Jo Brown

Thanks to all of the suggestions, I am now officially smoke free for 48 hours! It doesn't sound like a lot, but I haven't had any major problems. I think conquering the driving is a HUGE deal. I can stay busy the rest of the time:)

I totally agree about the nicotine in e cigs. My surgeon does not allow nictoine in your system. I use e-cigs that are completely nictoine free. For those who have surgeons that allow nicotine, the varying strengths may be a good option.

One FB group I found - The Sassy Sleevers. It's a closed group, but not private. There are a couple thousand members so there are always new posts. Pretty good! A September Sleevers group on FB might not be a bad idea either!

I'm from Elko, Nevada. Since we live in the middle of nowhere, I have to travel nearly 4 hours to get to the doctor. We have to get a hotel for a few nights. I'm nervous about the drive home and how I'll be feeling, but I know I can do this!!

Surgery on 9/3 and i start my 2 week diet on Tuesday, 4 shakes a day, broth, Jello and sugar free Popsicles only. This is going to be rough...

This will not be the popular opinion, but its mine and I'm stating it anyway. First, I didn't know Rox. My sincere condolences go out to all of those that knew and loved her. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Just like all of you I don't know the true facts of the case. Like you I wasn't there. All of us can only form opinions based on the stories we read and which ones we choose to believe. It seems that some of you were told a story by someone you trust to have the facts. If the story on this as its detailed above is true this scenario is not on the list of risks we consider and decide to take on prior to opting for surgery. To say that it is is really absurd and I think disrespecful to the victim and her family. I say victim because if she stated she was ill and returned for help and was blown off for a few days because a trip ( or anything else) was more important that is what she was made to be. She took the risk that she might have a leak. We all took that risk. She did not knowingly take the risk that the surgeon would disregard her health and safety once the surgery was completed. She rightly assumed she would be cared for to the best of his ability. To take a trip and come back a few days later before acting cost Rox her life. Thats not OK and thats not what she signed on for. She had the right to expect 100% care and attention from start to finish. She was a member of this forum family and deserves so much more from us than to have her memory shrouded with whispers and blame regarding hiding prior conditions to get what she wanted. That is just so wrong!
Another thought. I get that many of you used this Dr and are very fond of him. You can't believe he would be capable of behaving incompetently. With you he was nothing short of amazing. Thats wonderful, thats how we should all feel about our surgeons. The problem is one I learned many years ago. People only know the YOU that you present to them.
For example. I was married for 17 years to an extremely abusive man. He was abusive in every sense of the word. Out of fear and embarrassment I told no one for 17 years. In the meantime he presented himself to the rest of the world as the best guy in the world. The "give you the shirt off his back" type guy. Always the first to lend a hand and the life of the party. That was the truth to every single person that knew him, except for me. When I finally left and filed for divorce they were all blown away, none more than my family members. They all dearly loved him and couldn't believe he was who I now told them he was. I guess I'm saying that you can only judge your interaction with another person. Because someone else has a different one does not mean theirs isn't true also. It just means they had a different experience and were possibly presented with a different side of the surgeon than you were. Rox and her story should be treated the same way you would want your truth treated. She deserves that.

Your pre op sounds just like mine and my surgery date is 9/10:)

I quit cigs 6 months before my surgery and diet coke a week before.
Havent been back, dont want to go back. Being able to breathe is amazing.

I'm on day 7 of my pre-op diet. I love the Lean shakes from GNC. Right now they are having a buy one and get one free deal. I bought 2 cases each of chocolate and vanilla bean. It comes out to about $1.50 each. I bought some coffee extract from Walmart (McCormick brand) and mix it the vanilla and it tastes like a Starbucks coffee drink. I know it's hard. I've had to stop sugar, carbs, caffeine, smoking and it was especially tough. However, today I woke up with energy and I was feeling great! Hang in there. The rewards will be tremendous!

Congratulations! I can't believe it is so close now. What is your 30 day diet like?

One FB group I found - The Sassy Sleevers. It's a closed group, but not private. There are a couple thousand members so there are always new posts. Pretty good! A September Sleevers group on FB might not be a bad idea either!

I have been away from a computer all day and I can't seem to start a group from my phone:/ If someone gets to it before me I am alllll over it!! If not, I will be on my computer in about an hour and I will come up with something:) Something simple-September Sleevers? I can't believe 9/10 is exactly 5 weeks away!!!

I passed all my bloodwork and my liquid diet starts 8/27 for 2 weeks. I'm nervous about the liquid diet part!!!

Newbie here :-)
What a journey that is finally coming to an end....yaaaaah! Will be sleeved Sept. 16, can't wait.

Me too!!!! In Alexandria, la

I'm on my phone too. I think the simple name is good. The other I'm in is private so it doesn't show up on your friends newsfeed which I like.

I hadn't thought of the physical tools like measuring cups, etc. I have an electronic food scale, but I forgot about getting some of the other stuff in advance. Good reminders!

Today, got the phone call, my date will be 9/11 ... hopping to have something good to hope for instead of so much sadness. To be honest, I feel anxious and nervous about what is to come... second guessing sometimes. Will start the 30 days pre op diet and try to do my best with exercising as well. It is really happening! Thanks guys for being here, for the support
June 21st 2013 – first appointment, pre op evaluation, and testing; Nutritionist, physical evaluation, EKG and blood drawing, took sleep study equipment home.
June 26th – Psychologist, first part of testing
July 1st – Sleep Study results – have sleep apnea, start using CPAP
July 8th – Psychologist, 2nd part evaluation with the doctor
July 16th – Pre op consultation with my doctor
July 22nd – Endocrinologist – discussing nutritional and activity recommendations
July 26th – Cardiologist – New EKG and testing to start physical activity
August 7th – Physical testing treadmill at the hospital
August 9th – start 30 days pre op diet
August 12th – Pre op class at Dr.’s Office
September 9th – surgery day

I am September 10th too:) I think there is another on the 10th with us, but I can't find her post! I am definitely nervous about the permanent change, but my fear of not being able to live because I'm overweight overrides my nervousness and fear about the surgery. I am super nervous about starting my liquid diet in just a few weeks. I just keep telling myself what everyone reminds me - keep looking at the big picture!!

I feel the exact same way!

I am 7 days in to my pre op diet...atkins induction...I have 1 more week of this and then I go onto a two week 3 Protein Shake diet with a chicken and salad supper....it is super hard and I feel like poop some days, some days I am soooo hungry, and then others I am rocking it. You gotta pull up your big girl underpants and just do it! It's your life you are doing this for and you have to keep your eye on the prize and remember why you wanted to do this in the first place.

September 26th!!!!!

Sept 9!???? So excited, but doesn't seem real! I didn't want my body to freak out about the post-op liquid diet so I went ahead and started drinking shakes for Breakfast this month and will add lunch next month before going to straight liquids!

I finally read enough and placed an order. They folks were super helpful and I'm going to have some awesome flavor here by the end of the week:)