dsmith_rn

It's not just to look better, you know that. It will add years to your life! You will get to see your grandchildren grow.
Hang in there, don't forget to BREATHE, and let us know when you wake up!

My surgery is scheduled for April 25th. Only one day of liquids required for me, and I'm grateful. I will work a 12-hour shift that day so hopefully I won't notice it much.
I'm happy to hear those who just had it done are doing well! Please keep us updated!

Sheriann,
Hope things begin to go much more smoothly for you. Sending positive thoughts for rapid healing your way. Please keep us updated.

I've finally got a surgery date: April 25th!
The manometry was NOT a fun test (those of you who have had it understand what I'm saying) but at least it's over with and its all over but the waiting now. I've been collecting Protein Shake recipes and WLS cookbooks, I think I'm ready. I'm much more excited than nervous, but I expect those two emotions to swap in the next couple of weeks, LOL
How is everyone doing?

CONGRATULATIONS! Way to go!!!

I'm looking forward to getting off my bp meds, being able to wear a necklace or Bracelet "off the rack" and looking good in my wedding dress! Oh, and also being able to wrap a standard size towel around my body.

I'm in a Level III NICU and my surgery will be late April so we have a lot in common! I could use a "buddy" to walk through this journey with. .. What do you say? PM me If you like.
I should have an exact surgery date this week sometime. Good luck, everyone!

Janey, thanks for sharing that. I too wish to avoid those same questions. Has anyone approached you yet about how much you've lost? Surely they've noticed? What did you say?

Hi Cheri,
If it helps you at all, the statistical difference between the RnY and the VSG is only about 5% weight loss. Meaning that according to the studies a VGS patient will lose (on average) 60-65% of their excess weight, and the RnY patient will lose an average of 65-70% of their excess weight. So for someone who has 100 lb to lose, that is only a FIVE POUND DIFFERENCE!
That was the selling point for me. Such a tiny difference in outcome, with the advantage of not having malabsorption problems or being worried about becoming deathly ill if someone's potluck item contains sugar I wasn't aware of. That's how I know the Sleeve is right for me!
I wish you the best of luck in making your decision. If you DO decide to go with the sleeve, make sure your surgeon has done MANY of them. Since it's still a relatively new surgery, some aren't that experienced with it yet. It is gaining popularity because of its statistical similarity of success with the RnY without re-routing the intestines, but check with your own surgeon first, and ask him/her the tough questions!
{{{{hugs}}}}

http://www.unjury.com/store/protein/unjury-protein/unjury-starter-pack.html
http://www.chikenutrition.com/buy-chike.html
http://www.nashuanutrition.com/store/protein-powders/protein-powder-samples-1-serving.html (my favorite brands here are BSN Lean Dessert, Chike, Optimum Nutrition, Designer whey, and Syntrax. Least favorites were Bariatric Advantage, Bariatric Fusion, Click, Muscle Milk, Isopure, Protizyme, and About Time - but this is such an individual thing! Also the BSN Syntha 6 is delicious IMO but super high calorie and carb for Protein powder).
https://vitalady.com/protein-supplement/ - has many of the same brands as Nashua, but a few additional ones plus some different flavors than Nashua has.
http://www.jayrobb.com/protein/whey-protein-samples.asp
http://www.mybariatricpantry.com/Coffee_Lovers_Sampler_p/mbp-coffee_sampler.htm
http://www.mybariatricpantry.com/Pantry_Selections_Hot_Chocolate_Protein_Drinks_p/ps-ht_choc_variety.htm
(I really love this brand of hot chocolate, but I prefer to use just the plain "classic" version of it and add my own flavorings - Torani sugarfree syrups etc.)

I was hoping to find a thread about this on the forum, but so far haven't been able to find it. If there is one, I would deeply appreciate it if someone could share the link to it!
I'd like to know what sorts of things I need to buy before surgery to prepare for my new life. From reading various books and posts on BP I have come up with the following list...please share if you know of other helpful items!
*Bathroom scale (no, I really don't have one!)
*kitchen scale (for measuring food)
*set of measuring cups and spoons (I have some, but ordering a better set from Amazon since I will be using them ALL the time)
*small, demitasse spoons (to help with taking smaller bites)
*set of rubber spatulas to help wipe food out of measuring cups
*tiny skillet, just right for cooking one egg
*blender
*small food processor
*several different flavors of Protein Powder
*several different flavors of sugar-free Torani syrups
*case of ready-to-drink Protein shakes and Protein Bars, for grab-and-go meals
*ice cube trays (for freezing small portions of food)
Those of you who have used a small food processor, which one do you like? Is the "Magic Bullet" more of a blender or food chopper, and do you like it? Anything else you have found helpful?
Thanks so much for your help!

It's policy for the NICU. Bringing in any foods OR drinks is considered an "infection control" issue for our babies.
I really fail to see how my bottle of Aquafina is a threat to my patients.

Looking forward to ex husband seeing what he doesnt have any more.

WLS Do’s and Don’ts

DO remove the word ONLY from your vocabulary. Ex: I’ve ONLY lost 10 Lbs in 2 weeks… Now let’s look at this again without the word ONLY: I’ve lost 10 Lbs in 2 weeks!! See what I mean? Perception is reality folks!!

DON’T assume you’ll never eat all of your favorite foods again. This is just an excuse your brain has designed to allow you to indulge. You WILL eat all your favorites again someday, just much less but find it to me more enjoyable. Which leads directly into the next:

DON’T do the “last meal” syndrome. You will only sabotage your weight loss you might have pre-surgery or set you back further from your ultimate goal post-op. This surgery is very serious and is for the serious minded. Use this time wisely to get the feeling of how life might be like post op.

DO learn all of the rules pre-op that you will endure post-op. Such as, no drinking with meals, using smaller utensils and plates, engaging in some type of workout routine, limiting your sugar and sodium intake, joining as many WLS support groups as you can.

DO Celebrate every single pound lost! Imagine one pound of butter. Yeah… that’s gone from your body forever. It is noteworthy and worth every bit of a pat on the back as any others that may go along with it.

DON’T compare your successes and losses to others. Chances are very high that you will only come out on the short end and only find yourself disappointed. Everyone’s journeys are their own…

DO keep track of your losses in many different ways than just the scale! Examples:

DO keep one set of your largest clothes you’ve ever worn. Make it a point to try them on, especially when you’re having a down moment. You will find this will really pick up your spirits! This is a real rollercoaster of a ride, and anything that will keep you positive is what you should do!

DON'T keep any other fat clothes around. Get rid of them ASAP. You're never going to fit them again, right? So... off to donations they go.

DO take photos of yourself just before your surgery. Keep them close. Again, having a bad day? Look at them and compare them. As a matter of fact, take photos of yourself often. You will also find that the more you lose, the more you will want to take pictures. Nothing wrong with that!!! That goes with celebrating your losses.

DO take measurements of yourself often. Keeping track of all your inches lost will really keep you on the right track when your scale is being stubborn!!

DO reward yourself every time you hit a mini goal. Make some more worthy than others. I like to go shopping when I hit a goal, it is my favorite thing to do now.

DON’T let the scale define you. Great majority of us will endure many fluctuations and stalls in this journey. It is what it is… patience is the key here. Meditate and envision yourself months down the road at your goal. Smile, then move on!!

DO find out about measuring body fat! It’s more than just weight loss, FAT LOSS is the real goal here. Keep in mind that the BMI scale is greatly inaccurate and most Health Studies do prove this. According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE) our body fat % ranges should be average: 25-31% for Women and 18-24% for men. Any higher is considered obese. However it does go more in depth, according to ages and more. Everyone has different genetic make ups, frame sizes and fitness levels... even a different ethnicity can post differences.

DO have many goals in sight. Having only one, especially a simple weight goal you will find can be difficult. Have many MINI goals along your journey, and more than just ones that involve the scale. Such as, clothing size goals, body fat% goals, fitness or workout goals, dietary goals, etc…

DO challenge yourself always!! Whether it’s a global challenge with others, or personal challenges... It will keep you motivated and always willing to go further than you ever thought you could!

DO have a mentor! Find someone that you can trust and confide in, and that you know has “been there”. Preferably someone you know in person. You will find many folks in your life who have been there, for obesity is worldwide now and there are so many who have been able to defeat this demon. It’s not easy! It quite literally is the toughest feat I’ve ever had to endure. I can say this too, my job will never be done. This is for life!
DON'T believe the myth that your tool has an expiration date. Yes, it's true you will lose the most weight in the first year and it's also true that the further out you are and the closer you are to goal, the harder it is to lose. However, as long as you keep up with your healthy eating and fitness routines you will continue to lose weight and / or keep it off in the many years post op. It all boils down to calories in vs. calories out.
DON'T believe the myth that having WLS will keep the weight off forever. That is our individual responsibility.

And finally…

DON’T ever beat yourself up! We all make mistakes, and dare I say not one person on this Earth is perfect. I try hard to be, no doubt! I always admit that I’m a perfectionist – but I’m far from perfect. I just try to be… The only thing you can do is pick yourself up, give yourself a pep talk, perhaps contact your mentor for reassurance and move on!!! Again, this is for life. Every day you wake up is a second chance.

DO look for solutions to your problems. Otherwise they will just become excuses.


DON’T EVER GIVE UP! I don’t think any explanation is necessary here.

DON'T expect the scale to post a loss every single day. As a matter of fact, don't expect it to move that much even weekly! Just keep doing all the right things and the scale will move in the right direction when it needs to.

DO expect to see fluctuations on the scale, both down AND up. DON'T lose your head over it either. This isn't a miracle cure and the weight isn't going to magically disappear in a few weeks. You have to keep pushing with healthy eating, some type of workout and getting plenty of Fluid.

DON'T let the scale define your journey when there are so many pieces to that puzzle!!!



Good luck to all of you. This journey is a tough one, but if you are here, then you believed in yourself enough to give yourself the life you’ve always dreamed of. YOU WILL BE successful. Always keep that in mind.

Add-ons by other experienced sleevers:

DO keep a list of NSV (Non scale victories) to reflect on when times are getting hard. Can you walk up 2 extra flights of stairs before getting winded? Cross your legs?" and

"DO NOT be afraid to change things if they aren't working. Stalls happen even gains happen. If you are on a long stall look at your eating and decided if changes need to be made. Utilize your tool!" -- Southern Sleever

DO: Keep a food diary of what you eat and drink. This is a great learning tool as to which foods have what amounts of fat, Protein and carbs that add up to your daily intake goals. There are many ways to diary your food - from old fashioned pen and notebook to many options via smartphone apps. Keeping one is the important thing - however is right for you. I use mine now to look back for meal ideas when I hit a blank as to what to prepare for a day or a week.

DO: Realize this is not a diet to be followed for a while then set aside. This is a permanent lifestyle change. Yes, the amount of food you eat will increase as time passes, but your relationship with food will be forever altered. How you Celebrate your joys, successes and holidays will be different. How you mourn your sorrows will be different. Some people need outside help to get through the sometimes overwhelming mental changes this process brings. If you need help with this part of the deal- reach out and get it. -- SKCUNNINGHAM

DO roll with the punches!! -- fern

I use my ninja for mixing anything it's much cheaper than the vitamix. I also use ramekins for baking individual egg custards. I also have tons of Rubbermaid kitchen containers that are 1/2c. With lids for storing and packing my lunch daily.

I use an immersion blender for my Protein Shakes and wouldn't use anything else. It adds no air to the shake - using a regular blender can make your shake a mess of bubbly foam that you have to let sit for an hour in the fridge to make it drinkable.
http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-CSB-75BC-2-Speed-Immersion-Blender/dp/B00ARQVM5O/
I tried a Blender Bottle with a whisk ball thing and I found it didn't mix particularly well and I had the same issue with the drinks being too foamy.
I used a mini food processor for puree stage, but really haven't used it much since then:
http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-DLC-2ABC-Mini-Prep-Processor-Brushed/dp/B0000645YM/
A Bubba Keg to keep your drinks cold or hot:
http://www.amazon.com/bubba-52-mug-classic-turquoise/dp/B00EECHRF6/
Make sure your kitchen scale is digital, that it weighs in both grams and ounces, and has a tare function.
I use a lot of little ramekins and tiny casseroles to heat up and serve food. You may not need this if you are cooking for a family, but they are helpful for singletons.
http://www.amazon.com/Fiesta-568-337-Ramekin-4-Inch-2-Inch
/dp/B00CP2NBHA/
http://www.amazon.com/Le-Creuset-Stoneware-Casserole-8-Ounce/dp/B00BH98D1G/
and I use these little cocktail forks:
http://www.amazon.com/Libbey-Just-Tasting-Appetizer-12-Piece/dp/B008HHRLCI/
btw, if you haven't ordered yet and want to check them out, these are my favorite measuring cups:
http://www.amazon.com/Chefn-SleekStor-Collapsible-Measuring-Colors/dp/B004HINF58/
and these are the best measuring spoons I have found:
http://www.amazon.com/Progressive-International-Stainless-Steel-Magnetic-Measuring/dp/B001GAQKKW/
(or a plastic version that I love almost as much):
http://www.amazon.com/Progressive-International-Magnetic-Measuring-Spoons/dp/B000V8F07E/

Make sure to buy your Vitamins up front, too. I spent 2 days trying to find all the right Vitamins I needed. I've learned so much about vitamins recently.
Also, if you have an 8" non stick frying pan, that should suffice. You don't need anything extra.
Personally, I have a Vitamix, food processor and blender. If you are going to be on a pureed diet for any length of time, I'd buy a Vitamix if it's in your budget and forget the regular blender. I've never been able to get totally smooth things like hummus from the blender but the Vitamix does it perfectly. I have heard that the Ninja will do this too, but I do not have experience with it. For a while you're not going to be doing much chopping either, so maybe a mini chopper if you must, but I'd personally skip it.
I am always running out of 1/4 and 1/2 cup measures because they're in the dishwasher. I was thinking about getting another small set so I don't have to keep digging them out of the DW.
The other thing I didn't see was Protein shakes. I tried to find what I wanted before the surgery to no avail. Now, I'm finding that I'm getting so tired that I'm buying things that aren't necessarily the best choices. I need to do better.

Me personally I would cross off bathroom scale I don’t have one myself and only have my weight checked at the hospital or doctors.
Lots of people step on the scale once a day some even several times a day for me that’s a big ole no thank you!
I would not bother with ice cube trays I would go to the $1/£1 store and pick up a couple of packs of baby food containers you can get them really small in my shop 12 in a pack.
They also come in really handy to put meds in for on the go or dressing/sauce later on down the line etc
Agree with the shaker cup with the wire ball whisk I do put mine in a blender to make my shakes but I don’t drink the fast enough and i make 4 at a time so the ball whisks them up and blends them before drinking if they have been sitting in the fridge.
Get some Decaf tea bags if you have a aversion to cold drinks hot decaf tea is perfect.
Again not a fan of flavoured fruit teas myself so good ole fashioned normal tea for me.
I didn’t go out of my way to buy measuring cups spoon blenders etc already have them in the house as I cook and bake a lot but puree stage you will need some sort of thing even if it’s a hand held one.
I wouldn’t pre buy a whole load of Protein powders either out tastes change after the op so if you have spent a lot of money stocking up you might have to do what I did and give it all away and start again as nothing I liked pre opt tasted good post op.
I would also suggest some good quality prune juice and when the going all the time stage ends and you enter the not at all stage start drinking a glass a day as the Constipation stage is right around the corner and its pretty bad plus prune juice is a liquid and will count as Fluid intake for the day and a natural mover to get you going.

Blender Ball container is very useful. I was going to use my blender but it makes the Protein powder foam up so much. Blender Ball works much better for Protein shakes.
Crystal light individual "go" packets to boost Protein Powder flavor,, especially if you are going to use the nectar Proteins like fuzzy navel.
Herbal tea - especially peppermint. It will sooth your new sleeve right after surgery.

Definitely some smaller plates (and bowls if you want also), paper or glass. It makes the smaller portion not seem so small. I got really pretty pink paper plates.
I have a small ninja - not the blender, but more of an electronic chopper that purées. I use that and my electronic food scale every day three times a day.

I've read several books on the sleeve. I downloaded this one to my Kindle, and I have to say it is BY FAR the best book of them all. It is the most comprehensive and informative, very readable even for a "beginner." There is a lot of repetition in it, but that's not necessarily a bad thing! I would say if a person could only read one book before deciding on the sleeve, THIS IS IT.