands under your shoulders, hold your arms out with your legs straight and toes holding your legs up. You get the most abdominal toning with this exercise the longer you hold the stance. The recommended time is 20 to 30 minutes.
Crunches are painful but highly effective. When you are seeking the ultimate way to tighten loose skin by exercise and targeting the stomach skin flap, crunches can be the most effective. Crunches provide complete toning for the abs if performed appropriately. The back should be straight with the chin level, and you will raise your torso to your knees, fighting the resistance. This will be one exercise you will feel later.

9. Drink Water to Help Tighten Skin after Weight Loss…
Healthy skin is hydrated skin, and despite the debate in the scientific community about whether or not drinking 64 ounces of water a day can help keep skin healthy and happy, I’ve seen the results myself. Perhaps it’s because, if you’re drinking that much water, you’re not drinking soda, loaded with unhealthy chemicals… or perhaps it’s because healthy, elastic skin really does need water. Either way, it works.
10. Practice Yoga
Yoga will help you relieve stress, be more flexible, lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, and even help your skin rebound after weight loss. They key with yoga, and any other regimen for that matter, is to Start off slow, and within a few weeks, you’ll be surprised how much more flexible you, and your skin, can be.
11. Be Patient
I suppose I ought to mention that after a significant weight loss, your skin can take up to six months to tighten to the new, slender you. Be patient, then… if your skin doesn’t rebound immediately, keep in mind that it may take a little time. Just like setting realistic weight loss goals is important, setting realistic goals for your body to adjust is important, too.
12. Do Calisthenics
Calisthenics are great for building lean muscle, great for your heart, and they’re even great for tightening skin after weight loss! Add a round of calisthenics to your weekly routine, three or four times a week, and enjoy the jumping jacks, push-ups, windmills, and more… they can be fun, and they’re helping your skin readjust at the same time. Shaun T's Beachbody P90, P90X, Insanity are great suggestions.
13. Eat Plenty of Lean Protein
Adding lean Protein to your diet will also help tighten skin after weight loss. How? First of all, it helps build lean muscle, which will make you appear more toned (well, you WILL be more toned!). But lean protein also contains the collagen and other nutrients your skin needs to stay elastic. Protip: consuming lean protein after a workout will help boost the muscle-building effect.
14. Avoid High-fat Foods
Foods that are high in fat are a dieter’s worst nightmare on two fronts. First, obviously, they can wreck your diet. Second, they do your skin no favors. If you’re trying to keep a healthy weight, or tighten skin after weight loss, avoid foods that are high in fat. Even the ones that taste really, really good. ESPECIALLY the ones that taste really, really good! Studies have shown that these high fat foods can even be addictive… so stay away!
15. Try for Five
The USDA recommends we eat five servings of fresh fruits and veggies every day, to give us nutrients we need, and to help us maintain healthy weights. But did you also know these five servings will help tighten skin after weight loss? That’s because most fruits and veggies have a high water content, which your skin needs to rebound. And again, they’re very good at helping ou maintain a healthy weight!
16. Avoid Sulfates to Tighten Skin after Weight Loss…
Sulfates are used in lots of body washes, soaps, and shampoos because they’re good, cheap cleansers and they make lush lather. But sulfates can also over-dry and irritate skin, stripping it of vital moisture and making it less elastic. If you’re trying to tighten skin after weight loss, shop around for sulfate-free products. L’Oreal offers a great line, for a very reasonable price.
17. Don’t Tan
The tanning process is horrible for your skin, especially when you’re using a tanning bed to boost your melanin. You might think it makes your skin look smoother and healthier, but it doesn’t. Wear sunblock when you’re outdoors, and don’t fake and bake. You’ll see your skin tighten more quickly, and you’ll also avoid a greater risk of skin cancer.
18. Rinse Away Chlorine
Excess chlorine from swimming pools and hot tubs can dry out your skin, making it less elastic, and less likely to rebound after weight loss. If you swim to keep fit, be sure to shower immediately after, and use cleaners designed to remove chlorine and moisturize your skin. Also, remember that you don’t need HOT water to rinse chlorine away, use warm water instead, which will also help keep your skin hydrated (hot water can strip away natural oils).
19. Dress The Part
Even the skinniest person can have a muffin top if their jeans are too tight. You may not have excess skin, or loose skin, after weight loss… you might just need to wear clothes that fit better. Give this some serious thought while clothes shopping.
20. Consider Surgery
If all of these tips fail to tighten your skin after weight loss, and you’ve waited six months since you dropped that last pound, you may want to consider surgery to remove the excess skin. As with any surgery, there are risks, but for some, those risks are outweighed by the benefits. Talk to your doctor.
You’ve already done the hard part — you’ve lost weight! Now follow these tips to tighten your skin after weight loss, and you’ll be bikini ready in no time… well, at least within 6 months! You can do it! Or… perhaps you already have? Which of these tips worked to tighten your skin after weight loss? Or do you have another skin care tip to share? Please do!
Credit goes out yo Meghan, for taking her time to write this...

LOL We'll go through this surgery together girl! We might end up meeting at Dr. Kim's office since our surgery days are so close together. I'm glad you found this site. There are a ton of really nice and encouraging people on here.
Ok, about that blog you mentioned... Stop freaking yourself out!!! Have you ever heard that expression "people are too quick to complain and not compliment"? A lot of people are more than happy to gripe about things that went wrong. Please understand those experiences are very rare. There are TONS of posts on this site to encourage and motivate you. If this surgery was so horrible, why would thousands of people still have it and have so much success?