want2bthin

I had 2 oz of Boars Head Honey Ham slices. Cut 1/2 oz slice of Swiss cheese in half and rolled it up inside the ham to make 2 ham n cheese rolls. Quick and easy and goes down very well.

Thanks everyone for all of the nice compliments and your encouragement. To those of you who haven't had surgery hang in there. The physical, emotional and mental processes leading up to surgery are tough. I was where you are not long ago so I know. I learned so much on VST and am happy to answer any questions. Most of all be encouraged and keep a positive attitude. The first month was the hardest for sure but each day gets better and better.

Could I look any more miserable in my before photo? It was taken February 22 the day I started my preop diet and surgery was on March 7. Very happy with my results and feeling great!

I am five months out and I have never had a stall. For a long time I was losing half pound a day like you. Now it's slowed a little bit to on average .4 pounds a day which I'm still very happy with that. I usually only weigh myself once or twice a week and to those who have stalled if you're weighing yourself daily I would strongly discourage that. I also think that other reasons I haven't had a stall yet is because I eat very low calories – on average 500 a day even though my surgeon would prefer that I eat 800 cal. Also his postop diet is pretty strict compared to most. I cannot have any carbs other than fruits and vegetables until I am six months out and even then it will only be one serving a day. The only Carb I can honestly say I miss is pistachio nuts. One month more to go before I can have them :-)

Just make sure that you have proof of monthly weigh ins with the diet doctor and that he's not the same doctor has your gastric surgeon. Sounds like you have everything you need and I'm sure you should be approved quickly.

I have United healthcare too and they consider them two procedures. There are two different procedure codes. I was approved immediately for the band removal due to complications. I was denied by them twice for the sleeve surgery. I appealed a third time to my employer and finally won. I am thrilled with my sleeve. What a major difference over the band. I wish you all the best in getting your approvals. If they give you any problems appeal. Don't give up you won't regret it.

I also have United healthcare PPO and I was denied and lost two appeals with them. I submitted a third appeal to my employer. Since my employer self funds the insurance they eventually overturned United's decision. United did approve me right away for the lap band removal but they denied the sleeve surgery. Their main beef was that they wanted me to do a six-month preop diet again and I thought that was ridiculous since I had already done that to get the lap band, I had the band for six years so to me I had been on a diet effectively for the last six years. Thing is that just be safe I started the six-month preop diet and it was exactly at the six-month mark that the appeal was finally overturned. So if you already completed or are on the way to completing a six-month preop you'll probably be fine. If you run into problems and want more information on what I did to win, contact me by the message feature in VST I hope for your sake that you get approved quickly and don't have to go through what I went through. It was emotionally and mentally exhausting.

The best book I have ever read on this subject is titled "Shrink Yourself" by Dr. Roger Gould. Similar to the article above it captures types of food addictions and really deals with the psychological side of things. He also has a website with lots of free info as well as a 12 week program that you pay for and costs around $100. I went through the 12 week program and I never finished it but I found it very helpful. You have to finish it in a year or pay more $$ which is the reason I didn't finish it. It asks all kinds of questions on how you would handle different situations and then returns suggestions on what you should work on, stories of others who have struggled with the same thing, etc. So it is pretty personalized which is what I really liked. I still have the book and refer to it now and then. Another book which I learned about here on VST and downloaded the Kindle edition is "The End of Overeating". I think it cost $7.99 to download and it's been a good investment. I am almost finished with it. It deals with how today's food industry has evolved and essentially made us 'addicts' to ensure their company profitability, etc. Fascinating read... and really made me think. I highly recommend Shrink Yourself which I'm sure you can probably also download an electronic version of if you have a Smartphone, Kindle or Nook - or use those programs on your PC. Try Half.com for a used copy at a lower price. Hope this helps....

Congratulations to my sleeve sister since we had surgery on the same date this year. I'm so happy for you. I have 4.7 more pounds to go to join you in Onerland.

I couldn't agree more. I took my measurements the day I started my pre-op diet (2/22/12) and posted them on my VST blog for all to see. I have been doing very well on my program with what I eat and exercise, including going to a gym. When I was at the gym last night they took new measurements for me -- overall down 44 1/2 inches!! 2/22/12 7/5/2012 Weight: 286.2 214.3 - 71.7 LBS. Chest: 53.5 47.5 - 6 inches Waist: 49.0 43.75 - 5.25 inches Hips: 60 52.5 - 7.5 inches Bicep ® 21.5 17.5 - 4 inches Bicep (L) 21 15.25 - 5.25 inches Thigh ® 32 24 - 8 inches Thigh (L) 32 25.5 - 6.5 inches Calf ® 18 17.25 - .75 inches Calf (L) 18 16.75 - 1.25 inches TOTAL INCHES LOST: - 44.5 INCHES I am really amazed by this and would never know if it I hadn't taken those first pre-op measurements. So no matter where you are - if you haven't taken your measurements previously - do it now so you can compare against your future progress. I'm sure it will be especially helpful when and if I hit a stall (so far I've been fortunate that I have not yet). Thanks for posting this important reminder!

August 23, 2012: Still trying to figure out how this Blog works but figured it was time for another update. As of yesterday, I am down 90.1 lbs!!! Adding a Before/After photo and am updating my "Ah Hah" moments below.... Feeling 'on top of the world'!!! July 13, 2012: Achieved another 'Ah Hah' Moment today - under 210 lbs. Now down 77.6 lbs - WooHoo!! Happy July 4th to all. Figured it was time to update these again. Currently down 72 lbs since the start of my pre-op diet on 2/22; surgery was on 3/7. Check out my Photos for updated 'After... So Far...' pictures. Feeling great!!! Updates to my "Ah Hah" moments that I am looking forward to - in relatively random order: Weigh under 280 lbs -- Achieved -- 2/29/2012 - 10 lbs lost during 2 week pre-op diet Surgery complete -- Achieved -- 3/7/2012 Weigh under 270 lbs -- Achieved -- 3/14/2012 Weigh under 260 lbs -- Achieved -- 3/31/2012 Size 2X clothes fit again -- Achieved -- 4/4/2012 Weigh under 250 lbs -- Achieved -- 4/18/2012 Weigh under 248 lbs (personal significance) -- Achieved 4/20/2012 Weigh under 240 lbs -- Achieved 5/9/2012 Start Jazzercise Classes -- Decided to join LA Fitness and work with a Personal Trainer instead -- 5/23/12 Weigh under 230 lbs -- 5/29/12 (228.9 lbs) Weigh under 229 lbs (lowest with LapBand) -- 5/29/12 (228.9 lbs) No longer have to wear airplane seat belt extender -- Achieved 5/1/2012 - WOOHOO!!! Flew on six planes (different models) over the next three weeks with no Extender!! Size 1X clothes fit again -- 6/13/12 - some fit, not all - varies by brand of course Weigh under 220.2 lbs -- 6/18/12 (219.5 lbs) BMI less than 40 - graduated from Morbidly Obese to Very Obese -- 7/3/12 -- 214.5 lbs (BMI 39.9) started at BMI of 53.2 Weigh under 210.2 lbs -- 7/13/2012 -- now 208.6 lbs -- WooHoo I'm more than half way there! Weigh 206.2 - 80 lbs lost! -- 7/21/2012 -- @ 205.7 lbs Weigh under 200 lbs -- ONEDERLAND! -- 8/4/2012 @ 199.9 lbs Size XL clothes fit again -- approx 8/4/2012 Weigh 196.2 - 90 lbs lost! -- 8/22/2012 -- @ 196.1 lbs Sit with legs crossed - comfortably! -- 8/15/2012 Weigh under 190 lbs Weigh under 188 lbs (lowest while on WW in 2001 after losing 105 lbs) BMI less than 35 - graduated from Very Obese to Obese -- started at BMI of 53.2 Weigh under 186.2 lbs -- ONE HUNDRED POUNDS LOST!! Able to wear one of the cute sundresses I see at Flea Markets Go bike riding -- Achieved 5/20/2012 Bought a new bike and took it for a spin. Weigh under 180 lbs Size L clothes fit again -- 8/15/2012 and wear Size 16 tops/bottoms Weigh under 176.2 lbs -- 110 LBS DOWN Weigh under 170 lbs Weigh under 166.2 lbs -- 120 LBS DOWN Weigh 163 lbs or less - Wedding Day weight in 1983 BMI less than 30 - graduated from Obese to Overweight -- started at BMI of 53.2 Weigh under 160 lbs Size M clothes fit again Weigh under 156.2 lbs -- 130 LBS DOWN Weigh under 150 lbs Weigh under 146.2 lbs -- 140 LBS DOWN Weigh under 140 lbs Weigh under 136.2 lbs -- 150 LBS DOWN Go rollerblading Size S clothes fit?? Reach Goal Weight - 134 lbs!!! -- 152 LBS DOWN

Thanks so much to all who replied. I thank you for the compliments and loved seeing NSVs added from others as well. Your responses are so encouraging. To those who are still pre-surgery; it won't be long before you are writing your own NSVs. I was on this board for 6 months or so before having surgery and it was a great resource so I know where you are coming from. RosieSweetie - I loved your NSV about not having to worry about losing luggage since you can shop anywhere now. My husband and I love to cruise and we go on at least two a year. Of course the shops on board probably carry XL at the most. I've never been able to shop in them. We are going on our next cruise in August and, if things continue to go as they have, I should be able to pick up some cute top or something. In fact, now that I think about it I am going to make it a point to do so (even if I think the price is ridiculous which they usually are As we continue this journey together, please continue to share NSVs. I love reading them too! Susie

I'm on a business trip - the 2nd one I've taken since surgery and losing almost 67 lbs. - When I went to pack my suitcase I found that the majority of my suits no longer fit; fortunately I had two that fit nicely - looser than I ever remember being able to wear them. One of them has always been my favorite. - Wore a favorite suit today that, as best I can remember, I have not worn in 8+ years. Felt great just walking around in it and when I looked at myself in the mirror from the side I saw nice curves - instead of bulges - Before I left I realized it was time to buy new underwear - two sizes smaller - let alone a new smaller slip too. Both fit nicely, thank you very much - went out to eat and my napkin did not fall off my lap! Seriously this is huge to me. I've got to believe others can relate to this. Before I would go through numerous napkins when going out to eat. It was especially embarassing when with a group. My napkin would fall off my lap very shortly after placing it there; then I couldn't reach down to pick it up. So I'd ask for another or take an extra from the table only to have the same thing happen again. Of course, no one ever said anything and I tried to act like nothing was wrong but this really bothered me. I guess I finally have a lap again - am enjoying compliments from many people who I haven't seen in a month or so and who can't get over how much weight I've lost - it's just so great to be able to sit on the plane and not use an extender belt. I even bought my own years ago since I was always embarrassed to ask for one. - caught myself just naturally crossing my legs the other night; whoa didn't even know I could do that again I hope you guys don't mind me sharing these with you. I always enjoy reading everyone else's and 'm looking forward to lots more to come. Susie

Has anyone received an invite to this group yet? I haven't. Kayte819 - Do you need any more info from me? Thanks.

I had my gallbladder removed years ago and I always told people it was the easiest surgery I ever had - I was up and walking by 10 pm that night. I would have to say that my VSG was comparable. I was up and walking within hours. I know many people complain of shoulder pain afterwards (and I had that with my Lapband surgery also) but I did not have it with the VSG surgery. I had pain meds prescribed prior to surgery and took it only a few times afterwards. The two days I was in the hospital though they administered it pretty regularly and I did not balk at that. They also gave me shots in my stomach to avoid blood clots. I was taken very good care of at Flagler Hospital in St. Augustine, FL through the US Bariatrics program. They really are experts and I think that definitely contributed to my overall positive experience after surgery and beyond. I've had numerous other surgeries - cesarean section (comparably the worst of all), Lapband, tonsillectomy, gallbladder, both elbows, etc. My VSG experience was better than my Lapband one also. Hope this helps.

I'd like to join also. Thanks.

aworkinprogress: I sent you a personal email also. I stayed at: Hilton Garden Inn, 401 A1A Beach Blvd St. Augustine Beach, FL. US Bariatrics gets a special rate of $79 there which I checked and I would not have gotten that low a rate if I booked myself. It was very nice. It's across the street from the beach so for the time I was there after surgery we took a walk to the beach. We also stayed the night before surgery since I wasn't sure what time we would have to get there. Glad we did since I think I had to be there at 6 a.m. or something like that. It all seems so long ago now even though it hasn't even been 3 months. Feel free to respond to my email if you have any other questions.

I honestly can't believe how time has flown. At first it seemed to go oh so slowly. I think in part because my diet the first few weeks was liquid and I couldn't wait to move onto eating something more substantial. I am very pleased with my progress so far. I will see my surgeon on Tuesday, 5/29, for my 3 month post-op visit (though I will be shy by 10 days of being out 3 months). I think the main things I've learned are how badly simple carbs affected my life. My surgeon does not allow carbs until Month 7 - so I have had no bread, pasta, potatoes, beans or even nuts since surgery. It really hasn't bothered me which has been a surprise. I think it also shows that if you stay away from these things you won't miss them, but if you eat them you will think you can't live without them. I am currently on my surgeon's Stage 4 diet which means I am to eat 3-5 oz of protein and 2 oz of fruit/veggies for my meals - 3 x day; plus a serving of yogurt and then a protein shake, if needed to make my required protein levels (63-87g per day). I am completely unable to eat this much food. I can tolerate 1 1/2 oz of protein. Any more than that and I cannot hold it down. It also seems that everytime I have tried to even have a bite of veggies after my protein I also then can't keep my meal down. One thing about the Sleeve is that it is unforgiving and it teaches you what you can and cannot do quickly. One thing I continue to have to work on daily is taking a good amount of time to eat and chew, chew, chewing my food. I downloaded a free app for my iPhone called Timer+ and set up two timers (amongst many others). One is called "Take Time to Eat" and it's set for 20 minutes; the other is called "Wait to Drink" and it's set for 60 minutes. So what I do is when I begin eating I activate the first one and then when I am done eating I activate the second one. It has worked out pretty well for me. Not ideal if you are in a big group or travelling - I was out of town for several days each of the last 3 weeks. Speaking of that I took six different flights to travel - on different airlines and different models of planes. I brought my personal seat belt extender with me, just in case, and I'm thrilled to report that I never needed it. What a great feeling!! At the same time I found it so much easier to walk down the aisle when having to go use the rest room. If there's one main thing that I need to do better, it's get in regular exercise. I have done OK - usually at least 30 mins a day of walking, swimming or biking. But my surgeon wants me to get 90-120 minutes in a day. To help with that I just joined LA Fitness this week and signed up to work with a Personal Trainer once a week. It was a big financial commitment but the sales guy reminded me that by having the surgery I had already made a major commitment (smart sales guy I guess I had a introductory session yesterday and have my first official one tomorrow night. I'm also going tonight to get my measurements done and do some cardio. On Sunday, 5/13, I celebrated not only Mother's Day but also the fact that I lost more than 50 lbs -- 50.8 to be exact. What a great feeling. I'm going to try and attach an updated photo of myself taken that day below. That's about it for now..... Very, very happy with my decision to have this life changing surgery. All the Best to those of you contemplating surgery, working on your pre-requisites or along the journey with me Updates to my "Ah Hah" moments that I am looking forward to - in relatively random order: Weigh under 280 lbs -- Achieved -- 2/29/2012 - 10 lbs lost during 2 week pre-op diet Surgery complete -- Achieved -- 3/7/2012 Weigh under 270 lbs -- Achieved -- 3/14/2012 Weigh under 260 lbs -- Achieved -- 3/31/2012 Size 2X clothes fit again -- Achieved -- 4/4/2012 Weigh under 250 lbs -- Achieved -- 4/18/2012 Weigh under 248 lbs (personal significance) -- Achieved 4/20/2012 Weigh under 240 lbs -- Achieved 5/9/2012 Start Jazzercise Classes -- Decide to join LA Fitness and work with a Personal Trainer instead -- 5/23/12 Weigh under 230 lbs Weigh under 229 lbs (lowest with LapBand) No longer have to wear airplane seat belt extender -- Achieved 5/1/2012 - WOOHOO!!! Flew on six planes (different models) over the next three weeks with no Extender!! Size 1X clothes fit again Weigh under 220 lbs Weigh under 210 lbs Weigh under 200 lbs -- ONEDERLAND! Size XL clothes fit again Weigh under 190 lbs Weigh under 189 lbs (lowest while on WW in 2001 after losing 105 lbs) Able to wear one of the cute sundresses I see at Flea Markets Go bike riding -- Achieved 5/20/2012 Bought a new bike and took it for a spin. Weigh under 180 lbs Size L clothes fit again Weigh under 170 lbs Weigh 163 lbs or less - Wedding Day weight in 1983 Weigh under 160 lbs Size M clothes fit again Weigh under 150 lbs Weigh under 140 lbs Go rollerblading Size S clothes fit?? Reach Goal Weight - 134 lbs!!!

Wheetsin - You are absolutely right about complex vs. simple carbs and I should have noted that distinction. Even so the only comlex carbs I can have now are fruits and veggies - no Beans, nuts, etc. until 7 months out. I'm pretty surprised myself how I don't miss Pasta, potatoes or even bread at this point. I have wished I could have Wendy's chili occasionally but now I found Hormel chili with no beans so that with some cheddar cheese on top has eliminated that craving. Don't mean to go off topic here - just wanted to respond to you Wheetsin. Thanks.

I may be totally wrong here but I often wonder when people say they are in a stall whether they are eating too many carbs. I am 11 weeks out and have never had a stall - BUT - my surgeon's diet plan does not allow me to have carbs until I am 7 months out. I can have 2 oz fruit or veg at my meals but that's it. And, to be honest, I cannot even tolerate that. I know that other surgeon's diets allow carbs right away or much sooner than 7 months out. Until I had this surgery I honestly did not realize how horrible carbs are for us - mostly because they bring on cravings for more carbs. Like others have said you are doing great - especially considering that you had a leak early on. It's very good that you posted here for support because here is definitely where you will get it. Hang in there and take it one day at a time. I know it's always easier to say but we are all here for you.

The Timer program I use is called Timer+. Search for it in the AppStore - it's free. It allows you to set up any number of timers and name them. I use it for all kinds of things.

I struggle with this too, especially if I am not at home. But when at home I use my iPhone to guide me. I downloaded a Timer program and I saved two timers - one called "Take Time to Eat" and that is for 20 mins); the other is named "Wait to Drink" and that is for 60 mins. Adjust the times based on what your nut or Dr. recommends. So when I start eating I press the first timer; and as soon as I'm done I press the second one. I have not done as well lately getting in the 100 oz of Water my Dr. wants me to have daily so I find this helpful to remind me. Hope this helps.

I'm 7 weeks post-op today and down 40.5 lbs since starting my 2 week pre-op diet. I'm doing very well but have had occasional times where I vomit if I eat a bite too much. Last night I vomited from drinking Water hours after I ate and I think it may have been that I took sips too large or too fast. My surgeon has a pretty strict diet compared to others - no carbs other than veggies and fruits for 6 months, etc. I have not had any stalls and I think that may be part of the reason. It's a fantastic program which they tweak when needed based on patient's experiences. I am getting a little bored with food choices and trying to think of new things to eat. Yesterday and the day before around 4 pm was the first time I have felt real hunger - as in "I need to eat right away". I hope that feeling stays away. I need to bump up my exercise. I ordered Zumba for WII and it's supposed to arrive today. I'm already in my exercise clothes ready to go. Susie 2.0