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What a wonderful feeling! Can't wait to be there also. Congrats and wishing you continued success!

You look fantastic! Thanks for sharing--very inspiring. Wishing you continued success!

Hi January Sleevers! I am one year today and I want to tell you, YOU CAN DO IT!! I wouldn't change a thing. The first few weeks are the hardest. Once you are on regular food, it gets easier. Keep walking and sipping Water right after surgery. It will help with the gas. Once home, walk, walk, walk!!
Remember!! YOU CAN DO IT!! Have faith in yourself!!
Inbox me if you all have any questions! I will be happy to support all of you in any way!!

I don't think you should feel afraid to post about your post-op concerns or even your pre-op concerns, but you should do a search first to see if there are already other threads about them with useful info. Also, I think that most people in this thread have gotten to the point that they either don't read or won't comment on the particularly annoying threads (I know I have), so even if you do post something that some would rather not deal with answering chances are in your favor that there will be others who will.

Yeah, I definitely missed being able to eat whatever I chose the first few days (oh, the food commercials killed me on day 3!) and it wasn't even a craving for junk food, just to be able to chew, but ultimately my body and mind adjusted. I went grocery shopping with my bf last night--regular groceries for him and post-op stuff for me--and I was not even bothered by all of the junk food in the aisles or the delicious smells coming from the deli, so it's definitely gotten easier.

I'm currently on the pre-op diet and I can tell you honestly that I had my share of food funerals up until maybe a couple of days before I had to start the pre-op diet. So much so that I had gained weight and my BMI was getting really close to 50, which would have meant that I had to pay $500 more for surgery. That has been a big motivator in helping me to stick to the pre-op diet and I have lost 6 pounds already in the week since I started it. It really has not been that hard to stick to it, but I think I was ready--I had honestly gotten sick of eating junk in the days before I started it. I'm committed to doing the work before and after surgery that it takes to be successful. The only slight modification that I made to the diet that I was given is that I allow myself broth and other sugar-free liquids if I feel the need (saw this in other pre-op diets that are otherwise identical to mine), but I haven't much. My pre-op diet looks like this:
B: Protein shake
L: Protein Shake
D: salad with Protein (I was not given the 4 oz limit, so I have not limited myself to 4 oz. of meat necessarily)
Snack: another Protein Shake if needed
I relied on that additional protein shake (160 cal) the first few days, but after that, I chose broth (30 cal) instead. Last night, I did neither, but if I feel hungry later after dinner, I am comfortable with either of these choices.
I am not a doctor, but my ultimate advice to anyone who feels that they want to decide on their own about the pre-op diet is to make the decision based on your BMI. The closer it is to 50, the more likely that you have a fatty liver (although I do have 2 relatively skinny friends who were diagnosed with fatty liver disease because they eat fast food ALL the time), so I would suggest doing the full 2-week diet. If your BMI is lower, maybe you have more leeway. Good luck!

I don't think you should feel afraid to post about your post-op concerns or even your pre-op concerns, but you should do a search first to see if there are already other threads about them with useful info. Also, I think that most people in this thread have gotten to the point that they either don't read or won't comment on the particularly annoying threads (I know I have), so even if you do post something that some would rather not deal with answering chances are in your favor that there will be others who will.

I don't think you should feel afraid to post about your post-op concerns or even your pre-op concerns, but you should do a search first to see if there are already other threads about them with useful info. Also, I think that most people in this thread have gotten to the point that they either don't read or won't comment on the particularly annoying threads (I know I have), so even if you do post something that some would rather not deal with answering chances are in your favor that there will be others who will.

Thank you so much for posting this! If I may, can I please stress some more that people don't use the search function enough before posting? As you said, threads that are 4 years old can still be relevant today. I have started very few threads compared to my total number of posts because I always search for my answers before posting. I try to be understanding that not everyone is computer/online forum literate, but it's so widespread that I don't think that's entirely the reason. It should be a requirement, IMO. Okay, *steps off soapbox*.

I don't think you should feel afraid to post about your post-op concerns or even your pre-op concerns, but you should do a search first to see if there are already other threads about them with useful info. Also, I think that most people in this thread have gotten to the point that they either don't read or won't comment on the particularly annoying threads (I know I have), so even if you do post something that some would rather not deal with answering chances are in your favor that there will be others who will.

I don't think you should feel afraid to post about your post-op concerns or even your pre-op concerns, but you should do a search first to see if there are already other threads about them with useful info. Also, I think that most people in this thread have gotten to the point that they either don't read or won't comment on the particularly annoying threads (I know I have), so even if you do post something that some would rather not deal with answering chances are in your favor that there will be others who will.

Eat sashimi and edamame

Thank you so much for posting this! If I may, can I please stress some more that people don't use the search function enough before posting? As you said, threads that are 4 years old can still be relevant today. I have started very few threads compared to my total number of posts because I always search for my answers before posting. I try to be understanding that not everyone is computer/online forum literate, but it's so widespread that I don't think that's entirely the reason. It should be a requirement, IMO. Okay, *steps off soapbox*.

Thank you so much for posting this! If I may, can I please stress some more that people don't use the search function enough before posting? As you said, threads that are 4 years old can still be relevant today. I have started very few threads compared to my total number of posts because I always search for my answers before posting. I try to be understanding that not everyone is computer/online forum literate, but it's so widespread that I don't think that's entirely the reason. It should be a requirement, IMO. Okay, *steps off soapbox*.

Thank you so much for posting this! If I may, can I please stress some more that people don't use the search function enough before posting? As you said, threads that are 4 years old can still be relevant today. I have started very few threads compared to my total number of posts because I always search for my answers before posting. I try to be understanding that not everyone is computer/online forum literate, but it's so widespread that I don't think that's entirely the reason. It should be a requirement, IMO. Okay, *steps off soapbox*.

My rant, my opinion, right? Before you get started on how unsupportive and not nice I am, and how I should just dodge the posts I don't want to read, I'll kindly tell you to educate yourself on how I typically post and on my contributions to VST. (That's my nice way of saying I don't care what you think and that you shouldn't waste my time or yours telling me how mean I am.)
Because I cannot possibly be the only person so incredibly sick of these posts! Anyone else tired of the whining? I don't mind an occasional vent, but the outright whiny, childish and incredibly annoying posts just make me thankful I'm on VST (and on the other side of the computer) and not in an in-person support group. Because, really, people, this is getting stupid. I am not talking about actual complications or asking a valid question, either. I'm talking about the same cycle of wah-wah-wah about simple things that should have come up with only a few attempts at research.
Let's address a few of these annoyances that keep cropping up:
1) Oh my gosh, it's a travesty but guess what? You are NOT going to lose the weight faster than you put it on. I know - it's heartbreaking. I mean, surgery is supposed to be magical, isn't it? I, for one, got a free unicorn AND a leprechaun with my surgery. I get that you don't want to work at this. Really, I mean, taking advantage of a fraction of the stomach capacity and learning how to eat wisely so you can develop a healthy relationship with food and gosh, to live the rest of your ENTIRE LIFE not obese, not overeating and to have a chance to ditch the bad habits and emotional baggage...that's just way too much to wait for. You should probably just be angry at the world and vent on a public forum about how the surgery has ruined your life because you've only lost 20 pounds in three weeks. I mean, really! Those are some completely shoddy results, if you ask me. Because really, who thinks that a one to two year period of focusing on weight loss to lose the weight for good (especially after fifteen years or more of trying to lose the weight on various failed diets) is worth the time or effort?
2) Surgery hurts. I know, I know. You probably didn't realize that having anesthesia and being flopped around, pumped full of gas, sliced open, having an organ removed, having staples and stitches put in and having drains in your body would actually hurt. But it does, imagine that! I know, in most cases it lasts five to ten days before you're feeling better, but surely your world is ending, your pain is the worst ever and you definitely need to post about it here so we can all give you pats on the head and you can scare the people researching the sleeve away. Be thankful you're not one of the people with a REAL complication causing ACTUAL serious pain. Or maybe you are. We can't tell or guide people to their doctors because there are just so many suffering people posting that it's a challenge to weed out the ones with real issues and the ones who forgot to take their pain pills. I know, we all handle pain differently. But really, a teeny bit of research would help with expectations, wouldn't it? And let's not forget how tired you are post op. Who knew that eating less than 300 calories a day after major surgery and having to really work at staying hydrated would wear you out and make you tired? Ugh, it's completely unreasonable!
3) It's hard to eat when you only have 15% of your stomach. Who knew? I mean, sure, that's why we had surgery, but I know you figured you'd just have a smaller stomach made of cast Iron that could easily tolerate at least half a bacon cheeseburger within a week of your operation. All that sipping (of warm or room temp liquids!), all of that discomfort when you try to shovel in a cup of oatmeal in week three, the challenge of finding Protein you can eat easily, the challenge of finding a shake you actually like - I mean, who knew that was going to be part of the game? Oh wait, what do you mean everyone that actually researched their surgery knew about this stuff? Well, never mind that. Post about it so we can all hear how different and more difficult it is for you, because I'm sure it was a walk in the park for everyone else.
4) I'm sure your heartburn and acid reflux are terribly uncomfortable. It is for all of us. I'm sure the gurgling and healing stomach sounds are annoying and hard to get used to. They were for the rest of us, too. Which is why you should be on a PPI. If you did even a cursory bit of research on the sleeve, I am certain the fact that acid is an issue post op for almost everyone came up. So if you aren't on a PPI (think Prilosec or Nexium - Tums and Pepcid aren't PPIs) you should probably be on one. Even if your surgeon didn't suggest one. And if he/she didn't prescribe one or suggest one, I'd question that surgeon, because this is a known issue post op for nearly every patient. But it's your body and your suffering, so hey, why not be a tiny bit proactive and ASK FOR ONE if one isn't offered? While we're here, you should have done enough research to realize you'd need sublingual B-12, an Iron supplement and Calcium citrate as well as a multi until your doctor does bloodwork and tells you your levels are fine without supplements. I know, it's HARD to take all those pills...it's so annoying, too. But if you don't take them you'll be tired and sluggish and forgetful and won't feel up to par. But you knew that from all your research, I'm sure.
5) I doubt you're starving. Very, very few people do not lose the hunger post op. I have seen a few that struggled with this but they are few and far between. I know, you probably didn't do enough research to realize that you still have ghrelin in your system for a few days post op, or to find that acid gurgling in your belly feels exactly the same way as a rumbling tummy. You probably thought you'd be immune to head hunger, because you thought obesity was only caused by eating too much, not by any type of emotional attachment to food. You probably didn't realize that two or three (or more) weeks on a liquid diet would be challenging, mentally, even if you don't really want food. I know, I know, we already covered that surgery is supposed to be magical and you wanted it to control your feelings about food and your desire to eat for the rest of your life.
6) Diets don't work. Isn't that why you finally opted for surgery? Then why do you insist on treating the way you eat post op like a diet? Why do you insist on carb counting yourself into misery and allowing yourself only enough calories to sustain a ten pound cat instead of an adult human? Why are you surprised, after years of failed dieting, that the desire to binge and graze and eat emotionally show up when you restrict yourself the way you've always done on past diets? Why do you insist on eliminating entire food groups for fear of gaining weight, only to post at one or two years post op that you can't understand why maintenance is so hard and you can't stop eating junk? Oh, that's right, you thought the sleeve was part B of your diet and treated it that way...and got the same success you got from all those diets you did prior to surgery as a result.
7) It's hard to break bad habits and be healthy. We've covered this! Surgery is supposed to be magical - and therefore any emotional eating problems, baggage from your childhood, poor eating habits you're reinforced for years, etc. should just be magically erased when the surgeon slices out 85% of your stomach. I know, you don't understand why this is so hard! I know, you're so frustrated and you regret your surgery because you want to eat and you can't. Why won't your sleeve stop you from eating those Cookies or that big bowl of ice cream? This is completely unfair. I suggest you post about how the surgery is a waste of time and/or money because it didn't do the head work for you, cause this isn't supposed to be hard. It's magic.
8) Some people lose hair and get loose skin? AH, say it isn't so! If losing the weight and being healthy isn't worth a temporary trade off, surgery isn't for you. I know you already have diabetes, high blood pressure and are slowly killing yourself with your obesity, but you have an irrational fear of loose skin and thinning hair and aren't sure if this surgery is for you. I get that. After all, I'd rather die slowly with beautiful hair than compromise my vanity for a few months and extend my life in the process. I mean, really, we have to have our priorities! So please, as soon as you notice some hair falling out, please panic and post about it and ask if anyone else has experienced it. I'm sure you're the very first person it's ever happened to before and you should frantically warn everyone and work yourself into a frenzy envisioning your bald dome if it continues.
9) If you post stupid, tiresome, uneducated or ridiculous things to strangers on the internet, sometimes you get snarky, short or even blunt and (borderline) rude answers. I know, I know. You live in a world where everyone sings kumbaya together with genuine feeling before they start their day on the communal farm. Well, lots of us don't live there or have an infinite amount of patience and tolerance for those that think we should all be the same. I might answer one way and many other someones will answer another way and between all of us, hopefully there will be enough of an answer that anyone with the same question (but who doesn't necessarily have the same expectation on how it will be answered) can put together a solution. And then, in a perfect world, they wouldn't post the same question two threads down less than 24 hours later.
I love VST. I love that I found this site and researched my surgery for ONE WHOLE YEAR before opting to slice out my stomach. I love that it is full of resources, full of true experiences, full of warnings, full of advice for those that bother to search it out. Even four year old threads can still be relevant today! I love being able to come back here and "give back" in a way, by helping people with genuine questions and genuine concerns. I want to cheer other people on their journey and I want to help people approach this surgery in a sane way that will help them not just lose the weight but keep it off forever.
But for goodness' sake I simply have to acknowledge that I am only human and only have a limited amount of GAF when it comes to some of these posts and lately, some of these members.
It shouldn't be exhausting and aggravating to be here! I've been around the military too long, I think - I'm about a step away from yelling at some of these jokers like they need, instead of being diplomatic and polite.
My vent, my opinion, remember? Remember: you can always just skip over my post and not respond if it really bothers you!
~Cheri

I'm getting sleeved on March 22nd with Dr. Lopez in TJ, MX. Is anyone else getting sleeved around that time, especially in MX? Looking for sleeve buddies near and far!

Thanks Amy! We're definitely sleeve buddies, even if our surgeries are a few weeks apart

Thanks icon! I am so excited for you!!! I feel like we've kindof travelled this road together and seeing you get so close to your date just amps me up!!!! 6 weeks!

Make yourself go to the treadmill, it will change your attitude, you will feel successful and in control. I made myself go exercise so many times when I DID NOT WANT TO & now my head quit messing me and I feel fabulous. 10 minutes of forcing yourself will lead to 24 hours of being happy with yourself, and then you do it again. Rock on.

You have the potential to do it without the surgery. What the sleeve gives you is a permanent reminder. Reminders can be defeated.
You will need a will of steel. You are not dieting, you must undergo a metamorphosis. Your will and mind must take control and channel your emotions and rule your body. Determine how you want to be for the rest of your life, fight with everything you have in you to attain it, guard it like a pit bull after you're there. Be ruthless, no mercy on bad nutrition and overeating. Marry yourself to exercise, commit your mind and heart, learn to love it, become an athlete. Keep your eyes on the finish line and fight relentlessly moment by moment to get there.
You have to hate obesity and love yourself. Hate is a great motivator, so is love, use both. Think of all the crap you have been through because of being overweight. Take the insults, feelings of inferiority, struggles with clothing, lack of energy, depression, social problems, etc. and channel your anger into action. Be your own best friend and help yourself as you would your dearest friend who is in a battle.
You can win this war!

passport card if you are crossing the border by land... you need an actual passport if you are flying directly into Mexico and it also works when crossing by land. I think a lot of people who cross frequently, have the passport card or enhanced driver's license for convenience purposes.
If I was YOU, I'd just get the actual passport book even if you don't need it for your mexico surgery... CUZ, you never know when the option for international travel may arise in the future and it's just a good idea to have a passport.

Thank you for sharing in such great detail--I will be there next month and this is all very good to hear. Also, I think it's awesome that you and your mom are on this journey to health together.

I am in this boat too--insomniac-night eater. If your night eating is like mine, it's actually called Night Eating Syndrome and is an eating disorder (you can look it up). The only thing that has really helped me so far is not keeping any unhealthy food in the house (either I don't do it at all or I'm forced to snack on something healthy). I'm hoping that being sleeved (in 11 days!) will help, but I started a thread about this a while ago and it doesn't seem like it will. However, I am currently on day 4 of the pre-op diet and instead of eating crap in the middle of the night, I have only had 1 Protein Shake instead, if necessary, so I feel like once I am sleeved, I won't go crazy with night food choices either. Also, I am starting to see a therapist who specializes in eating disorders this week, so I'm hoping that will help a lot too.

It's normal to feel frustrated at various points after surgery.
The only advice I can offer is good advice (I'm sure many vets will agree with me, anyway) but it's not advice you'll want to hear.
You can't control your rate of loss.
You have to let go of any expectations that have to do with how rapidly you'll lose.
You have to stop comparing yourself to the way other people lose.
Easier said than done, I know. And if you search back far enough, you'll probably see grumpy posts from me because I lost more slowly than I wanted to lose, too.
Vent. Come to the boards and vent, but then shake it off and read the RIGHT threads. The ones posted by those of us that lost slowly but still got to our goals and even better, maintained our goal weight. We're here - even if the more popular threads are the ones about folks that fly to goal in nine months!
It took me seventeen months to lose 107 pounds. I had two nine week stalls along the way. There were months when I lost more than ten pounds a month and months where I lost less than three. I lost, on average, just barely over 6 pounds a month.
I got to goal, I got to wear a size six/small and I am no less happy about that because it took me longer. Heck, even pregnant I'm still in a size six/small, just maternity clothes now!
I've probably said this half a dozen times in the last week, but let go of your time goals. Focus less on how quickly you lose and more on building the foundation of good habits that you'll need to maintain goal once you get there.
Good luck, and congrats on your new sleeve. Oh, and put that scale away for a few days before it makes you crazy!
~Cheri