kw2walker

Listen to your stomach it will let you know when it's ready for eggs. Get your Proteins in ways that work.

I was sitting around today thinking about my surgery and those that have been supportive and those that have not or would not be. A year ago when I began thinking about undergoing the surgery I approached a friend. I began asking his opinion about the surgery. when he said you don't need it you just need to diet and keep at it. I sat looking at him as if he had lost his mind, he is over six feet tall and grossly over weight. He has a bad habit of eating food from the plate of his son when he does not finish his meal. But he knows my diet habits? I let the subject drop and have not said word about it since. I went to my information session to decide if this was the choice for me and was encouraged that it was. As the year has gone by he has seen me and is always in my cabinets. He is quick to notice there is not any junk food or bad snacks. He noticed the various protein drinks and asked what I was doing with them. I told him i was experimenting with favors and staying my course on my diet. All of this to say is that I am keeping secrets from those that are friends. I don't want to be judged by them even when I feel I have been judged. One of my own sisters thinks I should just keep dieting and that the surgery is extreme. My feeling is that of course she would she's never been obese. To be fair I have told five people and they have been most supportive and from this I am happy. My overall happiness is my responsibility and I'm very happy with my decision to a better way of living. I do worry that once I start dropping weight that the cat will be out of the bag. But until that time I will be keeping my secret.

Tums help a lot, they are also a source for getting your calcium.

No foods with seeds but check with your doctor.

Thanks for the honesty.

Im 4 weeks out myself and feel nervous. I've asked my sister to come home and she then told our middle sister so they are coming home. So this will be a family adventure. We all struggle to loose weight but are not successful. This process it a choice I know is right for me. Continued success to everyone on their journey. Karen

When you say not fun what do you mean? Eat them and the taste or just getting them down? I purchased the store brand that are a bit yellow in color, it sikes me out to think that they are real eggs. I put shredded cheese in with a table spoon of Water the water makes them fluffy. Season to taste. You could separate a egg and try as well.

The strips were suggested by lots of folks but check with your doctor.

Go for it and enjoy.

This was great information. I knew the pouch let with the sleeve would stretch. But developing a bulge is interesting. I think this exchange is helpful. Continued success to everyone. I will be joining the rank of bringing sleeved on 7/22/13 so excited to take this journey.

LouiseC, I can hear down dog in my head and start grinning. Yoga will be his friend as you advance lol. Enjoy you new adventures.

Melissa, I've been taking a kettle bell class once a week along with a boot camp and PiYo class. I figure if I can start to see the changes in my muscles, how more so when cleared to resume post-op. I can then work to tighten and tone.

I knew I had enough when: I had to buy size 24 clothes. My mother died at 66 due to morbid obesity. I didn't go out or travel as much. But the final straw that had me crying, was using the bathroom and not being able to twist my body to properly clean myself, and having to carry an adult diaper bag when I was out. I tried Weight Watchers and dropped 25 pounds but I yo-yo'd and gained it back. I was successful in getting down and staying at a size 20 but I am still obese. While unpacking a box a few years ago I came across a news article I had cut out in 2004 about the new procedure of the sleeve. Upon reading it again I knew I wanted the procedure but needed more information. Upon both my parents dying a month and two weeks apart in 2007 and depression setting in I was gaining weight. When all of my sized 22s I saved were finding their way back into my everyday attire I knew it was time. So in 2010 I began my research into what my insurance covered. Kept dieting and got the 25 off again. Then on June 1, 2012 I attended my first seminar at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. Even though I experienced a bump in the road I persevered. And I have my date for a new and exciting phase of my life July 22, 2013. When I got my date it felt like getting winner numbers for powerball LOL. I hope to be able to list my success and accomplishments. Continued success on your journey. Karen

With today being the first day of summer my thoughts have been on light and flowing dresses and tops. I went into a store and hit the clearance rack. I found a cute sassy dress that I know I can alter as the weight melts away. I was tickled pink when it slid over the body and did not cling to me. I instantly thought of push up bras and sexy undies, 7/22/13 can't come fast enough. All of that to say I want the foundation garments that will have me walking with that extra spring in my step. Lol So the planning begins, I want to reward myself with a visit to Victoria Secrets (VS) and purchase underwear that scream SEXY! And they have to be HOT RED. In the past I've darkened the doors of a VS store because I was with my friend that can fit their products. It's going to be a total scream the first time I can make a purchase. There is not a plan to buy then work to get into the undies. The goal is to reward each milestone I hit in order them without the psychological stress. So I figure at 30, 60, and 90 pound milestones I'll reward myself. Once I hit the ultimate goal of 100 pounds lost its the full hot res sexy ensemble. Push-up bra, high cut sexy undies, garter and stocking to seal the deal. LOL. To round this all out,how has the VGS community been rewarding themselves for reaching their goals?

Sweet! All the best Phoenix.

Thx ElaineB. My whole outlook is brighter while taking this journey! I told my niece today's, can't wait to buy new underwear. I want to have smaller thighs for the boy shorts.

Hey LadyA, I did buy the first stage baby foods, two chicken and two turkey. I got sweet potatoes too, they had the lowest sugar. I figured if they were not sweet enough I could sprinkle spenda on them. As for the chicken and tuna it have several cans of each once flaked if its not small enough I will purée it with a splash of broth or drop of light mayo and I do mean drop. Just enough to pull it together. I think I'll like it. I have a killer sweet tooth. But I noticed I haven't been craving sweets since I cut out carbs. But the other night I wanted a treat. So I made my protein shake, I'm using the nectar product. I have the twisted cherry flavor. It reminds me of an Italian ice. I sipped the the rest of the night and felt good. I found the Gas-X strips today I was so excited. So I have my hospital supplies and home supplies ready. I have a feeling I may not need the pain meds, I say that because last year I had part of thyroid removed and didn't take anything. But you never know. Well I'm off to make jello. Have a good night.

Both my parents died a month and two weeks apart 6 years ago. My mom died of heart failure due to morbid obesity. Upon reading that on her death certificate I have been on this journey to have this surgery. The prize date is 7/22/13. Once I lined up my ducks with the health insurance a year ago, nothing I do mean nothing is stopping me in reaching my goal For this assistance to have a healthier life. So yes there are those of us that will do 'it' and as the results start to show and we no longer take meds for high blood pressure, or have to spend money on pose pads doing 'it' will have been worth it. I am truly sorry for the loss of your loved one. Hang in there. Continued success on your journey. Karen

Thanks for sharing. I have been gathering information in preparation for my surgery 7/22/13. Today consisted of hunting in the stores to find Gas-X strips. I was so happy the CVS near my job had them. I'm going through my clothes now to find the biggest and roomiest shorts I have with a draw string. If I don't have any I know I have a light weight pair of sweat pants. I want my bag packed and ready at the front door. I may skip all the way to the hospital I'm so excited. Your shared experience has helped so very much. Thank you. Continued success on your journey. Karen

Philly hey, counting down until July 22.

I would wait to purchase clothes. My younger sis lost a lot of weight recently (no sleeve or surgery) and she gave me her clothes several pieces were to small I was so excited. They as my post-op goal clothes. As suggested I would shop from the clearance racks. I sew, so I plan to alter some of my clothes but not all. I won't have time working full time. I have a co-worker that had the sleeve done a year ago and has offered me some of her clothes. I'll see. Continued success everyone. I'm counting the days until I'm sleeved 7/22/13!!!!!!!

After reading this I have in my mind pretzel girl lol. I can't wait to buy cute costumes too! Less weight will work better in so many ways. Continued success on your journey everyone.

Cmt we are scheduled for the same date how exciting! To everyone, I agree we need to staying touch. This is the best experience ever!

I've tried nectar products. They are a good whey isolate protein. Love the cherry flavor. The lemonade is ok. When I'm super hungry i sip in a shake. Hope you get better soon, keep us posted. Karen

Wonderful! I can't wait to moth ball the CPAP lol.