SParkle

Hi and welcome I'm one of the lower BMIs going for the sleeve - both the surgeons I had consults with (here in Spain) said that at around the BMI of 35 i would be ok for the sleeve. I'm not sure at what point they say no on the BMI scale, but I know the things they looked at for me was either the band or the sleeve. I'm also a self payer, having no co-morbidities, and while the budget was important, my life is more so. Do use the board to gather as much information as possible, see as many surgeons as you can to get a feel for who you are comfortable with, not only for their track record but to trust your life with. I've had previous surgery, and saw 3 surgeons for that, and in the end went with the one priced in the middle of the others, because with all the research I felt he was the man for the job. I wish you luck in your decision - and know everyone here will help out with any info that they can. Kathy

Hi Brian and welcome My thoughts go out to you for your loss, and although you have your reservations about the operation, I think its possibly the most wonderful thing you can do for yourself and your children - loosing the weight will mean your quality of life with them will be so much better. I'm not sleeved yet, so can only offer support from the non sleeved side of the bench as yet, but wish you luck in your journey. Kathy

Mine said he would use a 32. It does sound like a huge size, but Tiffs pictures are a good reference to show the differences - which in reality aren't much between the sizes. Maybe think about comparing the size 48 to your current stomach - so it'll still be a lot smaller. Was he adamant about using this size or could you ask him to go smaller?

Good luck Sassie - I'll be thinking of you.

Thanks Lori...... I was aware so many people had surgery coming up in May, but didn't know many with June dates - so its nice to know theres a few more joining me - you should put a call out to all July ones, it'll soon come round, and will give you extra time to get ready for it all. Good luck Kathy

Hi Surgery Buddy! Like you I would love to fast forward to about 4 weeks post op!! But I guess we'll just have to be patient! Good luck

To the OP : Certainly the 2 consults I had, both surgeons said I would get a dvd of the operation, which would show me the removal. As stated most surgeons give quite a strict eating regime for the post op period, working your way slowly thru the clear liquid, full liquid, mushies then soft food stages, theres several links on here which has been posted by sleevers which would help you see the different variations on this to help with your research. I wish you luck in your research... theres a lot you need to be aware of before you make this decision, so to be fully informed is vital. Kathy

What a fab recipe.... I'll have to try these out! Presumably you could even mix in a bit more Protein if you wanted to as well. Thanks for sharing. Kathy

Hi there Congratulations!! I'm scheduled for 10th June, so we might be around the same time. Like you I'm also starting to prepare things, clearing out food cupboards, starting to use a Protein shake for Breakfast, smaller portions, upping my exercise to maximise my fitness for the surgery. Keep us informed on how your month is going, and when you get your date thru. Kathy

Hi Christie Good luck with your consult...let us know how you get on. Kathy

Hi to you both - Don't know about you but I hate having to wait so long!! Its only 'cos we have to go to a wedding at the end of May, so that dictated the date really....I know it'll go quick in the end but can't wait until I am on the losers side!!

I'm scheduled for 10th June... and know theres a couple of you around the same time, wondered if there were any more... as its kind of nice to have surgery buddies to go thru it all with! Kathy

Barbara - great results!! Congratulations!! Kathy

Hiya I also have thin hair, and am concerned, and I'm also up for surgery in June, and have upped my Protein now, with a Protein Drink every morning in order to make sure I am getting enough at least now.... and I always take a multi vit with Iron anyway so will continue to do so after surgery. Good luck Kathy

Hi You must be excited but nervous....I can't wait until I have only 4 days to go... if it wasn't for having to go back to England for a wedding I'd book in earlier! How are you finding your pre op diet - is it a liquid one or just the low carb food? Way to go for loosing 10lbs in a week tho!! Kathy

Fab story and beautiful picture of you in your new dress! You'll knock 'em for 6!! Congrats Kathy

Great idea to try and kick some of those habits before...I'm trying that too.... with surgery booked for June 10th I feel like time is dragging. But I have been productive by clearing out all 'bad' foods from the kitchen cupboards. Hubby has started his annual summer diet, so its pretty easy for me to be really good at the moment, so I am focusing on trying to lower my weight for the surgery, and to ensure I'm as fit as I possibly can be I have started a fitness regime today- I have aWii Fit, and have dug out my sports bra to hold me in place as I jog round the lounge (with the dog in tow!!). I'll second that - I have a small sample of one chocolate one which was 'ok', but not great..and the guy in the shop was trying to convince me to buy a 1kg tub! I've also got a small tub (630g) of Lean Dessert coming thru, and I've just bought a 200g tub of a soya protein one... which is ok, but i would prefer it if I wasn't one that turns out to be lactose intolerant after surgery!! Good luck with your waiting....I'm sure nearer the time there will be more with surgery around that date, so it'll be good to be impatient together!! Kathy

Congratulations.. and you have a buddy to see you thru this as well in your step mum. Keep us posted.....and keep up the good work!! ;o)

Thats a great result - well done!

What a great link - I've seen quite a few others, and this one seems to have more detail - thanks!

Congrats on your surgery..... and thanks for posting!

Hi Sonia and welcome to the board. I'm sure its great that you can both go thru this together.... and i know you'll find everyone here very welcoming and theres so much information which will help you both as well. I'll be interested to see your replies on the waking up thing - I don't sleep well sometimes, and usually take herbal remedies to help me get some shut eye, (valeriana Leo) so it'll be something I'll add to my list for my pre op consult next month to check if I'll be able to take it. Good luck to you both Kathy

I'll be round soon... please keep some of that yummy food for me!!! Seriously tho, Tiffany - wishing you good luck with your surgery. Kathy

Ahhh - Ok thanks Tiff for the rapid response! I didn't think the Protein with Water counted as clear.... so that'll make things a lot easier I reckon. I'm going to take the info on the one I reckon will be ok with me to the next appt with the dietician so can run them past her to check they're ok, and i did test a sample one today,half of it mixed with water and also half of the pack with milk as well to see what difference it made - I was shocked how different it tasted! My concern is that I don't want to buy massive jars as most say tastes change post op, so 1lb jars sound ok.

Ok - with surgery booked for June 10th I have plenty of time to prepare..... and have been looking at Protein shakes - I think I have found one which will be ok and isn't in too large an amount (just over 1lb jars) which I can get on the web. My thoughts are now on the clear liquid stage where you need to get as much protein as possible. Keep in mind I live in Spain so can't get