MissME

Congrats!

Hi Mrs. Katie! I had the worst time on the liquid pre-op diet. I had already lost 38lbs from being on the shake plan for a month before that and I thought that I would not be able to stomach another shake to save my life. Somehow, I made it. I think that it all came down to looking past the here and now and the compulsions to cheat and comfort myself with food and see myself after the surgery, losing weight and improving the quality of my life. After having the surgery you have to find healthier coping mechanisms rather quickly. You can't eat regular foods for 7 weeks or more depending on your surgeon. For me it is the power of positive thinking again along with the progress I am making, not just pounds but my clothes getting looser and looser and wearing clothes I haven't worn in years. Compliments from friends and family help a lot too. Don't worry about being perfect on this journey. Just know it will take a lot of will power and hard work to get where you want to be and YOU CAN DO IT! -Maryerin (MissMe)

Hey Camper-Girl, When I scheduled my surgery I told everyone. I told my family and friends that I was having this surgery because I need the extra help to lose weight so that I can be healthy and regain my self confidence. I am usually a self sacrificing person who puts others needs before my own but on this issue I had to let my friends and family know that this was me taking care of myself and ensuring that I was going to be successful this time. I am not saying that you have to tell everyone, but tell someone. Tell them in such a way that there is no doubt in their mind that you are making the right decision for yourself and that they should support you 100%. -MissME

Hello NJKelly, I think most of us who have had this procedure have had an unhealthy relationship with food. I know I also didn't want food controlling my life anymore. I wanted to have a life and be able to get out and do things that my excess weight kept me from doing. To do that I had to decide that food was not as important to me as being healthy. There was a mourning period after the surgery but I think that is because I used food to make me happy when nothing else could. So I had to find healthier ways to cope with difficulties. I also found that just because you have a sleeve doesn't mean you won't be able to eat some of the things that you love the most ever again. Instead, the sleeve helps you to regulate your portions and enjoy a small amount of these things instead of a full plateful like I may have in the past. Above all I learned that staying positive and seeing this procedure as the best decision for you and your health will always trump the disappointment of missing food on those rare occasions when you do. Because most of the time, you're not even hungry enough to care about what foods you aren't able to eat right now. As for your nerves, see yourself past the surgery. See yourself enjoying something else on your vacations, something that you would have never tried before because of your weight. You've got this! -MissME

OMG I am glad I am not the only one. There are so many super stars on these boards getting in all their Protein and Water from day 1. I have been having a hard time with it this week. Sometimes I just feel too full for a snack or another meal.

Yay! Good for you! My surgery is tomorrow.

I am on day 3 of shakes and Protein bars. I think that if I were allowed a lean protein and veggies I wouldn't have made it too far. Just remember that this is only the beginning of a journey to change your life. Hunger pangs won't kill you. If it gets too bad go to bed early. I've done that and work up feeling sated. Also make sure you are drinking LOTS of Water to fill you up. You can do it! Just picture yourself at the goal line.

Right there with you Lauren! Day one is kicking my butt. I just have to keep my eye on the prize...

I am not even pre-op yet but I went to the office to start the iMetabolic Physician Assisted Weight Loss which is 3 two scoop shake meals, 3 1 scoop snacks and lots of water. My first shake was terrible. I hope it grows on me fast because the sooner I lose weight the sooner my surgery will be scheduled.