Shape_Shifter

It didn't occur to me they would be open - toe. lol that makes sense.

Yeah, my first step is to measure suitcase then alot of questions will answer themselves. thought about socks but then I have to bend over and put them on. Told this is not a desireable thing to do. I can usually slip my sneakers on and off without bending over so that would be my first choice over just socks and flip flops (not to mention a little more "attractive". Thankyou for allyour input.

I haven't received my doctors official pre/post-op list yet but my understanding is I will be on Clear liquids for a week and then liquids for another week before moving on to puree baby food for several weeks? (I'm assuming they mean the consistency not the actual food). I don't want to go overboard in buying food to prepare. 1. How much did you actually consume at this time? If I'm understanding some posts I'll be lucky to get a can of broth or strained chicken Soup a day. How much is realistic for first 2 weeks? 2. when doing pureed food did you actually buy a processor or just do soft foods? 3. Is sodium a big concern post-op? some said to drink broth from oodles-of-noodle packs. However, I believe they are extremely high in sodium. Inexpensive.

Thank you. i specifically see melba being offered up as a substitute if you want tuna. Is it better for you than crackers/bread or just different?

On the Bariatric Advantage website they offer "Yes Whey" which is a 2.9 oz liquid shot (25 grams) of whey protein. Is this acceptable if you are having difficulty getting protein?

Thank you. I can't stand gatorade now but atleast if i get it my family will drink what I dont. This list made it so much clearer. How much did you consume in broths, drinks daily at first?

Thank you. That helped greatly. I wasn't planning on flip flops because I understand support hose need to be worn and that I'll probably be cold post-op. 7 hours of freezing in-flight is not my idea of fun. Luckily i dont use alot of product, hair or otherwise. Need good creamrinse and my toothpaste so I'll have no problems there. I guess I'll have to buy a drink at the airport.

Do you take the PPI immediately post-op or have to wait until off of clear liquid?

Thats my problem. I've not flown alot in the last 20 years and it was over 12 years ago when I did fly last. I don't remember what fits under seat/above seat. I have a small rolling suitcase (I have to get it out of the attic to measure) but I'm sure that wouldn't fit under the seat (probably 24"). I have a computer bag that can fit my laptop and a few other essentials if necessary but not meant for bulk. I was thinking maybe a gym bag instead but everyone says get rolling and dont check your bag. I'm not trying to buy new luggage for this trip. Most of our travel is by RV so it would go to waste. I better get to the airport very, very early because this is goign to be a nightmare.

Scares me too. I had terrible morning sickness for 7 months each pregnancy. Lost weight up until it just stopped. I feel your pain. I literally slept in the bathroom because I couldnt stand the bucket and the smell. In the end I had a beautiful child, hopefully in the end you will be enjoying your new life with yours. I hope things get better soon. .

!Congrats on your victory and having a wonderful husband. You both deserve it. Keep it up.

Never thought about tipping nurses, etc. But then again it sounds like the level of personal care far exceeds the states. HOw much would you tip various people? Thankyou for the information on flights, movies etc. I guess I need to get on the US airways website to figure out bag weight, size etc. and if they also do movies. It would be a very long flight if i'm watching a boring movie. I have a small rolling suitcase but I don't know if it's small enough.

25 years ago I went to Cancun for my honeymoon....my mother was convinced I would be kidnapped and never seen again...and this was BEFORE the lovely internet, 24 hour news, "Nancy Grace" and even cable tv for our area. I am a mother. i would worry about my daughter (a solder) overseas no matter where she went (and she can kick butt). I believe the state department has travel advisories posted when there are things to truly watch out for, not just what the media portrays. Like anywhere you're not familiar with ... common sense. And even with all the media portrayal..when was the last time you heard of a "fat chick murdered in driveby in TJ?" You KNOW the media would LOVE that! (of course, now that I've said it I 'll probably be the next headline lol) Like others have said, you can get killed doing anything, including not to anything. I will be going to TJ alone. My biggest concern is the Water. (and not the media portrayal of shark attacks in the water lol)

thank you Tamtamz. BTW - adorable picture

Sounds like you are doing great! I am scared to workout for fear of hurting my feet again (plantar fasciatis). I know if I'm in pain from that I will never work out once sleeved. Maybe I'm just putting it off but everytime my feet start acting up I'm terrified I'll go back to not being able to walk more than a step or two every morning without pain. good luck and let me know how it goes

Whats really funny is he's already showing some more attention and wanting to know who Im talking to on the computer. I immediately turn it around and show him the forum. That and he is getting jealous over "Words with Friends" until I show it to him. I've been playing that damn game for 6 months but in the last 4 weeks, once I decided to have surgery, suddenly he's asking me who I'm talking to now. lol Nobody as usual, recluse here.

I'm not sleeved yet but I understand where you are coming from. I know my husband loves me, I know I have felt less desireable since gaining weight, etc. but I also KNOW he is not attracted to me at this weight because he has said so. I think he was trying to encourage me to stick to my diet at the time but 7 years later those words still HURT LIKE HELL (tearing up as typing that line). Honestly, I knew it before he admitted it. He is just not attracted to heavy women. His affections really never stopped, except what I managed to do. There were many times that I would be feeling good, confident, got dressed up, lost 20 lbs etc and he wouldn't even notice. I stopped wearing makeup (felt like a cow with lipstick), stopped dressing up (why bother when all you're doing is wasting money) and stopped wearing sexy lingere (NEVER ONCE GOT LUCK WHILE WEARING IT). I would drown my disappointment/sorrows in other ways, creating the cycle. You are not alone. I am doing this surgery for ME. All the clothes I didn't buy, all the makeup/pampering I didn't do, I am spending it in one lume sum for me. So I hope he treats me differently -- and I hope others do to. Not because I'm thinner but because I am happier and feeling healthier. Just go with it and enjoy it.

Thank you. I'm going to Dr. Kelly on 8/3. I'm getting nervous. I have almost 8 hours of flying with layover each way. That makes me really nervous. But not to sure I would have wanted a train ride (if i had the option). Please keep updated. Is there anything you wish you had taken with you and how much were you able to get out post-op? Good luck

What is Demitasse Spoon and Cocktail Fork for?

Glad to see it's not just me. I'm working on one thing at a time. So far limiting caffeine & diet coke. I went out to dinner alone last week and decided to try proper chewing. I'm glad I won't be eating alot because I will be at the table forever. It took quite a while to finish a portion of my small steak (granted it wasn't the most tender steak). Afterwards I realized that I drank alot less as well-only one glass of soda. Maybe because I had the food in my mouth so much. When out to dinner i have had up to 6 glasses of diet coke while waiting for food and eating etc. You'd think I would have no room for food. However, I never drink that much at home. I think it's because I'm spending so much more time at the table than I wouuld at home.

thats awsome. I desperately need new work clothes. still wearing "winter" with the typical basic black theme. Seams are stretched. Pins needed to wear daily. Down to one pair of acceptable pants and 4 dresses. Having surgery in 3 weeks and hoping I can make it stretch (pardon the pun) until the fall and hopefully get new clothes - or atleast to go the used clothing store.

AWSOME !!!! I use to love the sun, etc. With my previous car I couldn't stand the sunroof because of the heat and I'm in Maryland. I always assumed it was only the layer of blubber keeping me warm. lol this surgery will be well worth it just for the heat factor alone.

I thought atkins was too high fat - since he doesn't limit fat. Don't get me wrong - Atkins is the only diet that ever really worked for me so if this is true I would be much happier.

Oh I so hope this happens to me. I am SO TIRED of being overheated and can't enjoy the summer. Please, please please. I love the summer but I can no longer enjoy it.

yeah, that's another issue entirely. May have to search for another PCP as I'm pretty sure mine will not be supportive since I'm low BMI (he weighs all of 110 lbs. soaking wet). Great guy but would probably encourage me to try low cal, low fat, exercise, yadda yadda when just that alone has not worked. But I will find out soon enough.