marymary1234

((((((Hugs)))))))) dawn sweetie... I am preop my surgery date is may 28. I too struggle with the smoking. People cant understand the demon of smoking unless they have been there. Hang in there... you will do this

I feel for you. I hope it works out.

I had to dilute every Protein I found. I couldnt stand any of the RTD shakes..too sweet and thick unless I diluted them at least 1/2 and 1/2 with Water or skim milk. For powders if it said to mix with 8 oz I would mix with at least 16oz. I really liked the Premier Protein chocolate but only if I added 16oz skim milk to the 11oz serving. That made it taste like chocolate milk instead of a gross, over sweet, thick Protein shake.
Have you tried Isopure or Syntrax nectar powders? Totally different tastes and texture than "regular" Protein Shakes. Personally, I thought the Isopures were gross, but I still drink Syntrax Nectar (apple and cherry are my favs)
The other option is to add unflavored Protein Powder to broths and Soups and yogurt and anything else you can tolerate in order to get your Protein intake up.

I am having surgery on May 28!!!!! So nice to see others who are doing it with me! Go Bariatric Pals!!!!!!

I am having surgery on May 28!!!!! So nice to see others who are doing it with me! Go Bariatric Pals!!!!!!

Thank you for your responses.. honestly, I am a revision. My mother isnt very validating. I am kind of afraid she will be very "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" the day after surgery... shes from the old country. I think she thinks its going to be a repeat of lapband. Its my issue but im going to prove her and everyone else wrong or should I say right :-)

I think one of the best things you can do is prepare yourself as much as possible NOW--before surgery.
Stop drinking soda and understand that for best results you won't ever have it again.
Stop drinking alcohol - you shouldn't have it for 6 months after surgery and even then the amount is very limited
Stop drinking during meals. This explains why http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xR0VM3mnsgM (this was the hardest for me)
Start exercising - even if it is walking down the street...create new habits. It worked for me to do all these things before.
I would also recommend not having food funerals - the more you put on now the more you have to take off. i admit - i did indulge in one item pre-surgery but I didn't go crazy (one sleeve of little chocolate donuts and yes it was heaven)
If you plan right you may still be able to have some to the foods you love now--it is all a work in progress and how you want to live. This is all for you - no one else. Figure out what works for you.
I have been overweight since I was 11. I tried every diet and nothing worked - I didn't lose the weight. I would do a good job of maintaining the weight while I was dieting but never lost.
My sleeve has now helped me lose 27 pounds in 3 weeks. I have no hunger, no cravings, no appetite. My hips thank me, my knees thank me. I am learning to eat all over again-- What my stomach can handle what it can't and how it feels to be truly be full. (after 3-4 bites).
I will continue to learn along the way on what works - I can't wait to start really exercising again and seeing where this takes me months / years down the road
GOOD LUCK!!!

I have started the process of getting a sleeve. I have 6 months of physician monitored weight loss, and since I'm a teacher, I'll probably wait until Christmas break to get this done- so I have a bit of time to go.
I have a lot of questions, but they are questions my doctor at least treated quite superficially. (I'm going to meet other surgeons because of what seemed to be a very short-term mindset).
Here are my big important questions. I'd love to hear what others who are further along in their journey and hopefully some people who are 2 or more years out from surgery.
Big Important Question 1: I feel like surgery is the most extreme and kind of like a last chance at taking care of my weight problem. There really isn't anything else to try if I can't make a weight loss stick with surgery. I've lost weight before (sometimes a lot of weight) but it ALWAYS comes back with extra. I'm 28 and maintaining for life is a serious commitment- I've been lucky in the past if I can maintain a weight loss for more than 6 months. Can the sleeve help me when it comes to maintenance? For those of you who have had long-term success with any weight loss surgery, what was it that worked to help you stay healthy long-term?
Big Important Question 2: I don't only eat when I'm hungry. I eat sometimes out of habit (when watching tv or because its 'dinner time'). I also eat when I get stressed out or emotional (especially when I'm disappointed or frustrated). With those kinds of triggers for eating, will having surgery still be able to help me? Is that something that I have to stop completely before I would be likely to have a good long-term outcome? Does the process leading up to surgery or the surgery itself help you to really change so that you will still have the weight off 2 or 5 or 10 years down the road?
Please share what you felt like going into surgery and what you've learned along the way.
Thank you!

Hey I spoke here earlier about postponing my surgery because I wasnt ready. I realize it is psychologically. I was cleared, but I dont feel comfortable
All I think I can do is work really hard with my therapist and psychiatrist. Weight is not my only issue and I only have a 40 min session a week. I am going to do some research on postponing surgery
How did anyone else feel they psychologically prepared for surgery? If it was an issue?
Im starting a food journal tomorrow, bought another Protein powder tonight, got ice. Im going to try start this over tomorrow...
Thanks for reading this

Thank you Linda it seems its pretty vnormal to get the jitters.... I just dont want to flip out when its over and not be like what did I just do...

Thank you for this post...im glad others feel anxious too and im not alone...thank you all :-)

Hey all, feeling really anxious... ive had my period more on than off for a month(I have an iud) so I figured the bleeding was that went to the gyn yesterday had an ultrasound(yuck) will get results in a couple of days... my surgery date is may 5. I know I really should have all this cleared up, I just want my surgery to happen.. I have been preparing for this forever. Someone told me if I didnt go and get this taken care of they would have discovered it in the pre op.
So please can people think happy thoughts or pray that this resolves itself before the surgery? Thanks

My mom is less on board with my surgery than id like, my sister also. Ive been trying to prepare for the next 3 weeks(surgery is May 5) and I have to stay with my mom after surgery. They are saying, you dont have to do this now, you can wait ... its so permanent...I always back down but I really want this... I had lapband I messed it up. I am trying to learn from my mistakes.. I think shes freaked out because its so permanent. I take alot of meds and shes concerned once I do it will I be able to handle it. Her anxiety is making me question my decision.. Responses would be greatly appreciated... thanks

How do they remove the band? Before or at the sleeve operation? Would love to hear different views.
Thanks

Its hard... as I was trying to get in a better frame of mind im trying toveat better. I cant use food to cope. Its not my friend anymore. You have to figure out whatvto do with those feelings. Im not really down with feeling them. Most of the time ivwant to run but I hear you.. im with you

So happy you got cleared! Thats my next step! So nervous...way to go! We will be / up on that losers bench yet!

Keep us updated!! Best of luck on the journey!

Sorry im technically spazzing out...lol. hi! Im new here.
My name is Mary. I just had a question for all you pre and sleevers out there I ve been thinking about the sleeve alot and theres one thing that kind of irks me about it. That they cut away part of your stomach. I dont knowvwhat abou that triggers me but it makes me feel uncomfortable.
My therapist is having me write about it... like is it a piece of me I am losing?
I was just wondering if anyone had any simikar experience.. thanks for the feedback!