clmftw

That's great! I'm doing pretty well also.

Shall, when I overfill, it feels like an uncomfortable pressure behind my sternum.

TamiJ, I'll ask next week!

I'm sure that this forum DOES help! I'd be interested to know what, specifically, ABOUT attending the support groups helps people lose more weight. Is it the feeling of community and support? Is it scheduled visits with professionals to keep you on track and helping you with trouble-shooting?

I'm not sure. The thing I like about my support group is that it's moderated by a psychologist or a nutritionist, who can weigh in periodically. Also, I really like seeing people in person.

Studies show that weight loss surgery patients who attend support groups lost 18% more weight than those that don't!

Yeah, I enjoy them. It's nice to hear other people whine about the same things you are going through. Most of the attendees at the moment are lap-band patients, but as the sleeve surgery is Dr. Smith's most popular procedure NOW, I'm hoping more sleevers start attending. They are Tuesdays from 6-7pm.

Everyone gives good support and good advice. They are usually led by the psychologist, but sometimes the NUT makes a guest appearance.

Hey Suchsh! We have the same Dr.! Do you go to the weekly support groups in his office?

December 19th sleever, checking in! I had my one-week post-op appt this morning, and the drs say I'm doing well! I've lost 33lbs since Dec. 5th!

Well, my clothes still feel the same, as most of my casual clothes are very forgiving(leggings, tunics, dresses). BUT, I did notice today that my tummy no longer touches the steering wheel when I drive! Woot!

Wow, tamiJ and mamaspike, you two are doing well! Excellent news.

Barefeet - I do that too. I start the day with the "boring" Protein shake, then for my last "meal" I have a creamy Soup that just tastes nice.

Good news! I just got back from my post-op appt, and they say I'm doing well! I lost 33 lbs since Dec 5! I will need to monitor my blood pressure, but other than that I'm great!

I was sleeved Dec. 19, and I haven't had any pain either! Sometimes I think my surgeon just stabbed me a few times just for show!

All the nurses and staff at Trophy Club are absolute dolls! They took SUCH great care of me! I love that little hospi.

I found a clear Protein drink that my new tummy tolerates! Isopure makes a Protein Drink that's clear. It's $5 a bottle but it has 40 grams of Protein per bottle. I'll probably be sipping on it all day.

I found a clear Protein Drink that my new tummy tolerates! Isopure makes a Protein drink that's clear. It's $5 a bottle but it has 40 grams of protein per bottle. I'll probably be sipping on it all day.

So I was sleeved Thursday, and since then I haven't been able to tolerate liquids or Jello that have artificial sweeteners in them, regardless of temperature.

Is this normal? Will it pass?

I'm doing alright. They kept me over another night due to elevated blood pressure, but I've been discharged and now I'm waiting on my ride.

Mama Spike, does your surgeon allow nail polish in the operating room? Mine made me remove my nail and toenail polish.

Yes I'm doing well. Not much pain. Hoping to get discharged soon!

That's great to hear. Can you lay on your side without pain?

I haven't tried, frankly. I do twinge a bit as I move around on the bed. It looks like they are keeping me another night due to elevated blood pressure.

Yes I'm doing well. Not much pain. Hoping to get discharged soon!

I'm recovering well in the hospital! I'll get discharged tonight. I passed my barium leak test, and I'm tolerating Water well. Wooho!

I'm getting sleeved in the morning also! Yay!

I'll be sleeved!

Surgery time is 9 a.m.

Bag is packed....chapstick, loose pajamams, extension chord, laptop and iPhone plus chargers, slippers, non-white pillow, toiletries!

I'm too exhausted to be nervous!

I'm preparing for my surgery in the morning! Can't wait!

Sheldon --

I'm also an attorney, and I totally feel you about uncertainty.

It's totally normal for us to feel anxiety about this. I'm getting sleeved on Thursday, and I'm about to jump out of my skin with anxiety! However...

1. Have you ever had any surgery before? Did you tolerate the drugs alright? My surgeon told me that less than 1% of patients have complications during the surgery or right after.... Those are awesome odds! We can do this!

2. I've heard that some people don't vomit, as long as they don't overdo it on consumption. Maybe you'll be like that, eh? I hope I am too! I hate throwing up. On the upside, maybe this will get you over your phobia? Maybe? Eh?

3. You're not giving up your stomach, you're making it smaller. After healing, you'll have a perfectly functional stomach again.

4. Your tastes might change, that's true, but that's okay! Frankly, I'll be thrilled if I never wanted cake or pizza again! And I'm sure you'll be able to drink water!

5. This is the part I'm the MOST certain of: If someone judges you for doing this, eff 'em. No, seriously. You don't owe it to anyone to tell them that you had this surgery. If you do choose to tell people, they better get with the program. Haters to the left. This is NOT an easy choice, NOT an easy lifestyle we're adopting. But you and I are choosing to live healthier. Everyone in your boat needs to be paddling in the same direction, not drilling holes in the bottom.

6. 100% of the people that I've met have no regrets (after the recover process!). Everyone online, everyone in person. You may be different, maybe...but probably not.

7. BREATHE! You can do this! If you can get through law school, and pass the bar, you can do THIS!

Good luck to everyone having surgery tomorrow! I'm getting sleeved on Thursday, and I'm already having mood swings! Ugh, I'm a mess!

Man, that is tough. I went to Christmas parties last night and it was similar. I just sipped on my Propel Zero. I even put it in a wine glass to feel festive.

OMG! You're a trooper! I am barely managing this two week phase!