kvlasy

:-). I went to the Oband Center and Dr Sergey Lyass. He is based in LA but comes here routinely to see patients and do surgeries. I had a great experience!

I was never depressed but you will see some common trends on the boards of sleevers reaching out to the community for information and support. They include people reaching out when: - struggling with complications - not being able to meet goals of Fluid and Protein - not losing fast enough/long enough - living through stalls - experiencing hair loss - struggling with cravings Yes - We all have our demons. But I can really only speak for myself. VSG was my lifeline to a healthier life after a 30 year battle with my weight that I was losing. You aren't your cousin. Keep speaking for yourself.

Looks like there are several of us "locals" in NashVegas. Mfs, I had never been through any kind of surgery before either but the experience was no where near as bad as I had built it up in my mind (especially since I have a great imagination lol). I didn't go to support meetings, but talked regularly to another sleever who was about 18 months out who was supportive and encouraging. Our experiences ended up being different - he had significant nausea, vomiting and acid reflux and I had no issues at all, but we both think it was the best gift we ever gave ourselves.

You don't ramble. And I like your posts!

So glad you have graduated to posting and congratulations on your progress!

I am a software consultant specializing in implementation and administration of construction management software. When not on my "day job" I am also a wife, mother and grandmother. I love my job(s) although for years I have said I aspire to be a professional consumer (can you say shopaholic?)!

(Swiped from another thread). Here is a sample plan published on line:

I went through the Oband center and preop they gave me a six week plan which was in phases. Three days of clear liquids protein and fluid goals, examples of what to have and a sample diet. Then two weeks of full liquids, then two weeks of puréed, then two weeks of soft solids, then modified regular diet. My daily goals are 64+ ounces of fluid and 80 grams of protein. I track everything on Mynetdiary.com. That tracker tracks protein, fats, carbs, water, exercise and weight. :-)

I was a 35 BMI with severe sleep apnea and high cholesterol as the qualifying co-morbidities. If I hadn't qualified via insurance I would have self paid. I have fought a losing weight batter since the early 80's and had actually given up on losing weight until I heard about the sleeve. I'm strictly following my plan and 20 pounds from goal. I couldn't be happier!

Ditto on the chicken broth. My biggest must have was my heating pad. Worked wonders for me!

Thank you for sharing your journey. It is inspiring!

I take vitamin E (along with a ton of other vitamins) and 1,000 mcg of Biotin. I also use biotin infused shampoo and conditioner by Organix. I also got in 60-80 grams of protein daily since surgery. So far nothing has stopped the shedding but it's not getting any worse so I can live with it (as long as I don't look at my hairbrush too often!).

It's rare not to experience it and it varies in how much loss occurs. Mine started right at 3 months out. It should taper off by about 6 months out.

To the OP - please don't give up! I know WW is expensive. My mom used to work for them several years ago and, at that time, they sometimes were able to offer "scholarships" based on financial need. That may be worth a phone call to see if there is anything they can do for you on a need basis. I'm wishing you all the best!!

One often repeated phrase you will hear on this site is that every persons journey is unique. What's crazy to one person is a perfect choice of lifeline for another. None of those people is you! If you and your physician agree that this is the right path, that's really all that matters. I wish you the best journey possible!

Yes! I'm getting maybe four to six hours a night. Pre surgery it was 8-9. I take melatonin too but it doesn't help. I have trouble falling asleep and trouble getting up. It doesn't help that 3 days a week I have to get up at 4:30 to work at a clients then 2 days a week I'm up at 6:00 to be at my regular office. I'm also fighting with my CPAP machine, which wakes me up every hour. By the time the weekend hits I'm exhausted. :-(

My belly button is retreating while my hip and collar bones are re-introducing themselves to me. I haven't seen my old friends since about 1995!!

Shrimp (most fish) and Greek yogurt! I also really like my morning protein shake mixed with expresso - sort of like a mocha.

Syntrax also has several protein flavors that are mixed with water (Carribean Cooler, Fuzzy Navel, etc). There are a decent number of protein drink options available. Once past liquids and soft foods there are a lot of good protein bars too. My current favorites are the Oh Yeah bars.

I told family and close friends pre-op. Post-op I will tell anyone who asks how I am losing so much weight that I had WLS. I do understand and respect others who wish to keep this private though.

I use Protein shakes the consistence of milk. unjury chocolate splendor with skim milk in a Blender Bottle tastes like chocolate milk. There is also Isopure which is clear liquid and not a shake. You CAN do this - you just need to do some research and try samples of various protein sources prior to surgery! Also, I live in the desert and my nut was concerned this summer would be a huge challenge for me to stay hydrated. It wasn't. Most folks who love Water just need to adjust their rate of intake for a while until their capacity increases. I wish you every success!

Heat whip you look GREAT!!

Oh, I forgot sugar free Popsicles!

I had Greek yogurt (Dannon coconut - yum), cottage cheese, Chicken broth (and strained soups when going out), strained cream of mushroom soup, Spice Market iced tea, Starbucks Refreshers (instant) and, of course numerous types of protein shakes.