MrsSugarbabe

Sure, you can. You must remember the procedure is only a tool. You must commit to maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. I am 4 weeks out and am not craving foods like I did the first two weeks. For 2 weeks after my surgery, I was on Pinterest daily looking at cheeseburgers, cake, cupcakes, steak, cheesesteaks, and jelly donuts, mad as hell with myself for having a surgery that prevents me from eating that stuff. It was like food porn! LOL But I also knew that I did not lay on the operating table, get anesthetized, and have part of my stomach amputated just to go back to bad habits.
Make sure you go to support group meetings, talk to your doctor and NUT. If you have a lot of anxiety about gaining weight back, see a therapist who specializes in eating disorders but most of all learn to take care of yourself first! Take some nutrition classes too. That's a huge help.
My problem is I still crave Dt. Pepsi. I swear Walter White delivered cases to my house daily prior to my surgery decision. I'd put one in the freezer until it got to that ice-cold-but-not-frozen point. Everyday after work.......that is how I relaxed. But now I can't touch a drop and its making me crazy. On the other hand, I'd rather suffer through the cravings than to give in and be sorry later. That Dt. Pepsi will hurt going down and can increase my pouch. Will I abstain forever from a bubbly drink? Not likely but it will be a long time before I have a few small sips.
Just remember, your will is stronger than you think and once you start to feel better, look better, and manage stress better you'll be just fine.

I'm 10 months out and have been able to tolerate whatever I like in small quantities since about month 5. I eat bread, rice, fruit skins, chocolate, popcorn and on occasion drink alcohol. For me, there are no "forbidden" foods. I am painfully aware that if I get complacent I can fail at this so I still weigh and measure and keep a meticulous food journal so I know what's going in\burning off. I exercise 5x per week and wear a pedometer. All the exercise\steps synch their calories into MFP so I know whether I'm over or under. I focus on the traditional bariatric diet of Protein first, but if I want a treat with less nutrition, work it into my day. For example, I get a Weight Watchers ice cream almost daily. Today I am a bit below goal and trying to figure out maintenance. I was able to manage my weight loss eating what I like with the addition of exercise and consistent food logging. It will have to be a lifetime commitment if I hope to maintain my weight loss.

Getting sleeved is not a magical solution to weight loss -- it's a tool -- a great tool to get you to change your eating habits, from huge portions to smaller portions, from bad foods that are not good for you to healthy foods and make a lifestyle change. It's a "forever" lifestyle people! When you get sleeved and lose all this weight so soon it's a huge incentive to want to stay this way, lighter and healthier so you use that "tool" which was your WLS to stay eating right for life. Your mind will still want the huge portions and the food that's not healthy for you but it's up to you to say to your mind, nope, I went through surgery, I lost all this weight, I will keep being good and keep the weight off and stay healthy and happy and fit!
I'll tell you from my own experience, I've lost 50 lbs, I still have about 35 more to go and I will never gain the weight back. I love how I feel, how I look, how others praise me all the time, and yes it's not easy and yes the wanting all the bad foods is still there but I will fight it endlessly and continue to enjoy the new me!
Good luck to us all... let's fight this and stay healthy!

Dumping syndrome is very rare for sleevers, much more common for bypass patients.
Unless you abuse your sleeve very badly you will maintain restriction in terms of how much you eat in one sitting, but yes, you will be able to eat more at a year out than you could at 2 months.
People can 'eat around' any weight loss surgery. If I wanted to, I could nosh on M & M's, triscuits, and french fries all day long as long as I ate slowly. Sip milkshakes while doing it. And I would put on a ton of weight.
The truth is (as my surgeon says) - anyone over the age of 30 with a BMI in the normal range has to work on it. And that includes people who have had weight loss surgery. IMO if you are not willing to work, no surgery, diet, or exercise plan is ever going to help you be successful. But the stats show you that people who have weight loss surgery are MUCH more successful in maintaining a significant weight loss than those who don't have it. This tool improves your odds greatly - but yes, you have to be willing to work.

I was raised in the clean-plate club, more because my parents didn't have any extra money to waste. It was a big no-no to throw food away. My dear beloved father even used to drink the brine from Pickle Juice and things like that. Nothing was thrown out. I call it "thrift eating." I have carried that behavior into adulthood, doing things like cleaning my kids' plates if they didn't want to finish. Now I can't do any of that any more. And I am finding it liberating. I am done--my sleeve says so--and what I don't finish is tossed out. Who knew this could be fun?
I suppose I could save leftovers, but who wants to eat a little piece of turkey burger or whatever? I'm not saying I throw everything away. But it's a lovely feeling to be free of the guilt of tossing what is left on my plate.

@@BeenGym'N
like others above correctly have said - don't be concerned about the absence of your C-PAP during surgery
as others also said, "you are being monitered carefully"
doc won't let you CROAK
he would worry about getting paid
i wore a CPAP for 3 years pre-op
2 months PO
went for another sleep study
found out a couple weeks later
NO MORE C-PAP
(because of weight loss)
other health issues (ie blood pressure, diabetes etc) will also improve/or be eliminated
3+ weeks before WLS
you are on the right road to a healthier, happier, longer life
enjoy the ride
good luck
speedy recovery
kathy

My very first post to BP was about Water. Now, many months out, I can drink Water nicely, and get 3-4 gooood swallows at a time, wait a few, then more of the same.
The taste of it never changed for me; I just hated that I couldn't guzzle water as before. Still can't guzzle, but it is definitely reasonably good for a water-lover.

I'm sitting here drinking Water right now, and it tastes just fine. I'ts hard to lose your taste for something that's basically tasteless. I think you'll be okay.

I just got home from the hospital yesterday. Had my sleeve surgery on Tuesday. I was worried about that too because I love my Water and am very happy that I can still drink it without problems.

Dear Cindy this is your
LOVE LETTER TO YOURSELF
Jeremiah 29:11 You can do this! YOU have for this! The old will be gone The "New" will come Jesus Loves You! YOU ARE THE DAUGHTER OF A KING! Remember when times get tuff, YOUR WHY... A DAUGHTER that calls you MOMMY Cindy you where created for GREATNESS! I BELIEVE IN YOU Water SIP Protein & walk! Then REPEAT Cindy remember your weight loss journey begins in your MIND & SPIRIT You are creating Health & Abundance CINDY LOVE YOURSELF. Take care of your NEW self! THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU FOR BEING PART OF MY ‪#‎weightlossjourney‬.
FOLLOW me ON ‪#‎youtube‬ & watch the video Love Letter to myself the night before Vertical Sleeve surgery! http://www.cindyvirden.com
HW 268
SW 250
CW 242.8
TL 25.2 pounds
TL since surgery on August 4, 2014 7.2 pounds
‪
#‎vsg‬ ‪#‎verticalsleevegastrectomy‬ ‪#‎verticlesleeve‬ ‪#‎gastricband‬ ‪#‎gastricbypass‬ ‪#‎gastricsleeve‬ ‪#‎weightlosssurgery‬ ‪#‎bariatricsurgery‬ ‪#‎bariatricfood‬

So 4 hours of a lot of information! Wow. Surgery is 8/15/14 @1:30pm Woo hoo

I'm in the parking lot waiting for my 8am appointment for a 4 hour pre op. It will be 7 days from now and I'll be pulling up to have my surgery. My heart is in my throat when I think about it but I'm excited and ready. I'm not sure about what all they will do today. I know I'll have my picture taken and weighed in and told what to expect the day of surgery, but that's it. Here we go.

I hope one thing that happens with every WLS patient is that they grant themselves more power in the doctor-patient relationships they have going forward.
Two of my relatives are high-end healthcare insurance brokers to companies. Over the last few years, they have taught me well that, regarding my healthcare, I am THE CUSTOMER. And that the doctors, the hospitals, and other healthcare workers who minister to me are my SERVICE PROVIDERS.
That has changed my whole perspective. That's not to say I try to diagnose or treat myself. But I really understand that I have the right to shop around, to question, to doubt, to debate (respectfully), and to make the final decision regarding my own care and where and from whom I receive it and ... big deal, here ... how much I will pay for it.
Consequently, I have learned to haggle with healthcare providers. I have learned a lot about how much they all get paid and what determines their prices and when I'm getting a great deal and when I'm getting played like a carny mark.
I am always polite. I see my best healthcare providers as wonderful assets and as my full partners with me to manage my healthcare. I appreciate that they, too, get to decide with whom they will work.
And that's as it should be.

I went to a doctor for over 10 years. He told me on several occasions that he would never agree for me to have WLS. I changed doctors and the first thing my new doctor asked me if I had ever thought about WLS surgery? I ordered my records from the other doctor (my insurance required five years). They sent me the records on a disk. Before I went to see the WLS surgeon I had complete records on what my insurance (BCBS) required in hand. The insurance clerk was so surprise....said she had never had a patient bring everything in with them. After I had all of my test ran...they submitted my claim on a Friday and the insurance approved it on Tuesday....never dreamed they would approve so fast.

I had the same issues and worries..
I had a new primary that I'd seen a handful of times over the past 2 years and my old primary who saw me all my life up until 16 when I moved so I had not seen her in 7-8 years. I went into the new primary who I really like she's super chill and easy to talk to so I explained the situation (she has none of my past records) and she wrote me a letter no problem. I also got a letter from my OB because most of my issues with weight have been related to infertility..
Had everything sent in early last month and was approved, Surgery September 8th.

You can also get this letter from an on gyn, you asthma doc - pulmonologist, your endocrinologist etc. I wouldn't let this letter stop you. Good luck!

Make sure your current doc has your complete file from your previous doc, and make an appointment to see your current doc to discuss everything and see where he stands. I think as long as he has your complete file and talks to you about it, the chances are good he will sign a letter for you.
If he won't, talk to your surgeon's office and see if they can recommend a new primary doc that they work with and who they think should be more realistic and flexible in terms of signing off on surgery. Chances are your surgeon works with lots of local primary care physicians on a regular basis and will be able to refer you to someone who will help your health care instead of hinder it. Good luck!

This is so awesome! Much of what I've come to understand about this community is so fantastic. You're all so supportive, which in the world we live in is saying something to begin with. The nerves come and go, as I suspect they will through out the process. However, for the first time in my life I'm making a choice to be a priority. I'm a people pleaser by nature and find I'm often shuffled to the bottom (if I make it at all) of the list. I've always been heavy, as I said women's sizes since grade school, up until a couple if years ago I was comfortable as I was, but as I moved through turning 30 and beyond my body doesn't heal as quickly from my athsma and allergy related issues, my joints ache, and I who have loved to be in the center of everything through photos, adventures, and the like have started to pull back. It's just time to accept that all the diets are not for me, and start working on me. I'm excited (and nervous) to start the process but I'm really glad I get to do it with all of you!

my final straw was a culmination of MANY factors. First off, i realized at 38 years old i was taking around 15 pills a day, all for ailments that were directly related to me being obese. no other reason, other than i was fat. enough.
Next, i got to a point where i could not to anything i needed to at work or at home. i was doing enough at work to be productive, but not even close to the level i had when i was in shape. at home, i could only sit in a chair and watch my kids play. couldn't do anything with them, just watch.
Next, i realized that i had a serious food addiction. i was eating more portions than my husband, i would wait until he went outdoors in the evenings to Water flowers and such, and then eat even more!
Next, several doctors told me that i was killing myself and if i didn't take it seriously, i would not be here in 10 years. i had developed this cough that i just assumed was like an asthma type thing (self-diagnosing nurse). post op i found out it was a serious issue with my heart that would have eventually caused heart failure...it's totally gone now!
Next, I realized that i wanted to LIVE, not just exist, but really enjoy my life. there are so many things my family and i want to do together and there wasn't a chance of ANY of it before surgery.
Lastly, I realized one day that i needed to do this for ME. i had been so busy taking care of my kids, family, work, etc for so long I had completely lost sight of ME. now i make ME a priority every day with exercise, planning my eating, etc. I feel incredible. i'm only 6 wks out but have lost 35 lbs already.

@
I'm hoping for a September surgery date. Your idea about the BIG CALENDAR is fantastic! Also the collection of new recipes. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. That's what I enjoy so much about this site.

You can spend your time looking up recipes for after your surgery, catch up on your picture albums if you have those, and I have been spending some time on Pinterest picking out all the cute clothes that I am going to wear when I get to my goal weight
Good luck on your journey and I hope you find something to do to help pass the time.
Summer

I got my date today while at work... all of a sudden i felt weak and scared….loaded with what ifs….months ago i could not wait to get approved…its all i thought of…but after a glass of whispering angel wine the nerves settled ….its okay to be scared its a normal human reaction….focus on the good that will come from having the surgery…and keep in mind that the work starts after surgery….heres to positive vibes on you're journey….And Good luck!!!!!

All you can do is focus on something besides what is in your head. Keep busy with your hands. Paint a room, do something. We all went through this and you will survive it and before you know......you will be 9 months post op like me. Everyone has experienced what you are going through, the nervousness. One thing I did was start a notebook of new recipes, things to plan on trying when I was sleeved, and researched new spices to try for more healthy eating. I also bought a big monthly calendar and made notations on it to help me down the road. This time will pass quickly. I promise! Best of luck, Linda

Thank you all for your input and suggestions. I think I'm leaning toward cruising first and surgery after. I've waited this long for the surgery, another few months won't hurt. I'm currently doing Protein shakes for Breakfast and lunch, Mon-Fri, and a couple of shakes over the weekend with a regular dinner at night. I've been losing weight, but very slowly, in preparation for surgery (my idea at this point). I have an appointment with the surgical dietitian next Friday and will get more info and have more questions answered. I'm slowly getting to where I'm looking forward to having the surgery, but it still seems like such an extreme route to lose weight; although my PCP and cardiologist (who have nothing to gain by making the recommendation for surgery) both feel this is the best option for me in order to lose the amount of weight necessary to greatly improve my health. Of course, my surgeon concurs although he would prefer I have the R-N-Y rather than sleeve, but the sleeve makes the most sense to me.
Anyway, thanks again for your comments!! I'll keep you posted on how it all comes out.

I'm in charlotte