Caroline G

Good luck! You got this! Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

I did 4 weeks. So glad I did! Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

Awesome!!! Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

You'll do fine!! It definitely helps with the support here! ☺ Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

I myself like at-home workout DVDs. It is a lot easier, more convenient, I don't have the drive to and from the gym, I can do it even if my husband is out and I am home with my daughter, I don't have the monthly membership fees that I wasn't using, and nobody else to worry about. Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

Mine is cfmi23. I am doing requests for all of you. Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

But with that being said, I mentioned increasing weights and intense cardio, that was referring to later on, definitely not right away. Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

I think a mix of both. Both will help you lose weight but the weights will help to prevent loose skin. I was not good about exercise when I first had my surgery, plus my eating habits slipped a lot, I gained a lot of weight back. Now I have lost most of what I gained and feel much better. I am not afraid to increase my weights or do more intense cardio. I think the combination makes a big difference. Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

You are beautiful! I am so glad you handled it so well. There are always going to be people out there who don't understand, haters, etc. I love your attitude and think you are a great inspiration! Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

You should find out about the pre op and post op diets if you don't have that already. Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

Thanks, I'll check it out! Shakeology information at www.Shakeology.com/cfmi23 or teambeachbody.com/cfmi23

I love Shakeology. There are lots of superfoods in there and they never put anything artificial in it ever. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal

I would be interested too. Cfmi23@hotmail.com Thanks! Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal

So sorry you're going through that! Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal

Hi, Erica. I had the sleeve done in 2012, lost most of my weight (minus about 20 pounds) and then gained back 50 (to where I was higher than my weight was the day of surgery). The amount i could eat increased, my tastes changed for a while to the point of very few things actually tasted decent so I started eating a lot of bad stuff. I also got lazy with exercising. I wanted to go to support groups but had very little time because I work two jobs. I have since then lost almost 40 of it and am working on the rest. I got involved with an online healthy lifestyle support/challenge group, became a Beachbody coach, started drinking Shakeology (which is a lot better and a lot more than the Protein shakes I was drinking), and working out (and finally pushing myself, which I didn't do before). I surround myself with other Beachbody coaches and people who are also interested in being healthy. I love this group I am in, it really keeps me motivated and accountable. If you are interested, let me know. It has been so helpful for me. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal

My doctor told me the same thing--they go by the initial weight, and they did. Otherwise, I would not have been able to do it. I am 4 months post-op now.

I only told a select few at first because I didn't want to hear people's opinions and negativity even though it wouldn't have changed my mind anyway. I just said "I would be out for about four weeks" and sometimes adding that I am having surgery but not saying what it is. While I was out from the surgery, I gave my coworker who knew permission to tell others we work with. And my Mom told a few people. I was so surprised at how supportive people were and I heard of more people who had had it done or had looked into it or knew people who had and had stayed supportive. I am more comfortable now with people knowing (and now nobody can try to talk me out of it.) I also found out about a month later that my supervisor from my night job (he's a Psychologist) had an interest in weight loss surgery was starting to conduct pre-surgery psych evals and was looking for people who wanted to do some pre-op and post-op counseling (I am a social worker.) Before, he knew I was out for surgery but didn't know with what. That was my sign to tell him and he was very interested.

Thanks FatFreeMe! Good luck to you too. I have been to the Miriam Hospital group once but I prefer some of the others because they are smaller.

Hi, I'm from Rhode Island too! I had my surgery with Dr. Giovanni, who works with Dr. Pohl, on December 11th. It has been so great! She is so nice and did a really good job. Have you had your surgery yet? I am hoping to be able to go to the support group tomorrow night at Kent Hospital if anyone from RI would like to come too! Caroline

I like to get exercise DVDs from the library. It mixes it up so I don't get bored.

I love cauliflower crust pizza!

I had my first one 6 days later and my second one five days after that. I bought some Miralax, but haven't taken it yet.

It is so funny how different each person's/surgeon's post-op diet plan is. I am reading about what others are able to eat or drink after only a few days post-op and it is so different from what I have to go by. I was sleeved on 12/11 but didn't start on Protein shakes until 12/14. From there, I have minimum 2 (but up to 4, as long as I can do it) weeks of Protein Shakes, and clear liquids including crystal light, Jello, popsicles, broth and decaf tea. And then from there, I can go to a week of full liquids, two weeks of pureed, etc. It's not that there is any right or wrong way. It is just very interesting. Caroline

It is really difficult for me to get my liquids in too. I tried so hard yesterday but was too full. I get my first shake today because I didn't drink enough water in time last night to get my shake. Good luck! I'm glad it went well and hope you get some rest in to make up for last night.

Hi Melanie, I agree with everyone here (well, almost everyone). I am 33, have always, and still do sometimes, valued my parents' opinions even when I don't necessarily agree. They were the hardest people to tell but also the most important (other than my husband but he has been so supportive since Day 1). By the time I talked to them, I had been researching this for almost a year, had been well into my testing, and had even changed surgeons and changed from lap band to sleeve. I was so set on my decision that nobody could convince me otherwise. It was especially hard to tell my parents (and sisters) because they are in the medical field and are more aware of the risks.) My dad is a surgeon (orthopedic), my mom is a nurse, my sister is a doctor, and my other sister is a nurse. This made it that much more challenging in addition to their concern for me as a family member. My dad recommends the surgery to patients all the time so he knows the benefits, but I think it was different with his own, and youngest, daughter. But they eventually accepted that I am an adult, I made up my mind and it is my decision-for the most part. Even two days before this past Tuesday's surgery, my Mom saw that i had lost 20 pounds (14 from the pre-op liquid diet) and asked me if I was feeling I could do this in my own. But of course I can't do a liquid diet for the rest of my life. But she was very supportive in that she drove me to the hospital at 5 AM that morning, stayed most of the day, and was open-minded enough to become very impressed with my surgeon and the hospital. And last night when my parents came to visit, and saw how well it went and how well I am recovering, they admitted the relief now that it is over and are more at peace with my decision. They are actually happy for me. They were interested in everything, supportive of my new diet plan I was given, etc. Which I had a feeling would happen and that is why I was so selective in who I would tell about my surgery and what I had done. I didn't want to hear other people's negativity and judgments. Now that it is over, I don't care so much who knows. It is over and regardless of anyone's opinions, you can't talk someone out of something that is already a done deal. Hopefully they will be happy for me, but if not, oh well. Good luck in whatever you decide to do. I am happy to talk privately as well if you would like. Caroline