Annie04

Islandlife, look forward to seeing you there, perhaps! Coco, good luck! I was in the same place as you a few months ago, researching and finding information.

Ok. I just spoke with Alma and she sent my paperwork. I have to get clearance from my cardiologist (heart stent) next week then put my deposit. She said that hopefully I will be in the September group for Dr. Garcia in Tijuana. I am super excited. Thanks again for the feedback.

I will be there! I am scheduled for the 28th with Garcia I can't wait am sooo excited!

If so, check in here with first name and sugery date and I'll look for you in the halls!
I'm Katrina and my surgery is August 27. Would love to "see" who all will be there at the same time! The information is all spread out on the boards in different posts and I'm having trouble remembering who is with me.

Thank you I'm taking 1000 calories daily sometimes I just took 800 calories depends... I work out 2- 3 times per week... Run 2-4 miles

My journey started in Nov 12 2012... When I started with my Pre-op diet. I was weighting 214 pounds... The day of The surgery I was 206 thanks God 9 months later I'm in 136 pounds... I almost reach my goal 130 pounds!!! So happy... Thanks To Dr. García and his team if you arr going to be sleeve with this amazing dr don't think twice you are in great hands!!!

I like the Premier Protein drinks.....but they are premade, and are not thick.....besides a huge case at costco, you can pick up a 4 pack at walgreens to try them out......I was told Walmart also had them.

Here is a list I have started with web sites that give out free samples on request. Please post any other places that give out free sample and i'll add them to the list.

Just contact them with your name and address and let them know why you want a free sample. They are very nice and support us surgery people.

Please like, follow, and rate if this has helped you. I am updating this all the time and adding new sites. Thank you.

Thanks to the people that have added to this list:

- SuNMooNStaRS816
- Tink12/26
- Saffikeagan
- Veruca Salt
- Sylvynn

Here is the list:

Protein
- vanilla mix and a cookie and cream mix)

- Quest bar (My favorite Protein bar). If they are out of free samples you can wait a few weeks and they will have some. Also if you buy a mixed sample box you can use CODE: mixbar for a discount.

- Protein shakes

- banana, strawberry, chocolate, Vanilla and Orange) Phone number 1-877-974-2537

- Protein Bars (they sent me 2 bars)

- Fiber 1 Protein Bar

- Water

- Vitamins
- liquid vitamins

- Bariatricadvantage.com --- Sample pack of vitamins

- Bariatricfusion.com --- Sample of Vitamin

- Bbvitamins.com --- Vitamin samples


Other Offers/Discounts

- GNC.com --- They will give you a $5 code for your next online or phone order. (all GNC product is returnable with in 30 days if you dont like it)

- Chefjays.com --- Will send you a $7.50 coupon to try some of their products

- Kindsnacks.com --- 10% off first time order with code KINDLYL10

- Isatoritech.com --- Buy one get one free smart bar

- Purefit.com --- $14.95 for a 7 bar sample box and a coupon for money off your next order

- Boost.com --- Two $1 off coupons for Boost Protein drinks and bars

- Gotein.com/sampls_pack.html --- Sample pack for $3





Water Flavorings

- Makeitmio.com --- Will send you free sample of Mio

I'm hourglass shaped. My hips are wide and I have large tatas lol. When I was at my highest weight my shape was very undefined but since I have shed 53 pounds my waist is definitely smaller and stomach flatter. My hips are still wide compared to waist. It I lift up my boobs I can see my ribs a little. Supposedly pear shaped people lose slower than apples. Even when I reach goal, I'm sure my hips will still be wide compared to my waist. My boobs will stay the same size because even at my smallest (size 8) I had DDD breast. They are definitely saggy and I know I will need a lift but I personally don't want a reduction and I've never lost weight in that department lol. If you are pear shaped you will remain pear shaped, same with apple and hourglass.

I have had lap band in which I lost 200lbs in 14 months and then 7 yrs after I had my lap band it slipped and I had it removed and I was 7 weeks pregnant so they wouldn't revise so I gained 100lbs but I am now down 55lbs down after my revision. The first pic is me at 150-155 after my first weight loss the 2 nd is me 45lbs down after this weight loss. I am pear shaped also(yuck) but as you will see at 150 I look great. I am 5'8.

Got on the scale today expecting no movement, since I have been in an oh so frustrating stall, and low and behold I was in Onederland! I about cried! Just thought I'd share! Here's a before and during pic too!

I just had my band taken out 16 days ago and the sleeve done. I chose the Band because it was less invasive and no cutting on my stomach would have to be done. I had it for 5 years but after 3 yrs I started having reflux that was so bad i was choking at night in my sleep. i tried everthing, I even had an endoscopy that showed nothing was wrong with the band but i did have a hiatal hernia. I had surgery to fix the hernia and still had the reflux! I can honestly say, having to go in all the time for fills and then the band would get to tight and I would have to have Fluid taken out, was a pain. Also the feeling when eating, of having food stuck in your throat like a rock after just a few bits was frustrating and unfullfilling. I nolonger had the sensation of the food going down into my stomach and it feeling satisfying. Now that i have the sleeve eating feels normal again. I wish I would have had the sleeve done in the first place.

On my way to the hospital. I can't believe today is the BiG SHOW!!! I'm nervous and excited! Okay, maybe a bit more nervous than I want to admit. Haha.

Not gonna lie, the thought of cheating crosses my mind often. I'm a social eater and found my self today standing in the break room chatting with coworkers and somewhere during the convo (not even sure when) I picked up a bagel and began to eat it. Once I notcied what I was doing, I spit the rest of it out.
I just started my liquid diet yesterday and have 13 more days to go! Its hard but we can do it! I have to keep reminding myself....Nothing taste as good as being thin and healthy feels!
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My friends and struggle-mates... This is a great thread!
food has such power over us all. I am learning to HATE what that damned stuff has done to our heads as well as our fat bodies. I gotta say that the longer post-sleeve I am the more I am pissed off and the less I want to worry about "losing my food" Am at the beach with family, and we had a pizza party and I enjoyed all, brought my own food, and loved it. pizza is SO not worth it, and I'll be damned if I'll let pizza win...
Period!

I want to book with Dr. Garcia also but have to wait for tax refund in Feb. :(Alma said it was a 5 night stay so good to know that's flexible if need be. Will be following you ladies, seeing how it goes, going straight back to work etc. best of luck!

I'll be at florence August 27. Starting to see lots of posts from folks there the same time as me--exciting!
I return to work 10 days post-op and fly toPhoeni for a four-day conference a week later. I called Alma and talked to her about the trip to Phoenix and she said she thought I would be fine. She said lots of sales people who have the surgery are back traveling within a week or so.
I figure Ill rest when I need to and it will be ok. I'm not afraid to cancel the trip to Phoenix, but hope I dont have to.

Had my revision about 3 months ago and it was easy for me compared to the band. I had very little pain, just some soreness and was back to my normal routine without the lifting a week after. I was on Clear Liquids for one week, whole, liquids for one week, pureed food for two weeks, and than soft to regular as tolerated. I can say that now three months out I can eat anything in small amounts. I did suffer severe nausea after the sleeve from about 4 weeks till about 7 weeks. I took some prescription meds and got through it and now it's pretty much gone. I have not thrown up once with the sleeve which I did quite often with the band. I was 164.5 when I had my revision and now three months later I am about 139. I feel great, I look great, and I am so happy I got rid of that band! You will do great. Best of luck.

I was the exact same way, the closer I was getting to surgery, the more my eating got out of control. I was just freaking out about not getting to eat all my favorite things for a VERY long time. Now here I am, my surgery is in the morning and Ive been crying cuz Im so sad about losing my food! Which is why I need this surgery in the first place, I need to get control over this!

Without being all "holy roller-ish," I will tell you that, in my experience, God handles these things. Most of the stuff I worry and obsess over turn out just fine if I pray about it and truly turn it over to my higher power. I am confident that your situation will work out just perfectly. Try not to worry!

Thanks everyone who has offered some perspective and prayers. The more I think through this the more I am convinced that once I have a job offer it should be no issue to take the leave I need to get the surgery done. My severance package from work will cover any time I have to take off if I have to take leave without pay.

I am taking the advice of a good friend on this site and easing into my diet. I am scheduled for August 30th and I only have a week pre op required because of my BMI of 35. I am starting now, mainly because I have been in this "eat while I can" mindset and I have put on a few more pounds. The last 2 days I have cut out sugar in my coffee and I am using Nectresse (not bad because I am not a fan of artificial sweeteners)and a little agave (not much because too mush is to sweet. I also stopped drinking sugary sodas. This has been just days and I have already lost 2 pounds. Trust me, cutting out processed sugar and white flour will cut down your craving for carbs. I totally agree with ARts137. It amazes me that there is so much difference in diets among us sleevers. Mine pre op consist of Protein Shake for Breakfast and lunch and a salad or Lean and Green dinner. I am also allowed another Protein shake if I need it. JPSnAZ, my recommendation would be have an extra Protein shake if you are hungry. I know that doesn't sound appetizing but it will help with your hunger. Good Luck and I can't wait to hear about your journey

I am having surgery on August 30th, I am very excited and trying not to think about any negatives. This surgery is something I have been planning all year. You are going to rock the sleeve. Being on this site has been very motivating. I too have knee problems, I had surgery on a torn meniscus in February. I also have had back surgery in the past. I truly believe that this is the best decision that I can make for my physical and emotional well being. You will find that too, and your husband will continue to love and support you even more with your new found confidence. I look forward to hearing more about your journey!