HeidiA

I'm pre-op and have already given up carbs to prepare for surgery (later this week). Carbs are a really bad trigger for me so I have to face facts that, for a year or more, they're out of my life. When they're allowed back in (and my doc recommends they come dead last - even in maintenance) I'll still need to be careful and make good choices.

Loved this whole post. We all get emotional at times and we love our spouses or family members no matter what we do. Earlier this week I yelled at my daughter for a good 10 minutes for failing to do her chores (30 seconds would have sufficed, but anxiety is a monster). When I was done I called her over and made her stand in front of me and I said, "now... " (Then I started giggling - yes, a 55 year old woman - giggling - so she started laughing) - finally I squeaked out the sentence, "now... tell me you love me!" (By them we both had tears streaming down our faces because of the stupidity of my statement while we were trying our darnedest to be angry with each other) and my 16 year old smiled and said, "I love you, butthole." And we laughed and kissed and blew off my ridiculous tantrum. ????

@@TammyDTM Good for you for standing up for yourself! I'm glad your aunt felt ashamed. Your success is wonderful and a great example for folks like me (I'm having surgery in 4 days on 9/24/2015). @@Bell1980 - I'm sorry this is happening to you. It's definitely not a competition. Just say, "this isn't a race, it's a new way of life - and you should be ashamed of yourself for comparing us when you know we're all as different as can be!"

my doc recommended a website specifically for weight loss surgery patients - wlsvitamins.com - they have protein powders, hot/cold drinks, shakes, broth and soups. Unjury powder is the brand they offer.

I'm in! My surgery is 9/24; I'm 5'2" and I have over 100 to lose; Great idea since 10lbs to a short person is vastly different compared to a tall person!

My doc said the sleeve removes that portion of your stomach that generates the hunger hormone, which naturally decreases your appetite. He also provided the website wlsvitamins.com - it's specifically for people who have had weight loss surgery - they have shakes, hot/cold drinks, broth, soups - all without added sugar and all with the recommended serving of protein that your body can process (15g). Maybe it will help you get in your fluids rather than the slim fast shakes (which my doc said was on the "no" list - but all docs are different). I'd also recommend you check out some Atkins recipes. If you're following a strict post-sleeve diet you'll find it mirrors the older Atkins diet - Stage 1 or 2 (not the newer ones with all the prepared shakes, bars and frozen foods), so if you haven't done so, search the web or Pinterest for their recipes. Take time and prepare something you really like; chicken can get really boring and protein prepared without herbs or spices can be pretty bland. Something as simple as adding a pinch of Herbs de Provence will make you appreciate your few bites of egg - or fresh cilantro pressed on a piece of fresh tuna will kick it up a notch (1 cilantro root smashed up will add flavor to fish or veg broth - braise white fish in it for a protein-rich meal); tuna tataki is great, too - and it's normally a small serving, so it's a perfect size for lunch or dinner. Good luck.

Hi all - I'm 55 and tentatively scheduled for my sleeve on Thursday, 9/24/2015. I say tentative because my potassium was low (3.5) and there was some question as to whether or not it will be put off; I'll find out during hospital pre-op in 2 days. I greatly appreciate the advice and updates from everyone; thanks for sharing.

Best of luck!

BeDoHave - Same here! Very pleased to finally have my day; it's been a long time coming. I'm in South Florida. I wish you luck on your surgery.

Congratulations & good luck!

I just got mine confirmed for September 24th; I'm very excited and anxious!