2NewBeginningsxoxo

Thanks for the input. I already know I have a hiatal hernia - that will be fixed during surgery, I'm not worried about that.

You all look amazing. I am fast approaching getting my surgery date and it's becoming more real. I'm getting really nervous because I've been reading stories of people regretting their sleeve. Will I really miss not being able to eat as much on occasion? How badly is my hair going to fall out? Will I really be able to enjoy the foods I like again, eventually? These are all questions I'm asking myself lately.

My 6th (and final) month of a supervised weight loss program is coming up in a couple weeks! On Jan 6th I meet with my dietician that morning and then that same day, in the afternoon, I meet with the surgeon for the first time so we can discuss everything and start the process to get my EGD, and whatever else he decides, scheduled to then begin the approval process! I'm only worried about one thing. My job requires that my BMI be no more than 50 and I'm currently at 51. My dietician suggested losing 10 lbs and that should do it. My issue is, that with my Hypothyroid issue, my PCOS and severe edema, I have a really tough time losing weight. My weight fluctuates because of that. A few weeks ago when I was sick and off work for a week, being able to be home and prop my feet up I lost about 10lbs of Fluid weight but as soon as am up and moving around and working it comes back. I'm feeling a bit discouraged about that and I am stressing that I wont be able to lose the weight. I know that once I do the 2 week liquid pre-op diet I'm sure I will lose it, so I'm contemplating on starting a liquid diet this coming Monday until the 6th when I go back for my appointment so I will hopefully lose some. Can anyone relate or have any suggestions? What do you think about starting the liquid diet to try and lose some weight by the 6th? If so, what kind of things can you recommend other than broths and Protein shakes?

Hello! I did it! My appt went fabulous today - and believe me I did a lot of praying. I knew I had worked so hard and it paid off. My BMI went down from 51.7 to 50.4 and they said that is acceptable so they will write up my letter and submit it for approval sometime this week. I saw my surgeon today and got scheduled for my EGD on Jan 15th. I go back to see the surgeon for my post EGD on Jan 26th and if everything looks good I will get my surgery date that day! I'm so excited and a little nervous. It's suddenly becoming more real.

I really appreciate all of the encouragement! I've been doing fine. So far, although the scale fluctuates a pound or two, plus my edema issue - it looks like I've lost 7 pounds I'm still anxious about going to my upcoming (and last) meeting with my dietician. I just want to do really well and I want them to be pleased with my progress. I want to get the ball rolling on my insurance approval. Hopefully that should be very soon. I was a little bad today - my husband, daughter and I went shopping and had dinner at Olive Garden. I hope it didn't affect me too much! I'm jumping back on the wagon tomorrow and I'll be very strict from then until my appointment on Tuesday. Say a prayer for me and think good thought! I appreciate all of your comments and well wishes.

Hey all! I just really wanted to share this new app I found for my phone that keeps track of what you eat and counts calories for you. I am loving it! It's called Fat Secret Let me know if you currently use it or how it goes if you decide to try it!

Hey everyone So I've been doing a mostly liquid diet since Monday the 29th. The first day I had a headache and I wanted to eat so bad! The second day I didn't have a headache, but I became very irritable around lunch time. It's only been 4 days but I have already lost about 4-5 lbs, Yay! I'm getting the hang of it now, and I honestly don't feel like i'm starving. If I do eat a small amount, I just make sure it's something healthy, low cal and low carb. I've cut out soda all together and I'm feeling good - no longer really craving it. Here is an idea of how I've been eating .... Monday - breakfast: Meal replacement shake mixed with 1 cup of 2% milk, Lunch: chicken Soup broth only, Dinner: Half cup of chili and half cup of vanilla yogurt. Tuesday - breakfast: Meal replacement shake mixed with 1 cup of 2% milk, Lunch: 1 piece of grilled chicken, Dinner: beef broth and half cup of vanilla yogurt with some granola. Wed - breakfast: meal replacement shake with 1 cup 2% milk, Lunch: 1 cup of tuna salad, Dinner: 2 slices of pizza Thurs - breakfast: meal replacement shake with 1 cup of 2% milk and 1 small sausage patty, Lunch: Nothing, Dinner: 1 cup of sauerkraut and half cup of Tysons canned cooked white meat chicken. Keep in mind during the day's i'm also drinking lots of Water, some with crystal light and some unsweet tea with splenda. I've been trying to keep my calories around 1,000.

So I am definitely going to try the meal replacement shakes until my Jan 6th appointment. I am undecided if I should do nothing but meal replacement shakes or if I should do one for breakfast, lunch, snack and then eat a small dinner. what do you all suggest?

Thank you all for the great replies. I think I will give the shakes a try. I will keep you posted!

I've posted a few topics here lately and so many of you are so kind to give me your opinions and helpful tips. My mind has been racing ever since I found out that I am eligible for surgery in 6 months rather than 12 months. I'm very curious about this question ..... How many of you out there who have had surgery or are going to have surgery, also suffer from PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)? I was diagnosed about 7 years ago. I also have Hypothyroidism and Peripheral Edema. The edema I have dealt with for at least 13 yrs - I have been to many physicians including PCP, Endocrinologist, Cardiologist, back to another PCP, etc. Only in the past year have they come to the realization that my edema is just from my weight. That being said, the reason I have such a difficult time losing weight is in part because of the PCOS. My hormones are all out of sorts, my thyroid is wacky. With PCOS my doctor tells me without losing significant weight I am looking at becoming a diabetic in the near future which will only add to my issues. I don't want to become diabetic and I do want to be healthier. Those of you with PCOS and various other problems, after you had your surgery did your symptoms subside or go away completely? I'm really hoping that after this surgery not only will I lose weight and become much healthier, I'm also hoping that my PCOS, Edema and Thyroid issues will also go away. Who can relate?

Hi sleevers. So, I've just been thinking a lot since I found out my surgery time is coming up sooner than I originally thought. I want to be prepared as best as I possibly can, so I'm thinking out loud here I guess. My dietician told me I really need to start experimenting with Protein shakes and bars. So last week I found out that the Special K Protein Bars are pretty tasty. They contain about 8g of protein in each bar. I've had strawberry, chocolate Peanut Butter and chocolate caramel. I also discovered my newest and favorite Protein Drink. The drink is called Rockin' Refuel - it says it's a protein fortified lowfat milk. they have vanilla, strawberry and chocolate. I've only tried the chocolate because I'm a huge chocolate lover and it is delicious! Tastes just like regular chocolate milk. It contains 20g of protein in the 12oz bottle. So I will definitely be stocking up on these. I haven't tried any real protein powder yet. To be honest I'm a little afraid because I'm worried it will taste very chalky and have that definite taste of protein powder. Does anyone have any suggestions on which brands are best? I'm looking for something simple I can throw in a shaker and mix with fat free milk when I'm on the go. Has anyone tried the Isopure drinks? I'm very interested In those because they have 40g of protein. How do they taste? What about good tea's or other drinks? I'm also struggling with breakfast. I'm always in a rush in the mornings to get out the door. I now know I can grab a protein milk, but what have you all found is easy and very quick in the mornings that has a good amount of protein? I'm a meat eater so I get tired of oatmeal and breakfast bars but I also don't want to eat something like a sausage biscuit, lol. That would ruin the purpose. Since I know I will be losing weight rapidly, I've thought about going to thrift stores to find some clothing in a variety of sizes to prepare myself. I guess there's no real point in buying anything brand new right after surgery because I won't be able to wear it too long. Has anyone else done this? Will I need a liquid multi-Vitamin or will the gummy kind be ok even while on the liquid diet? I suppose I will just crush my other medications and eat them in applesauce? Any other tips on what I should do or buy to get prepared are appreciated!

MrsSugarbabe, Good luck to you as well! I know that beef jerkey has a lot of sodium but I do sometimes use that as a go to Protein boost in the mornings if I'm running behind. My Dietician knows this and said that it's good that I'm getting in lots of protein.

Although I'm still in the pre-op phase, I am on track to have surgery sometime around Jan / Feb. I am wondering - those of you who have already had surgery and are past the liquid and pureed diet are now eating. What do your plates look like on a typical day and what kind of liquids are you getting in? I would love some ideas. Thanks.

Thanks for the info

Thanks for the info, Steve and Glass. I just tried a Calcium chewable for the first time today and I am NOT a fan, yuck! I don't know if there is really an alternative though, so I may have to just deal with the taste I also did my monthly check in with my case manager today for my 5th month and everything is right on track! Along with my insurance changing the wait period from 12 months to only 6 months she also told me today that the psych evaluation is no longer needed. So I can cancel that appointment. One step closer!!!

All of you ladies look amazing! You've done such a great job!

Awesome info. Thanks! I think for now I'm going to hold off on the protein bars.

Thank you all so much! these are all great things I need to know and I appreciate that you all are taking the time to give me your opinions. One thing I did think about and did worry about are all the calories in the Protein milks and protein bars. I know a lot of them are made to cause you to gain some weight. One of my goals this week is to find a protein powder - mixed with fat free milk that would be a better choice, right? I'm also going to try IsoPure but rather than stock up I'll be sure to only buy a couple to start. Maybe protein bars aren't a good choice at all? If there are so many empty calories. All great stuff I will take into consideration.

Thanks for the advice! I am taking as many notes as I can. I'm hoping for surgery in Jan / Feb this coming year. Glad you're doing so well

Hi all. So if all goes well I should be ready for surgery in Jan / Feb of this coming year. Time is getting closer and I'm worried that I won't be prepared. I would love some opinions on what I can do to prepare myself. I'm most worried about having food prepared ahead of time so all I have to do is grab and go, or heat and eat. I'll ask a few questions below. Any help would be welcome. 1. What are some quick easy meals that I can prepare on the weekends so I'm set for the week? 2. What is a typical meal like post surgery? 3. What should I add to my list of things to buy right before surgery since I will be home and not able to be out and about right after (medicines, drinks, Snacks, etc)? 4. What did you drink during your liquid diet pre and post op? 5. What is the best thing I can do now to prepare myself for surgery? Thanks for the help!