irkenpanda

Both of you are in our prayers and in our hearts.

What is a "pain ball"? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

Hi Ali, I have totally driven to the gym, had a mini freak out and went home without even getting out of the car. On more occasions than one. I know how you feel. The best advice I can give is to truly just limit your carbs (including any sugar), drink at least 64 oz of water a day and write down everything you eat and at what times. Did your doctor/program provide guidelines for you?? Kaiser gave us guidelines and that is what I am following now. If you want some more help or at least the instructions I have, feel free to PM me.

These are all so true - here are a few of mine: Not sweating profusely and looking like I peed my pants every day of summer Being able to run again Not coming home and only wanting to sleep because I'm always so tired Being able to get past people in movie theaters, at arenas with bleachers/small rows of seats and in classrooms with tiny desks without my butt or any other part of my body touching theirs Not being afraid to dance Enjoy "being on top" Flirty, sexy shoes - definitely high heels!!

Hi D, I am on a pre-op diet that Kaiser has you do pretty much for months so I can get used to eating more correctly which makes the transition easier. I think it's probably close to the same thing you are on now. Anyway, I think that drinking your fluids makes a huge difference when on a low carb diet. Another thing, I constantly craved carbs (BREAD,PASTA,POTATOES!!!) and after being on this for 2 weeks so far, I pretty much don't crave them at all so time helps and ridding your body of sugar also makes a big big difference. Also, I'm sure you are excited and ready to make the change so it's not so frustrating not being able to nosh on the old standbys.

Good luck girl!! I hope everything goes smoothly & our best wishes are with you. Keep us posted so we know how you are doing.

Hi TankGirl, I love your avatar pic!! I think that may be the situation with the whole holiday time thing. Personally, i would be stoked if they got me taken care of before the holiday season. I just re-entered the Richmond program and I have my second weight check in two weeks and the nutritionist said that this is to my advantage so they can find out how much weight I can lose on the pre-op diet so I am hoping maybe a "fast-pass" is an option. From most posts, I've read, that is pretty fast, but if you feel you are mentally ready and have mastered the pre-op diet then i say go for it!! Best wishes to you & keep us posted.

Hey Lee, I called Kaiser and Robin told me that I will get the insert when i go to the review class in a couple weeks. So I just have to be patient I guess. Speaking of food plans, on this pre-op diet I am hungry and feel like I can't eat anything (I am a carb lover - not sugar, BREAD) so i think I am eating way less than I should be because I am frustrated. Anyone else have this issue?? :ohmy:

Thanks mp8btpc, I am really doing pretty well on the no-smoking today. I get real hard days (home) and then easy days (days I'm at work). How are you feeling? I hear a lot about people with head hunger and such.....

Thank you Lee!! I will call them tomorrow morning.

Does anyone have any long term VSG results? I know the usual possible complications (leaking, reflux, etc) but it seemed like last year when i was on the band forum, everyone seemed fairly happy with their bands (maybe that was just what I wanted to see) and now it is like the foreign body from hell, lol. I just want to be sure of what I am getting myself into in case there could be issues 5-10 years down the road with the sleeve. Any statistics or research sites would be fabulous. :001_smile:

Roshov, I understand it is exhausting - is it something that will get better?? I feel exhausted just being large and exhausted that I already constantly think about what I'm putting into my mouth - how does it compare? Better or worse? I am in the very beginning and just curious so I know what to expect...........

Omigosh - you are all so awesome!! Thank you for answering me. Cyclemom, my parents live in Christian Valley up above Auburn. It's so beautiful up there!! How was the psych appointment?? pretty basic or really in depth? Globetrotter, how are you feeling now that it has been a couple months? Do you still feel like you made a good decision? Lilmissdiva, thank you so much for the encouragement - I AM totally ready and motivated!! Woo hoo!!! I am having a bit of trouble with the pre-op diet (and it's only been like two days - lol). I am totally a "combination" eater so I always mix different food groups with eachother. This whole Protein first thing is a major change and going to bore me to death. 2nd day no cigarettes - yay go me!! :001_tongue:

Oh awesome & much thanks - I was going to PM you but wasn't sure. Do you happen to know how many sleeve procedures Dr. Baggs has done? I actually had my surgeon appointment with him last year but flaked because I wasn't ready and still have major guilt over not going and wasting his time. I secretly hope they schedule me with him again so i can apologize first thing. Also, I can't seem to find anything in the patient binder about the sleeve so I am just following the binder for the regular stuff (diet etc.). I just quit smoking as of today so I'm a bit edgy, lol. :w00t:

Hi, My name is Shannon and I am in the very beginning of the journey. I had orientation at Kaiser Richmond last year and wasn't quite ready. I'm way ready now. Last year it was all about the Lap Band but now I have found that Kaiser may not offer it anymore(?) and also am noticing that the later complications are way more than the sleeve so after much research, the sleeve it shall be:lol0:!! I would appreciate someone that has had the sleeve done and would like to be my buddy!!! Thank you in advance!! :001_tongue: