Armygalbonnie

I've learned some other abbreviations along the way. CW = current weight, SW = surgery weight, HW = highest weight, NSV = non-scale victories (like smaller clothes size). Hope this helps.

That's awesome news!!! Thank you for sharing this info with me. I'm getting so close.

I'm a low BMI too. 35.6. I have sleep apnea and that is an acceptable co-morbidity. My only problem is I can't lose any more weight before surgery, or I will be disqualified on the spot. I can't go below 35. I have Tricare Prime South for insurance.

How fast did it approve for Tricare Prime South. I finish everything needed this Friday. I'm anticipating a November surgery date.

There's a lot of things I can't do on my phone, where I have to be on the computer.

I did see her second post. Is a hack where companies take a word out of your post and try to advertise/sell their products?

My NUT told me no more caffeine, straws or gum after surgery. It still amazes me how all programs are different.

@@Babbs What do you mean by "hacks"?

Oh (I misunderstood), in that case, I know I've heard of several people doing "food funerals". I think it would be ok to have a final farewell, as long as you don't think it will cause you to fall completely off the wagon. I know with me, sometimes I cheat and then I beat myself up over it so much that I feel like a failure. It's hard for me to get control again. I hope what ever decision you make, you are successful and your surgery goes well. Good luck with everything!

As my NUT said, a chocolate chip cookie will still smell and taste like a chocolate chip cookie. You need to detox your body of the refined sugars and carbs. I did it cold turkey. My motivation has been high so I've been very successful. I will have to work at it the rest of my life, so I don't fall back into those bad habits. I know for me, one bite is too much. Sweets are a read light food for me and I have to stay away from them. When the urge hits, find a hobby. Find several different hobbies. When I was thin for 10 years, I was an exercise junkie. I switched one addiction for another. When I got hurt in Afghanistan, where I couldn't workout like I used to, I gained the weight back. I didn't have another hobby to fall back on. Now when I want something sweet, I drink a protein shake, drink Crystal Light, go for a walk, play with my grandkids/dogs, read a magazine or book, or look at future clothes online. I also go to bed early. I have control right now and I want to keep it this way.

I will be weighed on surgery day. Also, I don't know about your preop diet, but many are on liquids only for a few to several days before surgery, to help shrink the liver and for a safer surgery. I definitely wouldn't take a chance. This is a good time for you to prove you can follow the program and do the right thing.

Chest X-rays are often done before someone is given anesthesia during surgery. They want to make sure your lungs are clear.

@hova1980. Do you not have a NUT at your Dr's office, who you can consult with regarding your protein/caloric needs? Did they not provide you with a diet to follow?

I haven't had the sleeve surgery yet (next month). However, I do recommend you get the sleeve done. It will permanently reduce your stomach size and remove the ghrelin hormone that triggers hunger. When I went to my support group, there were several people there going for lap band revision to sleeve. I wish you the best of luck! I think it's very promising that you know your weaknesses and what works for you.

Anti-depressants are the biggest culprit in cutting out the libido. I was on them for 3 years, and I was totally sexually dysfunctional. I hate to say my sex drive has not returned since quitting them. I'm also post menopausal so that contributes. I pray for you the best. I would definitely tell your Dr what is going on. A change in meds may help tremendously.

Yummy on the vanilla protein with instant coffee. Mine will have to be decaf as my Dr doesn't allow any caffeine. I can't wait to try it. My Dr also isn't keen on the vitamin patches, because she says there isn't enough research on them. Isn't it crazy how all the Docs are so different?

My BMI is 35.7 and I have comorbidities. I can NOT lose anymore weight, right up to the day of surgery. If I do, I will be sent home with no surgery. Crazy, huh? Fat girl here isn't allowed to lose any more weight before November surgery.

My surgeon only uses drains for people who are having revisions. I won't be getting a drain! YESSSS!

I won't even be allowed to have bread on my food plan. Like most, I will be on liquids for 2 weeks, pureed for 2 weeks, soft foods for 2 weeks and then regular foods. Regular food includes 2 oz lean Protein and 1/4 cup vegetables. Carbs are of the devil!!! lol

I sent out a WARNO when I went off caffeine and Diet Coke. For about a good week, I hated people! Everybody got on my nerves and I felt anxiety. Thank goodness it resolved itself and I'm back to my old self. I've never been "cool as a cucumber" but I think before I speak again. lol Good luck with everything. I'm sure it will all be over soon and you're family will be happy you made the choice to get healthy.

YAY! CONGRATULATIONS! Can't wait to join you on the other side.

Thank you for the resource, "the world according to eggface". What an awesome site. I really appreciate everyone's suggestions. I like the motto: If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. I'm planning so I don't fail.

Please share what foods you ate during the pureed and soft food stages. Post surgery, I will be full liquids for 2 weeks, then pureed for 2 weeks, followed by soft foods for 2 weeks. After that, I will be on regular foods. I'm sure I will have to rely on Protein powder as so many meats are hard to puree without adding liquid, sauces or gravies. Does anybody know of a good place to find recipes? Thank you for your thoughts and recommendations.

Jennabela - I know you are discouraged but YOU CAN DO THIS!!! I haven't had surgery yet so I can't relate but even not knowing you, I know you are a strong woman or you wouldn't have made it this far. Just persevere and you will get where you want to be. As far as the heel spur, I deal with this regularly. The 2 best things that work for me: freeze a plastic bottle of Water, then roll you socked foot back-and-forth over it. It will help relieve the inflammation. Next, stretch your foot by standing on your toes on the affected foot. Stretch it as high up as you can go and then back down. Do this every morning. I learned both of these techniques in physical therapy. Good luck with everything!

@AmiLou. You would be surprised by how much Lawton has changed! I've been here since 2003. Can't say it's where I want to stay but I'm here for now. I retired from the Army in 2014, so I've made this home for the time-being. The prairie dogs are still at Elmer Thomas Park, but there aren't as many. They were starting to destroy the area, so they had a large amount of them moved. There was a big controversy over that. Right by where you lived, there is now a Kohl's, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Dick's Sporting goods and many other stores, restaurants, etc. They've actually revitalized the downtown area. Goodyear is still a big employer here. I actually live out that way. So tell me, how did your surgery go and how are you doing with everything? Weight loss? Good luck!