SParkle

How exciting - congratulations!! At least you don't have long to wait now and can get right in there with your liquid bit!! Keep us informed Kathy

Thanks - I realise I'll prob loose it, but anything I can do to help prevent it, or as you say Tiff, to try and aid regrowth will be better. Stcyt - I'll have to have a look out for the chewable ones....I think I am going to have to order them from the UK online anyway, as can't seem to find them here in Spain. Kathy

In my preparation for the sleeve I am going to get some Biotin tablets, but wondered those who took it, how long did you take it for? Just until you could manage to get the right amount of Protein? Or longer? Did you take it before surgery too? I have got this right - haven't I? That it comes in capsules or tablet form, and presumably I'm better off getting the tablets so I can crush them? Thanks in advance.... Kathy

Hi Melissa I'm caught on a double edge here with this, as my date is 10th June, but have a family wedding at the end of May in the UK, and a dress I need to slim into! So while my heart is telling me to eat, my head is telling me the more i eat the less i will get that zip up!! I don't see how I am gonna shift 4inches from my boobs in that time, but I thought I would try as the dress is gorgeous!! Good luck!! Kathy

I had a breast lift 4 yrs ago now, and was worried that they would reduce in size too much ( I love my boobs!!).... but they didn't. In fact they look bigger now!! The scarring look extreme to begin, but certainly around the nipple and down have faded so much, I kept them out the sun and should occasion arise when I can go topless I ue a sunblock, but I am proud to get them out! Theres no way I would have every done that before.

8lbs is good.....Congrats... and although she said you may be following the rules too much, well surely they are there for a reason right? I know I'm gonna go all out to stick to them, as I want min. hairloss (can't afford to loose it as I'm fairly thin at the front already!).... So stick with it, and good luck Kathy

Tiffs right - you're nearly half way to your goal.... so think on the bright side! I know I would struggle to shift 20lbs in 5wks on my own, so I'm prepared to loose it a bit slower - it has to be a bit better on your body as well, less shock to your body than it dropping off quickly. Kathy

You may have already done this, but its worth making a list of anything you're unsure of and want to clarify.... I found loads of things I wanted to know and asked him, no matter how silly it sounded. This thread has lots of ideas in which may be of help too. Kathy

Great news - and you don't have long to wait either now!! I'm sure if you have questions those who are on the other side will help out. I know I using the posts to find out as much as possible and preparing myself - theres quite a few which help out with tips of things to take with you, and prep you can do at home. Amongst other things I for one am: Clearing out all 'bad' foods from the house Making some Soups for the full liquids stage of the post op Making sure hubby has easy cook food in place Going to do a full house clean before the op, so I don't have to worry afterwards for a while Have cleared out all my larger clothes which are too big... I won't need them again Find a good book to pack for the hospital Am trying to get into the small mouthful thing now.... and trying not to drink with meals. Hope this helps and good luck for the 12th Kathy

Good luck for next week! Sounds like you have a fab bloke there - after all the years of dieting I think one of the hardest for me is seeing other people eat in front of me....so I can applaud his not eating in front of you, and the comments like 'Go on, one won't hurt'...... I think I shall hole myself up when I get to do my pre op diet!! Kathy

What a fab letter! It came across to me that you had done all your research, realised your problems, and your possible future issues and stated them in a clear and matter of fact way. I wish you all the luck for this.. .let us know how you get on. Kathy

Tiff - good point..... I know my surgeon does use Heparin. I used arnica about 4 yrs ago when I had a breast lift, and my plastic surgeon was fine with it, I had minimal discomfort from bruising. I know this is a totally different situation, so figured it doesn't hurt to ask....

Good points Avilda...... I will be asking my surgeon about it, just wondered if anyone else had used it.

Think positive - 17.2lbs down?? Way to go hun.....and over 3 points off your BMI! Keep smiling, you'll be fine. Kathy

Good to hear you're doing well, 21lbs down as well! Keep up the good work. Kathy

I bought 2 of these yesterday to make some ice pops with! I have the problems where here in Spain, ice pops which are sugar free are virtually non existent, and I thought these are great as I can just make the flavours I want, without the hassle of having to buy a pack of 10 where I hate most of the flavours. Not cheap but they are silicon and they work great - i have tried them with some no added sugar pineapple juice as a trial then they are lush!! Kathy

Sadly my Mum passed away last year (Alzheimers) but I know she would have been horrified at the thought of surgery for me.... I'm slowly changing my view on who to tell, so far my hubby and my best friend know, as I had to get another take on it, so had to tell my mate. But we go out for quite a few meals and I have a feeling as time goes on there maybe comments about eating disorders, so feel in the end I may end up telling more people than I thought. I can only advise that try and list the reasons why you want it done, not only the really obvious ones, but the small things that people without weight issues don't even think about. Shes your Mum, and she loves you, and will want to protect you,, so you need to make her also think about the protecting you against gaining more weight and the health issues involved with that too, and for your future with your family. Good luck - I don't envy you that one, as I know I won't be telling my Dad....I just don't think he could cope with it all. Kathy

Its a homeopathic remedy, but helps to reduce post op bruising and swelling. "How Can Arnica Montana Benefit My Healing Journey? The Arnica Montana products featured in the Store can help reduce post-operative bruising (ecchymosis), swelling (edema), and discomfort. Arnica Montana is a natural and safe homeopathic remedy that is frequently taken in oral pill or cream form. Grown in mountain regions, this homeopathic herb not only helps reduce bruising and swelling but also promotes healing and lessens post-operative pain and discomfort. Because Arnica Montana is a natural, safe remedy, it is known for having virtually no contraindications, no drug interactions, and no side effects. How Should I Administer Arnica Montana? Arnica Montana is typically taken in pill, pellet, or capsule form to help reduce bruising, swelling, and post-operative discomfort. For best results, do not eat or drink for 15 minutes before or 15 minutes after taking this homeopathic remedy. Ingesting food 15 minutes before or after you take the pill will diminish the effectiveness of Arnica Montana. Additionally, handling the product with your hands is not recommended. Once your wounds have healed and closed completely, Arnica Montana topical creams and gels may be also be applied over the surgical areas to reduce post-operative symptoms." "Is Arnica Montana 30X appropriate for an individual who has had gastric bypass surgery? Yes, because the homeopathic medication is delivered sublingually and not through the gastrointestinal tract. Following gastric bypass surgery, many patients have a difficult time obtaining a sufficient quantity of the micronutrients (Vitamins & minerals) required for good health. At the same time, a dramatically reduced stomach size makes it difficult to take certain supplements, especially tablets. This becomes important should the gastric bypass patient elect to have surgery down the road (e.g., body contouring), as nutrient deficiencies delay the healing process. Because Arnica Montana is delivered sublingually, most gastric bypass patients do not have any difficulty taking the homeopathic remedy." "

Just wondered if anyone used Arnica to help with internal bruising from the surgery, either before or afterwards?

Excellent! I expect nearer the time there will be quite a few more too....I'm trying to get my pre op diet out of my dietician before I go for my pre op tests, not sure I'll manage tho, so may have to wait until 21st before I know how long the pre op diet is for. The suspense is killing me as I know they can vary SO much!!! Kathy

Good luck!

Hi and welcome I'm not really knowledgeable about the US and the insurance systems, but one thing did occur to me. Have you any previous records of your weight? If you were Xlbs lighter 2 yrs ago, then could you not go in with the argument that in 2 yrs time you'll be Xlbs more... and so on.....possibly costing them more money during the next few years when some of the co-morbidities start to set in. - Perhaps also if you have anything vaguely relevent in family history to throw at them as well?? Stay ever hopeful! good luck Kathy

Sounds like you're doing well Kymmi. I read somewhere that the surgery can play havoc with our cycles as well....and as I always feel nauseous during the first day of mine I am hoping beyond hope that it doesn't happen to me!! Good luck and keep up the good work. Kathy

Thats a fab result - Well done! You must have such a huge grin on your face!!! Kathy

What about food flavourings? I have coconut, vanilla and chocolate essence in the fridge which don't contain sugar... couldn't you mask them by making them taste of something you like? There must be loads of flavourings available. (Forgive me if I'm way wrong on this one, just guessing!!)