1Day1Life4Now

RJ you are a real trooper. I am amazed at your positive attitude and willingness to help others by providing useful and positive information after everything that has happened to you. You deserve so much more out of life. I am praying for you and just know that 2014 will be your year of health and success.

I haven't had my surgery yet but I've been dieting for a couple of months in anticipation of the surgery. I take cottage cheese and pineapple tidbits. It doesn't have to be heated up, it's light and refreshing, and high in protein. Sometimes I just do plain tuna wrapped in a lettuce leaf. When I don't have anything at all, I either go to a frozen meal or a protein drink. These are all things I can keep at work as a last minute "go-to".

Hello All, I am tentatively scheduled for February 11th but it could be later depending on my insurance's approval. My husband and I and some other family members will be going to Greece for 2 weeks at the end of June. Has anyone done any foreign travel right after surgery? What are the obstacles and what do I need to know. I will be either 3 or 4 months post-op. What kinds of things should I bring? Any advice, help or ideas would be appreciated. My husband just sprang this news on me last week so if I had known, I would have attempted this surgery much sooner. Thanks in advance.

Erp... those photos are great. You look wonderful. Perfect just as you are.

Great questions Jens.... I also have pretty thick legs... even when I was thin they were thick and stumpy. I hope some others will weigh in on this topic and let us know what to expect regarding the leg issue. I know every person is different and everyone loses differently but having hope and seeing light at the end of a long dark tunnel sure makes one more confident in the possible results of this surgery. I am praying for an over all weight loss and one where my lady parts stick out further than my gut. LOL Take care and thanks for opening up this discussion.

Holy Cow.... you lost 10 years. You are one hot mama. Our numbers seem to be close so that gives me a lot of encouragement. Keep up the good work and thank you so much for sharing your photos.

Aaron...looking good dude. That is a fabulous transformation and your hard work really looks good. Thanks for the encouragement. Janet

Hi Poohbear, I agree with Carlotta, the way to meet people is to put yourself out there and join a group. If church isn't your thing you could think about taking some adult enrichment classes at a local college in an area you have an interest like art, photography,music or just anything. You will learn something new and meet new people in the process. You are not alone in your feelings and you would be surprised to find out just how many adults are wanting to expand their social circle. If you like animals, think about volunteering at an animal shelter. You won't meet anybody sitting at home in front of the television so get out there and do something and interact with people. Good luck and congratulations on your weight loss. Janet

Good job. What an inspiration for us pre-op buddies. Keep it up.

Hi OutwithBenjiboi, I noticed you have Federal Employees BCBS. How long did it take you to get approved and were there any problems? I am a federal employee too and I'm still in Phase I of the process.

I feel the same way. This opportunity is the answer to a prayer and a dream. I wish my surgery was sooner rather than later but I'll take the wait ....to get rid of the "weight". lol Good luck to you.

Hi Sunrise. I know the frustration of which you speak. My insurance requires a 3 month supervised diet. At first I was pretty down about it but I have learned that it is a slow process anyway so using this time to do research, talk with other sleevers, and get myself emotionally ready for this life changing event is what I really needed. 12 pounds in 3 months is good. You have made changes that have caused you to lose weight so you should be proud of that. I think the nutritionists always tell you to lose more weight than they think you will lose so you will try harder. I mean really, If you could drop 25 or 30 pounds that easily you wouldn't need the surgery, right? I think drinking the water is the key. It makes you feel full so you don't intend to eat as much. Also, I've found that eating protein and veggies and very few carbs makes all the difference. Just keep doing what you are doing and it will come off. Good luck.

That looks quite tasty. I love ham so am surprised that it is an option on our diet. I am learning so much from you guys. Thanks.

I guess that is the trouble with this assembly line surgery. Not a lot of room for individualism.

I agree. What once seemed too far away now seems a lot closer. At first I was disgusted with the long weight but I now realize that is a very important part of the process and gives us a lot of time for reflection and planning not to mention research and using these boards. lol Good luck to you and enjoy your time off work.

Seela, I am very much the same as you. I haven't always been big so when I look in the mirror I still see me at 130 pounds. It isn't till I see photographs that I see the enormity of my 260 pounds. It is so easy to be in denial but it's not a healthy frame of mind. We have to face what we really look like and how we really feel and use that as our motivators. I can't wait for my sleeve date but sometimes I wish our surgeons were providing more extensive mental health care for us because I know its not just my appetite. It's my head that needs help.

Sometimes ignorance is bliss.

congratulations on your surgery date but sorry to hear about your layoff. Hope losing your job doesn't have any affect on your surgery. Good luck.

Looking great!! I can see a huge difference. Keep up the good work.

Wow, I thought my food choices would be boring and plain. Glad to see that once I had the surgery I can look forward to some tasty meals.

You look great and I can totally see the difference in your facial shots. Keep up the good work and post full shots when you can.

Thanks Joatsaint, you are probably right and it is nice to hear the voice of reason. I do realize some of the questions were in regard to drug and alcohol abuse, and if I felt victimized and blamed other people for things. There was really nothing in there about my expectations regarding WLS or anything of that nature. This was a very expensive doctor's visit and I just want to make sure that the results will be used in my best interest.

Seela, I don't have anything new to offer since the posters have given you some great advice. Always call the doctor... they have access to programs and meds that can help you out on a temporary basis. I can understand the weepiness and other stuff you are going through. My husband has lost his job at two different times during our marriage. It is not easy. Hang in there, it will get better. You have caring friends on this website. I wish I could reach out and give you a hug...because I have been where you are now. Start with one thing... the doctor, and go from there.

If you research the national health plan in Canada or the UK, the folks will tell you this is how it works. Its a waiting game and they aren't going to be in any hurry to spend money on us. I can't understand why you would have to be on the new plan for a year since they told us they were doing away with the pre-existing clause. I am hoping my surgery takes place before the government messes up my insurance. Good luck to you.

I am currently waiting approval as well. I just finished my Psyche evaluation and he has to get the results to the Surgeon's office and Im finishing up on some other things. I am tentatively scheduled for February 11th but I'm not sure everything will be completed by then. I just feel it will happen when it's supposed to happen. I have come this far, I'm not giving up yet.