CrisH64

I also wondered about this....and I also wondered if it would actually work for me. Since I hadn't been very successful losing weight at all, and the older I got, the harder it was to lose, I just wasn't sure. It was a leap of faith for me. I also think that even though I'm a registered nurse, and was FULLY prepared by my medical team, I didn't fully understand what I was undertaking. I knew it was a lifelong commitment, but somewhere in the back of my mind, I didn't really embrace that idea. I also spent the last two months eating everything I ever wanted - they call then food funerals. I don't regret that - I do think it helped me say goodbye to that way of life.
However, once I had the surgery, I was forced into submission at first by the size of my stomach and fear of a leak if I didn't follow the rules. Then, once I began to enjoy some success early on, the realization began to sink in that I just might be able to do this! So, each day, I learned a little more about myself and what I'm really capable of. So, success begets more success. Over time I changed my way of thinking - that I can and would succeed. Now, I'm fully committed for life. Now that I have a taste of a normal life, I never want to go back. I know what it takes to stay here, and I'm doing it every day. Not always easy, and not always what I really want to do at the moment, but I'm committed. You will need to get to that level of commitment at some point, but you CAN do this.

@@CrisH64
hi newbie
welcome, welcome, welcome with open arms
you'll love this group
come to the boards often - ask any questions
medical situations/questions we can give advice , BUT the final word comes from your doc.
ALWAYS see/call your doc/NUT with questions
no question too small - that is what they are there for
you'll get alot of valuable support here
many/most/all of go through emotional issues prior to surgery
nerves, excitement, worry, scared etc.
these feelings will probably increase as you get closer to surgery, thats totally understandable
glad you didn't give up over these past years - and finally taking the plunge having the surgery
its great/wonderful to get family/friends support
you don't have that much time before surgery but you can practice a couple of things
wein yourself off coffee and soda
eat smaller portions, don't drink with your meals
some PO things to know
never, ever drink with your meals (people have been shot for less )
stop drinking about 1/2 hr before you eat
do not drink for about 1 hour after you eat
drink at LEAST 64 oz of water/fluids a day
once you are on solids, chew, chew, and chew your food into small bits - mush!!!
use a small spoon and small plate (gives you the illusion you are eating alot)
eat veryyyyy slowly
post op you will probably be on only Clear liquids for awhile
you are also supposed to get in plenty of Protein with your shakes
buttttt.....if you are having trouble getting your Protein in at first - more important is to drink, drink and drink
SF popsicles are also easy and great right after surgery
you could get dehydrated otherwise, no one likes that experience
sip, sip, sip, slowly
if cold Water doesn't work, many people do room temperature Water - and it works for them/maybe would be good for you too
many people have gas after surgery
right after surgery start walking and moving around to help get rid of the gas
continue at home, slowly if necessary, but walk if you can
everything should initially be done slowly
walk post op for exercise is always good
but your doc should "clear" you to do more heavy duty cardio, weights (maybe 6 weeks)
you will just have had major surgery (people don't always realize that)
bariatric surgerary is MAJOR
your poor tummy has been hampered with - 85% is now gone (good riddens!!!)
the sleeve will "assist" you in losing weight, but you have to do the work too
you work with the sleeve, and the sleeve will work with you
there are other things i probably missed, others can give advise too!!!!
surgery in less than 3 weeks !!!! OMG
be prepared for the ride of a lifetime
maybe you'll experience a few bumps, but hopefully you'll have a smooth road in front of you
i gave you some time periods like waiting about 6 weeks to exercise, and when to drink
always listen to what YOUR NUT/doc says
"the one thing we have in common is that we're all different "
good luck for the rest of your healthier, happier, longer llfe
who deserves it more???
speedy recovery
kathy