gardengirlnp

excited, anxious...trying to get postoperative foods and supplements in order. Also swapping out winter clothes (Massachusetts) and ambivalent about packing up big summer clothes vs donating right now. I want to believe that I will never need them again.

I'm on 11/18!

Im scheduled for the 18th, starting pre op diet tomorrow....still waiting to hear from insurance. So stressful!

I am on the 18th as well!

Yes, I am scheduled for 11/18. Finished the pre-ops, and I started pre-op diet on Monday. Getting nervous!

Get rid of 'em!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

excited, anxious...trying to get postoperative foods and supplements in order. Also swapping out winter clothes (Massachusetts) and ambivalent about packing up big summer clothes vs donating right now. I want to believe that I will never need them again.

I didn't share it just like I don't share most of my medical issues with people. Also, I don't need to explain myself to anyone. I'm a 41 year old adult and if I am perfectly capable of making a decision and do not need or want to hear about your cousin's second cousin twice removed that died. So, I have spared myself the inevitable conversation where I tell them I'm a nurse and know how to research and have done so for 2 years prior to my decision and any procedure has the risk of death. The couple of people I did tell after I was asked directly pretty much reminded me why I don't volunteer information.
But at the end of the day... each individual has the right to disclose or not disclose that information. There is no right or wrong answer, just personal preference.

Since the topic was so eloquently brought up, I thought I would share MY reason for not telling the public at large about my decision to have WLS. No, I am not ashamed, embarrassed nor am I being dishonest with myself. I am not protecting myself from ridicule or dissension and I do not care if my decision is a popular one or unpopular. I know I've shared this before, so pardon me if I bore you with a repeat.

I am a mom, a wife and a successful business owner. I am the VP of my HOA, I have held dozens of positions on the PTA both locally and nationally. I work with my sorority undergrad group, I volunteer at a women's shelter, I work with special needs children. I do mud runs, zumba and am a training instructor at my martial arts school. I organize charity 5ks, lock ins and I used to be a girl scout leader. I was a theater major before I wizened up about my talents and now I am a theater mom. I can't sing, but I can dance when I've had a few cocktails. I can cross one eye while leaving the other one straight. I've been skiing double black diamonds all my life and I am a diamond certified gemologist. I am currently writing a book on my field of business. I have broken my nose 4 times doing stupid things and still don't have a bump. I had a brain tumor. Both of my kids attend special high schools for extremely gifted children and they obviously get it from me, not my husband whom I've been married to for 20 years. I drive a minivan but I prefer to go offroading in a jeep. I am white Water certified in a kayak and a canoe. I have a wicked sense of humor and I hug strangers randomly. I am pro-choice, a libertarian, and a gay right's advocate. I could bore you with more, but I am sure that is more than enough to digest for ow.

I am *so much more* than someone who has had WLS. I would much prefer to learn about the person I am with than explain what a sleeve is. I don't care for my weight loss to be the center of conversation every time I see someone nor do I feel the need to be the advocate for such a personal decision.
When people ask, I tell them the truth. I sought the advice of a doctor and nutritionist. I follow a low carb, high Protein diet. I shake my ass a *lot*. I am eating healthier and have made the right choices for *me* to be successful at weight loss. I owe no one any more than that.

It is up to me to choose how I want to be defined. My choice is NOT as a WLS patient. If you choose differently, so be it. I will not judge you or shame you nor will I try to decide for you. Your body, your choice. Run with it.

I went to see a Broadway play 2 weekends ago and it's amazing how much bigger they've made those theater seats since the last time... oh, wait... it's not the seat that's bigger, my butt's that much smaller!
Saw the pulmonologist Tuesday to officially dump the sleep apnea machine since I don't need it anymore (woot woot!). She told me how great I looked and said "you look like you're at the weight you're meant to be." How great of a compliment is that and I took it for all it was worth even though I still want to get down about 20 more.

So yesterday I was at the grocery and I grabbed a hand basket thinking I was only getting a few things. A few turned into a bunch and my basket was quite heavy about halfway through the market. I hefted my basket up onto my hip (which used to be quite ample) and it slid right down my leg. Hmmm.... I tried again. And again. I seriously couldn't figure out WHY my basket didn't rest comfortably on my side like it always has. It took about 3 minutes of pondering this phenomenon before I realized I no longer have big wide cushiony hips on which to rest whatever it is I might need to carry. I seriously chortled with glee startling the produce man. HA!

Last week I had a girls' weekend away with my besties. We loaded up the luggage cart with all our stuff and I took my usual place behind the cart as the one who is designated to push it through the lobby. (I'm the only one who can be trusted not to mow innocent people down.) I couldn't budge it. I pushed and I heaved and I shoved that cart and it wouldn't move. I pulled it with all my might. Nope. One hundred plus pounds less of me wasn't going to move it no matter how hard I tried. So bizarre.
The ocean was another weird experience for me. I was a lifeguard growing up, both ocean and pool. I am a swimmer and I was even at my fattest. This summer was my first summer in 20+ years "thin". I was tossed around like a rag doll, totally off balance, barely able to gain footing because there is so much less of me. Oh, and I no longer float like I used to. In fact, I sink like a stone unless I give it a whole lotta effort. SO SO not what I'm used to.

I love the NSVs like fitting in a theater seat with my purse next to me, shopping in any store, passing by people in narrow aisles without rubbing them with my butt, etc. but some of these off the wall things really throw me off guard and it takes me a while to figure out what the heck is going on.

You?

@@L2me did you get approval? On for the 18th? That's my date

i am interested

Yes, I am interested! My date is Nov. 17 and with the pre-op diet plan coming up, my anxiety, preparing for THE day, etc., it would be wonderful to have support of those going through the same thing especially at the same time.

✨I'm on for November 18th! Will be great to have and be part of a supporting network. Let's reclaim our lives!✨

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!

GENEPRO http://www.musclegen.net/ .... this is oderless and tasteless and does not clump. You can add it to hot or cold....or just sprinkle over your food. This stuff is great. One tablespoon equals a scoop of whey and has 30 grams of Protein. It is approved by John Hopkins and has 96% absorbtion. You can also order it from Amazon. I fix a Crystal Light and add an scoop.....keep it on my desk and sip on it all day. You can order samples from their site at http://www.musclegen.net/ . Just click shop and it is listed as "Genepro Sample Pack". You get two 1TB pouches which are 30g of Protein each. They are currently $2.00 each pack plus shipping.

i would love to join the FB page as well. I would also rather join a secret one right now, I haven't told a lot of people yet. Surgery date is November 24th. Thanks very much!

There is already a fb group for November sleevers. Check it out! We have some great conversations going on.

There is a great group on face book called November 2014 Sleevers Everyone Welcome. Join us if you want some active discussions and chat with fellow sleevers about pre and eventually post op life. It's the best group I'm involved with on FB.

Yesterday was my day of pre-testing, had a chest X-ray, EKG, upper GI and 12 tubes of blood plus meeting with the Hospitalist, Nutitionist, Physical Theraphy, it was a long day from 6:30-1:30 but very helpful, I start my pre-surgery diet on nov.
4th and surgery is Nov. 18th, my diet consist of 3 Protein Drinks, 2 lean cusine meals and 64 oz of liquid a day for 14 days!

Today I went to The Vitamin Shoppe to look for some samples of Protein Shakes and they recommended Isopure premixed Protein waters. 40grams of protein and 0 carbs/sugars. I bought 4 different flavors to try. I will let you guys know how they taste. I'm super excited about not having to mix anything

✨I'm on for November 18th! Will be great to have and be part of a supporting network. Let's reclaim our lives!✨

Has anyone taken "Before" pics? If so, any tips on what to wear, where to take pics, poses?

✨I'm on for November 18th! Will be great to have and be part of a supporting network. Let's reclaim our lives!✨