Jerzygurl

I'm in month 2 of my 6 months of "supervised weight loss". I lost 5 pounds the first month but nothing the second month. Actually, I probably DID lose a couple pounds but I gained it back...just like the story of my life. The same old problem of losing and gaining hasn't changed a bit. If I could STICK to a weight loss plan, I wouldn't want to have this surgery. Is this going to be just another failure? How do you successful losers (didn't mean that the way it may have sounded...lol) actually manage to CHANGE? Honestly, this is way harder than the cravings I had while stopping smoking 7 years ago. I wish I could just sleep through the next 4 months, wake up and have surgery. I don't know how to do this...or maybe I'm lazy...or maybe I don't know how to keep my eye on the prize...I just don't know. Does anybody have a clue? Did any of you have the same problem?

If you want to kill your cravings, you have to go low carb. There is no other way around it, at least not for me. I go cold turkey, no sugar, no rice, Pasta, bread--just eggs, turkey, chicken and veggies. First two days are hell, headaches, grumpiness but after you're over the hump--the cravings are gone and you can make through...

My surgery is Monday and I am surprised that I am getting nervous and having 2nd thoughts. I know that I will go through with the surgery but was just wondering if anyone else was feeling the same way.

It's like 6 of one and a half a dozen of the other. I'm going to have the surgery, nothing is going to stop it unless something goes terribly awry between now and Monday morning at 7:30am, but I understand what you're saying.

I was lying in bed last night thinking, you know this is permanent, you can't go back and ask for your stomach. It can't be reversed, it will be gone forever! Are you sure? I answered myself too. I had emergency surgery 5 years ago to save my life. Didn't even think twice about it. Can't get the internal organs back from that surgery. They are gone forever and even though I've had some issues because of the lack of those things, i.e., insane hot flashes, sleepless nights, weight gain, losing all my hair--I know it was the right thing to do and I'm healthier and alive for it! So, I said, I'm approaching this the same way--I'm once again doing this to save my life!

We all are.

Hi everyone, hope you all had a great thanksgiving. I have to say, I am thankful for this site because I have learned so much throughout this journey and couldn't have done it without you all.

So today I have to do an MRI since my cardiologist is having me do thousands of tests before she clears me. Grrr. (Had coarctation of aorta 13yrs ago) which is at 2:45. Not nervous at all. Then....

My psych evaluation is today at 5:30. I am really really nervous about it. What should I expect? How long does it take? Any input will be very helpful. I couldn't sleep all night thinking about it.

Good luck with the MRI. Been there. Done that. I failed my EKG and Stress Test, so I had to jump through extra hoops and test to get my cardiologist to approve me. Thankfully, it was all a False-Positive, but I'm glad I actually went through the extra stuff. I was irritated at first because it postponed my surgery for two months but the card doc said, you've checked out every other part of your body, you really should thoroughly check your heart too. I had to reluctantly agree and it wasn't like I had a choice. Needed the clearance. I'm sure your tests will be fine. Better safe than sorry. Fingers crossed for you.

As for Psych Eval--they are all different. Some make you take a written test, others just a conversation with you, others a combination of the two. My psych eval was about 45 minutes long it was just a conversation about the surgery, my struggle with my weight over the years, did I understand the surgery is not a cure all but a tool and some relaxation techinques and tips when stressed for coping. I got to ask any questions, doc answered them..and then we were done.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

Just had my cup of low sodium chicken broth for brunch.. looking forward to some turkey and veggies for dinner later.. at least it's real food..lol

Doc said it was okay--3 oz turkey, 8oz of veggies and that's it.. then a cup of broth later this evening ...so I don't wake up hungry.. and Water, water, water..

Found out I have to do all Clear Liquids on Saturday and Sunday...OY! I've managed so far because at least I could have actual food and a chocolate Protein shake.. now all clear just broth, water and Protein Shots pretty much.. now that is going to be a little harder..guess I'll clean again this weekend too..lol My house hasn't been this bright and shiny since I moved in..a few years back! I've hit every corner, organized every cabinet and drawer, turned over furniture, pulled out appliances, etc. This time maybe I'll scrub all the tile with a toothbrush..haha..

Best places to buy Protein shakes that are good. I like Boost, the vanilla flavor...omg its so good. I haven't had surgery yet, however, I drink that on a regular anyway.

Premier is the best I've found.

I'm not allowed to have Boost, or Ensure...NUT said too much hiden sugar, not enough Protein per serving and high on the carb side.

Got my time today 9am on Dec 2!!!! Ahahahahaha. It's really happening! Happy thanksgiving to you all.

Another December 2nd sleever!!

Dec 9th for me in NYC - St. Lukes Hospital. WOO HOO. What started out as completely doubting it has now turned into excitement.

Hey Lady Yvette...

I'm so excited for you! We thought we would be a couple of months a part from each other as far as surgery was concerned, and look how it turned out,...we're only a week a part..lol

I saw my surgeon for my final pre-op visit yesterday, and all is still on track for my Dec. 3 surgery. I was worried he would delay me because while on my way to see him last Wednesday, some guy ran a red light, hit me, and totaled my van. I'm pretty bruised from the seatbelt locking and airbags deploying, but he said he'll be operating above my bruises, so no need to delay. Thank goodness! I've not been struggling on the pre-op diet (down ~18 pounds), but I don't want to keep it going! I got pre-registered for the hospital after seeing him, and I'm now just hanging out with my shakes and Soups until Tuesday. I've attached a pic of my poor bruised belly in case any of you get slugged in the guts before surgery and need evidence to argue your case.

:

O.M.G. Glad you're okay and can still get your surgery!

Day 2 of pre op. I don't feel hungry, but I want so badly to eat normal food. I am good up until 4:00, then I go through a hissy fit with myself that I can't eat. December 2nd can't get here fast enough!!

Tell me about it. Plus I'm prepping to cook my world famous candied yams, deviled eggs and Sweet Potato Pies for Thanksgiving. My sister agreed to do it this year to spare me the torture, but my family voted and said..NO WAY..we'll just sit with you and support you while you're cooking.

Just finished making the homemade pie crust and I use a bit of vanilla and lemon flavoring in the crust, and mixed with real butter and the sprinkle of cinnamon on the bottom.. O.M.G. iT SMELLS SOOOOOO GOOD. LOL But I've been sucking down Water and chicken broth..and listening to music..dancing about while I'm cooking. Just took a break because pie crusts are almost done..and all the other prep work has been completed.

We can do this... Oy!

Weigh in is tomorrow morning for Monday surgery. Usually you weigh in the day before surgery but I didn't get the full two weeks because of the Holiday but I still lost some weight. Also, have Boot Camp tomorrow with a group of others having surgery on Dec. 2nd (hopefully I make some local sleeve friends). In the boot camp you get to meet your full surgical team and get your goodie bag which includes a buddy pillow and some sample products. You also get to ask any last minute questions or express any concerns. Then it off to see my surgeon, to go over any additional "personal" matters I am uncomfortable discussing in front of the group.

Then it's all wrapped up. Hopefully with a nice pretty bow!

I'm nervous, but I am so ready.. 12/2/13, will be my New Birth-Day!

Some of them are incompetent. I ran into a similar problem but became a pest until they got it corrected.

You are your own best advocate. So advocate.

LET'S DO IT!!!

INDEED!

All doctors are indeed different. But what's important is that we follow their individual requirements, so that we can get where we need and want to be with our lives via a more healthy weight and lifestyle. I'm just glad we're all on the same journey, even though there are different vehicles and drivers getting us to our destination.

A little over a week for me, I've been cleaning my house since 6am this morning. I guess nervous energy, with a thousand different thoughts running through my head, mostly regarding my battle with cancer over the years. For instance, will I still be able to get my quarterly CT without any complication from the contrast I have to drink...doc said should be no problem, but still I worry about that..because it is what keeps track of the cancer cells floating about in my body. I'm not allowing it to consume me though just little pattering feet that run across my brain from time to time. Nothing is stopping me from getting this surgery, unless the Lord sees fit to call me home to the range between now and 7:30 a.m.,Dec 2

This is a very good group. I feel like I'm holding hands with all of you...

Blessings and Love to each and everyone of you...can't wait to see our success as individuals and as a group.

Happy Saturday..and Happy Pre-op diet success, be it at the beginning, in the middle, at the end, or on its way.

Checking in... getting closer.. 4 days on the pre-op diet and doing well.

Ok guys I am kind of stressing out. I have stuff for the preop diet-I have Protein Shake mix that I will mix with fat free milk. For the day before surgery I have syntax flavored stuff to mix with Water. For after surgery, I have Unjury powder that I can add into anything. I have the chicken broth with Protein and the sugar free Jello with protein. What else do I need? So stressed!!!

For after surgery, make sure you get Gas X Strips... I'm told they are very necessary just in case you get bad gas pains.

Made it through my executive board management lunch meeting today!! Phew! Tons of food all around. There was a fantastic spread of all the wrong kinds of food for me! But there was big tossed salad, so I had some with light dressing. Gosh there was 3 trays of desserts! I only had a cup of hot tea for dessert. Of course, everyone looked at me and said, you're really serious about this surgery and pre-op stuff, huh? I said yep. So go ahead and enjoy your treats, I'm fine.

Everyone just laughed and said, you're doing the right thing, we support you. It's nice to have support all around me, at work, at home and at play. I haven't had anyone doubt it or bad mouth the surgery yet.

Okay day 2 of pre-op almost over. I'm feeling pretty strong about sailing through this.. My sister is already making special arrangements for me for Thanksgiving. Just Love HER!

I am on day 13 of the pre op diet. I am down 26 pounds. I will do the official weigh in tomorrow and get my date. My doctor has advise it will be probably the first week of December. Good luck everyone!

Fantastic! Hope I can do as well. Good Luck!

Gl n congrats on day 1. U can do it!

Thank you for the positive thoughts and support. Very much appreciated!!!

First day of pre-op went pretty good. Two Premier chocolate shakes, one for Breakfast, one lunch; two sugar free popsicles for Snacks and for dinner, 3 oz of tuna and a small salad with cucumbers and light dressing.

Drank about 60 oz of Water (pretty much my usual), hard part was not drinking with my dinner meal and waiting 30 min before an after before I could have some diet ice-tea, also chewing every bite approx. 20x.

Tomorrow. Temptation! Day 2. I have a lunch meeting, gonna do small salad and that's it.. (fingers crossed)...lol

Can't believe how close we all are, December will be here before we know it. Nervous for my last appointment, I've gained weight since my first meeting with the surgeon, but there isn't a weight loss goal before surgery. I've been nervous eating since my date was established, working really hard on channeling that through something else!

I don't have a weight loss goal before surgery either. The 14 day pre-op is to make sure you've reduced the glycogen in your liver so that it is as small as possible because it sits above the stomach. At least that is how the doctor explained to me.

In additon, I was told to make sure I am careful with my weight not for the surgery but because of my BMI. Since my BMI was under 50, but only by 2 points, gaining weight will put me at 50 or above and that would require I have the pulmonary tests and that could set my surgery back a month or two, until I under went those tests. . Not sure if anyone else falls in this same category, but becareful, just in case.

Wow! Our group is huge!

Welcome to the newcomers and Good Luck to All!

Two days until my pre-op diet.

Going out tonight for a steak and balsamic cucumber salad, one of my favorite meals, from my favorite restaurant.

I'm already doing the Protein shakes, one per day. I tried a lot of them and settled on Premier as my favorite. You can find them at Sam's or costco for $18 buck for a box of 12..they are the tastiest thus far.

As for Vitamins, I take GNC sugarfree be-beautiful hair, skin and nails chewable (very tasty), added that to the Vitamin regime my oncologist already has me on per the nutritionist. I do calcium+D, mag, Iron, B-12 shot from PCP and a multi. As for fiber, I use Benefiber tasteless, ordorless powder. It's the best, put in coffe, tea, Water or any liquid or food, 2x a day and you never know it's there.

I'm right with you on that one MissKatt...when I scheduled my surgery, I kept saying....WOW....I have 6 1/2 weeks I have to wait for this? I'll just NEVERRRRRRR make it. (LOL). Now I am 26 days away, with a holiday in between (which will go by in a blur), and I start my liquid diet in 2 1/2 weeks...it's just speeding right along!

Yeah! As I sat in the scheduler's office and she said his first available is Decemeber 2nd. I was like oh my gosh this is going to be the slowest month ever! To my surprise it is flying by. I start my 14 day Pre-op on Monday already.

It really is going by quickly.

My PCP has already started documenting my rashes and issues underneath my breast and on the top part of my stomach so that I can get a breast lift and reduction and have the insurance company pay for it.

I haven't had surgery yet, but he said to start now because more than likely my breast will sag even more after the surgery and are sure to cause more rashes and issues, especially with my hot flashes. I was told it's the best way to get them to pay for it by my HR coordinator. Our insurance is pretty liberal, I just need documentation from a doctor. But I've taken pictures too. Every time I get a flare up, I've taken some pics myself. Just in case.

So, I'd say start now. keep receipts of any over the counter products you have to buy that would apply to skin issues. If your doc subscribes any meds keep track of that too.

Good luck and great job on the Weight Loss!

Dr. Forrester at overlook. I'm so excited. Had my last visit with the doctor yesterday. Lost 15lbs!!! I have horizon nj and I only had to have 2 visits withy the doctor, EKG, CXR, nut and psych eval. First visit was in October and getting sleeved in December. I was surprised by the turn around!!!

I have Horizon too. I had 3 visits, 2 with the Nut and one with the surgeon. First initial visit was Aug and would have been sleeved in Oct. but ran into snag with my cardiac clearance. It was very fast turn around. I had everything all sewn up in record time and then wham..lol