kw2walker

Wonderful!

I have been reading posts from the site now for a few weeks and I am always amazed when folk post about stalling. I'm not due for my surgery until the 22nd of this month and like all of us want to know what to expect pre and post surgery, but I am always so amazed at the panic that seems to be displayed when one is not losing weight. Managing one's expectations would be my advice. We do not gain weight instantly nor will we lose weight that way. We all heal differently and our bodies will react differently. Don't jump on the scale every day, again manage the expectation. Try once a week or do a bi-monthly weigh in. Be true to yourself. I know for example that I may cheat on my pre-op diet over the next two weeks. But since there are buffers provided by my NUT, I purchased what I will need to succeed, unsweetened applesauce and SF jello. They will be great snacks in between slimfast shakes. Adjust your diet, use tools that will help, myfitnesspal.com is a good source. Have a good intake of water, and as should be our norm by now, take in protein first. I think another suggestion is not to give up. We worked so hard to get here, over come all types of problems in order to succeed. Let stall equate to adjust, that is what your body and systems are doing, adjusting. This new way of eating and lifestyle takes some adjusting. As we continue on our journery I wish us all success.

You can do it just stay focused. I learned today I have to stick to a 1000 calorie diet for the next two weeks and I figured I can do it. I've been training my system for the past month to get accustomed to protein shakes, what's two weeks of having just Slimfast. I hope to have the same success you did in 6 months. All the best on your journey.

Tomorrow is pre-op testing for me, I am so excited. I meet with the surgeron first, 10:30am then off to do the medical testing at 12:30pm that is to last until 4pm. I'll be able to get my FMLA papers completed while there. Once testing is done, Monday starts the two weeks of a liquid diet. I hope I do well there. Trying to decide if I need to pack protein drinks, for tomorrow. It will a long day so I want to be equipped with what I need so I don't eat anything that I should not have. I'll eat a high protein breakfast, and go from there. Having lost 15 lbs in June, today was a good day in that I got to wear a pair of shorts that I have not worn in at least two years. This has been an exciting journey. I am looking forward to seeing the further results. Thank you everyone that provide insight and comments on their experiences. The information has been informative and insightful. I can't wait to join the ranks of those sleeved. Karen ****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** 7/3/13 Today was an exciting day as well as long. I left my home at 9:30am and headed to the hospital. My appointment with the surgeon was for 10:30am, I arrived to bariatric program office at 10:00am. I was a bit excited. I wanted to see what the scale said. What was special about my visit today was that when I walked in the staff greeted me with a loud "Hi Karen!" I wasn't just a patient. I met with the nurse, that reviewed the breathing tool, then the soap needed to wash my body the night before and the day of surgery. I then met with the nutritionist who discussed what I will need to do for the next two weeks. I am to drink Slimfast, where I have a 1000 calorie a day diet for 13 days, that last day will be all clear liquid. Upon leaving the surgeon's office I head to pre-admission. I get my paperwork completed, insurance paperwork reviewed, then I wait to be called in for testing. Testing consisted of blood being drawn, and EKG being performed and meeting with the anesthesiologist, they also went over how to wash the body with the special soap and there are wipes that are used an hour after them shower. Once again, I signed my name on the dotted line a lot today! I was glad I ate this morning a high protein meal and carrled with me a protein shake and a crystal light drink. I would have been starving when I left. I completed by day at 2:30pm. I did receive a discount on parking today. Nice perk. LOL My next stop of the day was the supermarket. I purchased salad and skim milk, I figure I would enjoy a good salad tomorrow. Come Monday, no more solids. I did really, I thought I would buy a bunch of junk food thinking I would have the mindset of this will be my last hoorah. But I didn't, I purchased health foods. A third stop of my afternoon was the dollar store. I ended up getting, breath strips, along with the brush and go toothbrushes. From the various readings on the site it was mentioned how folks said they would get bad breath. I wanted to be well stocked and armed once I get back to work. I am so excited and very nervous, but I know this is the right decision for me health wise. Now the race is on!

It's said that sleevers should not experience dumping as much as a person whose had a by pass. Watch your sugar and fat intake. Always keep in mind everyone is different. Should you experience dumping a lot contact your doctor and ask additional questions. If you aren't experiencing dumping why regret your sleeve?

Its the next to the last day in June. Come Monday it will be July! The count down begins. Wednesday is pre-op testing. The 22nd is Sleeve day! Ready: Since 2004 I've been ready to do something about my weight and have been trying hard to get it together. This decision is the best on for me. So I'm ready! Set: the surgery date is set, pre-op testing date is set, mindset is right, life style is going to settle into one that will allow me to set loose the wild child I am. I can go and fit into places, do things I've been to embarrassed to do because of my size, I get it live! Go! Moving forward to a healthier life, long life God willing. I'm so happy I could cry at times. Its the strength I have found in making the changes. I stopped eating bread, I stopped drinking coffee and tea, I do have decafe around but have not touched it. I've never smoked. I've cleaned out my cabinets of foods I know I must avoid, it's nice being able to give the food stuffs to people that can use it. I've donated clothes that I know I can't wear, won't wear and shouldn't wear lol. I'll spend today packing, I'm moving next weekend into a new apartment. So July is truly a new me month. I admit, I'm getting nervous. But my sister that is supporting me in my decision is coming to visit, it will be nice to have family going in and coming out of this procedure. Thank you to everyone that posts and comments on this site, pro or con. The experiences shared have helped a lot. Continued success to everyone on their journeys. Karen

I can't wait to sport my new hot bod in VS.

That's wonderful! All the best on your continued success.

I know! Snap, Crackle, Pop!!!!!!

I drink water all day long, so much so my eyes float. LOL But I will keep it up, once I'm post-op I know I need it. I plan to check you the site you shared Neuanfang. Thanks!

Yesterday was my day, I was on point with my inner skinny girl. I found a dress that did not cling to all of my rolls, it just fell across the body. Not to brag but I looked good, I even rocked my 4 inch sandals! I received so many complements, all the while I as thinking, "Wait til ya see m 100 pounds lighter". To have been successful in keeping the 25 pounds I lost off and working successfully to have more off with weekly excerise classes has been a blessing. Mind you I have no desire to wear skinny girl jeans, but I am looking forward to adjusting my wardrobe. I striveto have a day like yesterday once a week, especially since my clothes are fitting better it should work. Continued success to everyone on this journey. Karen

This was great information! I am getting nervous but so excited on taking this journey. A friend of mine that had the VGS done a year ago has been wonderful in giving me information and advise. They suggested that if I wanted to get my supplements in liquid form to go to www.drugstore.com and to look for products under the brand of Wellesse. I did look and they have B-12, Iron, Multivitiamin, Vitamin D3 in liquid form. The costs, are rather low as well. Once the supplies I have purchased run low I consider ordering from them what I need. But knowing myself I will shop around for the best product and bargin. Lol.

I've been reading about mental hunger for a few days now. xchubba you made a great point about television. I may have to stock up on books and limit TV to just the weather. Continued success everyone on their journey.

I have been on my pre-op diet and I have noticed my skin looks and feels weird. I am getting a lot of body acne and the texture feels different. I guess my system is in a detox mode. Has anyone else experienced changes in their skin?

Wonderful! I plan to go to Atlantic City, NJ and may hit the beach. It's been years since I've been to the waterpark; I am inspired to take my 3 yr old nephew once surgery is complete. I'll still have a month of summer left after surgery. Continued success on your journey. Karen

I purchased cookbooks by those that have had the surgery. I can't wait to get past the initial healing process to continue with better food selections. I have 5 books total that I purchased on food and the WLS process they were my best source of information outside of the doctors office. I'm glad I'm not obsessed with food. More so with cooking foods and planning meals. I have been really strong in this process in preparation for surgery, I am doing slimfast and a salad while at work. And once home its a high protein meal. I've dropped 11 lbs so if I keep it up fo the next four weeks I hope to drop 11 more.

I was so nervous about taking my psych eval, but it went well. The look to see if you are reading your materials given to you and to ensure you have the right mind set, that VSG is not being taken as a quick fix but a lifestyle change. My psychologst had my original paperwork I completed and reviewed each item. I was open and frank about why I wanted and needed the surgery. That being open allowed for a great exchange of information. When I feel I am off track I pull out my paperwork and from there I keep moving forward. I am happy with my decision to have the VGS and can't want to my healthier lifestyle change. Keep you your good work!

Glad you are ok. Thank you for sharing, looking forward to your update.

I have looked at tons of pictures that folks have shared and I can see the amazing results and I am greatly encouraged. The other day I saw another woman that I know had a WLS and noticed how old she looks now. I am currently concerned that I too will experience the look of aging once I drop in weight. I don't want to cake on make-up to look younger. i have one big mirror in my place and I always joke that my mirror does not lie. But I want to ensure I look like "me" not a rapidly aging me. I'm not vain or hung up on looks but I want to looking like I do in my mind I guess, fun and carefree. And I know once my body begins to transform I will see a body that is smaller and will allow me to be physically able to be free and have fun. I'm far from being a spring chicken but my heart is young, just want the outside to reflect the same. Has anyone else experiencing concerns of looking aged post surgery?

Wonderful news! I would like to get to 230 by my surgery date but it's the work that's worth it for me not the number. Keep up the great work!!!!!!! Karen

In the past, when completing my FMLA/HR paper work I would indicate surgery. I only have to tell my insurance company because they have a representative contact me to ensure I have completed all paperwork, and arranged follow-up appointments. I know the HIPAA law allows for me to keep my surgery my business. Thank you Private Sleever for your comments.

Hope all went well. Looking forward to you telling us about your experience.

Thank you all for your thoughts and encouragement. I contacted HR to get the paperwork needed in preparation the July 22, 2013 surgery, so when I attend my pre-op testing on July 3, 2013 I can get my FMLA paperwork completed. I do believe if I am asked point blank if I had surgery I could be honest and say yes, but i don't plan to volunteer any information. Continued success on your journey! Karen

I attended my first information session in June 1, 2012, and made my appointment. I am flying through all of the tests needed until I hit pulmonary. I go, do the initial test, then I inform the doctor that I have to have my thyroid removed. Was told to come back after its done and I'm cleared. I have the surgery, two weeks off work, do all of my follow-up and then make my follow-up with the pulmonary doctor. He then said you did good on your tests, we would like to do a sleep study. I then get word that on Nov. 7, 2012 I would have the sleep study. I get a call the day before the study that the insurance would not allow the study. I call in Nov, Dec, Jan, and then I wrote a letter to the doctor, he did not contact me to offer other options. copiedin the letter was the program director of the program. I kept going to the appointments so they could encourage me. Then one day I just snapped. I said I would withdrawal for the program. I said that they need to now take the time to find out how many other patients worked with this doctor when they hit the pulmonary stage and are forgotten or dropped. The staff said I made a good point but they were not able to do much, they did guide me as to who to contact that was above the yo-yo not doing his job. Just as I was about to give up. I get a call, hey we can do a home sleep study and from there we can proceed. Home study completed, and then it was inclusive, so I then get the opportunity to have a sleep study (insurance approved). It's amazing when you have to rant and rave what can be done. Just like that the appointment books opened up and everything starting falling in place again. When I had my last visit with pulmonary, I really told him about himself. I said if you don't have time to care, you should not be part of the program. He must have apologized a thousand times. I told him I do not except them and he was a sorry excuse for a doctor. I left say its a good thing I did not need a lung, your actions would have left me dead. He was totally embarrased. So the program director called me, I took my last class, then met with the psychologist and nutrientionist and have been chugging along. Like you when I knew this is what I wanted to do, I set up my account on this site. Then I hit the road block and lost all motivation to do anything. Then as I moved along and i am getting closer to my July 22, 2013 surgery date i am so happy I have returned. The experiences good and bad have beenof should great help. Thank you for sharing your experience, keep up the fight. Karen

Glad you are doing well. I look forward to reading your entries.