Michelle1977

I was having trouble with the idea of having surgery. I then started to think about food as an addiction. I asked myself whether or not a drug addict or an alcoholic who had the option to have surgery would do it, and whether or not their choice to do so would be frowned upon. This helped me with my decision to get the sleeve. This is a GREAT post. Thanks!

I am right there with you! My doctor (and all doctors are different) has some required tests (sleep apnea, stress test, endoscopy). My insurance requries a nutritional evaluation and a psych evaluation. I have everything scheduled and they will be done in just over a week's time. Then I'll be able to schedule the surgery. I can't wait! This is definitely not the easy way out! And I am right there with you. Since I had my appointment on Dec 7 I have gained 7 pounds. I'm surprised it isn't more. I'd like to get a few of those pounds off before meeting with the surgeon again. I'm there for you!

I was very worried about the fluids as well. It's funny, becasue I NEVER thought I could eat with out drinking. I also didn't "practice" before surgery. However, it is much easier than I ever thought. The first week or two I HAD to rinse my mouth out with water (and spit) after each meal. Now I make sure I wait 15 before and 15 after. Every once in awhile I will take a SMALL sip during but it's rare. My biggest issue is "sludge food" meaning food with no real nutrients. I have days where all I want to do is pick at it...then I have days where I go all day and realize all i have had to "eat" was a protein shake. It's like anything else....practice makes perfect. It's not easy...but it's not nearly as hard as I thought it would be. As for the vitamins, it becomes second nature. Again, I had the same worry. As for soda. I had one sip and two things happened. One, I HATED the taste and Two, the bubbles made me feel horrible. You will be very surprised to see how much your taste buds change after surgery. I was a smoker and I am still surprised at things I thought I would still like and can't stand. The BIGGEST issue for me was protein. Before surgery I could handle Whey....after surgery I gagged every time I tasted it...no matter how small amount. I was lucky and found Lean Shake (chocolate) from GNC. They are a little pricy but so worth it (at least for me). I have not heard good things about the other flavors but everyone is different.
Just remember that no matter how much you learn in class...you will learn so MUCH more once you come home from surgery. FYI, don't try to get all your protein in the first week or two after surgery...if you can that's great...however, most people can't. Focus more on getting your liquids in so you don't end up back in the ER for dehydration. I found sipping from a 1 ounce cup was good for me as it helped me see exactly how much I was getting in. Also, I got so sugar free Popsicles and they really helped.
Sorry for the book. If you have any questions, please in box me or ask on here. I will try to answer them. I am not perfect but I have been working on doing it right. Since April 12th, I've lost 120lbs...so I'm not complaining. One last thing...all those fears are normal but keep this in mind. I have NEVER regretted my decision....even the first few weeks after when you're full of gas and in pain....once you see the numbers going down, you don't care how much pain you went through....just don't forget that pain and the work you will have to do or you can end up sabotaging yourself. Good luck