SGL755

At this point, I don't have any regrets at all, since I've made it through the really difficult early post op stages. I seriously wondered for a while if I had done the right thing, though. I spent a lot of time worrying I would end up with a complication, and it made me think I shouldn't have taken the risk since I was so worried about it. Now that I'm seeing results and feeling well, I'm happy with my decision.

This forum and everything "sleeve"? I am such a couch potato but find myself constantly researching, thinking and chatting about my upcoming surgery. I literally can't get enough of watching Youtube, reading forums and blogs and listening (Dr. Alverez podcast {obesitychat} every Monday)to everyone and everything sleeve. I feel like I'm going crazy and it's making me even more anxious for my surgery on 6/30. I tell myself every night, I am going to watch t.v. and not think about it but it's like I can't help it. I reach for my Mac instead of my remote control. I find myself even logging in here while I'm at work. smh
I hate to keep mentioning my surgery date with everything I post, does anyone know how I can add my surgery date to the information under my blank picture?

I have just returned from Tijuana on 13 May 2014. Fabulous experience. My surgeon was Dr Fernando Garcia. 3 holes. No problems whatsoever. Highly recommend. Cost $4300 Florence Hospital

I don't cook. Very very rarely I will get in the kitchen. I've never really liked it and it's a waste of time and food for me. You can purchase food for every single phase, post surgery. Clear Soups like chicken broth, chicken noodle (just drain out the chicken and the noodles, the broth is delish), powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury Chicken Soup is pretty good. I bought one of those cup warmer things to keep it warm and near me. I couldn't drink it all before it got cold.
For the first 6 to 8 weeks, you won't be eating a lot. I went to Kroger and got broccoli cheese Soup, chili, chicken tortilla soup. Just stick them in the blender or strain the solids out ( just no Tomato Soup, it's too acidic. Well, my stomach doesn't like it anyway). You can get pre boiled eggs.. mash them up with some mayo and mustard, a little pickle juice, salt and pepper-- egg salad. Yummy, soft and about 5 grams of Protein. Yogurt, cottage cheese, refried Beans with cheese, mashed potatoes (at this point in your recovery, mashed potatoes won't make a huge difference. it'll be soft warm and filling). I like ham and bean soup, sent through the blender as well.
And don't forget your liquids! You can make suntea, sweetened with splenda or another alternative, or drink it plain. Water, juice (I drank white grape juice), diet snapple. There's also Isopure. Some people love the stuff. I wasn't too fond of it but there's, 40 grams of Protein per bottle! Check it out at your local GNC. I had to mask the flavor with some fruit juice.

Further along you will find that you can get a lot of things lowcarb. Just ask for no bun or a lettuce wrap-- Wendy's will serve their chicken/burgers on a bed of lettuce with a knife and a fork. Hardees/Carl's Jr sells all of their burgers Lowcarb-wrapped in lettuce leaves. Jimmy Johns has the Unwich which is any of their sandwiches wrapped in lettuce instead of bread, or chopped on a bed of lettuce like a salad. Same with subway.
And if they don't serve it that way, you can make it that way. It never hurts to ask. On the weekends, like Friday night I go through the drive thru at KFC and get a 4 piece in their grilled recipe. I take the skin off because I don't eat skin and at home I pair it with bagged salad or sometimes I can get myself to steam some vegetables to go with it. It doesn't take much to fll me up at all. ALSO Atkins has really great frozen lowcarb meals. The chicken broccoli alfredo is excellent.

Hey guys, I'm Becky and I'm new here. I have been stalking the forums for a couple days and decided to start a post. I'll be keeping an updated log of my progress with pictures, weight, and measurements so be sure to check back!
Here's my story:
I'm 19 and have been morbidly obese since middle school. I was extremely athletic when I was young, gymnastics and competitive cheer along with riding horses since I was 5. I was always bigger than other kids but mostly it was muscle. My parents got divorced when I was 8 and it ripped my world apart, I had issues with depression and ended up going on Zyprexa which is now I believe off the market due to the insane weight gain. I gained 100 lbs over 4 months, it was CRAZY! I stopped cheering shortly after because I was too heavy to be wearing a skimpy uniform. So, that just made me gain more weight and lose muscle. I was heavy in high school and it just kept getting worse. I have dieted and can get down to 200 lbs but it all comes right back when you stop the diet. My weight really holds me back emotionally and I'm starting to get high blood pressure, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, etc. I'm now in college to get my BSN (nursing school) and am in a sorority. I have been with my boyfriend for over a year and he is my other half, we live together and are really happy. He is also overweight and is trying dieting, he supports me 100% and is right there cheering me on with every step I take. I'm extremely lucky to have him with me and he promises to take good care of me after I get out of surgery. My mom is also a huge part of my life and support system, she is my best friend and my own personal cheerleader. Between her and Matt, I'll be in great hands post-op. So, my life pretty much rocks and losing weight would just be the icing on the cake so I can't wait until I slim back down! Maybe, I could even cheer in college...that would be a dream come true!
So far my journey has been wonderful, I became interested in the sleeve after my most recent weight loss fail and am at my highest weight ever! I started calling around early November looking for a surgeon who could get me in before the end of the year. I found Dr. Ricks in St. Louis and his nurses said it'd be tight but was possible. I went in the next week for my first appointment and good goly gosh is he just the sweetest guy you will ever meet. He's got a bedside manner that rivals any doctor I've ever worked with, I instantly felt comforted. We chatted for about an hour and he answered all of my questions, he set up some tests for the next week and off I went. I went in for testing and to meet with the nutritionist which all went smooth as can be and then I awaited a call letting me know about insurance. After 2 weeks, I got that magical call letting me know that I'm approved for surgery! We set up a date, December 19th which is the week after finals. I go in for my nutrition class and my blood work Monday then surgery the next week. Luckily I'm only on clears and shakes for 3 days prior to surgery...so no dying of hunger for weeks like others have to endure!
Starting weight: 260
Starting measurements:
Arm: 18”
Forearm: 12.5”
Hips: 54.5”
Waist: 44”
Bust: 48.5”
Thigh” 30”
Calf: 17.5”
Shoulders: 52”
Neck: 16”
Here are my before pictures:






I'll be sure to keep you guys updated as the days fly by!

Sounds like a good compromise, Denise! After smoking for over 35 years, and trying everything to quit, the best thing for me was to just put them down and walk away. Of course, I was under the threat of dying in a little over 7 years if I didn't quit. It was three hard days and then it was over. My husband watched in total disbelief and a month after I quit, he quit his oral tobacco habit (snuff). He did it the same way, just put it down and it took him two major eating days and that was it! YOU CAN DO IT!! It's easier than you think! You just have to be mentally ready for it and neither of us cut down. When we tried that it was torture because every cigarette was counted, the dread was constant, reminders every time I lit up. Good luck in reaching both goals! It's a new year!