LibbyLou

There is a thread on here about Bougies. I think they range from 28-54? Most use 34 36, my dr uses a 40. I have had no complications and I had a hiatal hernia and lots of strictures from previous gall bladder surgery. Losing steady since 9/6, about 4 lbs a week. (I lost 20 in the two weeks before surgery so I am not losing as quickly but I am satisfied) I start eating real food this week but not too excited about it. Do it!

I would not trust any doctor that was that unethical...

Got my hospital records today and found out I have a 40 french bougie. I was 293 and 5'9 before pre op diet. I am a big girl, not just a fat girl... I was a little dismayed. So I did a little checking and found a pic showing the difference in sizes from 28-64...really its like a bic pen to a magic marker...how much is that really? If I ate 1/2 of what I used to...I would lose alot of weight, if I then cut that in half...I would lose more weight. I am eating waaaaay less than 1/4 of what I could pre surgery. Its a tool, you can dig a hole with any size shovel, it might take longer but you still have the hole! I have had NO complications. Able to drink water since day 2, liquids and start a regular diet tomorrow beginning my 4th week. I can tell when I should quit and I do. Down 31 lbs since pre op diet. I am also diabetic so that throws alot of issues in there, too. I saw my swallow test and it is a narrow stomach with a tiny pouch. I think he made the right choice for me (although if I had known there was a choice I would have wanted the smallest one) and I am so glad I can swallow pills and drink normally. I am betting we will all will be successful if we are willing to do the work.

You should have snatched his arm off and beat him over the head with it! Congrats on the cigs, too!

Beautifully written by one, painfully lived by many. You have a gift and you are gorgeous, inside and out. God bless!

B the Bean, Good topic! I have always been the fat one...school, family, friends. Not sloppy fat but I am 5'9" and big boned, too. Not easy for girls. Usually the tallest in class, too. Thick. Lately, just plain ole fat. Haven't been on this journey long but I know the time is coming. I come from a fat family, both sides. Everyone was always comfortable with their weight as long as I was around... 'she has such a pretty face'... I have been smaller and really enjoyed it, but it never lasted long. Going for the long-term fix this time! What I really would like to know is why, when I was single did all the short guys always hit on me? A challenge, like Mt Everest?! lol We can do it!

Give up? Never! Chunky soups and squishy protein (fish, fish, fish). Don't give up. Ask, someone will answer you. Good luck!

I did 10 days pre op of liquids, lost 20 lbs and was glad I did it. It wasn't easy but I know it made the surgery easier. You can do it. Each day you do it it gets you closer to surgery and every day you do it will help I think. Good luck. You are going to be glad you did it. I am!

Down 31 lbs (20 pre and 11 post op) Surgery was 9/6. Everything went great. Pain kept under control and walked alot in hospital 2 days. Following my rules and finally eating eggs, chunky soups, etc. No problems except finding a protein shake I like, so far EAS and Muscle Milk latte win... Got an awful stiff neck 10 days out and couldn't even do my walking so behind on that but two chiro appts and lots of hot/cold packs getting better. It should have worked my waist since I had to turn from the waist to look one way or the other lol! Love this site, we ARE ALL SO AWESOME!

My dr. nor my NUT never said to ban straws. If you are on liquids the liquids go right out of your stomach. I watched the dye contrast go through my sleeve, into my tiny stomach and then quickly go into my intestines. It would seem impossible to stretch with liquids.

I am 2 weeks post op. I have felt that way a few times. I have found that if I eat a small amount when I start to feel hungry and then 'leave it' the hunger goes away and I am ok for several hours. I get hungry when I am alone at home...now I am sure that is my head and not my new tiny stomach! Good luck.

Good luck! God has a plan and His is better than yours. Go with the flow and ask Him to show you the way. You can do this! I live near Atasocita. Had my surgery with Felix Spiegel at University General on Fannin. All is good.

I have had black coffee since day three...ok by dr. but says to limit because caffeine can cause hunger? Less than one cup is all I do now though. Ordered Click sample pack today. I can do light Muscle Milk but everything else is hard to choke down... Did have a very small portion of well rinsed tuna and some steamed (to mushiness) green beans and carrots. Who would have ever thought that would be a 'spread'?! Work that sleeve!

Go on with your bad self! What a great idea.

you look mahvelous darlllllllling!

NEVER ask a woman if she is pregnant unless you see the baby hanging out...

If you read the ingredients for these things, especially saccharin, it sounds more like a heavy duty cleaner than a sweetner. Try to avoid them all but impossible with protein shakes...Stevia is best healthwise...

I have a 14 year old grandson. Although he is a good kid...man he can act stupid and go off on the stupidest things. (6ft 4in/under 200) I also have a 32 year old son...same as the 14 year old... Do what you think is right. You are the mother and you know your child. I wouldn't let him make the decisions in the household. Good luck!

Six months is not a long time when you think about how long you have felt 'food love'...If you feel like the counselor isn't getting anywhere, choose another. Its normal to get scared, its a scarey thing but it is being done many times each day and reading through the posts, most are rocking their sleeves! I got mine after my daughter lost here 100 lbs! YOU GOT THIS!

Help is available through counselors, etc. I was a little afraid of the same thing. I am 1 week post op and this is the best gift I ever gave myself. Really the hunger is all in my head and looking in the mirror is much more satisfying than anything I can put in my mouth. You are young, change your life now. I wish I had done it 30 years ago! Good luck.

Slept on my side since i came home, have to change sides frequently though and kind of try not to put too much pressure on it.

Small world! I have lived in Houston my entire life. East side, but don't judge lol!

God can make a way when there seems to be no way! Prayers said. He knows our every need. God bless, liz

Force yourself to drink protein shakes. It isn't easy but if you want it...you can do it. I kept telling myself...just get to surgery, just get to surgery...Basically I have been on liquids for 19 days now (no eating until my 1 week follow up and I can't get there until tomorrow...) Wishing you all the luck. I was down 20 lbs by surgery! That made an easier surgery and recovery for sure.

I hear alot of good things about cash pay in Mexico. Going to look at it for plastic...next year!