GingerSlim

Thank you ladies! I need all the encouragement I can get, and it sounds like you are all doing great & have wonderful success with your new tool. The worries I have about this remind me a little of the worries I had about giving birth for the first time. It's the unknown. I was sick with worry about all the worst case scenarios that when it was "game time", it was all so much easier than I expected. (Still painful...but easier.)

My 2week pre-op diet consists of 2-3 Protein shakes, 2 Protein Bars under 200 cal. & (for dinner) 6 oz. lean protein, 1cup cooked or 2cups raw veggies &. 1/2 cup starch. If I don't get creative, I will be eating chicken kabobs for 2 weeks straight! Any good, creative ideas on what to make for those dinner meals?

Great advice! I really do need to take the "fun" out of food. That's what got me here in the first place.

I'm on the 22nd. Only 10 more days until 2 week pre-op starts. Can't wait to get this show on the road & have my jeans not fit because they are too big! Nervous about that first sip. And accidentally chugging liquid. And not chewing enough before I swallow. And my hair falling out. Other than that... I am so pumped for it to finally be July!!!

I'm think I'm going to start getting in more pictures. Right now, I always volunteer to take them (so I won't have to look at myself in one). And I can't wait for the day that I can be at a pool, or beach and not be so self conscious. What a great feeling that must be!

http://modelmydiet.com A little glimpse into the future! I love that you can even change your hair color, body shape, etc.

I have 2 weeks from today to get my s@#% together! I hope I am strong enough. I hope that these stupid "food funerals" I end up having are gearing me up to start the 2 week pre-op diet on July 7th (surgery is 7/22). I know I shouldn't say "goodbye" to food before I start this new journey. I know I will eventually be able to have anything in moderation (blah blah blah), but I somehow think it will be easier if I personally break up with a few "loves of my life", because they certainly did not love me back...pizza, tacos, hot dogs, crab Mac & cheese. I think it's time we all break up & I start to show those SOB's whose in charge now! Has this worked for anyone? Or do the funerals just make things harder? My mind says "I'm ready!"... But my body is still walking towards Pizza Hut. (Sigh)

I think I am going to take 4 weeks. I too am on my feet for my whole shift & there is a lot of lifting heavy mannequins, pushing/pulling tables, climbing ladders, etc. My biggest fear is a leak, and I will take as much time as possible to heal properly to prevent 2 surgeries from happening. Take the time for YOU. I never do anything for myself...this time is for ME!

I will be right there with you on July 22nd... In cap & gown. Only 38 more days!

I'm July 22nd too!!! We start our lives over in only 38 more days!

I know all too well what you mean. I am the General Manager of a Gap... Not only do I walk by mirrors all day long, I can no longer fit into the clothes. And the ones that I do wear cut off my circulation. I swear I have permanent indentations around my belly from "too tight" jeans!

I have a July 22nd surgery date! I am ready to roll & start my pre-op diet on the 7th. The only struggle I am having right now is that I find myself eating any darn thing I want...especially since I know that in 24 days EVERYTHING as I know it will change. I really wanted to try and lose some of the weight before the pre-op even started, but (as usual) food & hunger are winning that game. In a way, I almost wish it was a requirement to do more than 2 weeks of pre-op. (I know...bite my tongue!) Anyway... Very soon I will be kicking hungers a$$ all over the place! And so will YOU!

My NUT recommended getting Bariatric Advantage chewable vitamins because I would only need to take 1 per day (in addition to calcium citrate). Does anyone have experience with this brand that they can share? And how is the taste compared to other chewable vitamins?

Are they similar to Tums? Or more sour tasting?

I won't miss... -being out of breath from tying my shoes. -my chins. All of them. - under the boob sweat. (Classy...I know) -the indentations left in my skin from too tight jeans & socks. -lifting my stomach up to button my pants. -wearing black everyday. -granny panties -dreading hot weather...tanks, short sleeves, bathing suits, shorts. Ugh! -hiding behind others in pictures (ie...my profile pic!) -feeling like I want to just sleep all day. -the guilt after every meal. -walking like a 90 year old up & down the stairs. -fear of sex with the lights on. -my mother saying the words " Now you just need to stick with it!" ( Nails. Chalkboard.) -blood pressure medication -making excuses. -crying in fitting rooms -the disappointment I have in myself I'm sure there is more to add, but I needed to write it down so I can look at this when I'm in pain after surgery, or if I ever question my decision and remember exactly how I felt. I need to remember so I never ever re-visit this kind of lifestyle again. I deserve to treat myself better. I am done slowly digging my own grave. Like Garth Brooks says, "I'm much too young to feel this damn old!" Fingers crossed that I can schedule a surgery date at my visit tomorrow! I'm ready! Let's get this protein party started!

So glad everything went well today! Hope you have a speedy recovery! Let us know all about that first sip!

Did anyone try sugar free Rita's water ice during clear liquids post op? I love Crystal Lite iced tea, and was thinking that SF Rita's lemonade ice would be great in it (especially since my surgery is 7/22 & will be smoking hot outside!). BUT...I think I read somewhere that certain temps might not agree with a brand spankin' new sleeve. Anyone have any advice on flavored ice post op?

I haven't tried it yet...I guess I should try it out first to see how I "react" to the SF version. Thanks for the heads up!

The count down is on! I wish I was in your shoes & having surgery in a couple days. Keep reading your list so you're reminded of all the reasons why this surgery is a BRILLIANT tool. Keep your eyes on the prize! We are all here cheering you on!!!

I keep thinking of a new one everyday. This is today's... I most definitely will not miss my underwear rolling down underneath the crease of my stomach. Is it only me who has this problem?

Those damn summer clothes!!! My surgery is July 22, and I dread all the warm days leading up to that date because NOTHING in my closet fits. I think probably the worst thing for me is that my job revolves around clothing. I am a store manager for Gap for the past 15 years. I can no longer fit into the sizes we carry in the store. I have to order the larger sizes online. I hate purchasing or returning anything because whoever the cashier is can see the size I am buying. Only 82 more days until I am "re-born"!

I need to add another to the list... I will not miss going to the "girl doctor" and being told to "strip from the waist & cover yourself with this paper cover"... And the paper cover doesn't "cover" all of you or wrap around you for that matter. Happened today. Not my finest moment. It's definitely "list worthy".

Literally. Met with surgeon today & date is scheduled for July 22nd. Middle of summer= HOT DATE! I am so excited tot finally see some light at the end of this big fat tunnel, but I wish my husband was excited for me. Don't get me wrong...best guy EVER, but he worries enough for the both of us. All he can think about is the "what if's". He is so afraid of something happening to me in surgery that he can't see that I have slowly been digging my own grave for the past decade. I am taking him to the surgeons info seminar on Wednesday. I found it extremely motivating and inspiring, and it validated my decision. I hope he gets the same thing out of it that I did, and sees the benefits of the surgery instead of freaking out even more. Am I making a smart decision by taking him?

Gesined, thanks for reminding me about the dreaded "thigh rub". I need to add that to my list! Brant, 97 lbs is AMAZING!!! You should be so proud! I am so happy for you & hope to soon know how you feel. Very inspiring!

This is my very first post. Tomorrow is my first visit with the surgeon. I feel like I am finally on my way... I have never been so excited to see a Dr. In all my life! I have a few questions written down to ask him, but I don't want to miss anything. Any suggestions on what questions to ask?