BreannaW

FRESH FRUIT!!!
Put fresh fruit in with your Water and let it soak for a few minutes, then drink it.
I love to do oranges with blueberries, strawberries with lemon and cucumbers with a few mint leaves...
Also, if you have a fitbit or a alarm on your phone, set it for a certain time and KNOW you have to drink the Water then...
I have my fitbit go off every hour to remind me to drink a serving of water and by the end of the work day, I got all 8!
Hope this helps.

Hello,
I'm 8 days post-op and wanted to share some tips that might help others survive the surgery and recovery without stress, complications and pain. My surgery was 45 minutes long, I had no pain or nausea, I walked and sipped Water the same day, walked home on day three and never took any of prescribed pain meds. I must've done something well, so...
Pre-op
1) Stay well hydrated! After the surgery you will be able only to sip Water so drink as much as you can until the last moment;
2) Stay active! Get your cardiovascular system in shape, it really makes a difference in your recovery time; You might also consider doing some respiratory exercises or respiratory joga;
3) Stick to your diet! No cheating, seriously! It might be hard, unpleasant and boring but your surgeon knows better. It will speed up your recovery and reduce the risk of complications- totally worth it!
4) Most important- stay POSITIVE! If you are struggling don't be ashamed to seek professional help.
Bonus tip
Quit sugar- it was recommended by my surgeon, I have no idea if it helped during the surgery but my skin looks great, and I'm full of energy.
Post-op
1) Start moving around as soon as possible; Walk a lot- it will also ease digestion.
2) Sip water constantly... I used to drink 2-3 liters of water, now I'm down to 1,5 which is quite hard to get in, staying hydrated is very important;
3) Take your time, you will probably want to eat food you shouldn't- don't! I ate one shrimp- dumb idea.
4) Appreciate yourself more- You did it! You made a decision to change your life, be confident and proud of yourself...
5) Get a hobby- you will have plenty of time to think about food, so it's better to keep yourself busy.
Bonus tip:
Ask your surgeon for a letter that explains simply the surgery and post-op care. You can share it with your family members and GP. In case of emergency it's important that somebody knows what was the exact procedure. I also found that people understand my surgeon better than my explanations.
I really hope that my personal experiences will help. I was also scared and going through this forum over and over again obsessing about pain and complications. Thankfully I did not experience either so far.
I wish you all the best on your weight loss journeys
A.

Good morning Ra_girl...
My husband has been completely supportive of the surgery but he has fears of the surgery process as well.
The one thing I have done to help get him and keep him on board his remind him of my long term goals. I remind him that he will be able to fit his arms around me tighter than he can now. I will be able to run, my knee will stop hurting when I workout. I will be able to feel more confident in myself. confidence in myself, will help me stop feeling like he is going to leave me because i am overweight.
Just remind him of how this change will benefit him as well and reassure him that you wont leave when you get thinner. Reassure him that this is the journey you feel is best for the BOTH of you and this is going to be a good thing.
Tell him to find a support group on the bariatric pal website or on Facebook so he can get reassurance from other spouses. Men are a lot more insecure than we know and when they feel insecure or threatened by changes, it tends to make them not be 100% supportive in a positive way... and they definitely dont mean it to be that way...
Ask him if there is something you can do, say or research to make him feel better... thats what i had to do. I had to sit down and research all his fears about the surgery and we talked about them and how we can avoid them, and it made him feel better.
FYI, this is all based on my own husbands actions and feelings. Its taken a while for me to break his barriers down since starting this process and now he cant wait to see how this surgery benefits me. Hope this helps!

I agree with gemigirl... I have noticed that when I eat a big Breakfast but stick to nothing but Protein shakes, I tend to lose weight were as eating lean meats and vegetables makes me gain.
However, I took Phentermine as well and had NO success whats so ever with it. I also took Qsymia and had quite a bit of success. I lost 30 lbs in about 6 months on it.
Good luck, I hope you find something that works for you!

I am still waiting for my approval from insurance for my surgery, but I worry about sagging skin too. You are definitely not alone there.
All the ladies above definitely just helped me see that I am worrying for nothing because the end result is the only thing that matters.
I do a bootcamp class here in Texas called Camp Gladiator and it has helped me tighten up the skin I have from losing the weight I have when I started in January. Definitely weight train when you are able to.
Wish you the best of luck with your surgery!

Congrats and GOOD LUCK!!!!

I like premade Proteins. Premier is really good, but I also really enjoy the Muscle Milk. I like those two the most just because they have so many flavors, so I dont feel like I am drinking the same thing everytime.
I also tried the premade Isopure Green Apple from GNC... REALLY GOOD! Reminds me of a green apple jolly rancher. It does have a funny after taste at first but nothing completely intolerable. The other flavors are not so good to me... but you may like them.

Thank you KristenLe for confirming I am not crazy, nor alone. haha.
I just might give them a call today!

Hello All, I have Aetna insurance and just finish my last weight check appointment on Friday August 5th. I am currently just waiting for my insurances approval for the surgery. I am hoping for a surgery date of 09/19-09/21, but will just be thankful for anything close or after that date. I am very excited and it feels like these days have definitely SLOWED down.
Best of luck to you ALL!

I have told a select few people. My mom, husband, my children a very select few coworkers, and both of my bosses. All are very encouraging for the most part. They all have asked many questions (how do I feel, what made me decide on the surgery, what does it consist of, how long will I be out of work, ect)... I love knowing I have support everywhere so that I am not alone and don't have to keep this a secret. My husband has been truly supportive and positive about the whole process. He wants to be there for all my appointments and take the days off when I am off. It's been a wonderful experience having them by my side.
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I have told a select few people. My mom, husband, my children a very select few coworkers, and both of my bosses. All are very encouraging for the most part. They all have asked many questions (how do I feel, what made me decide on the surgery, what does it consist of, how long will I be out of work, ect)... I love knowing I have support everywhere so that I am not alone and don't have to keep this a secret. My husband has been truly supportive and positive about the whole process. He wants to be there for all my appointments and take the days off when I am off. It's been a wonderful experience having them by my side.
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I have told a select few people. My mom, husband, my children a very select few coworkers, and both of my bosses. All are very encouraging for the most part. They all have asked many questions (how do I feel, what made me decide on the surgery, what does it consist of, how long will I be out of work, ect)... I love knowing I have support everywhere so that I am not alone and don't have to keep this a secret. My husband has been truly supportive and positive about the whole process. He wants to be there for all my appointments and take the days off when I am off. It's been a wonderful experience having them by my side.
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I have told a select few people. My mom, husband, my children a very select few coworkers, and both of my bosses. All are very encouraging for the most part. They all have asked many questions (how do I feel, what made me decide on the surgery, what does it consist of, how long will I be out of work, ect)... I love knowing I have support everywhere so that I am not alone and don't have to keep this a secret. My husband has been truly supportive and positive about the whole process. He wants to be there for all my appointments and take the days off when I am off. It's been a wonderful experience having them by my side.
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I know this question probably has been asked. How did you tell people, did you tell? I've been very private thus far. I'm not planning on telling my coworkers, I'll probably use vacation time if I am approved for surgery. I haven't even told my boyfriend. He's very encouraging when it comes to me losing weight however, I am nervous to tell him my decision. I just don't want the negatively from anyone! I feel like I'm making the best decision that's going to benefit me.
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I just found out Dr. Holden will be doing mine as well at TC in early August!
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Sleeve, Frisco, TX - KBI with Doctor Holden, Trophy Club Hospital late July - excited to see other KBI patients here!
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I'm from San Antonio area .I'm just waiting for approval from my insurance company but was told it could be around the first week of June.

I have been on the forums for a while now looking but I figured now is the perfect time to join. I am currently on day 3 of my pre-op liquid diet and I am not going to lie this is a hell of a lot tougher than I thought. I am scheduled to get my sleeve surgery done on May 23 but the surgery still being 12 days away seems like an absolute lifetime. I have not cheated at all yet but I have constantly thought about it. I will not cheat either because this surgery is what I really want I am ready to change my whole life I just needed a place to vent a bit and this is the absolute perfect spot.

Hello all! My name is Breanna. I'm really excited to see where this journey takes me and have absolutely loooved reading everyone's posts so far, which is why I thought I would introduce myself and create a post as well. My starting weight in January 2016 was my highest at 352. Now it's may 6th and I am down to 332. My goal weight is no less than 140 but no higher than 165.
First let me start with, I just started the process April 29th with my first initial free consultation at True Results in Irving Texas and had my first weight check yesterday.
So my health insurance requirements are:
*1, 30, 60 and 90 day weight check appointments
*An at home sleep apnea test
*2- 45 minute nutritional appointments
*1-2 hour psych evaluation
*Blood work, Ekg, Egd
(I am hoping to have the surgery late September of this year.)
I have a few questions i thought would be fun to ask and see everyones response...If you would like to play along, that would be great, if not, no worries and hello! I will answer mine below as well.
1. what is your biggest fear with the surgery and why?
*my biggest fear right now is tied between two things - Hair loss and Saggy skin. I don't have a lot of hair as it is and it's really thin so hair loss wouldn't make me feel all that great,physically. However, I am going to do my best to take as many Vitamins as I can and as much Protein as I can handle to try to prevent that. The saggy skin is going to happy regardless since I'm so big but maybe with a lot of weight training and some really tight gertles(sp?)I can prevent that.
2. Who has been your biggest supporter for your surgery so far? And how has that impacted your decision?
*my biggest supporter is my husband. He has been so active in this process it's crazy. He's been helping build my confidence in the process we are going down. He has been researching like crazy as have i. He is the reason I know this surgery will be a very vital tool for my weight loss.
3. What is your goal weight and why?
* my goal weight in pounds is 140-165. My main goal is focusing on size. I would prefer to not be smaller than a size 10 but I will not go bigger than a size 16. Before my babies (11 years ago) I was 190 lbs and a unhealthy/unfit size 16. It looked amazing on me with my body shape and I loved it. Now I just want to be a happier and healthier me.
4. What was the one thing that made you be for sure about the surgery?
*the one thing that made me say yes was when the fire alarms went off at work and I struggled to get down the 5 floors. That day I knew I couldn't stay this way anymore. It had to change.
5. What is one thing you are giving up that you will truly miss having?
*my favorite food is Dominos thin crust pepperoni, black olive and bacon pizza but I'm giving it up. It has no nutritional benefits for my goals and it's not worth back traveling for.
6. If you have had the surgery or are getting ready for it... what is one piece of advise you have for those that are just starting their journey?
Hope you all enjoyed my post... can't wait to see what you all put and have to say. HAPPY FRIDAY Y'ALL... let's do this!
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i I just get the Biotin from Walgreens, it's natures valley or something like that, they are just a few dollars for a few hundred tiny little gel pills. Good luck in your journey!

Thank you Megtei for your responses.
1. I am going to make sure to follow my surgeons advice on Vitamins cause I know and have heard how important they are to your success.
2, My Mom has been okay with it. She really doesn't understand why I want the surgery but like your mom, she is supportive in a distant way. My mom and I have a different type of relationship than most mother/daughters do.
3. I am 5'4 and will take my surgeons advise on his recommendation but in the end I want to be where I am most happy. ha ha. Even if that is under a size 10.
4. I am really sorry to hear that you are struggling with multiple health issues and hope that you can find a long lasting solution to ease away. I love reading too, maybe you could get audio books and listen to them when you are walking instead... that's what I did when I would hit the treadmill, or I would bring my Nook with me and read while walking and listen to relaxing music (to drown out the sound of others in the gym).
5. I love your advise. YouTube has been a WONDERFUL asset to me and my research as well. The videos are so forth coming and honest that you cant help but watch more and more. I have NOT heard of that book, however, I have the "The BIG Book on the Gastric Sleeve: Everything You Need To Know To Lose Weight and Live Well with the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy". That book is AWESOME. I will definitely look into the book you listed above as I am sure it will have some vital information/tools in it as well.
Thank you again for responding Megtei. I wish you the best of luck going forward as well.

Thank you
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BNShelley it's very nice to meet you. Congrats on the early surgery date and way to go on the weight loss already!
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Hi Breanna, I hope you won't mind me sharing some answers even though I'm much earlier in the process than you (pre-op research phase).
1. what is your biggest fear with the surgery and why?
Besides surgical complications (i.e., stricture, adhesions, internal scarring, having to redo the surgery for some reason), my biggest fear is not correctly handling my vitamin/nutrient needs at any time post-surgery. I've watched YouTube videos of people many years out from surgery who either lapsed in taking their Vitamins and suffered ill effects or one who "overdosed" on B6 (found in Protein, B complex Vitamins, energy drinks) and got sick as B6 is not a routine lab test even for bariatric patients. Of course I plan to be complicit with the Vitamin recommendations of my NUT, but in the past I've put my medical needs second or third to work and mental health issues, so I'm weighing the possibility of that happening again if I get WLS and thinking of how to make sure I prioritize my physical health.

2. Who has been your biggest supporter for your surgery so far? And how has that impacted your decision?
My mom, whether she realizes it or not. She's not 100% in favor of the surgery, but she knows I'm an adult, has my best interests at heart, and listens to me.
3. What is your goal weight and why?
I'll probably take my doctor's lead on this one, as a major motivating factor for my surgery is comorbidities. I think the remission of my sleep apnea will be the deciding factor. Honestly, I've never been in 100s as an adult (I'm 5'5") so I don't have a weight I'm able to envision. It'd be nice to be in straight sizes for clothes, but I make do at my current size and am sure I'd do fine as a 16, 14, or 12, as well.

4. What was the one thing that made you be for sure about the surgery?
Being diagnosed/experiencing four to five major comorbidities (including diabetes type 2 and most recently sleep apnea) has made me realize I am scared to go on the way I am. I'm not 100% for sure on the WLS yet, but am seriously considering it.

5. What is one thing you are giving up that you will truly miss having?
As I understand it, unless something causes severe dumping there's no need to avoid it totally (with the exception of carbonated beverages, alcohol, depending on your body). I guess the hardest thing will be cutting back on sedentary activities I enjoy (computer, reading) in order to move more.

6. If you have had the surgery or are getting ready for it... what is one piece of advice you have for those that are just starting their journey?
Listen to a VARIETY of voices from people who have been there. YouTube is a great place to hear from others, both positive and negative. People here and on YouTube recommended The Emotional First Aid Kit: A Practical Guide to Life After Bariatric Surgery, 2nd Ed. by Cynthia Alexander which I'm halfway through and feel good about recommending to others, too.
Hope this helps, Breanna. Best wishes as you continue to move forward.

Hi there, I'm Rachel and I was sleeved 7 months ago. I've been on here since a few months preop. I started on surgery day at 319 and I'm at 208.4 today going from a 24/26 to a 16 so far. Hope my answers below are helpful to you.
1. what is your biggest fear with the surgery and
My biggest fear was losing hair and the saggy skin. I started taking all the required Vitamins a few months prior to surgery and I added in Biotein for hair and nails. I have also tried to keep up with a lot of lotion to try to aid in the saggy skin. While I have had some shedding of hair it has not been bad because I have tons of new growth all the time from the Biotein. I do have some saggy skin but not as bad as some I've seen.
2. Who has been your biggest supporter for your surgery so far? And how has that impacted your decision?
Probably my oldest daughter. She has been cheering me on every step of the way and never tires of hearing me be amazed at the changes in my body and life.
3. What is your goal weight and why?
My goal is to be about 140-150. That is the normal healthy weight for my age and height. My surgeons goal for me is 170.
4. What was the one thing that made you be for sure about the surgery?
I needed to get myself in check with my weight before any health issues started. I have many in my family that died young of obesity related health issues and I didn't want that for me.
5. What is one thing you are giving up that you will truly miss having?
At this point I don't really miss anything. I have always been a meat and potato girl and for me I still will let myself have just a bite of something I want once a week or so because it keeps me from letting that desire get too bad. But I do limit it to literally a bite and even that still fits within my nutritional goals for the day.
6. If you have had the surgery or are getting ready for it... what is one piece of advise you have for those that are just starting their journey?
I was sleeved 7 months ago and I'd say be sure you don't compare your losses or anything else to anyone else here or in person. Everyone's journey is going to be different and so listen to your doctors and nutritionist for what they want you to do.