DeterminedGirl

Have you read any books that helped you understand, from a spiritual view, this weight burden? Someone just yesterday told me a book called, Women, Weight, and God had helped her. I'm keen to read...and journal. Does anyone have a journal you keep on the spiritual journey with the sleeve? Thanks so much. Just feeling a bit frightened of failure tonight....

What is a Mexican coke? I'm pre-sleeve, so I can't really chime in here on the popcorn issue. I will say I've read studies about the psychology of obese people, and one thing we all seem to have in common ( at least, at some point in the journey) is an all-or-nothing mentality. My view is that we have to be responsible for ourselves--and not for everyone else--and aiming for moderation is probably a good goal, just from a mental health standpoint. Okay, enough. What's a Mexican coke again?

Thanks to all of you who have responded. I'm beginning to see that there are a lot of different "comfort zones" out there. It seems that a lot of people at this height actually weigh 165-195 after surgery and are thrilled with it.

How difficult is it to maintain at that weight? Is that the reason you decided not to go lower?

Hang in there, Muppie. I decided to have this surgery last Jan (2012), finishe day six-month thing in Dec (2012) and will have my surgery in Mar of 2014. So yeah, I've been shoved to the back of the line a few times.

But, I've read plenty from people who had the surgery Lockett- split and the, whoa, discovered they weren't emotionally ready for all the changes--eating, relationships, work, food,you name it.

I'm not saying its easy, but I'm trying to use this time to get my head and heart "skinny." Not saying that will work for you, but it's worth a try. We are all pulling for you!

Wow! Thanks so much. I read here about people who lose the weight and then struggle with body image issues. I don't know, maybe I will be one of those someday,and I don't want to harm anyone else's struggle--but I can see now that I really don't hae a clue what I should weigh.

Your comments are so helpful. Thanks again!

I am that height. I've been thinking (and I'm pre-op) that after surgery I want to weigh 143 pounds. Sounds skinny? Well, it is, but it's also 20 pounds more than Kate Middleton weighs.

My point: I was reading along in the forums tonight and ran into a woman who is 5'7" and is declaring victory at 171 pounds. And she looks terrific!!

Doc hasn't given me a goal weight, but I don't want to start off this process living in Dreamland and end up forever a failure.

Talk me down from this ledge, please. If you're this height, what's a good weight for you?

I definitely want this journal!!!

Maybe being afraid to SHOW ( your post-op body) and TELL him about this surgery is giving you some information about where your relationship is. Trust. Love. Knowledge. They gotta be in place before intimacy, or you're walking into a lot of emotional vulnerability your relationship with him isn't ready for. And, for what it's worth, if this guy feels free to leave you because you're "too big" then honey, you gotta be ready to leave because he's "too small"!!! Just saying....

I live in an Atlanta suburb and just a few miles from where "The Double Divas" have their shop. I went over there and--wow!! Consider going to a lingerie shop that will fit exactly what you need. It can make a huge difference for you. I walked into that shop a 40D and walked out a 34GG. Thee difference in how I felt and looked was amazing! Just saying....

I live in an Atlanta suburb and just a few miles from where "The Double Divas" have their shop. I went over there and--wow!! Consider going to a lingerie shop that will fit exactly what you need. It can make a huge difference for you. I walked into that shop a 40D and walked out a 34GG. Thee difference in how I felt and looked was amazing! Just saying....

The short answer is--a lot of people get divorced after their sleeve. For some of its the first time we've been able to say out loud, "I want to get healthy" and the first time we've had the courage to get a healthy life--not just a healthy weight. You can't suck down poison emotionally and expect to get healthy physically. Life just doesn't work that way. Once you know which path you're on and which one he's on--make the strong choice. (The strong choice is seldom the easy one.). Stay in touch here!! We are all here to support your new healthy life!

This thread makes me laugh! What great news--smaller feet on the way. I'll take that. Reminds me of Dolly Parton who once said,"well, I wear a size six, but the seven felt so good I bought an eight!" .

Rox, just read the comments your "therapist" made to you. Time to report her. Time to take names. Okay, she applied through the state as a THERAPIST. She didn't get a license to be critical and cruel. Enough with that. Get your surgery, then go get her. My two cents....

Thanks, Curvy!!! This site is great....

Wow! I kept looking for a side picture of the ankle tat. Couldn't believe you are the same person. Congratulations! My question: how was/is it with body image issues?

You are learning all these new ways to take care of yourself so you can LIVE! Why would you keep drinking the poison in this relationship? That's never going to take you to a healthy mind or heart. Just saying.

I'm in ATL and Macik is my guy. Do you go to his group? I hope to meet you! You are truly an inspiration! Congratulations on all the steps you've taken!

Thanks for your post. I've just finished my six month thing. Although I didn't like it at first, it was a blessing in my life. Give yourself this time to look at your spirit--what got you here and how much you really want to change your life. I learned that the surgery won't change me--I have to change me. The part about insurance is agin, but remember your doctor and staff have done this hundreds of times. They pretty much know how to get it right. I'm from Atlanta. Good luck, God bless, and stay in touch.

Totally in this boat--or should I say cruise ship? Just got insurance approval today (after six month wait) and, whoa, a six month weight! I'm right there.... I know I need to fly straight, but if I could do that I wouldn't be here in the first place. My. Plan:1) forgive myself. 2) recognize that I want to do this as a way of helping myself to get healthy. 3) do the very best I can between now and surgery so that I feel great after surgery. I've read this forum long enough. To know that you can lose a bunch of prime losing and learning time by getting on the operating table with the muscle consistency of Jello. Go in strong physically. Come out strong mentally. That's my basic plan. You're going to be fine.

Sleeve-girl-TX, is that really you? I don't think I've ever seen such a transformation! I studied your eyes in both--yup, same eyes. But you are an amazing miracle! And, I know, lots and lots of hard work. Still, a miracle! Congratulations!!!

Can you drink this stuff post-op? Should you try? Is it good for you?

I was scheduled for the first colonoscopy of my life. Just routine. I drank stuff called MoviPrep. I think it was too strong for me. I can't say I got a headache, but I had these terrible shooting pains in my head. Then fainted. Then ate something and called to cancel.

I'm not inclined to try again. Just wondering what this is like after--easier, tougher, smaller dose?

Couldn't do the cleanse before surgery--fainted and, well, a mess. I'm still pre- surgery, debating about whether to try again before surgery or wait until after. I've never had one in my life...so, pretty scared here.

Has anyone had a colonoscopy after VSG? I've never had a colonoscopy, and my day is coming. The prep after surgery--I can't imagine it. Totally gross, I get, but can it be done? How?

Would you mind sharing what sort of food log you use? Do you plan meals? Do you use an online program for calories? Thanks. You inspire me!!!