TBodmer71

I think the previous post have covered what you'll need for food. I will try to give you a this of "other" things you may want or need. A lazy boy recliner to sleep on for the first 2 weeks. Or a wedge to lift the top of your mattress. If you don't have either, you can shove a bunch of pillows and blankets between your mattress and box spring to raise the head of the bead. You will want a small pillow or stuffed animal to place on your belly when trying to stand up or sit down. I would recommend this is also something you should bring with you to the hospital. Try to find sweatpants or pajama's that are way too big that fit just below your chest. Chap stick A few good books. Shoes that slip on (no ties) A journal. Start documenting everything. I am 9 months post op and I still update my journal and look back on it to show myself how far I've come. Last but not least, ask if the hospitals pharmacy can fill your prescriptions before you leave. That way you won't have to stop at a pharmacy on the way home. Good Luck to you. Wishing you a trouble free procedure and a speedy recovery.

I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism about ten years ago. My levothyroxine has been decreased since surgery also. I can't say I've been a slow loser but. I am a very happy loser either way you look at it. My stats: HW 289lbs SW 251lbs CW 183lbs Highest BMI 43 Current BMI 28 I am 5'8" and feeling healthier that I have in many, many years. I try to exercise daily, Walking for 5+ miles is my new freedom. I am now 9 months post-op. My weight-loss has slowed considerably in the last 2 months but I expected that as I get closer to my goal of 160lbs. The main thing is......I am still losing. My Dr's goal for me was to lose 70% of my excess weight. I've met and exceeded that goal by 17lbs. My personal goal is to hit 160lbs. That will put me just under 25 for a BMI. Woohoo! Only 23 more lbs to go! Good Luck to all of my fellow Hypo's.

Are you taking anti-nausea medicine? I was getting anti-nausea medicine through my IV right after surgery.

First....Congrats on graduating. Second......Congrats on the 70 lbs lost. Do not compare yourself to others. This is your journey and only your journey. The goal is to be healthy. If you haven't reached that yet, then you still have time to get there. It is not a race. Don't rely on your nutritionist and/or dietician to schedule to see you. You need to reach out to them. It is time to jump back on the bandwagon. It is good that you recognize that you need too. It is a matter of doing so. If you continue with a sensible diet and exercise the weight will start to come off again. Best of luck to you. Keep up the great work!

Good luck to you. Wishing you a worry & problem free procedure along with a quick recovery. Welcome to the sleeved side.

I have asthma and COPD and I also had the IV sedation. If you have seasonal allergies that could be causing your asthma flare-ups I would consider using a daily antihistamine like claritin, zirtec or alegra. I would also speak to you pcp or pulmo Dr. to see if you may need a better or different treatment to keep your asthma under better control.

If you haven't already started taking a daily stool softener start NOW! The first one can be a real OUCHY!

Unless you have a medical problem that would make this a necessity I have never heard of such a thing. I have been operated on way too many times to count (15+ times). Never once have I had to be awake for the insertion of the oxygen tube. Technically what they could be talking about is you may be knocked out with IV drugs prior to being place completely on general anesthesia. I can't imagine being awake.

I am one of the few that told everyone at work. I've been there for 15 years and they are like family. I haven't had a single person say anything negative. I have stressed the fact that I was pre-diabetic (yes, I said was). Diabetes runs in my family and it was just a matter of time for me to get it. I am 9 months post-op and my blood sugars are in the middle of the "normal" range. I guess it is completely each individuals choice about who to tell and not tell. But, I can say that I have had the opportunity to inspire someone else. That person approached me after the monthly support group meeting on Tuesday and thanked me. What a great feeling that was.

When you have to raise the seat in your car because your backside isn't as thick.

I know that you are in a scary situation but, you will be OK. The laparoscopy surgery to repair the ovaries is really quite simple and doesn't take much time to heal from. I've gone through it at least 6 times. It should be a quick day surgery and you should be able to go home that same afternoon. Unless you no longer have a uterus then it becomes a little more invasive. I wish you a pain free, speedy recovery.

You know you've lost weight when: Your spanx that were too small that made you feel like a sausage in them are now way too big. My body shapers are now 4 sizes smaller. I am hoping for the day that I won't feel the need to wear spanx.

For those of us that still have mild Plantars Fasciitis pain I would suggest wearing "running" socks. They have an extra band of elastic that hugs your foot and helps support your arch. I bought these not knowing that they were socks made specifically for runners and I love the added support they provide.

Hello everyone. I am 7 months post-op. I have gone from 289lbs down to 190lbs (woohoo! 99lbs gone for good). I understand that we can't do much for excess skin, but I always figured I could hid it with clothes. My problem is where my extra chin use to be is now very loose. It looks like a turky gobbler neck. It is driving me nuts. It is way too early for me to consider pastics. Does anyone have any suggestions or remedies (short term or long term). I've been using neck firming cream but other than that I have no clue what to try. BTW.......Turtle neck shirts make it look worse.

I am 7 Months out and haven't felt this great in many, many years. So, glad I did this. Congrats to you on your loss.

I have been very lucky with my entire PCP office. Everybody from the receptionist, nurses, PA and Doc have been extremely supportive. I just got an email from my PCP. The email was in response to my bloodwork I had drawn the other day to check my thyroid again (my meds had to be decreased). At the end of the email she congratulated me on my continued weightloss. I am 7 months post-op and it feels good to know that my doc whom I hardly ever see (I typically see her PA) remembers me and my struggles.

It also amazes me that every little ailment that you go to the doctor for is because of your weight. I had seen the same knee specialist for years and 6 knee surgeries (most prior to being severly morbidly obese). The last time I saw him for the same pain he advised me it is because of my weight. But yet when I was 100 lbs lighter and in my 20's and 30's he was quick to cut me open for the same pain.

My mdical victories so far......... 1. No longer pre-diabetic 2. Planters fasciitic gone 3. My knees still are very noisy but not painful anymore 4. The bursitis in my hip has less flare-ups 5. I am not dependent on my inhailers anymore (I have COPD and asthma) 6. My thyroid meds have been decreased 7. I haven't had any skin rashes since surgery 8. I am no longer deficient on any Vitamins 9. My liver function tests came back normal 10. etc...... Love my sleeve.

I started this journey at 289 lbs In November of 2012. That is when I went to my pcp and got my referral to my bariatrics team. I attended the info meeting Dec. of 2012. I had to jump through a bunch of hoops including 6 months of supervised visits with my pcp. Between Nov. 2012 and Aug. of 2013 I lost 23 lbs. I lost an additional 15 lbs on the pre-op diet. I was 251 lbs when I went in for surgery on Aug. 26th of 2013. My surgeons goal for me was to lose 70% of my excess body weight, which is 89 lbs. At this point I have exceeded my surgeons goal and have lost 95 lbs. I am heading towards my own personal goal of 160. I am 6 months post-op and feeling great. I am officially no longer "OBESE". (I hate that word). My BMI is now 29.8. When I reach 160 that should finally put me at a "healthy" BMI. I am hoping to be their no later than my surgiversary. My weigh loss has slowed drastically but I am still losing. I workout nearly every day. I eat less than 1000 calories daily.

I lost 23 lbs before my pre-op diet. I lost another 15 lbs during my 2 week pre-op diet. I have lost an additional 56 lbs since surgery. I was sleeved at the end of August 2013. My starting weight was 289. 6 months 71 lbs (pre-op diet and since surgery)

I too rely on my "my fitness pal" app. I keep a daily food and exercise diary on the app. I also keep track of my weight and measurements. Using this I am able to hold myself accountable. I would recommend everyone to at least try using it. As for me and exercise......I finally upgraded my treadmill today. I've been walking at 4mph for 60-75 minutes daily. But now that I have a crosstrainer treadmill I'll be able to tone more. Also, I am looking forward to the cushioned deck. I started this journey at 289lbs Nov. 2012. By August of 2013 I was down to 266lbs when I started my pre-op diet. I lost another 15lbs during that time. The morning of my surgery Aug 26th, 2013 I weighed in at 251. Today I weigh 195. Good luck to us all.

This has been a huge NSV week for me. 1. I ran down stairs to show my husband that I can wrap a towel round me and tuck it in. Woohoo! Did I mention I can run down stairs now too? 2. I can now fit into a size 10 jeans. OMG! 3. I can now walk on my treadmill for over an hour without stopping (3.5 mph). At the beginning of this journey I couldn't walk for more that 10 minutes at a slower pace. 4. I am no longer obese. My BMI is under 30. 5. Lastly while I was shopping at Christoper & Banks I found out I now fit into a SIZE 10! Then to my surprise the clerk approached me and asked if I would be interested in modeling their clothes at an upcoming event. Huh, was she talking to me? She must have been, I was the only customer in the store. I politely turned her down but I was still stunned. The clerk proceeded to tell me how she must be 20 years my senior. To me I figured her to be no more than 50 y/o. I am 42. Woohoo for me!

I wish you a complication free procedure. a quick, pain-free recovery and a successful journey.

Keep rockin' that sleeve. Congrats. I just had a NSV myself.........I can wrap a towel completely around myself and tuck it in.

Good Morning everyone, I have a morning ritual where I wake up, put the dog out, grab my coffee, and then strip down to nothing including removing my wedding rings and I weigh myself. I am a slave to my scale. But, the important thing to me this morning is.......drum roll please........I am in onederland! I have reached 199lbs. I started this journey November, 2012 at 289 lbs when I asked my PCP about Weight Loss Surgery. I met my bariatrics team in December of 2012. While jumping through all of the hoops for my insurance I was able to lose 23 pounds prior to my pre-op diet. During the pre-op 2 week liquid diet I lost an additional 15 lbs. I was sleeved August 26th, 2013. I have since dropped another 52 lbs. I just can't believe it. It just seems surreal. My clothing sizes started out at a 3X top and size 24W bottoms. I am now a XL top and a loose 14 bottoms (I think I could fit into a twelve but I haven't tried yet). Thank you to all of you on this forum. You have been a great source of information, support, and laughter at times.