LilMissDiva Irene

Hi Lyra

It's normal to worry that things won't run smoothly up to your surgery. It's ok, and even if it doesn't never lose that excitement you're feeling right now! It will happen and you will be sitting over here on the losers bench with all us skinnies.

I'd like to make a suggestion though... *do NOT* get rid of your favorite outfit in your largest size. Save at least that one. You will be completely amazed as you lose weight, and in those times when the scale is being a stubborn mule, you can pull them out and put them on. I cannot tell you how much this makes the scale melt in comparison.

Hello fit, prayers and well wishes for your surgery tomorrow!! I hope all is going well with your liquids today! It's tough... but always remember, you are more tough.

*hugs*

Hi Angie! Hey, aren't we human? I'm *still* working on perfecting me, but guess what - that's never going to happen. All I can do is keep chipping away, and getting the VSG is only the first step.

And, you are still early out so yes, the weight loss is going to happen no matter what or how much you eat. Just know that it does get harder the longer you're out. I speak from experience, and though I'm not trying to lose weight per-se, keeping it off is not all that easy. It IS easier than before my sleeve, but again it does take a lot of diligence on my part. I can see that if I didn't watch myself I really could gain my weight back.

Like you, THANK GOODNESS for workouts!!!

Hey ChaCha! Hang in there! All of this will be so worth it. It sounds to me like you're doing really well and for that I'm so happy for you.

*hugs*

Hi Randy, I just wanted to welcome you to VST! I hope you will find a sleeve buddy. Take good care, and cheers on your upcoming surgery!

***standing ovation*** Love it, and LOVE YOU! You're amazing... just in case I haven't said so lately.

Thanks LMD! I started myself on prilosec and it has helped. Maybe I need to increase the dose to twice a day until I can get in to see my doctor.How did you get your protein in your first couple of weeks? I think I may need to make myself a schedule. I'm trying to stick to the not drinking while "eating" but i'm just stressed about getting fluids in, i drink whatever I can.I really appreciate help from the vets! I thought I'd read everything and was totally prepared, but nothing prepares you for it completely LOL!

I believe you are still on liquids? If that's the case then any liquids you consume, even protein shakes can add to both your liquid count as well as your protein count. I even used to substitute a few meals per day with protein shakes to do my best to get everything in. I still rarely did, but I think the main thing is doing your best. Just remember, fluid intake is #1, then protein is #2. HTH

Hey lady! So, are you on any kind of acid reducting medication? If your stomach is rumbling that is not head hunger. Head hunger is pretty much uncontrollable ( they can be controlled but hard to do! ) desire to eat.

Anyhow, having a lot of acid can mimic hunger pains. I use Prilosec and as long as I'm eating protein first I rarely feel hunger pains even this far out from surgery, and even when I do they are faint in comparison to pre surgery.

The pain while swallowing does go away, rest assured. It took me at least three weeks from what I remember.

*hugs* NO worries, you're doing excellent.

Holly,

The quickest way for me to want to prove to someone I can do something is when someone tells me I CAN'T.

Let me explain.

Two years ago I was scheduled to have 2 knee surgeries. The reason was because I was extremely overweight and I loved to walk. Just like you. I was told I couldn't walk anymore because I'd completely abused my knees to the point of causing arthritis, to try other things... and I myself was only about 36 years old.

So here's what I did instead.

1. I cancelled my knee surgeries.

2. I scheduled myself to have my Lap Band removed and replace it with a VSG.

3. I let myself recover slowly but surely.

4. I did other workouts to help me continue to lose more weight.

5. Once I got to a certain weight, I started walking again.

6. I continued to lose, and I continued to walk.

7. I signed up for my first 5K running event.

8. I ran that 5K, from start to finish.

Today I have ZERO knee pain, and I didn't even ever need to reschedule my knee surgeries.

Do NOT lose hope in that you will never run a 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or a Marathon. NEVER IS NOT IN YOUR VOCABULARY.

Now, dust yourself off and keep doing what I know you can do, and that is keep working to be a better, more fit and healthy you.

I revised from my Lap Band to the VSG on 9/15/10. I am doing outstanding and I was able to reach my final goal in just over 10 months.

There are so many benefits that I've found regarding having my sleeve rather than my band, but I think the greatest one is the freedom to live my life! No fills/unfills, port pain, stuck food, soft food syndrome, slimies, tight/loose effects.. none of that. Sorry to say but I do NOT miss the lap band.

All the best to you!

Hey Holly! I loved this entry, it was amazing.

The first step to the rest of your life is realizing that your journey NEVER ENDS. It is a lifelong battle. Some days will be good, some days won't be. But, we have to be stronger than the circumstances surrounding our lives and realize one thing: I AM WORTH IT. You have to truly and with all your heart believe that statement. Because we really all are.

If I mess up, I have to forgive myself and just keep it moving. I'm not perfect nor will I ever be. Oh, let me rephrase that... nor do I want to be! However I do want to be good to myself, maintain health and happiness, because again, I deserve it.

God Bless.

For what its worth I think you're doing great. Keep up the good work.

Hi aldmb2

It is tough at first, I won't lead you wrong - but in time you will realize that having this surgery is the best thing you can do for yourself. Hugs!!! Stay strong!!! Venting does help a lot too.

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Whoohoooo you did it!!! What a fabulous moment for you!

Great progress so far!!! Keep the positivity, it will come in handy!

Slowing down to a few pounds per month, I say it was around 10 months out. That was when I got to around 4-5 Lbs per month. I actually have lost 0 Since december, which is fine. I'm not trying to lose pounds anymore, just tone up.

Everyone's different though, and really depends how quickly you get to about 20 Lbs or less to lose.

Happy 2 mos!! You're doing great! Don't worry so much about getting to goal, you WILL get there. Just keep doing all the right things, and goal will happen in time.

The questions will start popping up all the time on how did you lose the weight. Be prepared for this! It happens all the time. It doesn't last forever though. I used to get asked 20x a day, now it's only down to 10x... haha

Keep up the great progress!!

It's ok to be excited!! Don't worry the time will come, and wow in the mean time it sounds like you got things all figured out. I love the workout routine you got going for yourself... CONGRATS!!! xoxo

You got this!!! Please check in to let us know how you're doing! Also, remember to sip walk rest and repeat as necessary.

At least you had fun girlie!!! Sometimes we just need to do that, blow off some steam and let our minds go from workout workout workout, weight loss weight loss weight loss... know what I mean?

One thing I've gotten to know about you in the short time is that you are a tough one and you'll get back on track ASAP Hey, and look at you !!! You're only a few Lbs away from ONEDERLAND!! Whoooo!! Get it girl!!

Thank you so much ladies!!!! I'm in a very good place. I'm happy, content and just living life now.

Well they have double and triple zero's but I'm not forcibly trying to lose anymore. But in case anyone might want to get there...

Being apprehensive is very normal. You just have to realize this and keep it moving. You will be changing your whole life and the simple unknown is the scariest thing to all of us. Stay positive, keep reading the stories here but also prepare yourself for all sides, including complications. You'll need to know warning signs for your own well being. Best of wishes to you, and I'll keep you in my prayers.

Thanks!!! :-)

Thanks for keeping me moving y'all!!! I certainly would NOT be here without all of your support.