Q2theT

What an inspiring story of perseverance! Thank you so much for deciding to share. Your journey will inevitably help someone to make a change for the better.

What an inspiring story of perseverance! Thank you so much for deciding to share. Your journey will inevitably help someone to make a change for the better.

Two week liquid diet here too! I'm hitting my favorite places here in town over the next couple of days, then starting on half-liquid for a week to get used to it, then 2 weeks hard core. We were on vacation last week with our mail/UPS held so tomorrow I start ordering shakes and such.

I'm in Texas as well. I live in South Texas, wish I lived in Austin-what a great city!
My date just got moved today from June 17 to July 1, so I am officially a July 2014 Sleeve member!
I have to do a two week, pre-op, liquid diet. How about everyone else?

Happy Birthday to you! It is a shame that insurances still do not recognize bariatric surgery. But what a better investment but in yourself. Wishing all the success in the world.

YEAH less than a month all!!!!!!!

Congratulations on your set date.

What an inspiring story of perseverance! Thank you so much for deciding to share. Your journey will inevitably help someone to make a change for the better.

I know... Time is just flying! I've never really done a formal introduction here, so I guess I'll take the time to do that now.
I'm 5'9", 348 and I live in Austin, TX. I'm an R.N. and a single mom of an extremely energetic five year old (I can not even begin to keep up with him - yet!) I just turned 40 years old a couple of weeks ago, and while I had been pondering the idea of surgery for years, I never really felt that lap-band or the bypass was the right time for me. Once I found out about the sleeve, though, everything just started falling into place. My insurance has a policy exclusion for all things bariatric, so I will be self-pay. While expensive, this is going to be the best birthday present I've ever been allowed to have!
I love reading everyone's experiences on the site. I appreciate all of the advice and information that's available here. I can't believe that it'll be my turn in a little less than a month. I hope that I'll be able to "pay it forward" and offer my own advice once i'm post-op.

I'm excited about having a date on the books. I need to make my appointment with the nutritionist because then I feel like I can really start preparing. I've heard that my doctor's eating/follow-up regimen is pretty strict; I asked him about that during my consult and he said the reason why is twofold. He says it's human nature that when given instructions that need to be followed for any length of time, the majority of folks will follow it about 90% and will make small concessions or allowances to make themselves more comfortable. So, he figures that if he tells his patients to do 110%, they will hopefully settle in at about 100%. Also, he says that we have a limited timeframe to work within to get maximum weight loss, so we need to make the most of that time. I like his philosophy, and I like the way that he says "we"; I know he's really invested in my outcome.
So excited! 38 days and counting!

I know... Time is just flying! I've never really done a formal introduction here, so I guess I'll take the time to do that now.
I'm 5'9", 348 and I live in Austin, TX. I'm an R.N. and a single mom of an extremely energetic five year old (I can not even begin to keep up with him - yet!) I just turned 40 years old a couple of weeks ago, and while I had been pondering the idea of surgery for years, I never really felt that lap-band or the bypass was the right time for me. Once I found out about the sleeve, though, everything just started falling into place. My insurance has a policy exclusion for all things bariatric, so I will be self-pay. While expensive, this is going to be the best birthday present I've ever been allowed to have!
I love reading everyone's experiences on the site. I appreciate all of the advice and information that's available here. I can't believe that it'll be my turn in a little less than a month. I hope that I'll be able to "pay it forward" and offer my own advice once i'm post-op.

July 1st here too!

I was having a hard time gettin in my Protein because I'm one of the people that liked my previous shake before surgery and after, couldn't drink it without gagging.
I began to research and found a Protein Isolate shake "purest premium protein" it taste great and the price was just as acceptable. The flavor is vanilla Creme and mixes into Water best. If u like vanilla shakes, u will love this stuff...
A seller for me was I hated having 3 shakes a day to get 60 grams of protein. Now I make one shake with 12 oz of water and 2 scoops and I'm set for the day. I can freeze it and eat it with a spoon or because Its 98% lactose free I can even leave it sitting out and it doesn't sour. I can take all day with my 1 shake and meet my minimum goal....I love it!!
Try it....

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I had my sleeve done in September 2013. It's been 8 months since surgery and I have lost 122 pounds. I came from 350, BMI of 52 to 228, BMI 33. I walked into surgery wearing size 28 pants and a 30/32 top and today i noticed my size 18's were a little saggy in butt! I walked 4.5 miles today before I got tired and that in and of itself is a miracle! I'm so glad I made the decision to have this procedure, it has helped me so much. Though I am doing well, I struggle EVERY DAY to make good food choices. I'm (head) hungry all the time for all the wrong foods and it's a constant battle. Some days I lose, but most days I do well.
My original goal was to get to the size I was in junior high school, size 18. But now that I'm here, I've readjusted my goal to a "normal" BMI of 24, which means I have 63 pounds to go.
I thank all of you for your support as I silently stalk all of your posts. They help me stay on track and stay motivated to be better

Hi I am July 1st as well. So excited. Wishing your the best.

Hi, I'm new to this site and guess what? I'm African American. I'm scheduled for the VSG on 6/30/14.I'm excited and so very nervous. I'm glad I came across this post. I'm interested in reading about the differences as well as the experiences we may have. Great post.

Dear Sharon -
It is very painful to be rejected by someone you thought was your best friend. It adds pain upon the pain you already feel about your health and what, as you said, prompted you to take this step for your health. That is unfair of her. A true friend, even if they disagreed, would support your decision anyway. They would support your right to make your own choices. I know you already know this, but it bears repeating. What I see here is that she projected all her anger about the "politics" of being overweight on to you. She made this a "cause" rather than seeing your heart, and the difficulty and struggle it no doubt took for you to make this decision, and one that is right for you!
None of this violates some political code of ethics about fat acceptance. Of course we are beautiful and wonderful. But the weight threatens that because it threatens our health. For me, I have written that the larger I get, the less of me there is - of my life, my future, and my ability to enjoy the wonderful life I have been given.
She also did not do the research to learn about weight loss surgery and why it is being done. She would have realized that insurance companies would love to paint surgery as only cosmetic and not have to pay for it if in fact it were only cosmetic. Rather, it is a serious surgery that is only undertaken when the weight of an individual is threatening their life and survival. Let's put it bluntly, because that is what it is. I know that this is the reason I am getting the surgery, because my health and life, physically, mentally, and emotionally is impacted.
I know you have expressed the same. It takes courage for anyone to choose the surgery and no one does it lightly. I had to work through feeling like a failure because I had to resort to surgery when all other repeated attempts to lose weight failed. (I no longer think that, of course). Some people, who are ignorant of this path and don't take the time to educate themselves, think that it is the "easy way out." I had friends say to me,"If you have to exercise and eat small portions anyway, why don't you do it without the surgery?" Or another friend said, "I am just naturally disciplined," in her response to me, implying I am not and that's why I am resorting to this. However, they all are supporting me whether they agree with it or not. I see that most people see us through their own lens of who they are, and what they think - whether negative or positive. When things work out with this (and they will) no one will remember their critique, they will only see how healthy and happy I am. The results will speak for themselves, I don't have to. I also look at it as a way of "educating" those who don't understand the surgery or the reasons for it.
And I won't post much in response to your friend's arguments about eating disorders, except to say that weight loss surgery can be a viable tool in the treatment arsenal (in alignment with other therapeutic options) to help control eating disorders and food addictions, as well. Is it right for everyone? Of course not. Is surgery itself "imposing an eating disorder" as she said? Well, she's entitled to her opinion, but as a binge eater and compulsive overeater, I need the restriction my new stomach will give me if I get off track. I am also in therapy and will remain. Your friend may have her ideas on how to treat her own eating disorder, but to assume that her way is the only way to treat that is arrogant and ignorant.
Someday, your friend will see the results. Perhaps she may learn from your experience and become a better person and friend (learn some compassion for one thing, and stop projecting her own negativity on others). Some day, if she is a true friend, she will apologize for what she said. But regardless of what she does or does not do, you will know you made the right decision for you and it will more than pay off. We overweight people get a thick skin (no pun intended, lol) because people say a lot of insensitive things to us. I think we all use that skill we've acquired to toughen up with the amazing courage, hope, and positivity it takes to have the surgery, to bet on our future, to know that we are worth doing this - more than worth it. It is actually a step we take because we value ourselves, and not, as your friend accused, because we are vain, shallow, or think we are worthless being fat.
I am sorry for this long response, but I really felt for you on what you are going through. One of the things I have seen through the forums and on You Tube videos is the impact that this decision will have on relationships. People have said they moved away from relationships that no longer served them, or those that did not treat them well. I am already doing that, and you are too. I think that your friend's true colors are coming out, and saved you the trouble of ending it yourself later. We are all changing, but the regard and love that true friends have for each other does not change. For those that do, as your friend painfully showed, I am glad you are choosing yourself instead. Now that is a sign of healthy self-acceptance!
All the best to you, and to meeting so many new friends! You deserve friends like that, because that's who you are.
Patrice

One of my favorite quotes...
“Those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”Good luck...you're in for one heck of a journey!

I'm excited about having a date on the books. I need to make my appointment with the nutritionist because then I feel like I can really start preparing. I've heard that my doctor's eating/follow-up regimen is pretty strict; I asked him about that during my consult and he said the reason why is twofold. He says it's human nature that when given instructions that need to be followed for any length of time, the majority of folks will follow it about 90% and will make small concessions or allowances to make themselves more comfortable. So, he figures that if he tells his patients to do 110%, they will hopefully settle in at about 100%. Also, he says that we have a limited timeframe to work within to get maximum weight loss, so we need to make the most of that time. I like his philosophy, and I like the way that he says "we"; I know he's really invested in my outcome.
So excited! 38 days and counting!

The thing I have to stay away from is candy. There is no restriction when it comes to candy. It's around all the time, at the bank, every check stand I come in contact with etc. It's a choice and decision not to eat it if it's offered or buy it no matter how good it looks. I still have a sweet tooth and no amount of restriction is going to hold me back if I decide to start eating m & ms.

I love love love my restriction, but I had VSG, not just to get lose weight, but to get HEALTHY.
We all know thin people who never exercise, have horrible high blood pressure and cholesterol because of of their eating habits, always have indigestion and heartburn, etc. They are doing horrible damage to their bodies that they can't see because they "look good" on the outside.
My goal is to be healthy and to look healthy, so I choose not to test out my restriction but to make great choices to feed my body by giving it great nutrition. I spent 20+ years abusing my body with bad food choices, excessive portions, carb loading, etc. I was very fortunate to be as healthy as I was when I finally had surgery, despite my morbid obesity. My choice to have surgery was my commitment to myself to finally start taking care of ME from the inside out. Do I have treats here and there? ABSOLUTELY! Do I ever feel guilty anymore about what I eat? No way in hell. I am making great choices 95% of the time and when I choose to eat something "naughty", I do it with intent, I enjoy it, and if it wasn't planned, I add a few more steps in my day or an extra Zumba class to make up for it.
I guess it all boils down to WHY you had surgery. Did you have it to look thin or did you have it to be healthy? The answer to that question will answer your topic, IMHO.

It sounds like you have a great surgeon and are getting yourself ready to succeed!
Good luck as your start your journey!

I post lots of high Protein low carb recipes. I keep carbs under 45 gms per day and that means no fruit really. The recipes are at www.twosleevers.com and many are slow cooker ones that can be assembled he night before.

I'm excited about having a date on the books. I need to make my appointment with the nutritionist because then I feel like I can really start preparing. I've heard that my doctor's eating/follow-up regimen is pretty strict; I asked him about that during my consult and he said the reason why is twofold. He says it's human nature that when given instructions that need to be followed for any length of time, the majority of folks will follow it about 90% and will make small concessions or allowances to make themselves more comfortable. So, he figures that if he tells his patients to do 110%, they will hopefully settle in at about 100%. Also, he says that we have a limited timeframe to work within to get maximum weight loss, so we need to make the most of that time. I like his philosophy, and I like the way that he says "we"; I know he's really invested in my outcome.
So excited! 38 days and counting!

Yes im black I am very aware I was raised C.O.G.IC.
Id need the patience of Job If I called myself waiting on an Atheist Black man lol:)