ldg

Oh my, sounds like you are really going through it! I have no words of wisdom to offer, but will be praying for your quick recovery!

My husband took me to The Nutcracker last night. Sixty pounds ago it would have been very difficult. We parked a block away, then climbed flights of stairs at the venue, then down those scary little nearly vertical stairs into balcony seats. But I had no problem, even though I wore (not very high) heels. And I consented to having a picture taken. (Wildly out of character.) This surgery has saved my life in so many ways. I can't wait to see what next Christmas brings. Here's hoping you all had a wonderful holiday, and here's to our bright days ahead.

Hey guys! It's Sarah again! So I'm 8 days out from surgery and down 15 pounds
Here are my stats:
Highest Weight - 375 (January 2014)
Surgery Weight - 337
Current Weight - 322
THAT'S 53 POUNDS I'VE LOST IN A YEAR!!! I still have 160lbs to go but I feel that it's better to focus on the positive right now and show just how big of a difference -50 pounds is.
Here's a before and current pic-

I'm so excited! I can see little differences everywhere! My boobs are smaller, my legs are smaller, my waist is smaller, my face is smaller! I'm so proud of myself! AND I lost most of that weight pre-op so wooooo!!
So pretty much I just want to encourage others to take a minute and Celebrate how far you've come instead of how far left you have to go. Think positive! Let yourself see the changes. You are awesome!

Hi Tori, so glad to see another SENC person on here! I am getting sleeved today (12/8) by Dr. Hooks at NHRMC. Would love to keep in touch!

Hi I'm Tori, I had the Sleeve done by Dr. David Miles at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, NC on Sept. 9th, 2014. Want to connect with others in the Cape fear area!

my surgery is set for Dec 8 as well! just over 2 weeks away. my preop diet (low carb, low calorie) starts Monday. So excited!

So I saw this design on-line and I made my own first "sleeve tummy"ornament out of clay!! I put the surgery date on the back! Oh, it's going on the tree! Cracks the family up!

My BMI was 38 when I was approved for the surgery. As little as six months ago it was 33. I, like many of you was tired of the continual weight yo-yo over the course of 30 years. I want to be healthy and not be ruled by my food. My decision to have the sleeve was me wanting to "eat to live", rather than "live to eat". I was frustrated after dieting and exercising and losing weight and gaining it all back plus more my entire adult life. I recently developed some comorbidities, blood pressure medication this year, severe sleep apnea, and my blood sugar was slowly creeping through the pre-diabetic stages. The heavier I got, the less I wanted to exercise, and the heavier I got... A vicious circle! it also seemed like I was always hungry and didn't have a full mark.I started to consider my own mortality, with my 50th birthday quickly approaching (it is November 29). I was approved on November 3 and my surgery date was November 18, 2014. I am now today one week post surgery and I feel that this is the best decision that I have ever made! my doctor takes the removed stomach during surgery, stitches it up and filled it with air and measures it. I talked him out of a photograph of mine. It is the most incredible thing I have ever seen, my huge stomach laying on a table. He told me that he was surprised if I ever felt full because my stomach was one of the largest that he has seen, and he is operated on people 500 pounds and up. Whenever I feel frustrated about this liquid diet that I am halfway through, I take a look at that picture and I always feel better! After seven days I have lost almost 20 pounds, I am walking between 2 1/2 and 3 miles per day and I feel fantastic. I am getting at least 60 g of Protein per day and getting down at least 80 ounces of Water per day, even though that KL drinking water at least every 30 minutes all day long. The weight is falling off and I feel like I am no longer ruled by what I eat. I am even looking forward to having some cream of chicken Soup during Thanksgiving while my family is stuffing themselves on turkey and dressing. Maybe I'll have some chocolate pudding (sugar-free of course) for my 50th birthday Saturday!I I am 6 foot two, was 307 pounds on the Thursday before surgery at my preop appointment, 301 pounds last Tuesday when I checked in, and today I was 286. I am not hungry, 4 ounces of water makes me feel full, and I I am getting sufficient nutrition on the liquid diet, but I really can't wait until next week when I get to go to puréed food and actually chew something again. I know that I am at the beginning stages of my journey, but I feel as if I have turned the corner on my path to a healthier life!

Would LOVE to find another female have the sleeve on Dec.8/14 to speak with via text and help each other through the first several months!! Thanks!!

Hi Bariatric Family!
I was approved for the sleeve about one month ago and my surgery date is 12/8. I am super excited yet uber nervous. My belief in God and my faith is strong so I know I will be fine. I'm just ready for the nervous jitters to go away and to be on the other side of the process.

@@Ronab My surgery isn't until 12/18 but I started prepping a few weeks ago. Here's what I've done.
3 weeks ago I slowly weaned myself off caffeine.
2 weeks ago I gave up alcohol and started chewing each SMALL bite of food 30 times.
1 week ago I started REALLY pushing getting my Water in.
This past weekend I had my last carbonated beverage and am now Water or Decaf tea only.
This week I also started a liver/kidney detox tea.
This week I am also replacing 1 meal a day with a Protein shake, just to get in gear for my 2 week pre-op diet that starts on 12/4.
On the Monday after Thanksgiving I am going to start 2 shake replacements a day.
Another thing I have done is I took a cardboard box and covered it in a really pretty paper (the kind with the sticky back) and I'm keeping all my pre-op and post-op items in there. I have several brands and samples of Protein shakes, a new thermometer, GENEPRO, Biotene mouth spray, Gas-X strips, lip balm (for hospital), a Glade plug-in (for hospital), a brand new water bottle, and other things.

Hi Everybody! I am looking forward to following everyone on their new journey. I got my date....December 3rd. Cannot wait - like a kid waiting for Christmas. Just can't wait to see all of the success that comes to us all! Good luck and may the time fly by.

My surgery is December 11 in TJ. Start my preop diet day after Thanksgiving, l am trying to cut back , weening myself off coffee so that it won't be cold turkey. Tried Protein Shake that was recommended and I really like. Premier Protein. Going to SAMs today to get a couple of 12 pks. Heard tastes changes after surgery, so I won't go overboard with buying a lot of stuff. Getting a little obsessive and reading as much as I can. Just can't wait to get it over with , so I can start this journey.

@@kymmiej11
Dec 30 sounds like a great time to have the surgery to me! you'll start the new year off as a new person! As to having to do the whole preop/postop diet over the holidays, I have been on diets before through the holidays and it didn't kill me, so i know i can do it again. Best of luck to you!

I am also hoping for a Dec surgery date. I meet with my surgeon on Thursday and hopefully will get a date then. Still have to get insurance approval. Anyone else have people think you're crazy for doing this over the holidays? I think it will be the best Christmas (and birthday - my birthday is Dec. 13) present ever!

Just got word yesterday that I am approved and scheduled for Dec. 8th!

I am in. I have a date of Dec 10 in Mt View. Which is also my birthday. Should be a great bday gift to myself . Love to hear from all those Dec Sleevers....

Last year on my 45th Birthday (November 4) I told myself it was time to make a major change in my life. For 23 years I've not liked what I've seen in the mirror so I decided to make a change. After a lot of research I chose to chose to be "sleeved". I just got my surgery date and its November 13th! I'm so hyped and ready to do this. In order to encourage my kids I often tell them a year will pass regardless of what you do but where you'll be at the end of that year is up to you. I choose to be a thinner, healthier me.

I am also hoping for a Dec surgery date. I meet with my surgeon on Thursday and hopefully will get a date then. Still have to get insurance approval. Anyone else have people think you're crazy for doing this over the holidays? I think it will be the best Christmas (and birthday - my birthday is Dec. 13) present ever!

Sorry... I can't see what I type on new threads started on my kindle...So have to reply to my own post to actually share anything!
I am an outgoing person...will talk to anyone anywhere kinda woman . I dont mean to brag, but I have received very positive feedback about my looks since losing weight from both men and other women. So.... I keep wondering why nobody asks me out..Haha. seriously I have been thinking about this and one major factor is that I suck at flirting and tend to not even recognize when a man is flirting with me. I can come up with several examples of a complete stranger talking to me about my horse, my truck or my car or something...and 3 days later, I think to myself..."hey, I wonder if he was interested in ME?" many missed opportunities to perhaps get a date or at least an ego boost

I am sure this is a self defense mechanism from a lifetime of obesity.
So today...drumroll please...I didn't suck! I went on a long ride with friends and two of us met for a late lunch/early dinner afterwards. We park our truck and trailer with horses inside while we eat. As I returned to my rig, I walked by a guy with a boat hitched to his truck and he said "is that your horse?" The cowboy boots might have been a clue. I nodded and he went on to say, I hope you dont mind I peeked in on her...beautful palomino (a horse color term). I thanked him for the compliment and was walking away when he talked about his ex girlfriend being into horses and that he wasn't into them but respected the hobby. He then started telling me about his passions, talked about my truck etc....and the wheels started turning...maybe he wants to talk to me. So, I engaged in a great conversation about many subjects. I can turn on the charm...
He then told me his friend helped him pull the boat out of moorage for the summer and was inside buying bandages for a slight injury....friend shows up and he's a real firecracker.... He got into the truck to bandage his wounds and made the occasional funny remark like.. "Did K mention he owns an airplane?" A minute later he says... "and he has a barn...but sadly no horses in it" . Oh and later he says "k is actually single too". He was being funny but it definitely helped the clueless (me) get a hint.
So a few minutes later it was feeling like our conversation was wrapping up...normally I would have wished him a good evening and drove off....but instead I said "I'd like to talk to you more". So he asked for my number!
Now the important part is not whether he calls or not..important thing is that I read the signs and gave him an opening! I usually put up a polite wall and it is no wonder nobody asks for my number or asks me out. This is major skill development for me. I have been practicing that sort of social e engagement with other women and have made some new friends but this is the first time I have successfully expressed interest in a complete stranger. Woohoo!

I am 6 months out and I would definitely do it again. The high points are too many to list...I can shop in regular stores for clothes. I feel fabulous, not only from the weight loss, but from eating so much healthier. I feel more confident out in public. The best part is I know I don't have to worry about ever being on a diet again.
The low point is probably the C. diff infection I got 6 weeks postop. This wasn't a direct surgery related complication (got it from antibiotics I took for a tooth infection) but not being able to drink a lot because of my tiny sleeve complicated things a bit. I had severe diarrhea, so I got dehydrated and needed IV fluids 3 times. As for the preop and post op diet restrictions, I really didn't have a problem with any of it. It's just part of the process and if you really want it, the tiny sacrifice of a liquid diet for a month or so shouldnt be a big deal. My surgery experience was great...it was like being on vacation with my sister and I really had no postop pain.
After about 4 months, I could eat anything I want and I do. I get hungry and eat every 3-4 hours. I make good choices, go for Protein and veggies first and drink lots of Water. I avoid carbs and processed food, but I have had ice cream, deserts, chips and alcohol on occasion. The only thing I've given up for good is carbonated beverages. Anything else is fair game as far as I'm concerned. I don't track or measure anything so I have no idea what my carb/calorie/protein intakes are. I take my Vitamins and I do still have one big Protein Drink (24-32oz / 30-40g protein) everyday so I don't have to think about hitting Fluid and Protein goals. I have at least 7 different Protein shakes in my house and along with Torani syrups, I never get bored with the flavors.
Good luck. Remember, this really is all about attitude and you will be successful and happy if you keep your eye on the end goal and don't get wallowed down on all the little things that come along.

My Dr. uses a 2 week low carb (<60 grams), low fat diet for 2 weeks prior to surgery, with the day before being Clear Liquids only. This is to shrink the liver. He didn't have any specific requirements for the weeks prior to this diet, although I have been following the nutritionist's recommendations and have lost about 20 pound on that so far.

Hi LDG we are having it the same day ☺ excited but nervous.

I had surgery on 10/22. Thought I would share a few things I learned to help others before surgery.
-stick to your pre-op diet. Don't cheat. I had two weeks of only liquids, stuck to it and my liver was still big. Luckily doc could still do it.
-if they offer a binder to wear after surgery, take it. If not, ask for one. I could not believe the difference it made. I wear mine even when sleeping. Makes turning over much easier.
- gas-x strips will be your best friend. Pack them to take with you to hospital.
-walk, walk, walk, walk. As soon as you can. Bug your nurses if you need help getting up.
-ask your doc if you can take crushed pills (any of your regular pills) in applesauce. My doc suggested Greek yogurt and I couldn't do it. Was way too bitter. Applesauce made a world of difference.
-if you are a side sleeper, I found putting a pillow under my belly while sleeping helps a lot.
-to stay hydrated, I take 3 sips every commercial while watching TV. I sure don't want to end up back in the hospital for dehydration.
-it may be tough to get your Protein. I have no appetite. I freeze my shakes and eat them like ice. Helps some.
I know I'm just a few days out, but these are some important things I've learned. Hope it helps someone else. So excited for my new journey!

Just got word yesterday that I am approved and scheduled for Dec. 8th!