TaiDyed

Thank you for this explanation. I completely understand you wanting to avoid this at all costs. I really hope you are able to find a way to incorporate foods other than what you listed in your original post into your diet. Please be kind and patient with yourself and stay positive that you will be able to get past this!! Wishing you strength through this challenging time.

I know a lot of people who really do not care for the Isopure Protein drinks, but I have found them tolerable. With 40 grams of protein per bottle, I think it's an excellent option. The hard part is finding a flavor that works best with your taste buds. http://www.theisopurecompany.com/en/drinks I was sleeved Monday 8/6...today is day 4 and I am able to get down much more liquid than I could days 1 and 2. Give yourself time and be patient. Small slow sips. I hope you get to feeling better soon.

First off, so glad you are taking the initiative to see a therapist. I hope that you will be able to work past this and find a way to incorporate new foods into your diet that will allow you a healthy lifestyle that is rich and fulfilling. I'm curious to understand what it means to "dump". I know what I've read, but what does it mean when it happens to you? What types of foods have you eaten that have caused this? I hope you are able to work this out and find a happy medium.

I had to buy Protein powder from my doctor's office. It's not the worst ever, but I've had better. I agree with @nikkrew on the Premier Protein drinks. They are small and compact and pack a whopping 30 grams of protein. I buy the chocolate ones at costco. Not a huge fan of the Isopure, but am tolerating them. I know right now how important it is to get my protein in no matter what during these first few weeks post op. I'm really looking forward to being able to get my protein fix with real food somewhere down the line. Good luck with the pre op and your 8/20 surgery!!

That is awesome!! I have my follow up next Thursday and hope to soon be back at water aerobics and spin classes. This week, I'm sticking w/ walking and trying my best to listen to my body.

Oh thank you so much for this! I am just waking up to day 2 post op and this made me laugh and think, yup, that's me!! I am trying really hard to listen to my body but it's talking to me in a foreign language. Really looking forward to being a week or two out and moving past all the uncertainties. Thanks again for your honest and humorous post.

Of the 2 week pre op diet, today was the hardest!! Tomorrow morning cannot get here soon enough. Good luck to all the August 6th folk!!

8/6/12 - band to sleeve revision bright and early!! Tomorrow is going to be a very long day getting through with only liquids for the day...but Monday will be here before we know it! Good luck everyone!!

For me, at the time, the band just seemed the most logical choice. There was something about having my insides rerouted that terrified me. And still does. Why it is that the idea of having a huge percentage of my stomach removed doesn't unnerve me the same is beyond me. But for whatever reason, the sleeve just seems the better choice. I was fortunate that my insurance covered the band but I understand what you mean about feeling that it was money wasted. It was a procedure that I certainly would have preferred avoiding. I am struggling with the fear that the sleeve will also end up being something that I wish I hadn't done...but after Monday, there will be no turning back.

The way my approval letter was written was super odd. It basically stated that the band removal was not considered "necessary" and therefore not approved. However, in typical insurance double talk, it stated that the weight loss procedure I was approved for (sleeve) would require the removal of the band as part of the procedure. BUT that it would be a matter of coding to ensure that the band removal gets covered which won't be determined until after my surgery. Fortunately, my doctors office has done these revisions before and will submit whatever it is that needs to be submitted to ensure that I'm covered. I guess I will find out after all is said and done in TWO more days!!!

Wow! Congratulations on a smooth surgery. Sounds like you have a great frame of mind. Just curious, did you know going in that you wouldn't be getting the sleeve? Was your procedure scheduled strictly for band removal? I am going in this Monday for a band to sleeve revision and I am not sure how I would feel if I came out of surgery to find out that they were not able to sleeve me. But I definitely understand that it could happen. I hope you continue to feel better and I am so looking forward to having the band out of me and moving forward with life.

When I met with my surgeon for the final discussion of having the band to sleeve revision done, as we were walking out, he told me "Tai, you're going to be one skinny b***h." This and more are why I adore him. I go in on Monday for my procedure. I'm beyond excited!! I'm 5'3" (5'4" on a good day). The heaviest I've ever been was 289 back in 2000. I managed to lose 120 lbs on Weight Watchers over the course of 2 years, but sadly did not maintain my loss. At that time, my goal weight was 150. I was 11 lbs away from that goal and never got there. So, I guess 150 for the time being is my goal weight. I have not a clue what size that will bring. I'm a pear shape and 2 sizes larger on the bottom than I am on top. Only time will tell!! The other gauge of reaching a personal goal is to fit into my size 13 (and we're talking size 13 from the late 80s) Levi 501 jeans...if there comes a day when I can actually fit into those, then I know I will have "arrived". Believe it or not I have a pair in storage from my senior year in high school that were barely worn and look brand new. This time next week I hope to be telling everyone that I am feeling well and on my way to a healthier and smaller me!!

This is excellent information to have...I'm getting sleeved this Monday and aside from the protein shakes, was at a bit of a loss for what other types of protein to add to my list for further down the road.

@shan1201 - no idea what time yet. I guess they will call me on Friday or Sunday to let me know what time I have to be there. I'm really hoping it will be early morning so we can just get this show on the road!! We are so close!! August is totally going to be our month!! Good luck and keep me posted on your progress!! @MsDallasSleever Whoo hoo!!! - hope you are doing well!! Thinking of you!! @JGo - It is so natural to be scared. It's a huge undertaking and with no really knowing exactly how it is going to effect us specifically, we are going in kind of blind. I would suggest taking some quiet time for yourself and reflecting on what it is you really want in your life. I'm not sure what sort of struggles you've had w/ being overweight, but I know for me, I've mastered losing weight yet have never been able to keep it off. I want to live the next part of my life w/out all the aches and pains that go along with carrying around so much extra baggage. I'm 5'3 and at my heaviest was 289 pounds. I lost 120 lbs on Weight Watchers years ago and over time, put back on half of that. I had the band in 2008 and lost about 45 lbs, of which I have put back on about half. I cannot do this up and down routine anymore. It's tiring and mentally draining. So having this surgery, removing the band and having the sleeve is just something I am willing to do for myself. Hang in there. If you believe you are committed to this decision, you will find a way to get past the fear. And having this board is an excellent place to come to for support.

I'm right there with you!! I'm scheduled for 8/6 as well...completely dreading the day before surgery when it's all "clear" liquids only. That will be a long long day...but we are oh so close!! Looking forward to sharing our journey!! Best of luck to you!!

6 weeks AFTER surgery? I am having surgery on Monday and was told I'd be on protein/liquids for 2 weeks, then onto mushy (yogurt, cottage cheese, etc) in week 3 and week 4. Week 5 introduces soft meats to the mix (tuna fish, chicken salad)... What have you been eating for the past 6 weeks? And how are you feeling?

Good Morning...first day in over a week on this Protein plan where I am feeling EXTREMELY lethargic and grumpy. Just needed a place to come and vent for a second. I so want toast with Peanut Butter and jam. It just sounds so comforting and delicious. The three hours between shakes and bars feels like forever. Just a few more days.

Wow! Sounds like you have had a lot of life changing experiences. I'm so happy to read about your awesome progress. And yes, slow and steady definitely wins the race. We didn't get overweight overnight so it's no surprise that it won't come off overnight. You definitely have a really good attitude and that is so key. I had the band in 2008 and know what you mean about that first "last" bite. The discomfort is something that is no fun at all. Give yourself time and keep listening to your body. Eventually we figure out what works and what doesn't. I am going in for my sleeve a week from today. I'm very excited and can't wait to be sharing my story too!!

Day #7 of Protein shakes and bars...I figured out that I am on about 800-1000 calories a day. What a huge change and it's oddly not been unbearable. 5 more days of this program, then 1 day (day before surgery) only Clear liquids (broth, Jello, sugar free gatorade and the like) and then BAM, surgery. Every day that goes by, I am getting more and more excited. And nervous. I've decided to make an appointment for a massage and a facial the day before surgery. I'm hoping it will take my mind off of not being able to even have Protein Shakes, which have been helping keep the hunger under control. A little pampering will hopefully go a long way. August 6 cannot get here soon enough.

Hey Slenderella...sounds like things are moving right along for you. Minus feeling like a bear- but we all have those days!! Head hunger will do that to a person! It's the morning of Day #5 and it has really hit me how tired I am. I couldn't sleep much last night. My stomach was making the craziest and loudest of noises. I'm going to attempt to get through my morning kettlebell class but to be honest, I have zero energy. As I've been entering information into My Fitness Pal, it looks like I'm taking in about 800 calories...so it's no wonder I am so lethargic. Really looking forward to getting past all this. Onward and upward!!

Finishing up day #4...9 more to go and then 1 day of just clear liquids (broth, jello, water) and then surgery. It's not been terrible, but it hasn't been a walk in the park either. The most uncomfortable part has been the gas..I feel terribly bloated and full of air. It's been a long time since I've done a high protein diet of any sort, I forgot that this is a part of it.

My best friend has known me since we were 15...we are now 43. She's seen ALL my ups and downs with weight. She knows how hard I work out 5-7 days a week. She has seen first hand my triumphs and frustrations. She is super thin and a fitness trainer. She has told me time and time again that she loves me no matter what my size, however completely understands and supports my decision. I hope your best friend is able to realize that you are doing this for you and regardless of what her opinion is about having WLS, she will support you all the same. I wish I had had this option when I was 21. Best of luck to you!!

Morning of Day 3...don't feel quite as bad as I thought I would, but the day is still getting off to a start. I do kettlebell classes, and I was concerned that with the change in calories and diet, I would lose momentum, but so far, so good. We'll see how long that lasts. I've been told by one of my doctors that after surgery I have to take at least a month off from core work, so no kettlebell for awhile. The upside is that I will able to do general cardio, so I can make keep on some sort of routine. Loving my countdown app!! I'll be even happier when it hits the single digit numbers!!