DanaInNewOrleans

Hi Everyone, I'm Dana from New Orleans. My surgery date is December 21st. I've been on VST since July when I first started in researching VS. I've been in the November blog all this time because that is when I originally thought I'd get through the process...but my surgeon was booked ( he's the best in this area)...So now I'm a December Sleever I had my final appointment today -- signed consents, paid the $$$.....met with the surgeon..it was just what I needed because he totally put me at ease about the whole thing. Now I can't wait for the 21st. I hope to get know all you guys who will be going through this journey around the same time as me..... Are there any New Orleans or Louisiana people here? Nice to meet you all! ~Dana

Hi Bev, What type of "binder". I'm sure that must help and I would like to have it before my surgery. Thanks! Dana

Saltmistrose, You're in New Zealand? Lucky you! I hear it is just beautiful!

Are you kidding?? I've tried so many freakin powders and shakes and this is by far the best in my opinion! It's so strange how completely opposite peoples tastes and taste buds are!

Makes it a little creamier...sometimes I use a tablespoon of Greek yogurt as well..

I just checked the website...I don't see any soy products..

I ordered sample packets of About Time Protein powders....... you can choose your flavors --- 2 for $3.99. I ordered 6 -- Birthday Cake, Peaches & Cream, Mocha Mint, Chocolate Peanut Butter...they have quite a few more but those are the flavors that appealed to me because they were different than the standard chocolate and vanilla I've been using. Well, I just whipped up the Birthday Cake with 6oz Hood Low Carb milk, 2oz water, a banana chunk, tablespoon of cottage cheese and 4 ice cubes.... WOW! WOW! WOW! Seriously, WOW! I could not taste the protein powder AT ALL. I don't know how they did it but they somehow found the magic!!! Each packet contains 25g Whey Protein..... I plan on trying the Peaches and Cream next..... For everyone who hates protein shakes or just cant seem to get enough of them down, I urge you to try a few samples of About Time before giving up on them completely. Here's the link to order samples/trial packs (free shipping on samples too!)..... http://www.shopabout...tCode=TrialPack

Today was my last visit with NP and Nutritionist so now the wait for Aetna to approve. I specifically asked about catheters-- my doc usually does it. I asked that it not be done and I was told that if I request it not be done he'd probably go along with that. Thank God! I really don't see the need for it -- they did not do it for my previous surgery (thyroid cancer - thyroidectomy) and I got up on my own to go to the bathroom soon after I got back to my room.

Is it the same MyFitnessPal? I can't find a site called My Fitness Planner

I haven't been to My Fitness Planner. Is there a GS group? That would be great.....

Hi Everybody, I was just visiting the Obesity Help Sleevers blog and I came across an ongoing topic I thought could be fun and useful here. It was titled "Whatcha Eating Today VGSleevers".... It was interesting because veterans and new Sleevers were posting their food/water/exercise choices and sometimes adding commentary for their food choices. I kind of think it may be better to have the topic as "What did you eat yesterday VGSleevers" since the posts were mostly from morning and you don't get the posters full menus. It would probably also be helpful to be able and go back and peruse daily menus for ideas... So, what do ya'll think? Good idea or not for an ongoing topic? ~Dana

Thanks for the laugh!!! (outloud!)

Wow! I'm trying to catch up with all the posts here and so many have been sleeved last week or coming up this week! Awesome! Where are all the in depth reports/essays.... you know, like every detail from the moment you left home until today!! I know I love reading every little detail -- for some reason it really helps ease the anxiety... and it also helps to learn from everyone else's experiences.... My 3rd and final visit with my Nutritionist and NP is Wednesday so I'm hoping I get my date soon....the last week in November would be awesome! Good luck to everyone who's up this week!! Can't wait to hear all the details. Good thoughts to all, Dana

HOLY @%#^!!! Lisa, your story is freakin amazing! I mean, you went from morbid obesity to being a TRIATHLETE! I'm just hoping to play tennis again and learn to play golf! Congratulations!!

Great Great info!! You're right, I have not read or heard anything about the actual function of the pyloric valve in post op gastric sleeve stomachs. Understanding the "why" and "how" is very helpful in dealing with post sleeve life! Thank you so much! Dana

Lissa took the words right out of my mouth!! You look great! So glad things are going well with you and your new little girl! ~Dana

Congratulations! Glad you are feeling better and made it past the 2 days nausea. Any idea what the magic combination of drugs consisted of?

Congratulations JMarshall....you are an inspiration! I am so sorry for your loss of your sister. I'm sure she is watching over you on your weight loss journey and on your new journey with MS. I was diagnosed with MS in 2003 but am doing well. Stay on your medication! I decided on this surgery after a lifetime of obesity -- I want the opportunity to make the most of my life NOW. Do you mind if I steal your awesome Churchhill quote? Take Care, Dana

I asked my nutritionist specifically about steak (filet mignon because it is the most tender with lowest fat). She said 6 months for steak. I did not ask about ground beef but I would think that would be acceptable as soon as meats are allowed??

Is anybody else bothered by the fact that every doc seems to have his/her own sets of rules/guidelines/instructions post surgery? "The RULES" are all over the map, which seems so haphazard to me...you'd think by now there would be a Best Practices consensus for a Gastric Sleeve post op regimen.

Hi, Do you happen to have a recipe for the salmon cakes? Thanks! Dana

Hi Lissa, Do you mind if I ask what the reasons were for your regrets at 7 months post surgery? ~Dana

You look awesome!! Congratulations!

OK, I am adopting that quote if you don't mind Kezia. When I first decided to do this I was very calm. I considered the risks -- complications, death, etc.... I explained to someone that I understood the risks and I was willing to take them for the chance to be happy and do the things that I've always wanted to do but was either too self conscious about being fat or just too damn fat to do. I'm 49 and want the chance to finally be truly happy and active. I've decided that I want/need it more than I am afraid of it!!

Hi Guy! I am fellow Louisianian -- in New Orleans (Mandeville). I am waiting for my surgery date.. Aetna required a 3 month pre-op nutritional program and my final visit is next week. I am hoping for a date in November. I'm glad to have another Louisiana buddy. There is also a Louisiana Sleevers group.... ~Dana