SpaceDust

Well, today wasn't too bad for the first day of the pre-op diet. I even had a little bit more than 100 calories left over, and I'm not hungry, though I should go have another glass of water before I go to sleep, methinks. I'm glad I decided to start one day early, though. I have a hard time thinking I'm going to lose 10 lbs in one week on this, but hey, that's what the sheet says. 10 lbs, 7 days, 870 calories a day. Go, me!

Just confirmed today that I'm allowed my beloved coffee and tea, just be cautious right after the surgery in case I have any tolerance issues initially, and get in plenty of Water and I'm good to go. I do like to make my morning Protein shake with fresh brewed coffee (poured over ice to chill) and a glad cup of skim milk. That seems to be enough to hold me for 3-4 hours. However, I do live in the Seattle area, and yeah, I do indulge in the occasional latte (not this week, though! ). I have gotten away from all the sugar, and generally go for a grande, skinny, sf latte in whatever flavor entertains me that day. I, too, confess to being a Starbucks gold card holder, although I actually usually go to a small locally owned stand. I fully expect to continue my occasional treat, albeit in a short size age I get past the first several weeks post surgery

Thanks, Andy. While I really wanted to do this much sooner, in retrospect I have to say that I think the extended prep time has been to my advantage. I've had a lot more time to become comfortable with what I need to do, understand the risks thoroughly, and become more inspired by the people here who are struggling through it bit sticking with it, and those like you who have shown me what success looks like and various paths to get there (Not going to turn into Bette Midler and start singing "Wind Beneath My Wings," I promise ) That said, yup, I'm excited! My husband is excited for me, too, and being extremely supportive, which makes it even better! Trish Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using VST

I just finished my "Farewell to Fattie" tour. It wasn't an over the top food funeral, but I did have a few of my favorite foods this weekend, and I refused to feel guilty about having a small piece of carrot cake among those faves - since I'll be just finishing my post op liquid diet on the day of my birthday, my husband and our best friend made a special birthday cake for me as part of the "tour". I've still managed to lose 3 lbs over the last 5 days, so I don't think I carried it too far Today the pre-op diet begins in earnest and goes through next Monday, with surgery on the 2nd. I did some trial runs so I know I've got this, but I'm still a bit nervous. Good luck, everyone! Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using VST

Thanks, all! I'm having a bit of the "what am I doing???" anxiety this morning, but it will pass. I'm excited at the same time, so it does feel a little odd B-) Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using VST

For those looking for sf Torani or DaVinci syrups, check at your local restaurant supply stores. In my area, Cash & Carry its the place. Smart & Final is another common one. These are generally open to the public and the prices are usually really good. Our Cash & Carry stores literally have an entire side of an aisle full of the current syrups, including lots of the sf options.

I definitely have health as my primary motivator. I'm a type 2 diabetic and have high cholesterol. I'd be lying if I didn't admit that the side benefit of looking better didn't play into this, though, and there is nothing wrong with that.

My surgery was scheduled for July 24th, but some upcoming changes in my life dictated that I get on the train a little more quickly, or put it off till this fall (which would have really devastated me, since I've been mentally preparing for so long!). I love the people at NWWLS in Everett - Leigh worked to get me in on July 2nd, and I'm extremely grateful to her for putting up with my frantic calls Now the surgery is oh-so-real - I'll be starting my pre-op diet on Monday, and I'm determined to stick with it and lose 10 lbs.

If it really bothers you, there are some ways you can keep your food warm longer, though I'm afraid none of these would work when eating out . First, it helps if you warm your plates before serving your meal - you'd probably have your best luck with stoneware type plates for this. You can put them in the oven on low or use one of those heating pads that are meant for pre-heating dishes. You could also think about setting a heating pad under your plate at the table. Second, there are some dishes that are specifically designed for slow eaters, and there are pediatric sized ones that might be appropriate for us, as well as larger ones. They work by having a chamber underneath the dish that you fill with warm water at the start of the meal.

Well, you'll likely have at least some loose skin. The younger you are, and the shorter the time you've been very overweight, the more likely that the skin will eventually shrink back into shape. Things you can do to help: stay moisturized. Eat with good nutrition so your skin is well-fed. Get plenty of sleep. Get exercise, including some strength work. And be patient - it may take a year to 18 months to get the maximum shrinkage. As far as surgery, well, much like the VSG, you can also get plastic surgery done in many other countries, including Mexico, for far less than most places, and there are reputable plastic surgeons there, as well.

My date is currently the 24th, and I planned it that way so I could enjoy the 4th and my birthday on the 16th before I have to start the one week diet for real. Of course, the best laid plans... I may have to try and move to an earlier date - I may be changing jobs in mid to late July and if so I would want to get this done before starting. Hopefully I'll have an answer this week.

Are you maybe so hungry that you're gulping the shake or food down more quickly than usual? Is there any way you can fit in a small snack of some sort between breakfast and lunch? Something like a Baby Bel or string cheese that you could eat "on the run" might help. It could also be acid related, maybe. A PPI might help.

The difference in size from a 32 to a 38 is pretty minimal - we're talking a few millimeters. However, as Chimera says, some studies seem to indicate that there are fewer complications with a slightly larger sleeve, plus there's a bit more to work with should you develop a leak that needs repair. The difference in weight loss appears to be minimal to none.

It's always better to do a well-balanced exercise program. Plus, keep in mind that your panniculectomy is not going to do anything for your upper abdomen, really - it is a functional surgery that simply removes the excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen. You'd have to get a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) for it to include tightening abdominal muscles and skin up to the rib cage. Therefore, you'll want to get those muscles in shape so the upper abdomen doesn't look all soft and flabby.

My journey started at the beginning of last September . I had to do six months of supervised diet, and sort out some financial pieces, so July ends up being the earliest I can do this thing, but through no fault of my bariatric clinic. My insurance claim wasn't submitted until I had completed all their requirements.

First, give yourself a little time. Some people are good to go pretty quickly, but others take a few weeks to be ready to hit the ground running. I'd say that it's probably a good idea to take it pretty easy for at least one week. I've had a number of surgeries, and I'm generally functional in 5 days, and reasonably energetic in 7 days, but not fully back to my usual energy levels for 3-4 weeks. As far as Protein, it might help if you say what you've tried, and what is bugging you about the taste. Is it the sweetness, an aftertaste, or something else? What protein are you using? Have you tried thinning it down a little to see if having it a bit more dilute helps?

This DOES require a lifestyle change, and I'm really sorry that you seem to have thought it wouldn't. It's been hammered into me from my bariatric team and everything I've read. But don't get stressed about it. It's really not as bad as you're thinking. You need to be mindful of what you eat, and you need to be more active. But don't think of this as a diet - that word has negative connotations to many of us, and it's not really true. You don't have to be that regimented or restrictive. Eat like a healthy person. Be aware of what you're eating and how much. You can have treats. Just be smart about it - don't mindlessly graze on chips that you don't really care about, or have treats more than you have good food. Have that ice cream. Make it a really special scoop of premium stuff, but not a pint of it. Enjoy it thoroughly, and then move on. Maybe you ate fairly lightly that day, or maybe you just decide to go light on the carbs for the next meal or two. Or maybe you do it so seldom that you decide you can absorb the calories from that small treat. But YOU are in control, not some arbitrary list of what you can or can't eat. Just remember to pay attention, and keep things balanced, and you'll be fine.

Hey! Save some of that for me! I can practice being a mean, hateful, starving soon-to-be-skinny b%+@# if that's what it takes to get invited to the cool kids parties, honest!

I'm with ya! We'll be rocking our sleeves and those halls! As far as the diet goes, I was a little hungry the first two days, but then it seemed to settle in a bit. I just drank some iced tea or some Water with lime in the middle of the afternoon, between my second and third shakes, and it wasn't too bad. I only did 4 days, though. I was just thinking I might do another round starting on Monday, and I might even do the whole thing this time. Even if I only do 3 days, I'm getting used to it, and hopefully it will be less stressful during the "for real" week!

I've actually done several days where I did the Protein shake thing all day and then ate dinner, trading the waters. The only thing is I ate a regular dinner, so my calcount for the day was more like 1200. It would be nice if we can say hi! Maybe we can keep each other company walking around the halls

I was asking myself the same thing before!!!!! They are in the cuke family ... The thing to worry about is the sodium, and a slight possibility of the carbs being a concern if they're sweet pickles.

Congrats! I'm currently scheduled for the 24th as well, so we can have a virtual "birthday" together!

Are you supposed to be on liquids? If so, I highly recommend that you talk to your surgeon or your dietician. They may have some ideas for you, or could at least reassure you.