back2barb78

Very true

Lila921, my "follow up" has been with my PCP. I've had labwork twice with her since my surgery. I live near a major hospital that does gastric procedures, so if I would've/ do have any complications related to my sleeve, I will head straight there. I looked at the threads you posted and they would make me nervous too if I were in your position. I did not choose the option of the plication because it is "experimental" still. This is not a surgery performed regularly here in the US and the sleeve is tried and true. People have gotten gastrectomies for aged now for other reasons. Plication didn't make sense for me personally because I don't understand how you can portion off that part of the stomach but still maintain the integrity of the tissue that isn't being used. That was just my personal medical thought process. I'm not saying it isn't safe, but it seems to be that there would be way more chances for complications with that than with a sleeve. If you eat/drink too much too soon, pop there goes a stitch- or a stitch may go for no reason at all! Stitches in your forehead or finger can pop! It is what it is. I didn't need that huge stomach! It's done me no favors for many years now. Good riddance Covalita, I used Walden farms because I think the sprays are off the market. Couldn't find them either.

I'm actually having the opposite problem. I haven't had hunger since I got sleeved. I know I need to eat, but I'm not experiencing actual hunger like before I was sleeved if that makes sense.

Congratulations Lila on your decision and best wishes for safe travels. And you are NOT crazy for going alone! I think a lot of people go from Canada alone. I would have been absolutely fine alone. You will get lots of rest not worrying about anyone else. When you go, you will be in a group that morning and kind of mingle that morning. You'll also be with the same people daily- sharing the same nerves and the same happiness when it's over and you're ok!

It is hard to see people have complications (I didn't see many preop because I purposely steered clear of those threads), but for any benefit there is a risk- and I was willing to take that risk. You've done your research, prepared for what's to come postop, and are cotent with your decision. I spent my last couple of days preop looking in the before and after threads here, looking at how fast things change after surgery and was so pumped for my surgery I was cool as a cucumber! Now 3 months later so much has changed for ME so fast. You will be in the same boat very soon! Good luck to you and well wishes for a smooth recovery

Indigo messaged me yesterday. She's doing ok

HoosierGirl, congratulations on this major milestone and thank you for sharing it with us! I can only imagine how happy you are. Yay, Bat Team!!!

Oh come on!!! You know you're looking good!! Check out those traps!!

Valentine's Challenge 1/3/14-257 lbs 1/10/14- 255lbs 1/17/14-252 lbs

My high weight was 333lbs and surgery day I was 299. My first NSV was when I went it was time to go back to work a month later, I put my scrub pants on and they fell down! Nice! I'm having another NSV right now at the pedicurist. I usually had to squeeze into this pedicure chair and the side of the darn thing wouldn't even close (how embarrassing), but I'm happy to say I'm sitting pretty and comfy with both sides closed with space to spare! Yay! I'm finally excited to travel and can't wait to take my first flight WITHOUT an extender

That may be apart of it too. Hopefully you're just off to a slow start. Usually they make you lose weight preop an the more you lose preop the more success you have postop. I've never heard of anyone not having to lose preop.

I know I've said it before but I love your hair! You and your daughter are beautiful. Congrats! You look great

I was wondering what part of the world do they not have extension cords! Then I thought maybe they call them something else where you're from.

Patty61, I was a crazy one who didn't want my drain out! I wanted it to stay in even though it was a bit uncomfortable because seeing the fluid gave me peace of mind that my stomach wasn't leaking any unusual fluids. The Dr thought I was "different" for not wanting it out. The most difficult part for me has been getting enough fluids in and taking vitamins. I hate pills! I feel so much restriction when I eat and drink still, so hopefully it will let up a bit over time. I LOVE water and get frustrated that I can't drink it the way I used to.

Those paper panties were beyond a HOT mess! I knew they would be so I brought mesh disposable panties that were quickly denied by my nurse. I had to go to surgery commando

The best things I took with me were front snap sports bras and an extension cord. I had an incision right around the bra line and it was wonderful to have an easy, soft bra to put on. The extension cord is obvious since all the gadgets we have nowadays don't have long cords. Good luck to you!

Nothingupmysleeve, every single person on here would be liar if they were to say they would be patient in your situation. I would be pissed. We didn't go through this to see the scale stand still. No one can discount others feelings of disappointment especially with what you are dealing with. Even when people lose 15lbs and see others lose 30 in the same amount of time there is a question of "why am I not losing that fast"? I know I feel that way sometimes. I am so sorry for your troubles, wish you nothing but the best, and hope you find the answers you need to be successful ASAP

I took one month off work- and it was wonderful! I worked like a dog preop to save money to actually "enjoy" recovering, not worry about going back, and to allow myself to heal. I had no swollen ankles, no aching feet, no bags under my eyes- I could go on and on. I hadn't seen my ankles in years (I'm not kidding). I'm an obstetrical nurse (from 20 weeks into the pregnancy to delivery to rolling you and your baby out the door), and have a very strenuous job- sometimes 12+ hours with no real break. When I went back, I had some issues with nausea/vomiting which hadn't happened ONCE the whole time I was out. I guess it was just adjusting to being back in the hospital. My thought is work will always be there when you get back, but you only have one shot postop to get recovered properly to prevent complications. My parents wanted me to take another month off I believe for selfish reasons that would've been a bit much. One month was perfect for me.

I too have a closet like yours thankfully. I refused to throw/give away my nice things as I got fatter and I'm glad I didn't so I don't have to buy a new wardrobe. Lots of dresses that will be great moving into spring. But that hasn't stopped me from buying a couple things to add that I will fit into in a couple months! I have been so lazy- I've been meaning to "size" my closet like a store so it will be easier to move in and out of sizes. I will however be getting rid of my big girl clothes. I have a shelter near me and they will be headed there

MsKeeKee, you're so right. I personally have been looking at that My Story spot and have wanted to fill it in for a long time now just didn't want to fill it in too early as I am only 3 months postop. I also just added before and during pics because I too like to look at pics BUT sometimes people post pictures and you can't see any difference because they post pictures like every week and I def don't want to do that. Thank you for mentioning this and I will work on filling in My Story

Do you have any update pictures?

OMG! Congrats on getting through your pregnancy and having your new baby. You still lost AND had your baby at the same time and that's wonderful! I'm sure it was very hard though. I'm terrified that I'm going to end up pregnant! Even though I would absolutely be ok with it as I have no children and I'll be 36 soon, I still have some things I want to do first. So funny because I was trying for a few years and now I don't want it (right now). I 100% HATE BC though, so I have to figure something out. Thank you for the reminder

Last time I got a message was Dec 27 and she was not feeling well and was asking about Raven and I and how we were doing. I messaged her around New Years to check on her, but she doesn't come on here that often either. I'm concerned too! Hopefully she'll log on soon.

Valentine's Challenge 1/3/14-257 lbs 1/10/14- 255lbs Bea I agree with everyone else about reminders. You're instructions on the 1st post are very, VERY clear as to what to do and it's enough work to take care of all this data for everyone. You shouldn't need to remind us too! I absolutely appreciate you

I was working 2 full time nursing jobs during my preop diet, one an assignment I had to drive 3 hours from home for (yes I'm crazy). Anything is possible if you want it!! I don't know if you can find a calorie free balsamic but the diet calls for calorie free dressing (unless something changed). Bring your own dressing with you and I would avoid dinners and eat in my room unless you have crazy willpower. It's just easier. People ask so many questions. Or you could go to dinner and start getting used to people saying "Is that all you're going to eat?!" Preop really didn't pose a great challenge. For my salads I used Walden Farms calorie free dressings.