Momonanomo

OK so here's what Ive read/heard: The part of the stomach that is removed is the really stretchy part (as opposed to gastric bypass, which leaves the real stretchy part so sometimes that will stretch). With the sleeve, you would have to consistently eat excessively, like to the point of being sick to get it to somewhat stretch, and I mean, you'd have to be making yourself absolutely sick almost all the time to accomplish this. So, unlikely it ruly "stretched". HOWEVER, the stomach is swollen and there is a lot of restrictiion in the beginning that will relax over time as the body heals and I suppose some could interpret this as stretching. Bottom line though is like what laura said -- you can always find a way to eat CRAP and gain weight back. You won't be eating huge volume again but you can find nasty unhealthy dense food that fits just fine, or slides right through, or you can find things that slide through and allow you to graze. I know that when I get sleeved I will be committing to eating a different way to maximize the sleeve as a tool. It's so cliche but it makes so much sense -- the sleeve is a tool to finally make a lifestyle change that shows good long lasting resullts with my weight problem. Fill up on protein, then veggies & fruit, and carbs if there's any room left. Once I've got some weight off me, I will become more active, and that in turn will also help me control my weight. I have read posts of veterans, and those who commit to changing their life style -- eat right and enjoy exercise, have long term success. Those who don't get active and find the junky food again, don't. I think saying the sleeve stretched is a cop out and illustrates that the person looked at getting sleeved as a 'magic bullet' and didn't commit to the lifestyle change. That's just my opinion. . . .I'll climb off my soap box now . . .

Like an allergic reaction? If so, do you know wha they were made of that you're reacting to? I ask because I have some contact allergies & this possibility worries me! To OP -- I've read that several people have really liked having and abdominal binder post-op, just to give some support to the belly. Maybe that would help?

You are looking gorgeous! Congratulations!

Just wanna say that I love your posts! You crack me up & always have great pics to go along with. Thanks for being entertaining AND inspiring!

I am so excited for you! I love your attitude, and I love that you have plans to keep your new, healthy body active and have fun doing it! It's obvious that you're loving life I hope I can be very much like you when my time on the "loser's bench" comes, because you seem to have found the right path to health of the body, mind and soul. You're an inspiration for sure! Congratulations in your accomplishments!

that made me lol

I was just like you -- hoping for apnea lol. I was pretty sure I had it. But alas, I do not have it -- just snoring I figured it out when they never woke me up to put a CPAP on me. So I didn't have to wait for the results, but I eventually got them. I had to tell myself that it was actually good news because apnea is not good for you, but gee that would've helped with my "borderline" BMI and insurance approval. Oh well. It is what it is. All in all, it was at least a very interesting experience to do the sleep study. It's bizarre to me that someone's job is to stay up all night watching people sleep!

I'm trying hard to get this ball rolling already! Met with my surgeon -- he is awesome. Met with the nutritionist and the coordinator. This involved traveling by plane and renting a car since they are all on a different island (Oahu).So I'm getting financially invested along with the emotional investment I've already made. Trying to figure out how to get my surgery date set for hopefully May. Any later will conflict with things at work and family traveling. If it's not May, it could end up being in the fall. And I am so ready to go NOW! The party line of my insurance co is that I must do 6 months of medically supervised diets, but my coordinator says those 6 months can be piece-mealed from previous attempts at weight loss from previous doctors. So we've carved off 2 months already just from me getting my referral from my endocrinologist and now getting signed on with their office. Now I'm trying to remember when it was that I tried Meridia, and medifast. That should be good for several months! Went to my old dr's office this afternoon to try to get all those records. It will take 5-7 days. argh. but onward! Also called my insurance to talk to the pre-auth nurse (I think that is her title) and it *sounds* like the 6 months is not a hard and fast rule. She said that they want to make sure I am fit for surgery and that I will be successful. I'm hopeful, but the cynic in me says they want me to get frustrated and give up. HOWEVER, no one want this for me more than me, and I will show them how once i set my mind to something I will get it done, be it getting approved for surgery or being successful after! Because I KNOW I will be successful with the sleeve. I can *feel* it! So....bring on the hoops! I will jump through all of 'em! hahahahahaha Happy Valentines Day! xoxoxoxoxoxo

Any idea when you will be cleared to do more than just walk?

awesome L, just AWESOME! I'm so happy for you. Can't believe it will be a week tomorrow -- you are a trooper! Looking forward to hearing what Doc says at the 1 week check up!

bronchitis sux! Did the pain start along side the bronchitis? I ask because once when I had it, I actually cracked a rib from coughing so hard! Otherwise, I dunno what it could be --- lol especially since you don't HAVE a gall bladder!

your #2 question makes me think you might be having some gall bladder symptoms because of where you're describing the pain (right side, under ribs, radiating to the back) It's almost text book of what the top symptoms are for gall bladder attack. Might want to ask the doc before it sucker punches you! Hope you feel better SOON! And congrats on your absolutely awesome success

Brilliant! What a great strategy! I'm going to do this too!!! thanks for sharing

Reading your post, I know I would react the same way! I can't stand pushy sales people in any venue, and I don't think it's appropriate in the dr.'s office! It sounds like you've got a good head on your shoulders though and have learned enough about the surgery to know what your options are. I'm still pre-op, but my understanding is that for most people protein shakes/drinks ARE a big part of our lives after surgery, tho I don't think they're mandatory. I *think* some people taper off from them completely, and some people continue to drink them years after. I know of course you have to go through a liquid diet phase immediately after surgery while you're healing. However, so long as the nutrition is comparable, if you find a more cost effective brand elsewhere you shouldn't be bullied into buying from your NUT.

Let's have a round of applause for supportive husbands! (And wives too of course!) I know that my husband is going to be the single most important source of support for me, and I am so grateful that he loves me so much! It made me think of him when you wrote "My husband says I am sexy whatever size I am, but my health is what matters." With spouses like this cheering us on, we'll do great!

Aloha! Sounds like you are doing beautifully! I'm so glad! Thank you SO much for the blow-by-blow Sounds like the drugs are pretty good! Interesting about the smell :/ Of all the things that I have thought will be weird with this journey...I wouldn't have guessed body odor! At least not right away... And hooray for the fart! hahahaahaha So does the liquid in the protein you drink count toward your overall fluid quota ? Keep on rockin girl! Congrats to you!

oh how frustrating to think you're all set and then have a new twist! You sound like a really organized person, so I bet this threw you a bit! But you also sound like you have a good humour about it and I think that's really important I guess it's really for the best that they're checking every thing and being cautious, right? Good luck with the test, let us know how it goes!

good for you! And best of luck! No doubt you will really appreciate being 30 lbs lighter when you're on the elliptical Congrats on your your continued success -- I am soooo looking forward to being there too

beautiful before, absolutely stunning now!! congrats!

sounds like a plan! and it is SO SMART to strategize! (did i spell that right??) Anyway-- please check in round March 1 & let us know how it worked!

I'm pre-op but from what I've read on these boards the past 6 months, I fully expect this to happen to me too! It seems to be a common pattern and I've seen it referred to as 'buyers remorse'. I will try to remember to take a moment to think about the fact that after this surgery my hormones are going to be out of whack. The mind is a tricky thing...when there's a surge of hormones and emotions, it's a natural reaction to start being anxious, sad, crying, freaked out, etc -- we're hard wired for it. But it will pass and there are many happy HAPPY days ahead! Hang in there !

JJ you must be an accountant? lol! good point tho...

poor hubbie! Hope they fix him right up and he feels better soon

that is SO COOL !!! Congrats on the 60lb gone, and congrats on the pantsize -- you look adorable! I can't wait to do what you've done -- you're an inspiration

omg omg omg so exciting!!!!!!!!