GypsyQueen

I did not announce it on FB, but I did tell people I see day to day if they asked. Some asked a lot of questions, most didn't beyond the basics. It's all been very positive.

Yes, after surgery you will appreciate having a few stretchy pieces of clothing! But I'm with you, I love to purge the closet I have enjoyed stepping down in sizes. I go buy the same pair of jean capris every 2-3 weeks in a smaller size (on sale!). Now I need smaller shoes too!

I just got home from a week plus vacation and packed a small cooler. We ate out nightly and I'd get chicken, etc and had ziplocks on hand to put leftovers in cooler for next day's lunch. Cottage cheese, cheese sticks, unsweetened applesauce, boiled eggs do travel nicely.

I was ready to run out the door up until they wheeled me away. Many people go through this, it is natural to be afraid. You need to be sure of what you're doing, so educate and be confident of your decision, whatever that may be. Best of luck!

All I can say is WOW!!!

I asked my surgeon specifically at my preop visit about if he would remove gall bladder during sleeve. He said no. Needing it removed happens in about half of patients, so 50/50 odds were not good enough to remove at the same time. Then I asked about the meds and he said you'd have to be on them forever, or you're just delaying the inevitable. Unless you're in the lucky 50%...

I lost 45 lbs on my 3mo. insurance required pre op diet. Just started eating as if I'd already had the sleeve and it helped get me in the routine/habits.

Keep up what you're doing! That's awesome!

I went through all the testing, had mild apnea, was put on a machine, had to show compliance for several weeks before pulmonary would ok surgery, which pushed things back a couple months. Then when I went in for surgery, they never seemed concerned if I used the machine or not. It was very frustrating. Haven't used it since either. I am in no way saying you shouldn't inquire further, but I think it was about stacking up co-morbiditirs/statistics in my case.

Get a store brand soluable fiber similar to Citrucel. The not flavored one. 2 tsp/3x day in water/milk/whatever. It has done just fine for me. I'm an every other day girl!

Don' complain if you feel great! Take it and run.

Looking better is certainly the side benefit we all look forward to! I had lost enough weight to get off all my mess prior to surgery and told my husband I felt like I must only be going forward for vanity. The truth is, I was just tired of being fat and everything that it encompasses.

I can look back to my first 20 posts on here and feel silly because I did the same thing. When you're a newbie, you don't know how to navigate the site. It's especially hard if you're doing most of your surfing on a smartphone. Maybe Alex's first message should include some instructions on how to better navigate the site, use the search, set up tickers, etc. I don't always mind people asking the same questions, sometimes there are new answers. Being a newbie is part of the process, but we all have the option to pass over a thread if we don't want to engage. I will post if I feel I can add something useful to the conversation, to pay it forward in return for those who put up with me. -Andrea

That's amazing!

From the day I had my first appointment till surgery was 6 1/2 months. I made the mistake of not getting pulmonary clearance until after finishing my 3 mo. diet. I was referred for a sleep study (they found apnea) and that set off a series of events that took longer than I expected. But use your time to start living the lifestyle, it helps tremendously.

Hopefully you won't have to wait long! Best of luck!!

Book the longest massage you can afford or get a little package (check groupon!) and go every other day they're gone. It's very therapeutic and will help release a lot of toxins in your body. Next best think to a Calgon moment and spares a lot of violence :-)

I brought a bunch of stuff I didn't need, but everybody has such a different experience in the hospital and how they feel. My musts were... Stretchy waist pants/shorts to wear in the hospital as well as to wear home. My favorite pillow Toiletries and brush/blow dryer. (The first shower is wonderful!) Hand lotion For home, I bought a lot of stuff I never used. But it is best to be prepared! Best of luck!

We must be built very similar! It's all in my upper arms and saddle bag thighs. Clothes have been a challenge at any size, bathing suits do nothing to cover my least favorite areas. I like the racer back, almost up to my neck bathing suits. I don't have to worry about my deflating balloons going anywhere! Lol!

There are definitely fun things on my list, but the ones I am happiest about I'm crossing off as we speak. 1. Go to sleep without wondering how long I have to live. 2. Get rid of sleep apnea machine. 3. Not seeing morbidly obese on my medical charts. 4. Living (prescription) medication free. 5. Having no co-mobidities. Soon to come... 6. Not having to crop most of me out of pictures. 7. Having a professional family portrait done. 8. Feel comfortable in my own personal space (on an airplane, public venue, etc.) 9. To feel worthy of my super hot husband (who has been amazing). 10. Knee high boots!!!!!!!!

I do not like shakes and have completely gotten off them, so eating all sorts of meats - beef, pork, chicken, meatballs, cheese, lunch eat, tuna, various other fish, crab, shrimp, etc. Nothing has bothered me. Soft fruits and veggies if there's room. And milk between meals. I only drink Water, no sugar free stuff. 4 Wks post op, 80 oz Fluid, 63-78g Protein consistently. Down 17lbs post op, 59 total.

You're not alone, Laura. We're in the secret binge club together. I'm embarrassed to think of how much food I ingested on the sly over the years.

Milk is your friend!