CeeBa

And I just jumped on specifically to ask about this...so it's neat to see that you're thinking the same thing! I'll talk to my dr about it and let you know what he suggests.

I like the idea of this challenge. I started walking somewhere btwn 2.5-3.5 miles most days of the week when I first went to see my dr, and it's made a huge difference--to the point where I wondered whether I should still do the surgery. But I'm still doing it, because I want to be getting both sides of the equation covered...so food will be down and exercise will be up, which should help! I'm happy to hear about your hikes...I've been doing exactly as you noted, 2.5-3.5 miles most weekdays, then a longer hike on the winds...started at 5, then 8, then 10 and 11! I'm actually looking for a half marathon to walk, hopefully before my surgery. So I agree with you about walking being a great effective exercise. I also find that where I can usually talk myself out of running, biking, etc., walking is JUST walking...not so hard to get out to do that!

Sounds delish--thanks for sharing!

Hey,e very one--I'm July 29. I"ll be watching for tips from you all =) Here's to our new healthier bodies!! Clara

The biggest gift you can give her right now is your patience. You don't deserve it, but it sounds like you sympathize a bit with how hard this must be on her. If you can find her at a calm moment (NOT when you're upset at a particular incident, but in a quiet moment), try talking with her about it, and maybe try to agree on a codeword you should use when you feel like she's attaching you from her "Hangry" place (hungry/angry) rather than for something you've actually done wrong. She probably realizes it, deep down, and is just having a hard time remembering it in the moment. Help her remember and hopefully she will care enough to take a breath before lashing out at you! All the best!

I'm scheduled for July 29. I'm excited! I'm in California...would love to stay in touch with everyone...wonder if there's a way to create some sort of subgroup? I'll look into it a bit. All the best, Clara

high-five! I'm a July 29 girl so I'll be waiting eagerly to hear how you're doing. Wishing you all the best!!

I haven't tried the Veet version, but I have the done armpit waxing before. It's not bad, really. At least it's not nearly as painful as private part waxing..for what it's worth! I think the best advice I've heard is not to let the hair grow too long between waxes. Good luck!

What great perspective! I am still preop, but have made lifestyle and diet changes to really get myself in best position for surgery. But now I've been stalled for about three weeks and have been really frustrated. Your message reminded me that even though the scale sticks, I am feeling changes in my clothes and that it's a marathon, not a sprint. THANKS for that!

I've been waiting so long for my approval; I'd really hoped to have my surgery this spring, but now it's Memorial Day. My doctor is available for a June 17 date, but I am due to travel for a wedding the weekend before that AND to have a friend fly in from across the country three days later. He also offered July 1, but I am out of town on vacation that day. So the next date available is July 22! Am I crazy to put it off that long? Should I just bite the bullet and do it on June 17 and be on the liquid diet for wedding and friend's visit? I am worried I'll be totally lethargic while I am hosting her and this is her summer vacation trip =( I just don't feel right about it, and if I wait until July 22, then I'll have been able to go on my vacation without dealing with the pureed foods issue while traveling. But I hate to think that I"m putting off the surgery! I have been disciplined about my eating for the most part, and have really made a lot of lifestyle changes, so I feel like the extra time doesn't need to be a bad thing. I've been exercising and subbing Protein shakes for one or two meals each day and I'm down 20 lbs just from those changes. But I still have a looong way to go (another 80 lbs or so). I'm completely torn, but need to decide in the next few days one way or the other. Please share your opinion if you have a moment? Thanks!

My nutritionist told me that the main reason for the pre-op diet is shrinking your liver. That if it's not small enough, it can be in the way and make the surgery harder for the surgeon. My doctor has apparently opened people up and backed out of the surgery when he doesn't feel the liver has sufficiently shrunk--your doctor may do the same. If we're choosing to do this surgery, we have to resolve to do the very best we can do for our own health, which is the whole point. It sounds a little bit like you weren't prepared with what you needed to start your pre-op diet, but you have your supplies now. It's time to get serious. Your life and health hang in the balance! You can do it! And after surgery, you have to do it to avoid infection and complications. I think the previous poster was right that you have to ask your family to support you by keeping tempting foods away--they can go OUT for treats if they really need them. But remember that ultimately, only you control what goes in--so be strong and make good choices!

MsFitN2014--when you say you were you off for three weeks, do you mean you were off work or off exercise? Or both? Just trying to sort out how realistic my post-op plan is. Thank you--I hope this question doesn't count as hijacking the thread!!

Sending you prayers and strength. Remember that the sleeve is your tool for health. You need to be strong to be able to help your husband. STay healthy!!! All the best to you.

I've been really curious about this, so interesting to hear you say something I've been seeing, too. I've really tried to make lifestyle changes pre-op to see how it will be post-op, and have been subbing Protein shakes for two meals each day and walking about an hour each day. I found that when my weight loss stalls, if I just eat more for a day or two, that seems to kickstart the loss again! I guess I just need to more carefully calculate the right number of calories for me!

WEll, this is great to hear!! I am planning to schedule for late July and am supercurious about how those first few days go--a relief to hear you're sleepy but feeling well. Are you on Clear liquids fora few days now?

Thanks so much for your answers. That's my inclination, too, and it just seems smarter to wait just a teeny bit longer until I can really focus on recovery and proper eating in those first few weeks. And I really have been making other changes, so I feel like I'm still moving in the right direction even if the actual surgery is a few weeks later! So, MrsLarryH--when is your surgery? I love that you and your husband are doing it together. I actually first looked into this because hubby's doctor was pushing him to consider it, and I wanted to convince him. The more I read, the more *I* was convinced. And of course now he's kind letting me be the guinea pig. I wish we could go through the puree phase together!!

So happy for you!! Congrats--that positive attitude will work wonders, I"m sure! Hooray!!

I did my first triathlon with Team In Training; it was great because it raised money for charity (The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society), and it was a structured program with "homework" and group training sessions, and importantly, varied training in each sport to correspond to your fitness/skill level in each discipline. I learned a TON about training and went on to do several more triathlons on my own. If that's not your bag, Triathlon Geek offers training programs for sale, and I believe US Triathlon magazines also sells some. There are also often local triathlon teams you can join that offer group training sessions. Finally, I am pretty sure there are even online triathlon coaches, so if you want someone to help you plot out a plan and answer questions and give you feedback. Go for it--I think triathlons are the best. I haven't done one in a while but I'm hoping I can get back to it after surgery. Enjoy!!

So excited for you! Check back in with us when you're able. Happy day!!

I'm so glad you asked this! (And that PdxMan answered it) I was really sweating this for exactly the same reason. I can't do my surgery for another few weeks just because of vacations and other issues, but I still plan to be strict on my diet and exercise... I've already fallen below 40 BMI but I still have a long way to go!!

Just found out that I'm APPROVED!!! I'm fairly sure I'll be scheduled for June (if not sooner---eeek!). Just got the letter from my insurance today, so I'll be talking to my doctor's office on Monday. I'm thrilled and a little scared but mostly HOPEFUL! Go Junies!!!

Before I gained my excess weight (but after babies), I did have a tummy tuck and hernia repair. There are many sites that talk about the surgery...I'm afraid I don't have anything to compare it to because it was my only big abdominal surgery (before now--just got approved--hooray!) Do you ahvea specific question? They can be done together, with coordination by the different surgeons (general surgeon for hernia repair and plastic surgeon for abdominoplasty). Hope that helps.

Oops I was also going to say that *maybe* (after checkign with your dr) you could do planks and bridges, but I would probabl avoid the serious core work like crunches and heavy rotations. Just my two cents!!

I don't have an answer for you, I'm sorry, but I wanted to congratulate on your effort--what a great example you're setting by getting on the cardio train! I'm heartened to hear that you can go so long on a bike so quickly after your surgery. Bravo for having the energy! Keep chugging along--wishing you well! I am waiting for my insurance approval..fingers crossed!

Good for you! Congrats--you are on your way!