Marisa46

Start with the biotin now. 5,000 mcg per day. Also, it is said that while you are on your pre op try to get about 100 grams of protein per day and protein the first two weeks after is supposed to help as well. Not to mention more protein in the early weeks will help the healing process. Some surgeons say get protein as soon as you get home but a few say no protein for the first 1-3 weeks. Of course, listen to your surgeon.
I did protein as soon as I got home in the way of Isopure, was started out with about 20 grams then was at 60 by the end of the first week. My healing went extremely well and have not lost hair yet, but it is said that usually happens 2-4 months out. I am 8 weeks today so probably not there yet but hoping to minimize it.
Good luck, you will love your sleeve! I know I love mine!

I try everything. For me sweets in general never feel good going down. Fortunately (or unfortunately?) they haven't made me sick. One great thing I have found is Starbucks hot cocoa mix. I mix it with skim or 1% lactose free milk and seriously the chocolate is so good. It's not sugar free but it doesn't make me sick and it satisfies my chocolate craving.

Take a few deep breaths and don't stress yourself so much. I know easier said than done. You will handle what ever comes up in the future beautifully!

The connection between strong negative emotions and the compulsion to action is usually our downfall. (So it is with food, drugs, alcohol... any addiction)
Some suggestions for alternative actions? (Some worked for me, some didn't. I tried them all until I found what gave me the ability to think through the emotion to a constructive rather than destructive action)
Get a glass of ice cubes. Crunch them in your mouth.
Compel yourself to a physical action (walk around the block, go up and down the stairs four or five times, play Wii, Xbox, etc. Something you can do right now to wear off the adrenalin of the emotional hijack)
Speak up - even just a little. Give yourself a voice. Stuffing what you think about the circumstances results in an emotional void needing to be filled.
Call someone you trust and set the timer to vent for five minutes, then talk through what action you need to take to be positive.
Journal - stream of consciousness - no self-censoring. Fill three pages with the thoughts in your mind. It won't be pretty, it won't be nice English, but it will get those destructive, habitual thoughts out of your head and into tangible form. After three pages, put the journal away and make a date with yourself to read it later. Later, when you do read it, make some concrete decisions about how you want to think about (______________) behaviour. (i.e., your brother's) Even if you can't talk to him, you can write him a short note taking personal responsibility for your response to his words/actions. Something like, "I was very (emotion) when you (action) and I need/choose/ask you to stop/change. If you don't, I will need to limit our contact for my sake. I choose not to be a part of that kind of encounter again." Or something similar. You may not be able to say it to your brother, but you can use the opportunity to practice self-advocacy.
Lastly, use positive self-talk. When you're not in an emotional crisis, learn some things you can tell yourself when you are. "I am not compelled to action because I am feeling (emotion)." And other phrases that you learn when not under stress. Using them does make a difference. I promise.
Keep at it. All this stuff is so much easier to say than to do. But you already know that. Sometimes, just having extra tools/ideas can make all the difference in the world, one stressful situation at a time.
CE

Also, I read this to my husband and I asked, "Did you notice the skin on my legs?" He responded yes. WHAT????? How could yo not tell me. He said, "I figured you would eventually see it and deal with it...more than likely in your blog." I have to admit, he really does know me. Gosh, I love that man.

I am now 5 week post op. I would recommend sticking to the pre op diet as best as you can. I followed all of docs rules and it really helped me heal after surgery. I lost 20 pounds before surgery by following diet and working out. After the surgery I was feeling pretty good about three days later. Doc said it was because I prepared my body for the change. It got my body and mind set. Good luck and congratulations. The surgery has changed my life.

I'm sorry things went so poorly during the beginning; I'm praying for the rest of your journey to be much easier.

I had my sleeve surgery on Monday. The surgery went well but recovery was scary. I constantly stopped breathing. They put me on oxygen and then a Bi-Pap machine. Though I have had little pain I have felt weak and constantly nauseas. I am hoping it will pass. In the last 5 days I questioned this decision over and over. Why did I have to go through surgery when all I had to do was stop eating?!? However, at age 50 that wasn't working.
Hang in there - I have spoken to many folks who have had each of the surgeries and have not found anyone who regretted it in the long term. Hopefully we are all on our way to better health - and a new wardrobe!!

If somebody says you took the easy way out, just smile...and say, Thank you...because we all know what it takes to get here...and they are totally clueless.

I'm glad that you're progressing so well. Don't let anyone tell you you took the easy way out. The WLS process is not easy and change is difficult in the most perfect situations. if a person needs WLS the situation is not perfect! Be proud of yourself for overcoming all of those hurdles to get to the other side! Remember to be kind to yourself.

I did. I did go out and have a good time. There were a couple awkward moments because they were talking about people at work that were of size and were not appropriate with their size. What I mean by that is, when you know that you're of size, you probably shouldn't try to sit in a little mini armchair and then be all shocked when you don't fit. And I'm not talking about a normal size chair - I'm talking about a kids chair that has arms that I wouldn't sit in if I weighed a quarter of what I do now. Then they apologized to me for making the comment - and I was like....uhm - why apologize to me? I'm not trying to squeeze my ass into a hello kitty chair. But other that it was pretty fun.

I wouldn't go into surgery even slightly dehydrated. It is harder to start your IV and for your recovery. Just stick to your pre-op diet because post-op is no piece of cake. It does take motivation to avoid head hunger and not eat junk you shouldn't or graze all day. I would recommend being in the best possible mental state before even heading to your operating room. Sometimes when the doctors see gains and not losses or even holding the same, they wonder if we are going to be able to stay accountable afterward. I have witnessed too many first hand situations where a sleever's weight loss has come to a screeching halt and began to add on because they aren't mentally prepared to make a complete lifestyle change and stop turning to food for comfort or not give in to cravings. I have faith that you will stun your surgeon and do marvelous, just be prepared for the hard work to come.