Arts137

I am SO glad to hear your Great news about your liver. Bad livers are WAY uncool! And I am sure that Richmond boys (I grew up there) would find a baby spoon way cute!

from what I've read sounds normal???

I use Unjury, which can be goten on the web. Fast shipping.

Or as my mother would say: "If wishes were horses, beggars would ride."

the first 3 or 4 days are hard for everone, IF you can get past them it Does get easier (I'm on day 13)

congrats, federal BC/BS took three weeks for me!

Nobody sustains a 10#/week loss over time. Relax, stick with the program and you'll melt away! You are in this for the long haul; one week doesn't matter in the grand scheme of thisgs.

I am also in the medicine camp. This is something I found searching the web: Emotional issues As your body changes so dramatically, you will be changing emotionally, too. Some people find these changes disturbing. Obese people have sometimes used their size to hide from life, to insulate them from the outside world. Losing weight can make you feel vulnerable at times. If you are having trouble dealing with emotional issues, find someone you trust to share your feelings. It may help to seek professional counseling. This will help you go through the changes more smoothly and help you to be more successful with your weight loss. Emotional issues you may have include: Depression after weight loss surgery is common. For some women, estrogen (a hormone) is released while fat is burned to make energy. This release of estrogen may cause mood swings. People who eat as a way to manage their emotions (known as emotional eaters) may be depressed because they can no longer eat like they used to. If you take a mood stabilizing medicine, it is important to keep taking it after surgery. Do not stop taking medicines without talking to your health care provider. You may need a dose adjustment of your medication after surgery as absorption of the drug may be affected by surgery. Partner jealousy Your partner may have a hard time dealing with the new you. Not only has your body changed, but you may be changing emotionally as a result of your increased self-confidence and self-esteem. This can cause your partner to feel insecure. He or she may become possessive or distant. If problems develop in your relationship, you may benefit from seeing a therapist. Ask your bariatric team for help. Divorce Change in a relationship can add stress, even if the change is positive. If you are married, you should plan for added stress and how to deal with it. A therapist or counselor can help you and/your partner work through these changes. Friend loss Losing a lot of weight can disrupt some friendships. You are changing every day, and you may find that your friends are unwilling or unable to change in the friendship with you. Your friends may be feeling jealous of you or your success. Body image When your body goes through such a rapid and drastic change, you tend to lose a sense of yourself. You can actually go through an identity crisis. You may not recognize yourself. You may feel like you are walking around in someone else’s body. Please remember that it will take some time getting used to the new you. Counseling may help you during these times of uncertainty. Return to top.

Bwa Ha Ha... (as I spit my Optifast across the room)

Water only is OK...

How many are converted from lap to open? Do you sew or 'glue' the staple line? Any common issues or problems expected the first week? Are you gonna get a good night's sleep before my surgery? :-)

the scale will most certainly move.. just keep on your plan...

You are still in the June club, no matter what. I am sorry about the potential delay, but if you need the CPAP, I hope you like it as much as I do. I LOVE it and I was ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY sure I did not have Sleep Apnea (and oh was I wrong). The CPAP will help you recover from the anesthetic, so...

Hmmmm, We are all advised to eat slowly and stop as soon as you feel full. The research suggests that the stomach pouch does eventually allow about 4-6 oz... I'll let others comment on stretching, this is somewhat controversial. Do you still avoid liquid with your meals? And lastly, because you CAN does not mean that you HAVE to!

But it's the only drug I got left :-) And I'm down to mostly decaf...

Anything is possible. I need to lose about that much as well, but I'm 6'2" and want to get to 200#. I figure it will not be quick. After the first 6 months, I'll be happy with 1 or 2# losses a week. BUT, we can get anywhere if we keep going, right?

Google: What are Clear liquids and full liquids? There is a LOT of guidance (also the Big Book of the Gastric Sleeve has this well covered.) Bottom line: clear is can you see through it? Full is clear plus anything you can get through a straw (but we do NOT use straws). Does this help?

Quiet persistance pays off. Or as Winston Churchill said: "Never, Never, Never Give Up".

wonderful indeed!

Started all the prep steps in December 2012, once paperwork submitted, mid April, took BCBS 3 weeks. Once approved I had a surgical date on the same day.

Following your program is the best way to get through a stall. Please try to NOT weigh every day, it'll just drive you crazy. Patience and KNOW that if you follow your program you will lose weight as fast as your body can.

It depends. How much did you weigh at start, how much do you lose to get to goal? Someone with 200# to lose, like likely lose faster than someone with 55# to lose. 22# in 4 weeks is 4.5# a week. Sounds pretty darned good! Keep it up!!

Only my opinion, but Yep. Keep it, friend!

Weights go up and down. I know that you are concerned, but keep following your (growing) new eating habits, and over the long term, the only way the weight will go is DOWN!!!

Sounds like the 'slimies', but I have NO idea why??? Maybe wait on the vitamins till you are up for a bit???