VSG Davis

I told my family first. My mom was very supportive and my kids just said mom you don't need that. I told a few friends and co workers once I started taking the required classes. I was talking to a coworker and she said don't tell to many people. She said because then you will find people watching you and what you eat and so on. I thought well people are going to judge either way. That's just life! Life would be much more pleasant if we support and accept each other but that's not the real world. I have just decided to do the best I can and focus on my goals.

I know exactly how you feel. I'm an extremely open person and of course what comes along with that is sharing my life and decisions. I have to say I've been blessed to received either tons of support and people saying they'll be at the hospital to cheer me on, a few that are concerned it's "dangerous" and to "be careful" (my thought was tell my surgeon to be careful, I'm going to be asleep lol) and a couple not many maybe two that said you can do it on your own you don't need this which my response is when you've lost over 5,000lbs in your life and gain over 5,000lbs in your life then you can talk. This is not a lack of effort. But I say it with a smile and tell them agreed or not you're still coming to the hospital which they always say of course. Therefore my message to you all is:
"You know, you do need mentors, but in the end, you really just need to believe in yourself."
Diana Ross

I'd rather die trying than die from obesity.

I totally get that. But, if you donate them to Goodwill or a WLS clothing exchange, or maybe even someone here on the boards, they will all go to good use and you can be happy knowing you paid it forward

I'm not a hiker. I'm a street walker. Okay that sounds bad but you know what I mean, lol. We have a missing person in my county and I went on the search and rescue. Climbed a hill from hell, through the woods which were just strangled with downed trees and under brush.
Made it through a frozen swamp. It was 1 degree. Worked for 4 hours and walked six miles. My Dad asked me if I could have done that a year ago. Nope. Due to the circumstances of my hike it's a sad victory. Going again today.
If you pray pleas say a pray this person is found. Alive. Thanks guys

Amy - I'm sorry for your loss

I should add, it takes most people a while to hit their Protein and liquids goals after surgery. There is nothing unusual about that. Don't think "I didn't have 60 grams of Protein today." Instead think "I had 5 more grams of protein today than I did yesterday!" You will get there!

I'm 5 days away too! (Can't believe it!) The nerves haven't hit me yet, and I'm hopeful they won't at all.
A positive mindset is your greatest asset, I think. I try to keep my goals in mind and think about how much I've already worked and changed and had to do to prep for this surgery. The thought of backing out now is just not an option. I'm on day 9 of a 14-day mostly liquid diet and it hasn't even been very hard! Nothing has changed physically in me to make this diet easier yet, but I'm doing it anyway! This is proof to me both of my desire for this chance to change my life for the better, and my capability of meeting these challenges and succeeding. Months ago, I don't think I could have imagined me being able to do what I'm doing already, right in this moment.
It's just setting that positive attitude and refusing to dwell on any other outcome except success. Staying in the NOW is very important too. Don't worry about what might or may happen. Deal with what you have to do right now--drink some Water? Have a shake? Go for a walk? You can do that. All manageable. One step at a time. You got this.

What you are going thru is fairly normal....me...well, I was so excited to get myself on track I couldn't WAIT for surgery!!!
But think about the what-ifs if you DON'T get surgery... it's scarier!!!
I would still be sitting on my couch like Jabba not able to move without the use of a walker...my life was going down the drain fast!
The surgery gave me my life back!

Great post - Thank you

I just want to say that I really appreciated this post. My husband accepted a new job in June of this year that moved us from North Carolina to California in August.
We were already engaged, but we moved our wedding up several months since I would be quitting my full time job for the move and insurance is a necessity.
In the matter of six days I quit my job, sold my car, got married, and moved across the country leaving all of my family and friends behind. I had never been further west than Ohio before in my life.
I had already been planning my WLS journey before this, but it's been very hard on top of the homesickness. My husband is very supportive as are my family and friends from home, but I'm still less than two weeks out, this was my first Christmas away from my family and some days I'd really rather be drinking that Protein shake with my mom in my parents' bed while the two of us watch HGTV.
So, yeah, another long (and somewhat off topic) post, but this made me feel a lot better. Thank you.

I have been reading posts on here well before my surgery which was on Oct 27th 2014, and reading and posting on here since my surgery. I come across posts that have people struggling and when I read that they have no support system, or barely any support at home it really upsets me.
This is such a HUGE life change I could not imagine going thru this without my support system. I try to get on here and post where I can hoping to make a difference, because I know first hand how just one comment or compliment or Way To Go, can go a long way.
I know how lucky I am. My husband and daughter support me 110% in this journey and have since day one. My parents have also been supportive and very positive. I have friends that encourage me and help me where and when they can. Even my coworkers have been great. I haven't run into one person who has said a negative thing to me yet. (well at least to my face, you never know behind my back, but I would hope not.)
it is just so hard for me to read when people are struggling and the people in their lives that should be lifting them up and helping seem to be tearing them down. That is what I LOVE about this site. I love the help, the encouragement, the advice, and the YOU CAN DO IT attitude. We all struggle no matter how well you are doing. I just want to reach thru this computer and HUG them.
Please for those of us that have done well or are doing well please please continue to post to help out those that need it. Our positive posts can really help you never know who you might be making a difference to at any time.
For anyone struggling be strong, I am not a very strong person, I have always had people to depend on and that made me nervous going into this, but I have found I can do this and you can too!!
And for all you looking into this, starting your journey, remember this site can be helpful and there seems to always be someone here when you need them. No question is stupid, your feelings matter!!
Okay sorry this is so long, but I just had to get that out.
Thanks to all who have supported me with your kind words and encouragement!! And even when it sounds like someone might giving you tougher love than you would like, remember they did take the time to comment and try to help!!!
Good luck everyone!!!!

Thanks for sharing everyone - I'm coming up on 2nd wk post-op - I ended up sitting at the table with everyone while they ate their Manicotti, meatballs, garlic bread & salad whilst I sipped on my 4oz of Protein Shake. I'm glad I went that route so I could enjoy conversation & laughter - just one more celebration to get thru the 2014 holidays -

I had 2 bbq meat balls that took me 30 mins to eat for Christmas eve lol then for Christmas dinner I had 1 1/2 deviled eggs and a fork of chicken tetrazzini that I chewed for 5mins lol.. merry Christmas to me lol

Thanks for sharing everyone - I'm coming up on 2nd wk post-op - I ended up sitting at the table with everyone while they ate their Manicotti, meatballs, garlic bread & salad whilst I sipped on my 4oz of Protein Shake. I'm glad I went that route so I could enjoy conversation & laughter - just one more celebration to get thru the 2014 holidays -

I'm only 3 weeks post op and I loved Christmas breakfast! Had a few bites of yummy cheesy egg casserole, 1/2 sausage patty, one jumbo shrimp with cocktail sauce, handful of homemade almond flour crackers and onion dip. I did splurge and had a tiny slice of pumpkin pie with a dollop of whipped cream and three small Cookies made with 1/2 sugar and 1/2 Splenda. I also brought my Isopure to sip on afterwards. I was so happy I could enjoy delicious Christmas foods with my family!
What I would normally have had in addition to the above, but skipped: coffee with cream, buttery Christmas bread and jam, sparkling cranberry punch, and several helpings of everything else I mentioned above! I feel lucky because I could indulge as my sleeve is a "firm, but fair mistress"! :-)

I had no intention of following a proper food plan while I was visiting family this week. Gave myself an extra 4 pounds below my bounce range to I could indulge guilt-free. The majority of my diet over the last 24 hours has been sugar, carbs, fat and alcohol. ???????????????????? Seriously, we were dipping chocolate mocha Cookies in Disarono last night. And just washed down some Danish Kringler with homemade hot chocolate made with Frangelica and 1/2 and 1/2. Oh so yummy, but now I don't feel so good. ????Pretty sure I'm experiencing my first dumping episode...cramps, sweats, nausea. So I'm gonna lay low for a bit, drink some Water and watch John Wayne westerns. My brother has been smoking a brisket since yesterday, so dinner will be all about Protein (ok, and maybe some mashed potatoes and green beans). Gonna give the Cookies and bars a break, at least until tomorrow ????.
So much for passing up those Krispy Kremes at the airport. Merry Christmas everyone!

We had our family Christmas dinner last night. I had ham, 1/2 a deviled egg and a few bites of green Beans. I later had a small iced sugar cookie and a cup of coffee. Its not Christmas unless you have an iced sugar cookie! I had a chocolate covered cherry later. My Christmas splurge is over. Back to my normal way of eating. No more holiday goodies until Valentines day! I fully intend to carry on with my life and traditions....may only be a bite or a small piece of something but I will not deprive myself of anything ever again. Did that way too many times "dieting" and it never made me skinny!
I am now living!

I try to fill up on meat first, then green Beans or any other vegetables. If I just can't resist dessert, I allow myself 1/2 coffee cup full (a real coffee cup... not one of those Starbucks' Grande cups!! ) of whatever I want. I may do that 2 or 3 times during the day.
I always remind myself that I'm choosing to eat empty calories and ask myself if I accept the consequences (my weight may stall or gain a little and I'll delay reaching my weight loss goals) - the one good thing is that now (post-op) I have the choice, pre-op my head-hunger would have driven me crazy till I overate on everything.

I decided to eat whatever I wanted on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I had homemade coconut cake, sugar cookie, sweet potato casserole squash casserole and ham. I also snacked off and on all day. It was yummy. However, today even with lots of leftovers hanging around I am going back to my normal low carb high Protein way of eating. I love my sleeve because it helps me get right back on track. Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and is enjoying the holiday season!!!

Thanks for sharing everyone - I'm coming up on 2nd wk post-op - I ended up sitting at the table with everyone while they ate their Manicotti, meatballs, garlic bread & salad whilst I sipped on my 4oz of Protein Shake. I'm glad I went that route so I could enjoy conversation & laughter - just one more celebration to get thru the 2014 holidays -

Hi Michelle - How are you doing? we are almost at 2wks - did you get your appt made?

Well I'm going to handle usual buffet like this: Protein first lol. If I have room for anything else I may try some things I love...you know, like baby spoon of this or that? The one thing I INTEND to have is one of my moms pickled beets. She only brings them out at holidays.

Congrats!

I'm not sure why you would even try, but it's not good for you. The surgery is but a tool, we have to train ourselves to learn new habits. For some of us that may mean counseling to handle food addictions. I would recommend tossing that noodle dish and anything else in the house that you have no self control over. Stick to your recommended eating plan.