BeachWithMyBabies

It's amazing how confident about surgery I can be one day and then how much I can question it the next. My doctor likes his patients to lose 10% of their total body weight before VSG surgery. To help me with this, I've joined Weight Watchers. Ironically, when diets NEVER worked for me before, WW is suddenly working well. I've been losing about 2.5 pounds a week following the plan. Now I'm starting to question whether I do the surgery or not - which is VERY frustrating. Has anyone had this happen to them? My ego has sabotaged me before - I get cocky and then I think I can eat anything. At the same, my BMI is right on the border. I'm approved by insurance and my surgery date is in less than 2 weeks. Is this logical, or am I just trying to sabotage myself again?

That is VERY true! Excellent point that I didn't even think about. There are so many worse things to be putting in our bodies over the long term.... But people don't really think about that. All they hear is "surgery" and think it's drastic. Taking drugs the rest of your life is drastic, if you ask me.

Thanks everyone! It's been an empowering journey and I'm excited for the next step. I started off freaked out and doubtful and now I'm feeling more confident and comfortable. Another food for thought that I had - if you remove the surgery aspect (which is always what freaks people out), this procedure is actually very homeopathic. We are choosing to alter our stomach, but we have full control of what we put in our mouths. I'm choosing to continue my journey with whole foods, organic whey proteins, probiotics, stevia, and organic fruits, veggies and grass fed meats. I plan to take high quality vitamins. I won't be eating pre-packaged artificial foods. I won't be eating cancer causing artificial sweeteners. No more corn syrup or preservatives or trans fats. If you take a look at the quality of food you put in your body with Nutrisystem or Jenny Criag verses the whole foods that we can put in our bodies, the VSG is much more healthy and holistic. It actually makes MORE sense to do this than to follow Slim Fast or Atkins or all those other diet giants out there that pump you full of artificial chemicals and processed foods. We are going to have the power and control to be very picky and selective about what we put in our bodies. Doesn't that seem much more sane than signing up for another crap filled diet plan? I've gotten a few people to shut up with this fact too.

I'm getting my sleeve done at UC Davis Med Center. I've had to go through nutrition classes and this is the basic info they gave me. 1. In Hospital: Clear liquids only (ie broth, Water, sugar free popsicle, etc) 2. Released from hospital through Week 2: Protein-Based liquids (ie Protein shakes, low fat cream Soups, diluted sugar free pudding, blended bean soups, and milk - everything diluted thinner than a milkshake) 3. Day 15 through Week 4: Puree/Blended Foods (ie meats, tofu, Beans, hummus, Peanut Butter, potatoes, baby food). Protein Goal = 60-80 grams of protein. Fluid goal = 48-64 ounces a day 4. Week 5 & 6: Soft/Chopped (ie all food from before + eggs, hot cereals, boiled potatoes, soft fruits without seeds/skin, whole grain crackers, whole grain toast). Same protein and fluid goals. Aim for 1/4 to 1/2 cup portions. 5. Week 7 and Beyond: slowly introduce a greater variety of foods. Continue to keep liquids seperate from meals by 20-30 min, aim for 3 meals and 2 Snacks per day (recommended to use Protein Shakes for snacks and regular food for meals) I hope that helps you. I agree, your diet recommendation seems odd, but at the same time you need to trust your doctor. This is what was given to me by the research hospital and it seems pretty sound. I have much more detail if you want to message me.

I think she did. However, my heart rate and BP are a total tribute to her efforts. She just can't control what I put in my mouth - and after years of yo-yo dieting, I came to the conclusion that, to an extent, I couldn't either since my inability to lose after a few months always discouraged me and made me give up. I'm also an emotional eater. I'm excited/nervous about taking the food away so that the reasons I eat become more pronounced. This way I can really get to the core of my healing and keep this weight off!

My doctor mentioned that statistic.

I got a call from my doctor's nurse yesterday and I found out I'm scheduled for April 14, 2011. I'm so excited and nervous and worried and pleased and hopeful and doubtful and EXCITED all rolled into one. This process has been quick for me - I had my first consultation on March 18 - so I've gotten all my labs, tests, evaluations, nutrition and my date in under a month. Nothing motivates weight loss like a upcoming surgery! I'm happy to share if people want to ask me about it. Regarding nay-sayers. I've been working hard with a trainer for about 2 years now. She's like a family member. I waited to tell her until this week, and she looked so shocked and like she was going to cry. She started to lecture me and I shut that down pretty quick. Then she asked me a series of questions that I answered really honestly that seemed to get her on board rather than battling me. I thought these might help others when having those uncomfortable and frustrating discussions: 1. You realize that you're never going to be able to eat whatever you want again, right? You'll have to change your diet forever. Answer: Wouldn't I need to do that regardless if I wanted to lose 60+ pounds and maintain it? I'm making a lifestyle change - and this option is giving me a tool that puts me in the 85% success rate rather than the 2% a traditional diet would give me. 2. But you're going to have to be on supplements the rest of your life! Answer: I ALREADY take supplements daily for my health. Where is the change there? And since when does taking Calcium, Iron, a Multivitamin and B12 alarm anyone? Seems pretty healthy to me. 3. There will be foods you will never get to eat again. Answer: True - at first. But eventually after my stomach heals, I can eat whatever I want. Does that mean I will? No. Because I have a tool that is going to help me make healthy choices. And if I was trying another traditional diet, isn't it true that in order to make lifestyle changes, there would be foods that I would probably have to give up or significantly limit? So wouldn't I be doing that anyway? 4. But your eating is also emotional. Your surgery won't cure that. Answer: True. That's why I have my core loved ones that are here to support me. I'd like you to be one of those people. I also plan on staying in talk therapy and going to weekly weight watcher meetings. I may also look at some overeaters anonymous meetings. I'm certainly not alone and I know I am going to need support. 5. I just don't think you should give up on your workouts. Answer: Who said I was doing that? I have to take a few weeks hiatus while I heal, but I still plan to meet with you weekly - like physical therapy. And my doctor recommends 4-6 1 hour workouts a week after I'm cleared, so I would still need you in my life! That seemed to do that trick. I hope some of you find that helpful! And regarding those people who are just negative - screw 'em. You're future success is their future anxiety. That's their issue - not yours!

I'm working with Dr. Ali at UCD and I'm wondering if anyone else did the same. I am going to have my surgery in about 3 weeks, if all goes well. I'm just curious about your experience and what I can expect after. Thanks!

I have surgery in 3 weeks. My PCP suggested this in the first place and referred me to the surgeon and it's all being covered by my insurance. I don't know why you WOULDN'T let your PCP know.

I am going to have my surgery in 3 weeks, but I've been thinking a lot about this too. I teach high school theatre, so I'm up and talking most of every period. I am going to try and set an alarm either on my laptop or my ipod (I'll keep it in my pocket) to remind me to drink, since I'll completely forget if I don't. I'm also planning on telling some of my students who like to mother me that it's important that I drink every 15 minutes (they know I'm going out for surgery, but don't know the reason) and see if kids can help remind me. They are so protective, I have a feeling they'll be my best resource! Regarding food - you'll just need to prepack your meals and just plan ahead. But for me, alarms are going to be key.

I am going to be sleeved in about 3 weeks. My BMI is 37. I have no major co-morbidities, however I do have history of mild depression/anxiety, asthma and I have that annoying extra skin handing over my abdomen from my c-section procedures. I work out A LOT, so I'm pretty muscular. I just haven't been able to lose ANY weight for the past 2 years, despite various diets, cleanses and my intense circuit training and running. Hence why my doctor referred me to my bariatric surgeon. Is there anyone else out there with a similar body that is getting sleeved? I'm curious about what my results might be. Will I lose a lot of my muscle on the 6 month diet? I have worked hard to build up my strength and tone and I'm hoping that, as I lose weight, my body will be able to finally show off all my hard work at the gym! Is this realistic? And on a side note, I AM SO EXCITED TO POSSIBLY BE LEAN. I have struggled with my weight my whole life - since 3rd grade. The thought of this happening in the near future blows my mind for the better. I am so ready for this. I just want to make sure I'm not setting myself up for unrealistic expectations, so any stories or advice would be much appreciated. Thank you!