Shells_Almost_There

I was counseled by the psych guy to not tell anyone. He has had WLS as well, and said that it's better to not make it hugely public (unless a person really wants to - personal choice of course), because of the scrutiny people then subject you to. I agree with him, and decided to tell only a few close friends and my mother. No one else in my family knows, although I will end up telling my step dad. So, right now, a total of 7 people know...soon to be 8. I am not ashamed, but I don't like being under scrutiny like that! A bunch of people at my work have had surgery and everyone knows -- that's just not for me at this time in my life. (By the way, I'm realistic - eventually word will probably get out but for now, here's my line: "Thanks for noticing I'm losing weight. I'm working with my doctor and a nutritionist, following a high-protein, low-carb diet.") - which is all true Good luck to you!

Wow, awesome job! Keep up that great work, it's an inspiration!

Oh, I love Penningtons and Additionelle! I shop online now, and go there whenever I am in Quebec, but I'm also excited to not "have to" shop there. And they are so expensive! I love the bonding over clothes - I used to shop a lot with my aunt, who is one of my best friends, and I haven't been able to shop with her in years. Looking forward to doing that again soon.

You are definitely not alone in this struggle. Last night I had a couple of drinks - used up that last chilled bottle of champagne (no more carbonation for me!). Oddly, the drinks weren't that good (I pretty much stopped drinking a month ago so this was a true last blast). I just wanted to have a "mimosa funeral" since Monday I'm starting my own version of a 2 week pre-op diet and alcohol can be a real no no after surgery. Hang in there!

ROTFL! Love this!

It seems like you've done a great job and maybe there is a gentle way to have him back the heck off...and if that doesn't work, Lipstick Lady has offered an alternative! LOL good luck!

Congrats! I recently read a blog post in which the person recommended that sleevers eat a small portion of raisins each day to keep things moving. She said one of those little kid-size boxes of Sun Maid raisins was perfect for her.

Congrats-- You should be so proud! 199 is my "soft goal" weight - I haven't seen that weight on the scale since 1995, so I will be VERY excited when I hit it. Great job to you!

This is one of the best insights ever! Everyone should read this. thanks for sharing!

S/F popsicles are my go-to dessert now. I also bought the fudgesicles, 100 calories ones until I can find the S/F ones. S/F pudding isn't bad either. More people will chime in, but these things are getting me through my major sugar cravings and make me feel like I'm still getting a treat.

Sorry to hear this - I read today on a successful sleever's blog that she would eat one of those little red boxes of Sunmaid raisins each day to "keep things regular." No idea if that will help, but thought I would mention it.

Oh and this is definitely NOT whining!

You didn't mention if you are actually taking your vitamins, but I read yesterday that this same scenario happened to another post-op person and it turned out that their potassium was low. Definitely worth checking when you see your PCP. Good luck, hope you feel better soon.

Great info, happy to hear of such a positive experience. I have a friend who's considering Mexico - TJ specifically. Would you mind sharing your costs? I'm going to email her the information here, because she hasn't chosen a clinic or doc yet. Thanks!

Wow! Keep up that awesome work. Very inspiring!

Was it United Grocers? I think I saw a post about that.

Passports, even if driving across the border. The rules changed a few years ago, it used to be just birth certificate and driver's license.

I think it's completely normal! I did the same thing and I think I'm better prepared for it. I lurked on this site for months before I even went to the doc's office for the first time. It helped me know what the ups and downs of this process can be. I also began dietary changes over a few months so that by the time I went to the office for my initial appointments I was off my diet soda habit and had essentially kicked my sugar addiction (I still cheat a little)... Keep up the enthusiasm! And yes, the light at the end of the tunnel for me was seeing the amazing results of the surgery by reading the tickers of the great people here. I can't wait til mine shows a little UMPH with significant weight gone and an improved BMI!

Do you know if your insurance requires a percentage of weight loss before they'll authorize the surgery? If yes, be careful of the timing - it can be a Catch 22 if you lose weight before your initial appointments.

I have really enjoyed reading about the various procedures that people have had done after their weight loss. It is inspiring. It looks like many people go to Mexico and have both procedures done, although there is a longer recovery time. Good luck!

This. My psychologist and I discussed this exact issue during my appointment - his best advice was to not tell anyone, but if they ask what "diet" I am on (once the weight loss becomes obvious) to encourage them to see their own doctor and nutritionist for a personalized plan. No mention of surgery, just keep on truckin' towards my own better health. Good luck to you!

I too worry about my own "Fat mentality" after I lose weight with the sleeve although it has really been a long time now since I was at a decent weight where I could imagine I looked slightly ok and attractive to the opposite sex. I too am keeping my procedure pretty much a secret (maybe 5 people know - during my psych evaluation, the therapist absolutely advised against telling anyone for a long while!). Good luck to you in the next step of this amazing journey. I am hoping for a September surgery date, and it's a scary but excited feeling!

Awesome! Keep up the great work!

My insurance requires a certain percentage of weight loss before they will authorize my surgery. I am currently trying to lose weight for a weigh in at the doc's office in a couple of weeks so I feel your pain. The minute I decided I would lose the weight within 4 weeks, I started having extra stress at work, knee issues, and sugar cravings. It's so frustrating, but I'm ready to do crazy things to lose the weight. Good luck, I'm sure you will do it!

Good luck with the surgery tomorrow! I'm sure it will go great - you've done that prep work that is the first big challenge.