zenoosh

Were you guys puffy like everywhere or just in the abdomen? I dont have big'uns, and im all genie bra, all the time....would you guess id have a prob with my stretchy-ass 3x genie bra?

Try these: What to pack for hospital (Mexico) And What to take (Mexico edition) Just remember your passport...:-)

Anytime we lose a lot of weight, is go through massive changes and stress, we lose hair. Its kind of a normal thing for WLS. There ate many topics on this. Search above in forums and see what others have been through, and what they've done about it. From everything I've read, it will grow back! You notice because its your head, but I bet others will notice your weight loss, not the hair loss :-)

October 27th in TJ with Dr Garcia

Usually miso has little squares of tofu, which is pretty benign stuff, but id say just drink the broth...miso broth is awesome, and it'll give us the liquid, the sodium, and the warm healing feeling in our new little sleeved tummies! Bring a couple packets with you. Im doing the same...otherwise, I got some of the Herb-Ox bullion powder AND some of the Swanson flavor boost concentrated stuff. I know they're both tasty and easy to make. Another person mentioned that they used the coffee maker in the hotel to warm up water for broth, and then kept it warm using that too. They also have broth at the hotel, Gatorade, Popsicles....i dont think we're gonna do much chowing (or sipping) , but its nice to know they've got what we need, and apparently there are stores very close by.

I've heard of many people sticking with shakes forever, if thats what they like to do instead of a meal...Like others mentioned, I dont think you'd wanna use' em as the sole source of protein ( unless you're still doing liquids and shakes early on, post-op ). It kinda depends on the shake, too...Using high carb, or high sugar shakes for meals or snacks can end up being a bunch of liquid calories you might not want or need, but people who work out a lot, or do heavy duty exercise might need those extra calories, although its prob better to drink a lower-carb, high protein shakes post-op since post-sleevers say they dont tolerate sugary stuff too well....

I totally agree with Nate: you gotta relax and remember that physical trauma to the bod absolutely manifests itself mentally...Let's also remember that we are people with addictions to food....divorcing the food by diet or surgery doesnt change our heads...only time and behavior mod can do that. You gotta give yourself some time to heal and remember why you did this in the first place. You have many reasons, as do all of us, for wanting to be healthy. I can tell you another thing, Klonopins can be heavy, so be really careful with those if they're new to you, or not new: losing weight can amplify the effects so don't over-do it.... This site has lots of great info, but make sure you keep in touch with your docs and therapists....and I bet there's a sleevers group in San Anton....google it and you can meet and talk with others that have had WLS and are feeling similar to you. Good luck! Keep us posted...you're gonna do great

Wow, you should be really pleased with your progress!! You've done amazingly well in one year....I like your har too...It looks great.. Your whole face has changed! Im really stoked for you. Wishing you continued success!

I actually planned my surgery date around 2 things only. 1) my PERIOD. I use an app on my phone called Happy Period (uh, yeah right) which helps me predict the days. I've been using it for over a year, and its been pretty darn accurate. So just to be safe I planned one week after the predicted period ends, which gives me a few days just in case. 2) The Presidential election! I get to recuperate while watching all the election coverage....STOKED! Ill just have to be careful not to get overly excited or start throwing things at the tv...

Yes!!! Miso!! That's what I was thinking of bringing....I k ow everyone has different tastes, and I know im not gonna be gulping broth by the boatloads, but I am planning to bring a couple extra packets of stuff I know I can stomach....now anyways: who knows about after surgery!!! Thanks a lot, you guys. I appreciate the feedback re : broth. Who knew broth could be so interesting? :-)

Yes! You totally answered everything....Thanks so much. I appreciate you showing us what can be done when we use the sleeve as a tool, not a cure. And its great to know that it can be maintained for a sustained length of time. Thanks for sharing, and again, you really look fantastic.

Wow...you really look amazing. And you seem very healthy and happy with your sleeve! As far as the loose skin, have you noticed it beginning to tighten up since reaching goal? I've heard time really helps ( and a LOT of lotion...) Do you feel as though this can / will continue to work for you, or is it a struggle to limit your food intake? And lastly, do you work out regularly? It looks as though you must do something on a regular basis...that's what im looking forward to: being able to sustain weight loss, while working out around 4-5 times/week and eating like a normal person: balanced, healthy meals and the occasional splurge. That's my dream...

DAMN! You truly ROCK! That is absolutely fantastic...way to go, girl...

hey there! Im excited for your upcoming sleeve! Im sxd with Dr Garcia on Oct 27. I started an Atkins-type diet (low carb....militant style: 20grams or less) a week ago to shrink my liver and as per my coordinators recommendation, that's awesome but not necessary. They do want you to do some kind of pre-op liver shrink a couple weeks beforehand, but she said the day before surgery have a light breakfast, then clear liquids until surgery the next day. So broth, water, gatorades, crystal light, etc....if you peruse the main site, there is a plethora of info re: Pre-op diets, week before, day before, and Post-op :-). Keep on looking, and asking ?'s, use the search feature, and read read READ! Thus site solidified my decision to have the surgery. Good luck and keep us posted!

Oh good!! I figured broth is broth, but a few peeps said it sucked so I wanted another option....thanks!!!

For Dr Garcia patients, I heard the broth at Marriott is awful...any suggestions for a good place to get broth close to the hotel ?

Seriously, you guys, I almost sharted reading all these posts! This is some funny S**T! LITERALLY! Im not laughing at you, and im sure once im sleeved, ill be laughing with you My boyfriend always used to say "never trust a fart..."

I've heard the same thing as COsleevedude: no restrictions on meds, but try not to gulp a horse pill! Definitely call the doc or pharmacist, and do it soon. You do not want to wait until its too late.... Maybe the place you got the meds can give advice? Im wondering if it could be crushed? But please ask a qualified person. Im NOT a doc, but common sense is the best medicine, and right now, you need a real medical person to tell you how to proceed...good luck, and good on you for being proactive and not choosing DENIAL!!! Please keep us posted :-)

Ooooooh, im getting some right NOW!! That's something I fear greatly. I have a LOT of hair, and plenty of inches to cut, but im still freaked out about it. Im stocking up on Biotin and GNC powder vitamins, so im really hoping its not super noticeable when it happens...yours looks really nice...doesnt look much different than your before pic! Thank goodness for great stylists and awesome product!!!

Damn!! You look AMAZING!!! Youce got great hair, too....notice any hair loss at all? Doesn't look like it :-)

Good question, ipinch! I was wondering the same thing...

ugh, I meant prilosec...predicative text, ahhhh!

I've heard this is a pretty common side effect...it sucks. I am not sleeved yet but know what reflux and heartburn are like: I used to take proposed, but weaned off and started eating better foods...not a lot of processed stuff. It also helps not to eat before bed, but it seems a lot of this is due to the surgery itself, not necessarily the foods we eat That really sucks... I am not gonna like that one bit :-(

Thanks for posting your experiences, you guys...Im sxd with Dr Garcia at the end of October. I feel soooooo much more confident in my decision and I was already pretty stoked on it! I seriously appreciate all the little deets...Im kind of nitpicky about certain things and I want the best (as does everyone else!!) I wish all you peeps the best in days weeks, months, years to come. Please keep us posted so we know of all the sucesses , triumphs, and awesomeness, but I want to hear of the difficulties as well, This is a huge deal, and Ive been researching for years. This is not a cure-all. This is a huge life change, and I'm sooo ready.....my best to everyone!!

Yes, you will go off at 26, but then you'll have other options: you could do COBRA, or get your own insurance. Young people's insurance is much cheaper, and you won't be denied with a pre-existing condition. Good luck!