Namaste6

Macy's in my area has a large plus-size section that goes from sizes 14-28. They carry a brand named American Rag, which I noticed can fit at different sizes (When I was a 24, their skirt fit nicely. It still looks amazing now that I am a 20). City Chic sometimes run too big in the chest/waist area, and I am big busted. I have also really lucked out at Nordstrom Rack - clothes there are almost 50% off normal prices (cute shirts/skirts/dresses for under $30) TJ Maxx has good deals, and a lot of their clothes are made really well.

@@itstimealready There is a USB mug warmer that can keep your food warm since it takes longer to eat. So say you have chicken broth or soup... You can keep it on the Mug Warmer in the office or at home while you eat so it stays at a warm temperature. The one my husband has does both cooling and warming - so if I have like a colder Protein shake, it will keep it colder so it doesn't get too watery. Here is the one we have - but we got it on Amazon: https://www.vat19.com/item/usb-warmer-cooler

Not my experience: My cousin was told to go into maintenance at 160, she increased her intake based on what the nutritionist said, but still lost weight at an average of 0.5 lbs a week. 4 years post-op and she is in the 120's. Not sure if maybe it's a strategy the nutritionists have? Like I said, not my experience, but I have been grilling my family who has gotten surgery to get as much info as possible.

Good luck!

"A large liver prevents your surgeon from visualizing certain anatomy during the procedure. If the liver is too large, it then becomes unsafe to perform your gastric bypass surgery. Surgery, may then be cancelled and rescheduled to a later date." I know we are all doing the Sleeve here, but the surgeon still has to reposition the liver in order to make the sleeve, so having a shrunken liver will help decrease complications. If the liver is accidentally nicked or cut, it can cause internal bleeding. Stick to high Protein and low-carb, that is the gist of it. Many people do not follow a pre-op diet, and they are still fine. It is just a precaution to make things easier. I am sure your surgeon is highly qualified and even if your liver doesn't shrink they should do great.

I was told to do a Liver Shrinking Diet (Make sure it is less fatty, and a smaller size considering the stomach is located under it). I don't start my pre-op diet until 2 weeks before, but the Liver Shrinking diet a month before. This includes: 2 Protein shakes (Less than 200 cal, 12 carbs, 5 fat, 36 protein) 2 Protein Snacks ( Protein Bar, greek yogurt, 2 eggs, string cheese, 3 oz protein, or serving of nuts) 1 Meal (palm size protein, three handfuls of non-starch veggies, or one handful of fruit) Plenty of Water They said I can add a veggie to my protein snack too. Talk to your nutritionist - I am sure at your pre-op class they will let you know if there is anything else. I have been doing it for almost a month, and have lost 25 lbs. And according to my tests, my liver is healthier too.

I just bought the GNC Lean 25 in pumpkin Spice - bringing in the Fall season.

I live in Hawaii, and there are people who are very large individuals. So it surprises me that there is still the judged looks or fat shaming. My mom was at the GNC with me and she said she thought it was more of a "Oh, you're in here because you're making a change"... Rather than an insult. I think it's more that I am used to or rather expect the negativity I got another though: I can't wait to actually LIVE in Hawaii - hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, etc.)

Sadly, I cannot wait for the judged looks I get from people to stop. I went into GNC the other day, and the sales associate flat out said: "You aren't like any of our normal customers. Are you getting weight loss surgery done soon?". I know I shouldn't be embarrassed, since I am going through the process, but it's kind of unsettling/embarrassing when there is a store full of people.

Just do you! Forget the negative words you might hear; some people just don't get it. You are doing an amazing thing to better yourself. I can't wait for the day I don't have to look up weight restrictions or what kind of chairs are at a restaurant. Can't wait! (30 days away until the beginning!)

Congratulations! A year must have been hard to do, but that is amazing that you are finally through with it! (I am sure seeing people go through a program and have surgery in a month or so was hard to watch!) Wish you luck! 15 days away!

What others have you had? I keep buying random samples at GNC, but haven't found one I love other than the Quest banana Cream. Others I just kind of tolerate, like the Premiere Protein.

That's a shame =\ Do you watch Extreme Weight Loss? There was an episode a few months back about a couple losing weight for their wedding. And the woman realized that her fiance was actually holding her back and she was much happier when they had their mandatory separation. Maybe since you are re-evaluating yourself, you need to make more drastic changes. But involve him, express your feelings. Maybe he will realize that he needs to change for you. You should call your insurance company - I was under the impression that there is a mandatory coverage for up to 5 sessions per individual with a psychologist. I was told mine covered 10 visits. I think there was a co-pay of $25 per visit - you might only need 1. But my pre-op class mandated visits.

I have had quite a few family members have bariatric surgery (6 actually) and my cousin and her then boyfriend used to get into arguments because she would complain that he was eating too much in front of her (She never really fixed her food issues) Anyway, she took him to a few psychology appointments and it seemed to really help them.

@@Sophie74656 Is he not interested in the surgery? Maybe it's a mix of both jealousy as well as nervousness/being scared that people mentioned before. I would assume, but I do not know him, that he has been very comfortable with the both of you being larger together, and he is scared of everything changing. There was a forum on here a few weeks ago where someone mentioned her husband had the fear that when she got thinner, that she would leave him for someone not obese. Maybe he needs reassurance too? Then he can let go of his own insecurities and just be supportive.

@@Sophie74656 Is he on the heavy side too, if you don't mind me asking?

I am fortunate that even with my 25 lb weight loss pre-op, at a very high BMI, I have been complimented by my husband on little things. (Obviously he isn't happy that most of it has come from my chest area =P)

This is something I kind of nervous about. My husband used to be obese, but through a severe exercise obsession he has gotten down to 'overweight' status. He is VERY supportive when it comes to the surgery based on knowing how hard I have tried to lose weight in the past (I gained 100 lbs since we started dating 6 years ago based on his love of fast/unhealthy food) so he sees the struggle. Like I said, he LOVES exercise, but he doesn't push me to work out (I have been though), he will say "You don't have to go to the gym, you went yesterday". I want him to want to work out WITH me, but I know I am not on his level, and I can tell he thinks I will slow him down. Even though he works out a lot, he is still a big junk food eater - chips, chocolate, donuts, fried food, lots of rice and bread. So even though he is supportive of me it doesn't really help when I am limiting my food intake and he is bringing home crap from work and putting it in my face And to make it worse, he loves my Isopure drinks and Quest Protein bars and Vitamin chews haha - I don't get bothered by him eating/drinking my stuff though because I am hoping he will get into healthy eating to make my life easier (no more making two different dinner meals) The way I see it, my decision to get surgery will cause him to change his lifestyle too. So hopefully it will be for the better for both of us. I love the support, but I want to be a team rather than a "you do your thing, I'll do mine".

Ask your surgeon or your nutritionist. I don't drink coffee, but I am a big Tea junkie. They told me I could have decaffeinated herbal tea in phase 1 after surgery (not too hot)

I am having surgery November 4th I started a Topic on here called "Tools/Items for Portion Control" - People have posted A LOT of helpful things in there. Here are some suggestions they shared either in the forum or via message: - 2 and 4 oz tupperware containers - USB Mug warmer - Zoku Slush and shake Maker - ProHydrate Water AboutTime - Microwave Steamer - Smaller silverware (a set of 4 espresso spoons and 4 appetizer forks) - Appetizer plates - Magic Bullet Blender - Shallow Ice Cube trey to freeze 2 oz of Soup or broth

@@butterfly23 I live over on the east side (Hawaii Kai). I have been going to the gym for the past month and have lost just over 20 lbs, which feels amazing! I also have been doing high Protein, low carb, which as gotten easier, thank god. I am working with Dr. Fowler over at Castle Medical, and the team over there has been very supportive. Who was your surgeon?

@@Dub My great-uncle had the Sleeve September of last year. When he started out he was over 560 lbs at 6'1. His surgeon suggested getting the Sleeve and then later doing the RYN if he doesn't get to a healthy weightl. In less than a year he has been walking everyday, doing strength training, and eating a very healthy diet. I saw him in August for a family reunion and he stated that he was down 210 lbs. In less than a year! He has worked very hard, and said it wasn't easy, but he felt a difference and is enjoying his life now. You are on a great path, you are well-informed, and you are making a decision that is best for you!

I bought a pack of six 2 oz for when I make dairy/protein items to freeze and a pack of six 4 oz ones too. Someone privately messaged me and suggested a Zoku Slushy/Shake cup for Protein shake or juice slushies. I bought it at William-Sonoma for $15! Plus, I know my husband will use it for stuff too, so I thought it would have more than a bariatric diet purpose in my house.

@@BLERDgirl That's a good idea! Especially for soups! I think my husband has one actually from a white elephant event.

Thank you everyone for your input! I am thinking about buying the 2 oz OXO tot food containers so I can pre-make and then freeze some soups and such. Just so much to think about and of course during the pre-op you are just thinking about the actual surgery, and not much about post-op lifehacks (in my case). So I want to be prepared so I don't feel super overwhelmed.