shizwiz

My surgery is scheduled for tomorrow at 8AM. YIKES!!!!!!!!!!! and YAY!!!! The time today is going by so slow...I can barely concentrate! hahaha

@@shizwiz, and guess what, you can have that subway sandwich, but instead of a 12 inch, you'll be satisfied by one or two inches or bites, and those chips you'll be happy with three single chips, and those three Cookies, you'll be satisfied after a bite or two of one. I had subway last weekend, and I ate probably two inches of a six inch steak sub and that's was good I was content for another four or five hours. Your obsession with food will be gone, but your enjoyment will still be there.

Not gonna lie, I was freaking out on the first few days of the pre-op diet. I have a counselor and for the last 3 months, I was 100% ready. I've been talking to her and going over why I eat so much, triggers, addiction, etc etc etc. That first day of not having that choice was a wake up call. It was REAL...not just talk. What am I doing?
My boyfriend sat me down and said that I was sounding like an addict. And I was. I had to step back and think 'WHY am I freaking out?" It was because I was afraid of not being able to eat 4 pieces of pizza slathered in ranch. Because I won't be able to eat a pound of takeout. I was freaking out because I couldn't scarf down a 12 inch Subway and a bag of chips and 3 Cookies.
Stepping back....WHY WOULD I WANT TO DO THAT? That's not normal. And it is not healthy.
Those 15-20 minutes of frenzied eating are NOT worth the rest of the day feeling horrible about myself. Knowing people judge me when I grocery shop- even if its for veggies. I catch the looks. Wheezing walking up 10 stairs. TEN stairs. Seeing what I look like when sitting down. The faces of people when I get on an airplane. Hearing I am pre-diabetic. Knowing I could have a heart attack if I keep doing this to myself. I want to have kids one day, but sex is like a work out. It's not even fun anymore.
I'm ready. That little demon telling me I'm scared because I can't volume eat has been murdered. Viciously.

Not gonna lie, I was freaking out on the first few days of the pre-op diet. I have a counselor and for the last 3 months, I was 100% ready. I've been talking to her and going over why I eat so much, triggers, addiction, etc etc etc. That first day of not having that choice was a wake up call. It was REAL...not just talk. What am I doing?
My boyfriend sat me down and said that I was sounding like an addict. And I was. I had to step back and think 'WHY am I freaking out?" It was because I was afraid of not being able to eat 4 pieces of pizza slathered in ranch. Because I won't be able to eat a pound of takeout. I was freaking out because I couldn't scarf down a 12 inch Subway and a bag of chips and 3 Cookies.
Stepping back....WHY WOULD I WANT TO DO THAT? That's not normal. And it is not healthy.
Those 15-20 minutes of frenzied eating are NOT worth the rest of the day feeling horrible about myself. Knowing people judge me when I grocery shop- even if its for veggies. I catch the looks. Wheezing walking up 10 stairs. TEN stairs. Seeing what I look like when sitting down. The faces of people when I get on an airplane. Hearing I am pre-diabetic. Knowing I could have a heart attack if I keep doing this to myself. I want to have kids one day, but sex is like a work out. It's not even fun anymore.
I'm ready. That little demon telling me I'm scared because I can't volume eat has been murdered. Viciously.

I am 8 months post-of and I can honestly tell you that i too was depressed about "giving up food", however, I can now also very HONESTLY tell you that you do NOT. I eat EVERYTHING -- not huge amounts but everything. The ONLY thing I don't is soda because of the sugar and the gas is too filling, but I treat myself every weekend to eat whatever I want, in small quantities but during the week I am very good. Once you see that scale go down down down down, food won't be a priority in your life anymore because you will be THAT much happier and feel AMAZING! But... once a few months go and you lose a good amount of weight, you do treat yourself and since a small amount is all you can fit, you're happy because you don't feel that "empty" feeling wanting to eat more more more....
Don't worry, you'll feel back to "normal" soon and WILL enjoy food like you did before WLS! Good luck!!

Not gonna lie, I was freaking out on the first few days of the pre-op diet. I have a counselor and for the last 3 months, I was 100% ready. I've been talking to her and going over why I eat so much, triggers, addiction, etc etc etc. That first day of not having that choice was a wake up call. It was REAL...not just talk. What am I doing?
My boyfriend sat me down and said that I was sounding like an addict. And I was. I had to step back and think 'WHY am I freaking out?" It was because I was afraid of not being able to eat 4 pieces of pizza slathered in ranch. Because I won't be able to eat a pound of takeout. I was freaking out because I couldn't scarf down a 12 inch Subway and a bag of chips and 3 Cookies.
Stepping back....WHY WOULD I WANT TO DO THAT? That's not normal. And it is not healthy.
Those 15-20 minutes of frenzied eating are NOT worth the rest of the day feeling horrible about myself. Knowing people judge me when I grocery shop- even if its for veggies. I catch the looks. Wheezing walking up 10 stairs. TEN stairs. Seeing what I look like when sitting down. The faces of people when I get on an airplane. Hearing I am pre-diabetic. Knowing I could have a heart attack if I keep doing this to myself. I want to have kids one day, but sex is like a work out. It's not even fun anymore.
I'm ready. That little demon telling me I'm scared because I can't volume eat has been murdered. Viciously.

That is a tough one.
I am in that position now because I am not OK with my weight or body... and I also am experiencing the same low drive as your wife.
It is HARD to feel sexy when all you can see is a body that you yourself aren't happy with. My boyfriend (bless his heart) tells me about 20 times a day how beautiful I am. He rubs lotion on my back for me. He sits out my coffee cup in the morning and puts a K-cup in the machine. He finds little ways to keep us touching or at least keep that feeling of 'I love you' going all the time.
And because of all that, as SOON as I am feel remotely comfortable in my own skin, its on like Donkey Kong!

This will be a breeze all behind you before you even know what happened

@@GingerDiane I am sorry to hear your support person backed out That totally sucks! On the bright side, you have this forum- and there are also a few other Facebook pages that I recently joined that have been SUPER helpful as far as support goes. Just search for 2015 sleevers and January 2015 sleevers. Good luck- and we are all here for you!

Well....I have five days to go and I am starting to feel the jitters and pressure. It doesn't help that my meralgia pasthetica (pain in the thigh) is starting to flare up. I am really looking forward to getting it over with and starting on the path to better eating and habits. I haven't been able to work out much in a formal workout, but I have been super busy like everyone else trying to re-organize things, painting, changing my room around, etc.
Not sure who else has 1/12 as their date, but I will be sure to post how I make out on Monday once I'm stabelized in my room. Best wishes again to everyone and I'm looking forward to all the pictures and updates on your success!

I am hoping this is normal- but I have been waking up at 2AM for this past week and have been thinking 'Oh my gosh, it is ALMOST here! What am I DOING??!?!!'.
During the day, I think about this upcoming surgery all day- no joke. I have been waiting since October, so, for 90 days the surgery has been seeming like a dream. Now, on Friday- I start my pre-op diet. Whoa.
It is getting REAL, people!
I think I am nervous because:
-- I am going to MX alone. My mom just had neck surgery so she cannot go (even though she wanted to!). My boyfriend flat out refused to go to Mexico because he (a) doesn't ever want to go to MX and he doesn't really think I need the surgery (but says he will support me & my decision). So, I make my journey alone.
--I have never, ever had surgery before. I had an endoscopy about 7 years ago and was put under anesthesia for it, but I had my best friend right by my side and it was a tiny 10 minute procedure.
--It is actually going to happen. It has felt like a dreeeeammm for so long- I just can't believe that in less than a month I will be at home, recovering....and on the way to a new me.
Wheew. It felt good to get that out. No one really is behind my decision to go to Mexico and get a sleeve...so I am kind of at a loss of people to talk about my jitters without getting a lecture on why I should just back out now.

Stick in there! I am on day 4 of pre-op and have felt tired and all of the other fun feelings that go with a decrease of food intake. It is normal. Keep yourself as comfortable as you can and distract yourself if you can!
I have a ton of coloring books, puzzles, books (have been digging the Kate Shugak series) and anything else that will keep my ADD mind occupied.
Hang in there! We're all in it with ya

I am hoping this is normal- but I have been waking up at 2AM for this past week and have been thinking 'Oh my gosh, it is ALMOST here! What am I DOING??!?!!'.
During the day, I think about this upcoming surgery all day- no joke. I have been waiting since October, so, for 90 days the surgery has been seeming like a dream. Now, on Friday- I start my pre-op diet. Whoa.
It is getting REAL, people!
I think I am nervous because:
-- I am going to MX alone. My mom just had neck surgery so she cannot go (even though she wanted to!). My boyfriend flat out refused to go to Mexico because he (a) doesn't ever want to go to MX and he doesn't really think I need the surgery (but says he will support me & my decision). So, I make my journey alone.
--I have never, ever had surgery before. I had an endoscopy about 7 years ago and was put under anesthesia for it, but I had my best friend right by my side and it was a tiny 10 minute procedure.
--It is actually going to happen. It has felt like a dreeeeammm for so long- I just can't believe that in less than a month I will be at home, recovering....and on the way to a new me.
Wheew. It felt good to get that out. No one really is behind my decision to go to Mexico and get a sleeve...so I am kind of at a loss of people to talk about my jitters without getting a lecture on why I should just back out now.

How are you!!? Been waiting for you to Check in post op. How was it?

I totally hear ya @@momoftwins+1 ! I cannot force myself NOT to weigh myself everyday right now. However, I do weigh myself only once per day at the same time of day. So, every morning right before hopping in the shower I take a peek. I am on the pre-op diet right now and it gives me a clearer number of how I am going.

Great ideas! I ended up having just a few bites it was all low carb, salad n crab, anyway at my final appointment yesterday my doctor told me one week was fine instead of two! Anyone else would have been mad because I've been on it since Jan 1 except for one meal n those bites but I don't mind cuz I like the weight I lost. But believe me when my half a day of appointments was done. I went and ate! But in starting over today, but I don't really have to until Thursday. Thanks!

If my insurance would cover the surgery, I would be going that route as opposed to going to Mexico. It is not because I am worried about going to Mexico at all, but having your surgery in the States allows for more continuity of care (ie follow up with your doctors and being monitored closely after discharge).
In addition, if you have complications, your insurance would pay for those. While Mexico sleevers can go to the ER if we have complications and will be treated (the Federal Law, EMTALA states anyone going to an ER must be treated), we would likely have to pay for that out of our pockets. An ER visit is very costly and I am praying I do not have to visit one!
Also, in my opinion, the counseling and diet is really important. Even though I am going to Mexico, I am paying for counseling out of my own pocket to make sure I have a clinical support person to help me with my issues with food and overeating. I use Betterhelp.com and talk with my counselor online whenever I want.
I also considered surgery for about 4-5 months prior to putting down my deposit. For me, cutting out part of my stomach was a huge decision that I talked about with my family, my counselor and my friends. LOL none of them were in favor of the surgery, but talking with them still helped
I would suggest thinking about this carefully and maybe making a list of the pros and cons of just paying out of pocket VS going through the insurance. Also add up the costs. I am paying 4600 for my package, I used miles + cash for my air ticket (which would have cost $800 but I only spent $200) and have bought about $400 in supplies...like Protein shakes, neosporin, bandages for home, post op Vitamins, etc. So, in the end, I am looking at about $5200 already.
But, Whichever path you choose, I wish you good luck!
Cheers!

Stick in there! I am on day 4 of pre-op and have felt tired and all of the other fun feelings that go with a decrease of food intake. It is normal. Keep yourself as comfortable as you can and distract yourself if you can!
I have a ton of coloring books, puzzles, books (have been digging the Kate Shugak series) and anything else that will keep my ADD mind occupied.
Hang in there! We're all in it with ya

@@RedSalamander For sure! I am super relieved that she was pretty cool with it. She also ran a ton of blood labs for me (waiting for results) to make sure I am not anemic or anything.
But yeah, I got a pat on the back and nice, supportive feedback.
I was also told not to pick up cigarettes when I am all done. I am/was a smoker. However, I was sick prior to pre-op and didn't smoke until New Years Eve. Then, I had to quit the next day. I am seriously contemplating quitting for good. I mean...why not?
Well, off to go back to work. THE HORROR!

Thank you ALL! Sorry for the late reply- I don't have a computer at home and replying on my Kindle makes me crave Valium because of the touch screen keyboard (HA!).
I am feeling SO much better now. I realize that while I may not have a physical being right next to me- I have this forum and some other Facebook groups I joined this weekend.
I am less and less nervous and time goes by!
ALSO- I went to the doctors office today and saw my favorite Nurse Practitioner just to tell her 'Hey, I am going to MX to have surgery, just a heads up' and also to notify someone here in case I have complications or issues with wound healing. She said she was SO proud of me for taking some steps to get healthy. I had been expecting to hear 'No!! Don't do it!' But nope.
The pre-op diet sucks, btw. But my nerves are evening out! Woot wooooot!

That is a tough one.
I am in that position now because I am not OK with my weight or body... and I also am experiencing the same low drive as your wife.
It is HARD to feel sexy when all you can see is a body that you yourself aren't happy with. My boyfriend (bless his heart) tells me about 20 times a day how beautiful I am. He rubs lotion on my back for me. He sits out my coffee cup in the morning and puts a K-cup in the machine. He finds little ways to keep us touching or at least keep that feeling of 'I love you' going all the time.
And because of all that, as SOON as I am feel remotely comfortable in my own skin, its on like Donkey Kong!

What a relief to know that a medical professional you trust supports your decision! Now we just gotta make it to the day. BOOM.

Thank you ALL! Sorry for the late reply- I don't have a computer at home and replying on my Kindle makes me crave Valium because of the touch screen keyboard (HA!).
I am feeling SO much better now. I realize that while I may not have a physical being right next to me- I have this forum and some other Facebook groups I joined this weekend.
I am less and less nervous and time goes by!
ALSO- I went to the doctors office today and saw my favorite Nurse Practitioner just to tell her 'Hey, I am going to MX to have surgery, just a heads up' and also to notify someone here in case I have complications or issues with wound healing. She said she was SO proud of me for taking some steps to get healthy. I had been expecting to hear 'No!! Don't do it!' But nope.
The pre-op diet sucks, btw. But my nerves are evening out! Woot wooooot!

Bahahahaha! I am the same way. I call them all my obsessions, and I need to have one at all times. Luckily life is generally crazy enough that there's always SOMETHING for me to obsess about. And now just think--we'll have the surgery, then learning to live with the sleeve, the weight loss, the maintenance, all the athletics we'll be excelling at...
We have basically signed ourselves up for a lifetime of obsessions! WOOHOO!

Awwww...I'm sorry you are going through this alone, but you will be fine and kicking butt at this weight loss thing before you know it. I am extremely nervous as well, and only have a little over a week left 1/12/15. I have thought a few times about changing my mind, but I keep telling myself I've come too far to turn back now and that I'll be in a much better place with 100+ lbs off of me. I had my EGD completed today and it was something I was also scared about, but to my surprise it was a piece of cake! Before I knew it, I was awake and ready to go home. So....I know my VSG won't be that simple, I'm mentally telling myself it won't be that bad in order to push on.
I wish you much success! Keep calm, take a few deep breaths, and buckle up for the new and fantabulous you that is coming!!!!