Namaste6

Hey guys, I was curious if anyone purchased any kitchen items to help them with portion control... (2 oz storage containers, smaller forks, smaller plate, etc.) Someone I know who had the RYN bought 2 oz baby food containers that she said helped her, but I wasn't sure if it was necessary. Obviously I have a problem with portions NOW, but I am hoping with the planning process I will get better with it. Any thoughts, experiences or suggestions?

Same with me - I am 49 BMI at 5'6. I am getting the sleeve for the same reason as not wanting to change the way my digestive system works. My doctor said that IF I am not happy with the results after two years, it is still possible to do the RYN if I really wanted/needed it.

I started a new job and my desk was no where near the common area they put food and Snacks at, which I was SOO happy about with starting this journey. I went into work this week, and they had rearranged the entire office, and now the food is all less than 4 feet from my desk. I work in healthcare center that promotes healthy eating (a lot of my co-workers are of Asian decent, who naturally have smaller frames and figures), so you would think everyone would eat healthy on a daily basis. Nope. Everyday someone brings in a super delicious smelling, high carb snack and the fan in the area blows it directly towards my desk now. And they are constantly asking me to come join them, saying "You have GOT to try this malasada!" (this amazing looking Portuguese donut). It's brutal.

I used to live in Orlando - what area? I had an AMAZING one over by UCF area. The woman I went was a PA under Dr. Bracero over by UCF, she had gotten the Lap-Band a few years ago, so I know she is well versed in Bariatrics and pregnancy. A lot of women who go there have been referred to surgery through other doctors as well. Check them out. http://orlandocenterforwomenshealth.com They have three locations.

I was curious if there were any Sleevers on the island of Oahu. It would be awesome to meet others and share this journey. I have befriended a few other girls, but the more the merrier! In my opinion, it is hard being obese on an island where you can wear a bathing suit to shop at costco =P So any face-to-face support would be amazing!

Breathe. You are making a life changing/improving decision to get surgery, and everything will be amazing in the end. I am 32 days away from my surgery date and I understand you completely with the whole 'cheating' on your diet plan. It's stressful, and sometimes annoying. Your friends will come around once they get used to the idea of you 'changing'; and think of this as a new you birthday! Your last birthday to eat a good piece of cake (one piece... =P) And hormones are the devil, they ruin everything, throw your emotions into a cyclone and they make you think ridiculous thoughts! I am sure when you come to be a month away from surgery everything will kick back into gear and you will be super happy, excited, and overjoyed (still a little nervous). I hope you have a great new you birthday!

@BettyBoop I swear by the app LoseIt. They have a large database of foods that includes brands, restaurants, and even generic labels. It also has a scan, so you can scan in the food you eat. It also calculates the total grams/percentages of fat, Protein, and carbs. You can even put notes on a meal saying "This filled me too much" or etc. It will give you a projection of weight control for: loss, gain, and maintenance; it will not allow you to say you want to lose more than 2 lbs a week though, but you can change it in the "Goal" section by decreasing your calories. I was told by my Nutritionist to lower my calories to a certain mark, which was very possible. I have been using it for the past month and it has really helped keep me aware.

I was under the impression from my Bariatric Team that your BMI when you first start the program is the one they keep in mind and use for the rest of the insurance approval. I have heard and read about many people who lost weight and lowered their BMI to an unqualified number and still qualified for surgery. I could be wrong, but I think you will be ok to lose weight as long as you talk to your Team about it.

I am glad to see lots of November sleevers. Everyone, keep in touch! I want to see how amazing you all do! Anyone blogging about their journey? I would love to follow your stories.

Congratulations on setting your date! I am getting mine done November 4th. There are sooo many emotions and thoughts. I keep having to remind myself of all the positives that are going to come. Such an exciting time for you also! Good luck with pre-op stuff!

I too am planning on keeping my surgery quiet. Around 2 years ago, I had a cousin go through bariatric surgery; the majority of my family was unsupportive, made horrible comments about him behind his back saying "He took the easy way out" or "He didn't try anything" when he tried VERY hard. Luckily, I moved to Hawaii with my husband within the past year, so I won't have to worry about seeing family and friends from the east coast more than twice a year really. I spoke to a woman at my support group who said she told people the first year that she was doing a strict diet with medical help and supervision including high Protein, low carb, and exercise plan (which is technically true...). I am not ashamed of getting the surgery AT ALL. But I feel like once I tell someone other than my immediate family that from then on the only conversations we will ever have is "So, about that surgery...". I don't want to have the negativity or the snide remarks. We are all doing this to better our health and our lifestyle. We should feel empowered by our decision to get surgery, not ashamed or have the feeling that we are being criticized/judged.

I am November 4th. Good luck everyone!!

@@bigirleurope I am a November 4th Sleever as well; glad to see another person with the same date! I was advised by my nutritionist to try the Liver Shrinking diet as a test, and I lost 8 lbs in a week just trying it out. It is very possible. The diet plan she gave me includes: 2 Protein shakes (Under 200 calories, under 12 carbs, up to 5 grams of fat, and up to 35 grams of protein) 1 meal (palm size protein, and three handfuls of veggies or one handful of fruit) 2 protein servings for Snacks (cheese, hummus, chicken, turkey, yogurt, nuts, and you can add celery or lettuce to these) It works for me when I mix it up, having my meals as a protein snack, and the shakes in between with my main meal being a lunch. I feel this plan will help me get used to the new lifestyle. It actually is more food then you think. Hope this helps!

Today I got a call to set my surgery date (Nov 4). Of course this is an amazing thing! But they said they haven't yet gotten a response from my insurance company. Is this normal? I am more nervous than anything because what if I get denied...

How awesome! What month do you think you are going to be getting it done in?

Oh, I am sure they know my voice by heart. I have called with questions or concerns a good number of times over the last few weeks. I am just excited that the ball is rolling! You are getting yours done in October!!! Wow! That IS right around the corner, lucky!

@@Soxgirl This site has been such great support for me as a pre-op patient. It has given me real insight to how my life is going to change. Even if it isn't face-to-face support, you can always turn to the people on here to give you that push!!! I wish you luck and happiness in your journey!!

I got the call today from the hospital program I am working with that I was cleared by the nutritionist, psychologist, and fitness instructor. So they are putting in the request forms for insurance approval! I just can't stand 10-15 business day wait!!! Fingers crossed for approval!

I had the Raspberry Lemonade one the other day. It has a good taste to it. It kind of reminds me of those zero calorie flavored fizzy waters, but without the fizz. I would say though that it tastes better than, but is not as filling as Isopure (if you have had that). I have been trying a large variety of clear Protein drinks (low or zero carb) in preparation for surgery. Hope this helps!

That is awesome! I had my first consultation with my surgeon last Thursday. Due to work scheduling, I have already had three of my appointments (Program start, personal trainer meeting, and psych eval). Today was my psych evaluation, but I am kind of nervous that the psychologist will say I am not approved... (I am a very confident individual who has never considered my weight number as who I am... but they made it seem like I needed to be more self loathing, if that makes sense) I am one to jump on the internet to see if there are weight restrictions or size issues when planning vacations, or choosing to sit inside at a restaurant on a beautiful day out of fear of breaking their stupid plastic chairs. I have a slow metabolism, have tried losing weight and exercising with no luck (Even stuck to things to a T and maintained or gained weight.) So I will be totally devastated if I get a big fat (no pun intended) "No". Fingers crossed.

Wow, you look amazing! As someone going through the process of getting the surgery, it's stories like these that really get me excited!