CharmingTortoise

I've never had anyone ask me, yet. However, when my brother-in-law was having it done, I thought that he didn't really look big enough to have it done. Once I saw him after he'd lost the weight though, Holy Cow! I barely recognized him. I wonder if folks just get used to us looking the way we do and don't really "see" us.

Thank you everyone for the input. I really greatly appreciate it.
Part of my waffling is that I've gained and lost and gained and lost and gained and lost repeatedly. With the same results as @Nicolanz - depression and loss of control. I'm afraid if I don't get VSG at starting weight 246 that I'll end up having to get it with starting weight of 346. I had made up my mind that I was going to have the surgery and then everyone kept saying, "you are doing well, maybe you won't have to have the surgery." I've convinced myself a hundred times over that this is the best thing for me, just need to convince my family and friends I guess.
Thanks again everyone. :wub: I really needed to hear a couple sides of this!

I can't wait to not have to lie and say I "forgot" my bathing suit.
I can't wait to not cry in the changing rooms because I've gone up another size (or two)
I can't wait to NOT shop at Victoria's Secret, Aeropostale, Hollister and all the other places who couldn't accomodate my plus size body. If you can't bring yourself to clothe my plus size body, you don't get my money to clothe my skinny ass either!
I can't wait to not dress like I'm 20 years older than I really am
I can't wait to not have to put deodorant anywhere but my underarms
I can't wait to not have to tell my husband to slow down a little bit while we are walking - I'm going to make him keep up with me
I can't wait to not feel tired all the damn time!! - That's my biggest one!!
p.s. I absolutely love this thread!

find a book or class on mindful eating. It is really helpful. The tenets are basically that you never easy while doing anything else - no Facebook, no television, etc. No eating while standing up or driving or at your desk at work. Sit down and enjoy every meal or snack. East everything of a plate or bowl instead of out of a bag or box. It really helps you enjoy your food more and realize how much you're eating.
When I took the class the dietitian said she was intentionally not mentioning Portion Control because intentional eating will eventually cause you to limit your portions.
I highly recommend learning about it, even if you don't follow all the tenets it really gets you thinking more about what you are putting in your mouth.

When my husband and I first discussed (*ahem* argued) about me getting the surgery, he was angry that I had lost 100 lbs on my own, then put it all back on. He thought I "quit" on that diet. What I tried to explain to him is that LOSING weight isn't my problem. I know I can lose weight. What I can't seem to do on my own is keep it OFF! That's where I need help. That's where I can't do it on my own. That's why I need something that will support modest eating for life.

Three points. The "no water" rule is there so that the food fills your small stomach up AND food will take a lot longer to move on if it is not liquified. This technique leats to an increase of satiety, which helps keep you in control. When I heard this it didn't make sense till I researched it a bit. Makes sense now, so you have a new habit to develop!
The food diary is to help the NUT work with you on YOUR eating habits. It is not a trick to bump you from the process. Once I was into my "prep" phase, I realized that it would be wise to change my eating ways as best I could, and now I am glad that I did.
And three... No easy way to say this. The Sleeve is not magical, and while 'restriction' is a major outcome of the weight loss after surgery, remember that about 20% DO NOT succeed at long term weight loss. The only way to succeed is to change your eating habits and activity habits... for a long time (like always). Yes you have anything as a treat... but not a routine life of 'sliders' foods.

I can't wait to not have to lie and say I "forgot" my bathing suit.
I can't wait to not cry in the changing rooms because I've gone up another size (or two)
I can't wait to NOT shop at Victoria's Secret, Aeropostale, Hollister and all the other places who couldn't accomodate my plus size body. If you can't bring yourself to clothe my plus size body, you don't get my money to clothe my skinny ass either!
I can't wait to not dress like I'm 20 years older than I really am
I can't wait to not have to put deodorant anywhere but my underarms
I can't wait to not have to tell my husband to slow down a little bit while we are walking - I'm going to make him keep up with me
I can't wait to not feel tired all the damn time!! - That's my biggest one!!
p.s. I absolutely love this thread!

I had the IUD previously and loved it! I had been on birth control for way too many years and that IUD was awesome. No worry whether you remembered your pill or not. I had it in for about 3 years and never had an issue with mine. I honestly didn't think it was that bad going in but I had already had my son before that. Personally, I would not to the Depo or Birth Control again because they make me super-psycho. I had a copper IUD, it was inserted in 1998 so this was quite some time ago. I haven't heard anything bad about the Mirena or new-gen IUD's. I had no issues with the monthly cycles other than my usual difficulties. I always recommend the IUD when I get the chance.

I have discovered the secret :ph34r: (at least for me) to enjoying Protein Drinks - Nose Clips! For some reason when you plug the nose that weird taste from the Protein isn't noticeable. All I can taste is the flavor that the drink is supposed to be. Nose clips will make it hand free and also make it so once I have the surgery I don't have to try to hurry up and drink it. I was also excited that for once, it was a cheap fix!
Who would have known the swimmers knew the secret all along. Wish they would have shared though

Hi All!
I'm pre-surgery but have a tentative surgery date of August 19. I am working through the Weight Loss Services at McLaren Northern Michigan in Petoskey. My surgeon will be Dr. Nagle. I started the journey at 246 and I'm 228 now. I'm hoping to be around 216-220'ish by the time I have the surgery. The more I can lose now the less I will have to fight with later!
Super congratulations to both of the gals above me for their great losses! You are inspirational.

I can't wait to not have to lie and say I "forgot" my bathing suit.
I can't wait to not cry in the changing rooms because I've gone up another size (or two)
I can't wait to NOT shop at Victoria's Secret, Aeropostale, Hollister and all the other places who couldn't accomodate my plus size body. If you can't bring yourself to clothe my plus size body, you don't get my money to clothe my skinny ass either!
I can't wait to not dress like I'm 20 years older than I really am
I can't wait to not have to put deodorant anywhere but my underarms
I can't wait to not have to tell my husband to slow down a little bit while we are walking - I'm going to make him keep up with me
I can't wait to not feel tired all the damn time!! - That's my biggest one!!
p.s. I absolutely love this thread!

Hi All! I'm from Harbor Springs Michigan. I'm just starting to jump through the hoops and get the process rolling. I am going through Weight Loss Services at Mclaren Northern Michigan in Petoskey. I wanted to stop in and say, "hi," to the other Michiganders.

With very health problem, there are a,ways people who don't understand the problem or the treatment. They do what the doctor says unless they don't fee like it. Believe me, I am diabetic and I have seen it in the diabetes forums. People who just won't give up soda even if it sends them to the hospital. Or people who never actually learn what the disease really is or how it works because its too complicated. Start talking about grams of Protein or carbs and their eyes glaze over. People jump on the next ad diet or fad surgery or start taking the fad supplement without understanding the first thing about it.
Then there are the folks like me. The information hoarders. I read 8 different books about the VSG, scoured the Internet, read every sticky here, read every paper I could get access to online, searched YouTube, talked to friends who are doctors and nurses. And not just with the sleeve. This is how I approach every problem in my life. Before this surgery I had researched so many ways of eating and tried the ones with science behind them. When I was diagnosed with diabetes and with PCOS I became an expert in each of them. When I was undergoing fertility treatment I researched it in detail. When I found out I needed a hysterectomy I watched one performed on YouTube and I found out all the different ways it could be done and went to my doctor with specific requests.
I think the people who have regrets had a knowledge gap. Maybe they thought they went in fully prepared but they must have missed something. I know my mother's and grandmother's generation trust the doctor without questioning, because the doctor is an authority figure. I certainly don't implicitly trust doctors. I question them all the time. So maybe that is part of it too.
Edit: a couple more points. First, it is obvious why people with complications would have regrets, especially complications worse than their weight-related problems are.
The second point is that I see people asking questions sometimes that make it clear they don't know what they are in for. I'm talking about things like:
- I'm one week post-op and my doctor says liquids only. Can I have bread yet?
- I'm 6 days post op. can I get wasted on vodka yet?
- I don't really have to exercise do I?
- why am I hungry? I thought they cut the hunger out of my stomach!
- I can only hold down crystal light and haven't had anything else for three days! What should I do? (Obvious answer- ask your doctor, not an Internet forum)
I'm sorry if this seems like ranting but it makes me scared for those people.

My doctor does a cholangiogram during surgery and if any stones are found he removes the gb. He also told me he will fix anything he finds, whether its a mass on an ovary or a hiatal hernia, whatever he sees and is able to fix he will fix. Now I have these thoughts of him inspecting every organ inside me one by one while I'm under. I don't know. It seems odd he would venture into other areas. I understand gb or hernia. Anything else? Not so much.

I had the IUD previously and loved it! I had been on birth control for way too many years and that IUD was awesome. No worry whether you remembered your pill or not. I had it in for about 3 years and never had an issue with mine. I honestly didn't think it was that bad going in but I had already had my son before that. Personally, I would not to the Depo or Birth Control again because they make me super-psycho. I had a copper IUD, it was inserted in 1998 so this was quite some time ago. I haven't heard anything bad about the Mirena or new-gen IUD's. I had no issues with the monthly cycles other than my usual difficulties. I always recommend the IUD when I get the chance.

Although I'm not sleeved yet, I've read on many threads here that this happens to many people. Your body has just gone through trauma/stress and is adjusting to the lower calories, limited intake, etc. Just keep doing what you've been told by your doctor and it will work out in the end! Be sure to talk to your doctor on Tuesday - I'm sure s/he'll reassure you of the same

I have so much ENERGY! I have started walking 30 minute everday around the walking trail at the park behind my house. So far I have walked 6 days in a row. Talking about a change in habit. I can't believe how I don't think twice about walking. It seems as if it is a part of my daily routine. I am not over doing it, I am just walking at a moderate pace while enjoying the fresh air. I guess you have to know where I have come from to really understand my thoughts on exercise. I am not a workout person nor did I like to walk outside. But I love it now and it seems like my days are not complete if I don't walk. For those stuggling with exercising, try walking it is the best form of exercise ever. It doesn't cost a thing, get you a good pair of tennis, your ipod or mp3 player and just head out.

Jane et al hmmmmmmmmmm
now that i'm at goal, losing 105 lbs - my weight loss IMO is the main reason for good things in my life continue
"people" sometimes say post WLS - you DON'T change
you are still the same person you were when you were heavier
welllll - i'm not sure i totally agree
My normal, old general "stuff" is the same
I'm still the wonderful perfect person i always was!!!
but now my "insides" are so much happier - which shows on the outside to others
which makes me happy - being/showing my self-confidence
I've heard from some on the board that they think all of a sudden people are being nicer, talking to them all of a sudden???
i think the reason for that could be that since you are happier about yourself, it shows, and people are "attracted" more to a happier person???
that could be a possible explanation sometimes
how happy am i???
since i'm retired - i don't have to deal w/the daily "possible" stress/problems that people have on their job
i don't have any little kids running around sometimes screaming, crying, sick (but they are usually joy!)
moms don't get mad at me please - its rewarding, wonderful raising kids - they are full of love
now that my daughter is 38, and grand-kids are here for the loving
they are "returnable" when they start argueing and yelling with each other
of course "MY" grand-kids are perfect
i just had a wonderful experience of 5 week grand jury duty - very interesting
doing my terrific volunteer work
DH and i are "usually" pretty good
so life in its "normal" day to day stuff is good
what was the question again??
my happiness???
life is good!!!!
8.75 - 10.75!!!
ok all
i am now sending good vibrations to all of you to have a great day
wishing all of "us" a healthy, happy, longer life
kathy

Pretty happy myself as a post op. I would say a 8/9 out of 10. This is such a dramatic change from even 1 year ago and attribute it to lifestyle changes. Eating well and daily fitness really does turn around someone previously diagnosed with mental health issues.

In the surgery prep cubicle I was asked to completely disrobe and then put on a surgical gown-thing, and non-slip socks.

It's funny you should say Xanax cause I popped them and I just used my night time scrub provided by the hospital and I'm in bed watching tv waiting on them to kick in. I recorded a new series called North America on the discovery Channel and I'm beginning to mellow out.

I can't wait to fit in the seats of public transportation without taking up half of the other seat..
I cant wait to fly without fear of them making me pay for two seats..
I cant wait to fit through turn stiles with no problem..
Cant want to be able to walk up stairs without feeling like Im about to die..
I cant wait to be able to walk a block & once I stop movement Im not sweating like crazy!
I cant wait for knee, foot& back pain to leave..
I cant wait to see my feet without bending over..
Cant wait to tie my shoes with ease
Cant wait to rid of this stomach that makes me look like im 20 months pregnant..
Cant wait to sit in plastic or smooth chairs without sliding and have to keep sitting up
Cant wait to sit in my new car comfortably while driving.. I could go on ...
Sent from my iPhone using VST

We must have had the same surgeon! Blah, blah blah.......What a tool!

How about a section on exercise and the body? There are lots of contradicting thoughts and ideas on here. Perhaps some basics about cardio and weight lifting, what it does for your body ( like improving circulation, more muscle = more fat burning, etc.). Maybe include some facts on the time of day that is best for these exercises as well as sample work out plans. Your samples should vary to include different lifestyles: home gym, gym membership, weekend warrior, and etc.