Nurse_B

I totally understand where you are coming from. I am blessed to have a family that supports me and is excited for me, but they truly do not understand what it is like to carry around the extra weight, to be held back by it, and to have the shame and embarrassment attached to the way you look and feel. This site has been a god send to me, people here truly understand what it FEELS like to be obese, to go through a major life change such as surgery, and to spend the rest of our lives working to make sure it doesn't happen again. It's a daunting journey, but feel happy knowing people are here to support you, lift you up, and help you a long the way!

Random thoughts as surgery gets closer: What happens if this doesn't work?? Oh my god, I can't eat that for awhile can I...should I do this (usually I answer this one right away, YES) I would love to wear a normal size pair of boots and a cute pair of jeans. Can't wait to shop at normal stores. Also...I keep thinking about talking to my mom about post op plans. So she asks me about surgery...so this is a pretty easy one...they just put like a sleeve over your stomach...like a shirt? WHAT?! I stared at her for a full five minutes, then laughed for another full 5...then explained it to her. "Oh so that's why you need a week of. I was going to say, aren't you being a bit dramatic for them just hooking a garment over your stomach?" If we didn't laugh, we would cry right?

When I comment, it shows my group as Lap-Band patients. Does anyone know how to change this to Gastric Sleeve????

Hello and welcome!! My date is December 2nd. There is a group on here for December sleevers, as well as a facebook group you can join! I think it's a great idea to get a head start. Anything you can do before surgery to start your habits is great, that way you aren't worrying about recovery, finding Protein you like, getting in your liquids, and changing your eating habits. That is a lot to take on right after a surgery!! I found a Protein Drink I like, and got all of my post op stuff I will need. There are a ton of forums on here of what you can take care of beforehand, such as a heating blanket, gas X for your gas pains, and etc. I start my liquid diet on the 23rd, so I will be right there with you!

The best thing to do, if you don't want to wait for the coordinator, is to call the number on the back of your insurance card. When you get someone on the line, let them know you want to discuss the details of your coverage regarding bariatric surgery. They can tell you what their requirements are to cover the surgery, what they cover, and what you need to pay out of pocket. They can also tell you if you what you need to submit, and what your doctor needs to do. Your coordinator will be able to help you find all of this, but it might not be a bad idea to call and talk to your insurance company to find out!

I forgot to do mine! 1. To feel good in my skin again 2. To have the confidence to date again, start a family 3. To be better at my job 4. To help prevent chronic disease, especially those that run in my family 5. To be able to play sports again

What are your top 5 reasons for getting surgery!? No judgement here, just want to hear interesting/honest/funny/sad/happy reasons for getting bariatric surgery!

I asked this very question not to long ago! What I am doing, is buying clothing a few sizes down, at the end of the season so they are on clearance. I am cleaning out my closet of all my summer clothing, they will not be anywhere near sizes that will be fitting me. There are also a ton of websites that offer discount clothing, like Zulily.com. It's going to be, for my anyway, buy a few pieces at a time, ones that will last for a bit and not look too bad if they are a little big. Once I hit my goal, I am using money I am saving up for my new wardrobe!!

It gets better everyone!!! I have not communicated with my "friend" since I posted on here what happened...knowing I am going to end things, simply walking away. I will be cordial when I see her, but we will not be friends on her terms any longer. I get a text from her yesterday about making Christmas Cookies. We get together and make a ton every year. So she asks me when my surgery is (for the seventh time, like she has too much going on to remember such an inconsequential thing), and I tell her December 2nd. They have decided to do cookies on the seventh. I tell her I will not be able to participate. Her response, you can at least sit in a chair and talk to us, right? Yes please, 5 days post op I'd like to sit in your kitchen and watch you make cookies that none of us need, and then watch you all ear them while I have my Water and Protein shake. Now I'm just getting angry about her being such a terrible friend, I'm not even sad anymore.

I just went on the new website to check it out. They have not brought over active forums, and your profile is void of pictures, the count for comments you have made or posts you have started, and your information. I am hoping this all carries over!

Congrats!! Wonderful you are doing well!

I wrote on here awhile ago about a friend of mine who was being less than supportive of my decision for surgery. I made the decision, to hear her out, and to show her my side of things. She is afraid I haven't tried everything, that I am taking drastic measures to lose weight. First, I have known this friend for 2 years...she has NO idea about my struggles or what I have or haven't done to lose weight. So I clued her in. Today, I find out, from her no less, that she and another close friend (we all hang out regularly) are going out of town tomorrow for a girls trip. One that I have attended, and one that we decided the three of us would make an annual trip. I only found out, because she emailed me today at work to ask how my day was going, and to tell me that she and my friend were headed out of town tomorrow to our spot. I was very hurt, felt left out, and couldn't understand why she would go out of her way to hurt me. I understand that this surgery can bring about changes in friendships, but I had no idea it would be this quick ( I am scheduled for surgery December 2nd), or hurt this badly. I have told hardly no one about my surgery, and told this friend because I really needed her support and excitement. What I got was jealousy, judgement, and hurt feelings how someone could be so mean...I mean this isn't high school, what the heck is wrong with people?!

I'm pre-op but I think it's important to get things off your chest: 1. I have told people I'm single because I'm too busy to date. The truth is I'm ashamed of my weight and don't want to face rejection. 2. I'm super excited to have an intimate relationship again. It's been 7 years and I'm 28, I feel so sad about this. 3. I am scared to death to be thin, I hide behind my weight to not be outgoing. 4. I don't exercise, at all. I feel this is going to be a challenge for me. 5. I love soda, I'm heartbroken I have to give it up. I think I'm being naive how hard this will be for me.

Great ideas! I was shopping yesterday, and I kept finding cute stuff, which NEVER happens. But I didn't really buy anything because I thought, in two months this won't fit me anymore. It was so weird!

Has anyone tried AdvoCare protein drinks? What did you think?

This may seem silly, but I am worried about this. How often did you buy clothing as you were losing? I'm not talking a new wardrobe but just a few things here and there. I'm a nurse so my main wardrobe is taken care of with scrubs, but I do like to get together with friends and wear nice clothing. I'm just afraid I will be wasting money by buying clothing throughout the weight loss, but I know I'm going to have to get a few pieces. How did it work for you while you were losing?

This is such a personal and important decision to make. At first, I told my sister and my parents. I decided as I made the final decision to start this journey, I would tell my closest friends, which was 3 people. I am a nurse, and work with some great ladies and physicians. I decided because they see me the most out of anyone, we eat together, go out together, I would need their support and inspiration when things got tough. I decided to tell them. So my sister, parents, 3 closest friends and about 10 people at work know. I feel I needed the support, and needed people to help me stay accountable to my goals. That being said, there is no one else I feel I need to tell. I have other friends I am not as close with, who I don't feel need to know. I am sure people will question it when I start losing fast, after many many years of dieting and exercise programs. They can guess all they want, but in the end I am not comfortable with some people knowing who will judge me or have an opinion. Whatever feels right, do it. If you only want your husband to know, then that is what will work for you!

Whoo hoo!! I'm December 2nd too, awesome!!

I got my flu shot, too and it was also mandatory. Probably a good idea to get it, our immune systems will take a beating with the surgery.