Shell88

@@cockapoomom I had lentil soup with the lentils and veggies on Thursday..... I had the worst head cold and was stuck at work for 16 hrs and couldn't imagine trying to muster energy with nothing for my body to break down. I swear we all do it - some just make it seem like it's unheard of lol

When do you think it is too soon to go back? I don't get to sit at work, and though I don't lift things, I'm on my feet for 8+ hours a day. Is a week/two weeks too soon?

I've been on this journey since August, getting my surgery in 5 days.... I have had family and my best friend, and strangers tell me I am taking the easy way out, and why can't I just stick to the diet if I've done well enough on it this far. Honestly - I have so much more respect for the people who endure these surgeries from lapband to sleeve to bypass, etc. From the pre diets, testing, liquid phases.... to surgery, pain meds, exercising, and complications.,... to having to change our ENTIRE lives forever for this TOOL we take on so we don't fall back into bad habits.... I respect, and have so much awe for those who have preceded us in getting these surgeries and working hard to get their lives back from years of weight issues. Screw those who think less of us. We are amazing and we are stronger than any person who "can just do the diets and go to the gym".

@@heav85, on pre op liquid I have lost 12 lbs so far. Total since I started dieting in August with my surgeon and Nutritionist - 40lbs

Looking gorgeous as always @@Elode !!!

Surgery on March 12th. Muscle Milk, Premier Protein, Pure Protein, and EAS AdvantEdge Carb Control shakes three times a day with a scoop of nectar Cappuccino and some ice - its like a coolatta. If I feel I'm on the run and not getting enough calories/protein, I thrown in a cup of Greek yogurt, Thickens it up, makes me feel full longer, and gives me everything I might feel I'm lacking for the day. Doc told me 100g of protein a day, and to not think about calories post op because the water's most important at that point. I'm between 800 and 1000 calories a day right now. After day 4 - i was feeling a lot better, pretty good with headaches and hunger pains. I still get that craving here and there, and then my indecisiveness helps me battle it to the death lol.... I wish I wasn't working 60 hours, because I feel naps and being around MY refrigerator and cupboards would be more effective than feeling stranded with scheduled shakes and foods.

I have heard too many horror stories about the band. From slippage, constant vomiting, hemorrhaging, and pieces coming loose!!? I would rather know that a decision I am making is sticking for life and will help me, not hurt me. These surgeries are lifestyle changes - I don't think any one person who makes the decision to endure this journey would want to take it back and be heavier again. So the sleeve is worth a lifetime to me.

So next Thursday I will finally get the vsg like I've been working for! Very excited, but starting to panic and feel like I'm not fully prepared. Does anyone have and tips or advice for what is needed at the hospital/home right after the surgery? What should I pack? How can I better organize myself around the house? I would love to hear some of the tips and tricks y'all figured out from your own experience :-)

They found an ulcer, I have a history of reflux, but they still planned on the surgery for me. My pre op liquid diet has actually been kick starting my reflux again - and he hasn't prescribed me any medicine to combat it until post surgery.... I wonder if I can take a regular dual action acid reducer like prilosec

@@Chrystee I am! Day 4! The first 3 days were brutal - hoping today continues well, when do you start?

@@Chrystee Just got rescheduled to March 12th! I'm so excited!!! Good luck these next few weeks

My problem for the past few days is that everything is either so bland, or I'm just getting sick of the foods/textures that I can ingest. I just read up on a few things online for changing the flavors of broth and yogurt and decaf coffee.... vanilla Extract, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, or Ginger: add to yogurt, coffee, or chocolate/vanilla Protein shakes to change up the flavor Garlic powder, pepper, salt substitute (for low or no sodium broths), chili powder, cumin, thyme, rosemary, basil, paprika, hot sauce, lemon juice, or soy sauce: add to your broth to make it less bland. Don't worry about putting too much - it normally takes at least a tablespoon of any of those (except the salt) to help 14oz fat free/low sodium broths have taste. Hope it helps - I know I can't wait to try them.

On day 3 now and my days have gradually gotten better.... still fiending for something solid by the end of the day, but it DOES get better.... I just feel like I'm getting far from enough nutrients and calories... only so much Clear Liquids, Protein drinks and yogurt you can stomach in a day....

That sounds like a plan!! At the end of the first day, I am definitely more exhausted than usual, and my whole body feels weak. I came home and just had a half cup of chicken broth with roasted veggies/herbs flavoring and was the happiest I've been all day lol

clear liquids, fat free milk, and Protein shakes..... this isn't fun...

I feel you, on day 1 and I'm hungry, and I think just knowing I'm drinking my calories is making me nauseous.... I could totally go for something with a crunch to it.

I'm almost done with my Day 1 ....... surgery is in 14 days.... I think my family is just hoping I don't go postal soon from the hunger and light headedness..... Already hating these shakes, even though they are all different brands....

@@rick330 I know it's only day one - it sounds so wimpy that I'm complaining already lol ... I just feel so gross! What did you do to maintain the diet?

Started my liquid diet today - I am miserable. I work 9 hour shifts on my feet 5 days a week, and after today, I am light headed and completely impatient. Makes me wonder how many people in customer service who are cranky and just annoyed and short with everyone are on this damn diet!! I've had Water all day, 3 Protein shakes - each of different variety, and 3 yogurts - also different brands. At a total of 780 calories, I feel I have eaten far from enough, and I feel sick to my stomach. I'm re-tasting the shakes, and just totally turned off of everything. How am I going to get the protein and calories I need, by also feeling full and not like I'm starving myself all day? If I stick to the Protein Shakes and yogurt, I'm gonna hate them really soon. Help!!! Feeling weak physically and mentally.

I got my new date for March 12th! I stocked up on broths, and decaf teas, and ice pops, and Protein powders/shakes. I got my night gowns, alcohol wipes, tums, gas strips and spanx for after surgery - my dr said it would help to keep everything together afterwards, as well as keep my pants from rubbing against the incisions. The only thing I'm trying to figure out is how I can prepare pureed meals for my soft foods stage and freeze them until the time comes. Anyone have any good recipes or suggestions?

@@thick2thin all I have heard and read that helps is continuing your Protein and to work out at the gym on the parts of your body you are looking for the skin to bounce back on. We are lucky we are young or our skin would be so much worse, but we still need to help it out just a little bit.

@@Hnolan37 I'm so sorry I haven't been on in over 2 weeks! But I'm guessing you have already been in and out of your pre-op appointment. In general he makes sure you've lost the weight he is looking for you to lose pre-surgery, as well as any additional to show you are really trying. No nicotine test, but he will send you for your pre-op bloodwork to finish up within the month before surgery. I received my new date last month, so I am looking at a March 12th surgery, liquid diet starting next Thursday, the day after my final appt with him. He wanted me to lost 8 lbs this time around before seeing him next week, so I am really hoping I have hit that - having surgery postponed once is brutal enough! Hope it went well!

Thank you so much @@joatsaint ! I see you started around where I did, and I hope I have the same success it seems you have!! I appreciate the motivation!

Oh no....... I'm 27f with an almost 2 yr old daughter and going for surgery in a few weeks.... my girls are 46F after her. I'm expecting boobs to knees lol

I was here a few months ago, but had a bit of a setback. But it wouldn't be the first time. I had a setback in August of 2012 when I was first contemplating WLS. I found out I was pregnant. So I pushed it off until I had the ability to try again. I completed all of my testing and had my surgery date the 2nd time around - Dec 11th. And then I dislocated my knee a month before surgery. So here I am, post physical therapy, only a few retests to go, and about 8 lbs to lose before I see my doctor again on Feb 25th. I didn't gain any weight during my recovery time, but I didn't lose any more either. It's time to get motivated again. It's time to get the show on the road.