tbrown9

I feel kinda of guilty after reading Greta & Tanya's post stating that they are already on their pre-op's. Tanya is getting surgery the day b/4 me & Greta is the same day as me. I am still eating regular food & drink. I will be starting my pre-op on Tues. 23rd.- that will be my 2nd day of my FL vacation. The 1st day I wanted to go to one of my favorite restaurants with friends b/4 starting my new life style. I guess you could say I'll have a farewell celebration the night b/4. Do you think that's bad? When I start on 7/23 - I will be completely committed 100% not only to pre-op diet & post-op instructions but will exercise faithfully as well. I do not & will not be this person I've become and I won't ever return to this place I'm at in life again. I am going to have the greatest celebration come next Aug.when I Celebrate my 50th Birthday on Aug 15th. I can't wait to live the other half of my life free from bondage of obesity!!!! Can I get an AMEN, sister!?!lol I am very serious about this choice I've made (not to mention the money that's been invested), to make a life altering change that will better my life and my health for the remainder of the time that God grants me to be on this earth! Karen

I'm on the other coast so I don't have a referral for you. But I didn't like the Nut during my 6 month pre-qual phase. She too was no bigger than a size 2 and never had weight issues. In fact, most of us couldn't stand her because she was so judgemental and rude to those of us seeing her for WLS.
After a while I decided I'd do the best I could and follow all the rules just because she seemed like she was looking for all of us to fail. Some people eventually did leave the process and waited for an opening with another Nut. I was determined to stay the course and not start all over.
In the long run, I actually am glad I had her. It took me months to feel this way. I used my dislike of her to prove her wrong that I couldn't stay the course. The smug look on her face each time I showed up and had followed my plan...priceless!

So the cost of my surgery includes 1 year of services with a nutritionist, as many times as I'd like. The problem is they only have 1 NUT on staff, and I don't like her! She's completely unhelpful, she just tells me the same things over & over (get more Protein, avoid carbs, ignore your cravings) but never tells me HOW. Also, she's never had WLS, and has never been overweight. She just does not get it! I've complained to the surgeon, but he thinks she's great.
So...any recommendations for a NUT in the San Jose, CA area that specializes in WLS patients? Preferably one who has overcome obesity in some way as well - it would be nice to work with someone who actually understands our journey.
I'm open to other suggestions also.
Thanks!

July 5 was my one year surgiversary. I am thrilled with my results. 117 pounds down and only 25 to goal!!

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It's all over the map. I felt OK, but was very tired! All I can say is try to have a seat available, work in the shade and DO NOT get dehydrated! Best of luck, coach!

Well friends I just got home from my pre-op apt! I am officially registered for Friday for the sleeve and have started my liquid diet. I am so excited for this new chapter of my life! Surgery is scheduled for Friday, July 19th at 8:00am at Saint Joseph East in Lexington with Dr. Steiner.. ????

Very true and hopefully they listen to the other side of things. Its an important factor when researching VGS.
There are pros and cons in the gamble of having WLS. No one knows how things will work out regarding the surgery procedure .. Regardless of BMI. Life is full of difficult choices and people have a million reasons why they choose what they do.
All I know is fat is fat and unhealthy is unhealthy and unhappy is unhappy and we're all after the same goal.

My bmi was 33ish when I was sleeved 8 weeks ago. I previously had the lapband at a 40 bmi so I was fully aware of what I was getting myself into. I considered this to be a preventative surgery to me, instead of waiting until I had to do something about my weight and I was even more miserable than ever with a mile long list of co morbidities that I was just waiting to happen. I have since lost about 24 pounds and am at lowest weight i have been in over 10 years! I'm happy, socialize like always but now I eat to live instead of living to eat!
A 30 bmi still makes you obese so there shouldn't be any judgement but there will be. Not only from here but friends and family. This is your life and you only have one. If this is what you want to do. Do it and screw everyone else!

I have no regrets what so ever. Never. I don't have a problem eating and most certainly don't have any issue socializing because I'm sleeved. WLS is what you make it and I've made it my lifestyle. My new socializing is just eating like a normal human and not like a pig. No one even knows about my surgery and they don't even notice my smaller portions as being odd. I don't slime, foam or get sweats because I learned right off what I can and cannot do with my sleeve. My hair fell out for a few months, but I was prepared and not shocked. I don't take anymore Vitamins than I did pre-op.
Life is wonderful.. And my sleeve makes it even better LOVE MY SLEEVE!

As Doctor Phil would say "How's this working for you? Kick that boy's a$$ to the curb" 'Nuff said.

linda305, also i forgot to mention that its more than just a couple of pets, besides the dogs and cats, I also have 20 chickens,8 guineas 3 geese w/ 3 baby goslings. Oh yea girlfriend we are down on the farm LOL

I'm going by myself on July 31st. I emailed the coordinator and asked her to send me the email address and phone number of the other Patient being sleeved the same day. I'm coming from Orlando, She's coming form California. We spoke on the phone for over an hour. I feel like when I get to Mexico it's going to feel like I'm meeting an old friend. I can't wait to meet my "sleeve Sister".

Sorry I can't help! But I'm crying with laughter reading these post! God will pay me back though as I have a long flight to take after my op

Hit the send button too soon. It was weeks before the gas made any noise. I was used to just releasing it without noise or smell. THEN I took my 10 yo grandchild out or her birthday. Felt some pressure and let it go. Wouldn't you know, this time it had noise and lots of it. Everyone in the restaurant turned to me and of course my grandchild was in tears laughing!

Work that sleeve Ms.K

Welcome and cograts on getting sleeved. Keep up on liquids Its very easy to dehydrate in the first couple weeks.

Just joined like 4 minutes ago but have been creeping awhile! Just had VSG on July 3. So far so good. Still on clears until Thursday which is now getting rough! My name is Danielle I am 37 with 2 small kids and a hubby, 2 cats, 2 fish and a dog. I am a labor and delivery nurse and I love my job. Was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about 10 months ago and that's when I made up my mind about WLS. Diabetes is scary and I want it gone! Been on every diet and exercise program known to man kind. Struggled with weight my whole life always known as fluffy or big boned. My highest weight was 248 at 5'5. I have already lost 10 lbs since Wednesday but am having a horrible time getting my Protein Shakes in. On Thursday ill be able to mix them with more than just Water so I know it will get easier. Thank God for boards like this. Thank you for sharing your very inspirational stories! I hope to be one of them to someone else one day!!!!

I've never heard of ham salad.. What is it?

Remember that scene from Aliens where the creature pops out of...
Just kidding - I had egg salad/chicken salad at 3 weeks out, but I'm just some yahoo on the internet. Ask your doctor for the final word.

I am being sleeved in 6 weeks and 1 day, and I am experiencing a flutter of emotions. The most powerful emotion is excitement!! I see my body like clay and I am sculpture making a masterpiece.
I have been exercising daily with a work out buddy, whom has had the surgery and I see her progress weekly. I keep feeling like this will be me!!! I have such high hopes, and reading many of the stories in here keeps me motivated. Seeing her grind it out at the gym, I am impressed with her progress.
This is one serious journey. I am elated that we have this as an option. I have not shared that I am having WLS with everyone for many will not understand. Perhaps, they will think me lazy for going this route. While, I generally do not give a "take several seats " about others opinion , I did not want any negativity to erode the process.
Once I got pass the feel of death during surgery, a flood of positive thoughts took over. I have been exercising none stop!!The results paid off ...
This past weekend my husband smiled @ me often, and we racked up plenty of mattress miles. He said he is proud of how hard I am working out to be a success after surgery. I began prepping before for I see so many pictures of you ladies after showing your progress, and I think to myself " SELF that will be you"..... She tried it in my Tamar voice.
Our marriage has always had love and passion. It is something different in the sex , it was desire. Yes, he adores me, but he is still a man...and he wants to see not just a beautiful wife but a sexy wife.
Some of the things I miss is my husband lifting me up during our passionate sessions. I miss not being embarrassed to come out of our onsuite bath nude without covering with a towel or asking him to close his eyes.
I still have memories of what we were like when I was at a healthy weight...I have been reflecting on those moments humming the words to Chrisette Michele new song "Just a couple more forevers".....
What I will NOT miss is being mortified when his hand brushes over my kangaroo pouch . I have envisioned the new me and she will be fabulous.com and getting me a newlife.org...LOL
Love God, Be Happy, Live Fully

My husband and one of our sons know. That's it. It's nobody's business.

I only told my husband and oldest daughter. My mother n law figured it out...but that's because I came over to eat while I was still in recovery, and figuring everything out...and I had to run to the bathroom to throw up. Nobody else knows, still, two years out. Everyone always asks how I lost my weight...which I tell them a low calorie high Protein diet...lots of exercise. I was a slower loser, so that helped as well. I think people expect that after someone gets wls that they just instantly lose weight overnight. So when you lose slower they are more apt to believe you did it without any help. Good luck!

Yes, just my hubby and BFF for 35 yrs know. No family members, other friends, co-workers.

Don't dread it or you will come to hate it and not do it. Find something you like and do that..dance naked in your living room, Water aerobics, make it a practice to park the furthest parking spot out and walk etc.
I love working with my trainer too, but I have also come to love exercise..mainly because it makes my ass look fantastic

I always dread working out. Every single day. I don't enjoy it. I never have, though I wish I did. However, I just got done working out with my trainer and I feel sooo much better (more energy). I just wish I could internalize this feeling BEFORE I work out so I didn't have all the dread..... ugh!