Valentina

sleep soundly, my friend. We've got your back. Prayers going up. Place on the "Losers' Bench" reserved in your name. We're all waiting for you on the bench.

Hormone mega release rollercoaster. The blues will go away when you turn your face skyward, feel the warmth of the sun. You will feel so alive that you will kick the blue's blue asses right out the window and get on with your new and wonderful life. Get to it! Don't be afraid. We all have your back.

I've already warmed your spot on, "The Losers' Bench".. We are all here waiting for you to join us. We will all help you at every trial, ache, stall, frustration and question. We will also be here to hear your victories, progress, milestones, and thrills. "BRAGS AND BITCHES"---We want to hear them all! You will NEVER be alone as long as we are here. I promise. Prayers going up for you. You got this!

I've had both a knee replacement and a sleeve. The sleeve surgery was a pin prick compared to the knee replacement. Not even close! You got this!

I took my rosary to say "thank YOU". I took my robe and slippers to remind me of home. I took my favorite perfume so I would smell like "me" and not "hospital" I took tooth brush and paste, and waterless shampoo and a hair brush I took my phone and charger. and very important: chapstick We'll be warming up the Losers' Bench for you!

By far: pepperjack, seriously sharp cheddar and brie. Yum! plain--all by themselves. Yum!

I truly believe you need to go to the closest ER and tell them that you are in severe abdominal pain and are thinking about harming yourself. ANY ER will help you. You need to be kind to yourself and do this for yourself. Prayers going up for you. You deserve to be pain free--physically and mentally. Keep us posted because we care.

Keep calling, my friend. The office will "push" for a response just so they don't have to be embarrassed again by not having an answer for you. Been there (office manager for years), done that, have the tee shirt that says so!

After four years of fear, crushing and smothering fear-of everything and everybody, I can finally say that I today, have NO fears. If I don't reach goal, I'll deal with it. If I regain, I'll deal with that too. I have no fear of any future plastic surgery or any surgery. I can not think of a more peaceful way to ease out of this world. If I never meet another "soulmate", I'll live my life out peacefully independent . "One never knows our own strength until being strong is our only choice."

Follow up calls, ladies. Don't let your file be the one that "slipped through the cracks". Politely remind your surgeon's office that you are still waiting for approval.

I spend 1/2 my life in Laurence Harbor. I won't be there this weekend. Are you in a position where you would be willing to drop it off????? If not, I completely understand. My friend who lives there doesn't drive.

Being "out here" alone is not easy, but worthwhile. My S.O. committed suicide the morning of my surgery. It's taken me years to recover from it. I, too was a member on this site (2011) , left and just came back this Jan. The people here have welcomed me back--some even remembered me (one I count as my favorite friend), and those who don't have shown me the support and encouragement that I so badly wanted and needed. I welcome you as I have been welcomed--with arms wide open.

I remember not being able to wear anything even slightly snug around my waist because of a pain on my left side. Your Dr. knows best. Be kind to yourself and this too shall pass.

anywhere near Laurence Harbor?????

I don't know if this qualifies as "cheating", but it was the first time I ate something that wasn't on my "approved" list. Post op---liquid stage--last week--I just couldn't tolerate anything sweet anymore. Sweet drinks were making me gag. SSSooooo, I put a cucumber, a tomato, some basil , wee bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar into my blender and had a "salad smoothie". I called my Nut., and asked if I had just condemned myself to "fat people hell". She just laughed and said it was OK. I could have my "salad" a couple of times a week as a palate cleanser. It was just what I needed to get through and break the sweetness stage. Other than that, I really don't crave anything. When we have a family birthday, I will have a forkful of birthday cake, and then I'm done.

There are a couple of recipes included in the 5-day pouch test. Why not use one of those? I made the pumpkin/sausage soup. It's a bit heavy for me, but it is definitely tasty!

Before. I spritz a wee bit of truffle oil or olive oil onto the veggie, then the nutritional yeast and then roast it. YUMMY! Lately I've been obsessed with nutritional yeast. I find that I really enjoy the cheesy flavor it gives to roasted veggies and I use it on a green salad in place of croutons. Not only does it add flavor, but also adds about 8gr of Protein per 2 Tbsp.. I, too am addicted to roasted garlic as a side to.....well, everything! Do you use the nutritional yeast before you roast the vegetables or after? It's also good in bone broth. Plus it adds protein!

Lately I've been obsessed with nutritional yeast. I find that I really enjoy the cheesy flavor it gives to roasted veggies and I use it on a green salad in place of croutons. Not only does it add flavor, but also adds about 8gr of Protein per 2 Tbsp.. I, too am addicted to roasted garlic as a side to.....well, everything!

I would contact the company, explain and ask for a shipping label to send them back. At the same time, ask for replacements. It's just good business to "do right" to a good customer.

Sending prayers up for the start of your grand adventure tomorrow. Just, please try to relax, take a breath let events happen. Don't fight the struggles and discomfort. Let them "wash" over you. Please post us as soon as you can. We "Upstaters" are far and few, but we stick together! PS: I had my sleeve on my daughter's birthday. I've always considered it a good luck charm.

Keep your Dr. up today, so he can help you. Being dizzy at the wrong time can be dangerous.

70​% ​to 85% depending on the surgeon and internal findings.

Ask the only person whose opinion should matter to you and your surgery---your surgeon. You can use all of the posts on this thread as discussion fodder, but when all is said and discussed, it's your surgeon's opinion that should mean the most. Take care and feel better.

Choosing to be sleeved just to avoid dumping is invalid. Many, Many sleevers experience dumping. I've had my sleeve for over 4 years and I still have dumping episodes. Do I regret choosing my sleeve over a by-pass. Never! I did my research and am completely satisfied with my decision. My recommendation is to do your research and have a meaningful conversation with your surgeon. Find out what his/her recommendation is for your body. Good luck and keep posting.

I may be old school (63), but when did a spouse telling his/her wife that "eating Starbursts will make fat" become Domestic Violence? I've been married 36 years and along the way to becoming 80 lbs overweight, my wife told me "to stop eating so much" many times along the way. It was hurtful to hear, but absolutely true and probably helped motivate me to finally take action. Do you think anyone struggling with obesity should be eating Starbursts? Do you think any average weight person enjoys seeing their spouse gain weight (while continuing to overeat)? Do you think spouses should speak honestly about their feelings with one another, particularly in matters of health? I'm not saying preacher boy is in the right, but I've read nothing here that convinces me he's ready to be charged with a crime! I'm still waiting to learn if the OP has told him how SHE FEELS about her weight and his lack of support. Though, I think telling a spouse to stop eating is as productive as telling a skunk not to stink, I do agree with most of this post. I wrote my feelings and opinion about what I think this lovely young lady should at least try in my first post. I do hope she goes back and reads it again and again and again. Couldn't hurt! Thank you Valentina for your orginal response. I did respond to it. Also, I sent you a private message, not sure if to got it. I don't think I did, but I will go back and look. Do you have someone going with you and who will be at the hospital for you after surgery??? I wish I lived closer. Prayers going "up" just for you!!