Teachamy

Caffeine, which is in both Red Bull and Coke can dehydrate you, so in terms of fuid intake, it is working against you. There is also a theory that exists that the carbonation can stretch your pouch, eliminating that full feeling. I am not going to toy with it. Try water, Crystal light, iced decaf her bal tea, keep trying until you find something else you like!

Our center said no alcohol (ever) after surgery. It is crazy how different post-op messages are from do. to doc.! I am still pre-op, but I wanted to tell you that you are only human! I am glad you got the chance to enjoy your evening with a glass of wine! Have you ever tried peppermint tea? I even like it iced, and I find it helps when my stomach isn't feeling well. Also, "Gas-X" sells a product that disolves on thr tongue. They are minty and have always helped with an acid tummy for me. Best. Amy

I am a salty crunchy lover and at my pre-op, appt yesterday my doctor told me to put salt on celery or carrots. I know I can't even have raw veggies for the 1st 3 months, so I sort of laughed at the comment.

That is so exciting! I can't wait to enjoy shopping again. It will definitely be a perk! I have been on a self-imposed "no new clothes" ban since reaching this weight. Congratulations on your engagement! Amy

I was told to wean off of coffee before surgery. I was also told I shouldn't have any kind of coffee after surgery, including decaf because it is very acidic. I think they request 3 months coffee free because they want people focusing on water intake. (64 oz. a day.) I will do my best to "follow doctor's orders", but I will miss it for a while! Amy

You are beautiful!

You are fabulous! good for you! My surgery is July 31st. I am so excited! I need to go shopping in my closet too, for all the old stuff that will magically fit again. Can't wait! Good luck! Amy

OOPS! July 31st is my date!

I am on my way! Good bye sleep apnea, insulin rsistance, metabolic syndrome, and many more comorbidities! Hello health--I've missed you!

I am July 31st! Can't believe it is finally happening! Good luck all!

I love the line about being the girl licking celery! LOL! When I first met with my social worker (a requirement for the surgery here) she asked what I would miss about food. I said, the social aspect, and the fact that I comfort myself with food. It was a go-to when I was bored, tired, or even as a reward for myself. Just identifying that was helpful to me. Does your surgery center have therapists on staff that could help you talk through this very difficult process? Every journey is a very personal one, and you have an absolute right to feel the way you do! Hopefully your program can support you in more than just the surgery itself. Best, Amy

Sounds like a plan! You're welcome and good luck on Thursday!

Our stage 2 includes applesauce, cream of wheat, an egg, yogurt, cottage cheese, etc. But very small quantities. Weeks 1-2 are liquid only with 3-4 tablespoons of food, relying mainly on protein shakes for nutrients, but exercising your pouch with very small amounts of food. Also, we were told to stop as soon as you feel full, even if it's only 1 TBL. So I don't think you need to feel like you are forcing yourself to finish the food. I am still pre-op, but have been required to make meal plans for the 3 stages after surgery. Do you have a dietician you could work with to come up with some meal plans? I hope this helps. Best of luck! Amy

Smart! My kiddos are going to think I'm crazy! I had already planned to buy some baby spoons--guess I'll add sippy cups to my list! What about sports bottle tops? Are those acceptable?

I am jumping the gun as much as possible too. Our program requires social worker meetings, check. One intro. meeting, check. A gall bladder ultrasound, check. bloodwork, check. 2 Eating-for- Life meetings, scheduled. And 1 dietician meeting before meeting the surgeon, scheduled. I am hoping beyond hope to get the surgery in August, as I am a teacher, and the school year begins again in September. Keeping my fingers crossed!

I wouldn't worry about the gym right now. Use your pool and every muscle! Walk, dance, move a little every day. I am still pre-surgery, but exercise is one thing I am good at. I NEED to walk my dog, I NEED to swim with my kids. I never NEEDED to go to the gym, so I avoided it like the plague. Then I got a personal trainer and felt guilty if I didn't go. (Not to mention, I had already paid for the session.) Personally, I hate the gym, but there are many other ways to exercise. It sounds like you have a great attitude. And if getting to the gym is important to you, maybe try a personal trainer! They are excellent motivation and can be very encouraging! Amy PS--I loved reading your story!

Sleeve Guru, you are AWESOME! I love your attitude! Amy

Is it recommended by your docs that you weigh yourself every day or even every week? I'm thinking twice a month might be enough for me. I am worried I will get very discouraged if I see these little peaks and valleys. Healing, TOM and the time of day we weigh must all still impact our weight loss, right? (Keep in mind I am pre-op., so I am just thinking out loud) Amy

Fab--You look great! Junior, this is the heaviest I've ever been. I've lost 25 pounds in the past to achieve a normal BMI, but now I am at a 35 with co-morbidities, and I see this surgery as a tool to help me get healthy again! 70 pounds is the most I envision losing, and as great as "Fab" looks, I am concerned I will need the "panni" to get the excess skin off my belly. I guess time will tell. I am excited though!

Hi everyone~ I have been wondering about excess skin after weight loss. I am planning to lose 70 pounds in all. My mom tells me, "you are young, it won't be that bad." My responses to her are: #1--I am 39--doesn't skin start to sag at that age? and #2--You haven't seen me naked lately! LOL. I have a lot of abdominal fat. I know this is different for everyone, but did you start to see a need for excess skin removal after a 70 pound loss? Many thanks! Amy PS--My "Eating for life" classes start next week, then a visit with the dietician, THEN I get to meet my surgeon! I am on my way!

Hi everyone~ I have been wondering about excess skin after weight loss. I am planning to lose 70 pounds in all. My mom tells me, "you are young, it won't be that bad." My responses to her are: #1--I am 39--doesn't skin start to sag at that age? and #2--You haven't seen me naked lately! LOL. I have a lot of abdominal fat. I know this is different for everyone, but did you start to see a need for excess skin removal after a 70 pound loss? Many thanks! Amy PS--My "Eating for life" classes start next week, then a visit with the dietician, THEN I get to meet my surgeon! I am on my way!

Thanks so much for your response? Why were you miserable? DId you feel ill after you ate again?

Would love to know your experiences! I use a pump and am curious: How much did your basal rate drop? Do you bolus much anymore? Has your carb to insulin ratio dropped? Thank you! Amy

I am pre-op, in the early planning stages of surgery. I was wondering, in the first few weeks post-op, on liquids and pureed foods, do you feel hunger? (Actually hungry vs. the "head hungry/emotional hungry" that a lot of us are used to.) Once you're a few months out, does a cup of food actually make you feel full? Knowing your expereince would be really helpful for me. Thanks, Amy

Yay! A perfect 10! Many congratulations. Can't wait for my journey to begin!