1Day1Life4Now

Good luck Cathy and ArixS. No need to be nervous. These doctors know what they are doing and you will be in good hands. The surgery takes 30 to 45 minutes and its over. Granted that first week is a bugger but after that its smooth sailing. You will soon be steadily losing and looking good.

Don't throw in the towel. You can do the research to find the answers to your questions. The band requires regular adjustments that can be costly so you might want to consider that when doing your research. Medicaid/Medicare will pay for the gastric sleeve too so check into that. The protein shakes you buy over the counter can be purchased at Walmart, Walgreens and Costco/SAM's. Any of the weight loss surgeries require healthy eating and healthy foods don't come cheap so you will need to commit to that. I am also in Ms and I had my sleeve done almost 5 weeks ago. I love it. Hope your daughter is doing well with her WLS program. Good luck to you.

congratulations. The weight loss has taken off years. Good work.

The choice to do WLS is a good one. There are a number of surgeries out there and they are all good but different people have different needs. Speak with your doctor and discuss the benefits of all of them and see what would work best for your needs. I chose the gastric sleeve over the band because I did not want to fool with the band adjustments and the additional expense of maintaining the band. I am very happy with the sleeve but I'm just 4 1/2 weeks post surgery. I feel great and am so happy that I did it. Which ever one you choose, you will appreciate the better health that weight loss offers you. Good luck.

Oh wow, I am so sorry to hear you are having those problems and the clinic is not meeting your needs. Infections and open wounds should not be taken lightly as they can lead to other problems. Do you know a Nurse or Nurse Practitioner that you could see to help you keep a watch on that infection and get you some supplies? You might want to use your general practitioner. I know it is additional money but better to play it safe. Sometimes it pays to be the squeaky wheel and maybe the Bariatric Clinic will be more responsive. Please take care of yourself and be your own advocate. Hoping everything is well very soon.

Every doctor's plan is a little different so check on the plan they gave you. My doctor let me start having scrambled eggs at 3 weeks. I can only handle one egg max.

I'll be 5 weeks on Monday and I can eat 1/2 to 3/4 cup.

Congratulations on getting your date. It's going to be a big change towards better health. I'm almost 5 weeks out. I can't believe how time has flown by. After surgery you won't be able to pick up anything more than 10 pounds for 6 weeks. If you need to travel you will need to make sure there is always someone around to pick up and move your suitcase. Be careful because you don't want to tear lose or damage any thing on the inside. Let us hear from you and again, congratulations.

I'm 4 1/2 weeks post op and my incisions are a bit tender still but overall the pain is gone. If you are still in pain you need to say something to your surgeon. Good luck.

download fitness Pal to your phone. You can track everything you eat. It also has calories of various foods from most restaurants and provides you with a calorie listing for many foods. You can also keep track of your friends. It's a great ap.

Hi Timo, I don't know how to Skype but just wanted to say congratulations on your surgery. Good luck and wishing you much success and lots of weight loss. Janet

Jessica, you look like a different person. Your photos are very inspirational.

I had read that same article last week on line. The writer may have wanted to come off as non-condescending but I feel he was very much so. For him to assume what the runner was thinking, whether they be overweight or not is a bit presumptuous on his part. When we see someone running on the track that is thin and normal weight, is it okay to think and feel obnoxious things about them and then put it into writing? I don't think so. This writer is just looking for support in judging others and I'm not buying it. We don't need to be called "fatty" or anything else. We have names and we are doing the best we can with what we have. I prefer an article that is more positive and uplifting and shows support for those persons that have struggles with health and weight. But hey, that's just me.

Nooo, do not offer any personal medical information about yourself. This interview is to find out more information about your work experience, your work ethic and your skills. Talk about those things. When and if they offer you a job, that is when you tell them what your start date will be.. Which you should schedule for at least 2 weeks after surgery. Since they or their insurance are not paying for your surgery you do not owe them that information. What you do owe them once you have started is to let them know you recently had surgery and that you will have a couple of follow up doctor appointments. Make sure they will give you SL to make those appointments. They don't understand WLS and if you tell them in advance that you are having surgery, it could taint the hiring process against you. Please think this out before you do anything.

OMG Willow, what a terrible scare that episode must have given you. Please do be careful and watch that incision very carefully. You do not want that infection to get any worse. Take it easy and let things heal up. No sense in rushing it. Will be sending you healing vibes across the pond.

wow you two look wonderful. Such a noticeable change and you both look soooo happy. Congratulations and well done.

I'm 4 weeks post op as well. I went out for Mexican food with friends. I shared fajitas with my husband but all I ate were a couple of small strips of chicken and some refried beans. It was yummy but my head wanted more than I could eat.

Yeah, I stocked up on the broth and now I have way too much. Maybe I'll use it one of my crock pot recipes. I too used to drink tons of water prior to surgery but post op... I couldn't stand it. I can drink the propel and a few of the other flavored waters but not plain water. I ususally put kool aid drops in my water bottles and it makes drinking sooo smooth. Good luck everyone Hope everyone has a successful surgery and don't forget to post your updates!!!

Wow, you look great. You can tell you have worked hard on that accomplishment. Congratulations.

Wow Bethzy, what a transformation. You were beautiful before but now you are beautiful and tiny. Congratulations on a job well done. Did you have problems with hair loss?

I used to have very thick hair. So much in fact that when I went to the Hairdresser....they would run. I always got so many compliments on my thick dark full head of hair but then 4 years ago I was put on medication for depression and my hair started falling out and now my hair is very thin. I now have about 1/4 of what I used to have. I am 1 month post op and I sit here reading about the upcoming hair loss and I'm getting pretty nervous. I suppose I should be looking at wigs now but have no idea where to start that process and what I should be looking for. I am so happy I had the WLS but gee, I'm not in to this hair loss thing. If anyone has any suggestions or advice on where and how to get the wigs, please let me know.

I am 4 weeks post op and I'm having the same problems. I will try to take smaller bites. I was thinking that maybe I was eating too fast and it could be a part of the problem. Sometimes I feel like I am so hungry, I eat, and then I'm miserable. Can't wait for this part to be overwith.

I agree with all of you. This is a personal journey and one on which we do not want to be judged. I told only my husband, daughter and best friend. I did not tell my parents or any of my siblings so I certainly wasn't going to share it with anyone else. I'm happy with my decision. I have also noticed how other people eat and a lot of naturally thin people eat slowly and choose their protein and veggies before starches. Why didn't I notice that before. I know when I'm with other people eating lunch they do pay attention to what and how I'm eating. I sometimes put my glass of water to my lips like Im taking a sip but I don't actually drink it. I'm not ashamed of WLS but I just am not comfortable sharing this process with others. It's just a very difficult place to be... I'm just a month out and I don't see it getting easier.

I didn't know kidney stones was a side effect of WLS but I did know Gall stones were. I guess it effects both. Sorry you had to go through that. My husband and daughter have kidney stones frequently. Diet affects them as well. Good luck and hope it passes soon.

the sight of those buffalo guarding that hole in the fence would certainly get my heart rate up.