RJ'S/beginning

TY for your story......it was funny and yet showed the seriousness of what you were about to do........I really enjoyed the story....it made my day...

There have been times in my life that me being the fat girl helped other people have great self esteem....from family to friends, Doctors and other people in authority.........I have only shared this dicision with a very few well chosen people and have told them that if any thing negative comes out of their mouth...that I will not give them a second chance.....my days of being laughed at, stared at, joked about and people making rude comments are numbered.......I will not be stopped this time by those who think they are trying to help me in some absurd way........I am angry with how society views people with weight related issues.....it is excepted and tolerated as normal.....well it is a horrible injustice that has been left unchecked as far as I am concerned.......What we have lived through has not been for the weak that is for sure.....and what I am about to do is for me and no one else...........a small part of me wants to go see those who stopped their car at my driveway to watch me garden.....the Doctor who did not want to treat me because he felt I did not care about myself or my sister who is comfortable because well at least she is not as big as me............I have low self esteem..but I have the power to make a difference for me...and I am..look out world... here comes a new me...a new attitude and I will always be a defender of anyone who struggles with any issue in their lives......

My surgeon says that the reason for the pre op diet is to shrink the liver...the liver lays over the stomach and it has to be lifted up so they can get to your stomach....they have a tool that holds the liver in place...but if the liver is not smaller it puts stress on the tool and on your entire system........plus your stomach is already shrinking due to the pre op surgery.... every surgeon seems to have his own plan...and reasons for what they say and do....it can be very confusing!

you know what...you have every right to have those jitters.....not knowing what to expect is half the problem...talk to your doctor and he/she should help you figure out some of the issues..and ease your mind some.....write them down on a piece of paper....the what if.....page and ask your Dr......you are a very strong person to make this decision.......esp. since you have never had surgery before........I know you will be okay!

right now....it is safe and comfortable to do what we always do to protect ourselves......some where in side of you is the reason why you feel safe the way you are now......it took me years to figure out what my triggers were that made me heavy......you will figure them out as well...don't be so hard on yourself.....this is a journey to discover the new you...it won't happen over night.....but you have started that journey and are in a forward motion.....congratulations!

you make it sound so tragic.....it is normal to have anxiety about all of it..if you didn't that would not be normal....this is not an easy route we are taking..this will take dedication and will power......and it is all about you and the choices you will make to better yourself........you have taken steps already....you should be very proud of yourself and as you watch the new you unfold...it will be because you used the tools that they gave you and succeeded......

I go for my pre op appointment on the 19 Sept. I am very excited.....I was told that my surgery will happen first part of Oct. Keep in the front of your mind the reasons you have made this choice.....Some where on here is a list of stuff you will possibly need for your stay at the hospital......start preparing yourself now if you have not already by changing habits and gathering the vitamins you will need....etc. Buy something a couple sizes smaller then you are now so you can see your progress through that......No one said this is the easy way....it will be a bumpy ride.....but think of all the things you will gain from it....esp. the new you....with fewer health problems no doubt........keep yourself positive in this journey.........and remember you deserve it as much as anyone else.......we are here.....for you and you for us.....the best to you on your journey to a healthier you.......

That was a scream...ty ty ty so much for sharing.......dam the torpedos and go for broke.....just think if they all move to the other side of the street..the room you would have to break dance........cool you!!!!!!

PDXMAN..your right you do look younger.....

Dr. Sylvain Beausoleil........have had the seminar and visits with the shrink...and given the okay....waiting, waiting...lol....

No it isn't.....your new life started the day you decided to sleeve.......then when you made some changes and went to the appointments and started thinking about how to be successful....the surgery is your tool.....and congratualations on the date by the way.....still waitng for mine.......wonderful news for you

I am so excited for you......esp. since you look at the cup half full...and you see it and feel it and are a success...Energy is something I am looking so forward to when I get some.....lol.......It is stories like yours that help me feel good about the dicision to sleeve...Thank you for sharing! Was okayed August 24th....waiting for date.....

There will be one set of rules....your surgeon's rules. Go by those, not what other people are doing. That will take the guesswork out of it for you. If your surgeon doesn't have a complete preop and post op plan for you, look for another surgeon. But yes, all surgeons seem to have different plans. Yes he does have a plan and I will try to follow it to the letter...I am talking about afterward selecting Protein powders and Vitamins..there are a ton out there and I keep reading that this person tried this one and another that one.....one lady mentioned that she is a Vitamin junky...I gave up following her feeds because I stopped understanding what she was doing.....Or how she can afford to try that many different brands.I got very confused because I know there are things I need to buy to prepare myself for the sleeve........what I am looking for in any product is no artificial sweeteners......if anyone knows a brand that does not contain these toxins...I would love to hear about them.....ty

I have been researching the sleeve, watching videos and reading as much as I can about the the entire experience from many people who have gone through this or are going through this..I was given the okay 24th of August....Now I am working hard to change some of my bad habits before I even start this new life change.....I am finding myself confused more and more..There are so many different vitimins out there and protien drinks and everything.. I don't like artifical sweeteners and have been searching for things without that in them......anyone know any brands that don't include these sweeteners.Am I researching too much...sounds weird just saying that...wish there was one set of rules for all of us...silly to say...

Wow......never even thought of this area of concern.....I have a Ultramatic bed...anyone have any issues with that bed.....

I'm planning on not visiting the kitchen for the entire 2 weeks I have to drink the liquid before surgery..My husband has agreed.....can you drink as much water as you want when you are doing this part of the pre-op... TY

I was approved a week ago today.....just waiting for the call to start the 2 week Fluid part........I think this has been one of the longest weeks of my life... Lets get this show on the road eh!

You have to remember that when you have this done it is major surgery. With any surgery you have to allow your body to heal. Listen to your body it will tell you how tired you are or sore you are and follow your surgeons advice. Better to be safe then sorry. I am waiting for my surgery as well and have been told by my team that for six weeks after I have this proceedure I have to be very careful not to hurt myself by doing too much. I think I will be bored senseless! Then again what is six weeks compared to a whole new life..........