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Thats impressive!

@, i wouldn't be a good mentor but wanted to give you some encouraging words. Each day is a new opportunity to get closer to your goal. I know you will find your mojo again!

They had me on O2 at first but i used my cpap at night. Afterwards they were just monitoring my pulse, oxygen and heart rate closely.

@@The_Wallflower, did they have you on oxygen?

Hang in there!

Good to hear! Let me know how it goes.

Thats so awesome! Keep me posted, please!

@@midwestgirl32, it does get easier. I know you can do it! My preop diet sounds similar to yours. You may check with your nutritionist to see if some sort of a non starchy veggie snack is allowed during the day if you are feeling dizzy or fatigued. My diet also called for an electrolyte drink, powerade zero was my preference.

No, this should not stop your surgery. If it does, I would recommend finding another surgeon.

Stick to your guns! Your privacy is your prerogative! I support you.

Hi @@nessa259, i am assuming your already ruled out gas and your new hunger signs? Have you tried walking some this morning? If you feel the pain is unbearable you might want to give your surgeons office a call.

One of the biggest motivators for me was the weight i lost leading up to and during the preop diet. It's also good to have alternate outlets to channel your aggression. Maybe a sparring partner, lol.

@@sweetcheeks709, good luck! Here's to the new you! Let us know how we can support you.

@@NikkiRX, first off, im so excited for you! I know that a weight loss program prior to seeking approval can be difficult. My insurance plan required a consecutive 12 month weight loss program. Fortunately i was able to use the online weight watchers program that I was currently subscribing to. I would call your insurance provider to inquire as to what is acceptable. My insurance plan also required that i register with a bariatric resource center and be assigned a nurse case manager. This individual was invaluable throughout the entire process. Once i was able to get the surgeons office to understand that I was able to use the weight watchers payment history to demonstrate that I've been following a weight loss program, it was not long. After the paperwork is submitted it take 2-6 weeks for approval. Things can move very fast at this point. Hop this info. Helps! Id love to hear how thinks work out for you!

I prefer my shakes on the thick side. I've heard of people using xanthan gum, guar gum and Greek yogurt to thicken their protein shakes. Has anyone had any experience with any of these, in particular the gum additives?

@@Miss Mac, love the post! @@Bufflehead, how could i forget!? I used to add pudding to ice cream to make thick shakes in my "unfocused" days.

No i do not feel this would impact your incision. I used mine in the hospital with no issues and im on a fairly high setting.

I predominantly used EAS AdvantEdge and premiere Protein ready to drink shakes for my preop diet. I am still looking for a solid go to powder for post op and found this site useful and informational. http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/best-protein-powders.html I'm also still contemplating what blender to invest in.

For me it was easy. I work in a healthcare/educational setting. I told my immediate supervisors and departmental co workers. Everyone was very supportive. Thankfully i also have hoards of time off!

This is normal, i went grocery shopping on day 4 and after pushing that basket around i was a little fatigued and sore.

I dont. In fact, im glad these individuals are taking action when they are. Had i been so willing to do so earlier in my life when i wasnt so overweight, it may be easier to get back to a normal weight. I applaud anyone for taking this step as it is a serious decision. Now, I must add that those of us who carry several hundred pounds of excess weight do struggle considerably more in terms of mobility. That being said, i still feel that - regardless of the amount of weight we need to lose - we all struggle internally in a very real and similar way.

@@wacky1014, sorry to hear about your incision pain. Did they indicate how long it would be until the stitches dissolve?

@@nymetzfan11, i admire your courage. Always look at the facts. The national mortality rate for bariatric surgery in the US is impressive, especially when compared to "routine" surgeries like appendix and gallbladder removal. The vertical sleeve gastrectomy is a powerful tool to help you become a healthier person. It's a real game changer. Like others have mentioned, this wont cure your'e cravings or magically help you control your emotions regarding food. However, it is important to know how the sleeve works and helps. I thought it was cool to learn that hunger hormones resided in the portion of the stomach that is removed. Good luck on your journey!

If you are not looking to drop some serious coin on a Vitamix, you might consider the Ninja Ultima. It has a very powerful motor and some very capable attributes. Also, cnet.com, recently did a blender roundup review in August of this year. They cover blenders that fit any budget.

im from Lubbock too! just had my surgery on 10/13. Good luck to you!