Armygalbonnie

@speechiegirl. I have to ask..... Why the name speechiegirl? Are you a speech pathologist.

I wish the best of luck to both of you future mommys. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

@@proudgrammy LOVE, love, love your humor and insight! Thank you everyone for your wonderful tips and ideas. So greatly appreciated.

I've told a few people that I'm going to be off work for "female surgery." Lie of omission, maybe, but works for me.

My SW was 242 and I'm 5'7". I won't have surgery until probably early November, but my NUT told me I need to lose between 10-15 lbs. No more though because then my BMI will be under 35. I was put on a high protein/veggie diet with a replacement shake every day. I've already lost 14lbs in the last 3 weeks. Now I just have to maintain and not lose more. I go back to the NUT for 2 more weigh-in (Sept 8, Oct 6), before everything is sent to my insurance for approval.

I won't have surgery for a few months yet, but my NUT is already having me replace one meal with a high protein/low carb shake. I do add 1/2 a banana most days to mine and make it in the blender with ice. I always drink mine for breakfast. Initially, I felt like I was starving but now I'm more satisfied. Good luck!

Wow, I had no idea! This past week I've had a horrible time trying to sleep. My diet change and cutting carbs started August 1st. It's like I'm not tired but I HAVE to go to bed. I also take a prescription sleep aide and I'm still having trouble.

Dang it, where's the edit button to correct my typos?!?!?!?

I started my pre-op diet on August 1st. Before October 6th, I need to lose 10-15 lbs, but no more of I will be below 35 BMI. So... I've already lost 14 lbs! My NUT put me on the following diet and I've stuck to it. Breakfast: High Protein low car shake - Premier Snack: cheese stick, piece of fruit or low sugar greek yogurt. I could also choose 1/2 cup 2% cottage cheese with fruit, 1 oz. nuts or an egg. Lunch: 3-4 lean protein, 1-2 cups veggies Snack: Same options above Dinner: Same as lunch. Only eat whole grain carbs 2-3X a week. Drink a lot of Water. Once I gave up Diet Coke, the weight started falling off. For protein, I eat chicken, turkey burgers, fish, shrimp, tuna, eggs/egg beaters. I buy the pre-cooked chicken and steak fajita meet and put it on a green salad. Occasionally I do have nuts. There have been times when I've been hungry but it's really worked for me, so I keep doing it. I can't lose anymore weight so now that will be a challenge. I'll talk to my NUT but probably put a few carbs back into my diet. Good Luck!!

@@proudgrammy Thank you for your encouragement! Right now,sugar is too tempting. I binge with sugar. I figured I best just stay away from the cake. I sure hope I can be as successful as you. You've done an amazing job! Congratulations! Next goal: Work on not drinking while I eat. That is really going to be a difficult one. Any recommendations?

Is your new surgeon Lana Nelson? She is mine too. I've met with here, done one visit with NUT, gone to the support group meeting. On 8 Sept, I do another NUT visit, psych eval and physical therapy evaluation. My last NUT visit is 6 Oct. After that, my info is sent to my insurance for approval, I meet with the surgeon for pre-op and my date is scheduled. I hope you are with her and things start going smoothly for you.

Do you still have your gallbladder?

Today, one of our soldiers had his 19th birthday. Since he is far from home, our clinic bought him a birthday cake. I LOVE BIRTHDAY CAKE! White bday and wedding cake are my favorite desserts. I won't have surgery until November but I'm already on a high protein/low carb diet. I've actually already lost all the weight I'm supposed to lose before surgery, so technically I could eat a small piece without sabotaging my weight loss goals. HOWEVER, I haven't had any sugar since August 1st, so I passed on it. Small pieces, bites, licks and tastes got me to where I am today, needing WLS. It wasn't easy! I really, REALLY wanted a piece! As my NUT said, I have to get control over these bad eating habits now. Even after I get sleeved, a chocolate chip cookie will smell and taste like a chocolate chip cookie. The surgery won't take away those cravings and desires. Only dedication and persistence on my part will lead me to a healthy lifestyle. I'm patting myself on the back now.

Stupid question: What is an NSV? No small victory??

@@KristenLe WHY don't you have a surgery date yet???

I have an autoimmunie disease and sometimes require heavy doeses of steroids. My surgeon told me I couldn't take steroids with bypass. Basically, my surgeon made my decision.

over-the-counter

When removing part of the stomach as in VSG, the ghrelin hormone is partially removed. This is the hormone that triggers hunger. Flora is more in the intestines. I would take probiotics to help everything work smoothly.

There have definitely been trying times but I'm very proud of myself. I have so many routines and memories associated with drinking my DC. Time to make new memories.

I had my consult on 07/22 and I'll have surgery in November. About a 4 month process.

I will be having surgery in either Oct or Nov and I'm in a similar situation as you. My husband tells me he loves me the way I am, but he supports my decision for surgery because he knows it will help my joints. He worries about me with post-op pain; However, I've had numerous surgeries and I can handle it. I do worry that my husband will get jealous though, once I start losing weight. He already is!!!!! I don't want to lose weight for another man's attention but I know that will be on his mind. I just have to find ways to keep reminding him how much I love him. I know jealousy is not a good quality but it's part of his upbringing (Latin) to take care of his wife and I believe this is where it arises. He just doesn't want anyone to disrespect me or our marriage. It's going to be interesting.

@@theantichick, WOW, congratulations on your weight loss! I'm still a few months before surgery, but I've had some of the same thoughts as you. I've been on the pre-surgery diet for 3 weeks now and I've lost 14 lbs. I started thinking, "Do I need this surgery?", but like you, I know better. I had lost over 100 lbs by myself 10 years ago, and now I'm right back to where I was. I can lose short term but this is about the rest of my life. Now the trick for me is I can't lose but a few more lbs before my final NUT visit, or I'll be below 35 BMI. I knew this would happen only eating Protein, veggies and very few carbs. I have to be careful not to lose any more. Doesn't that sound RIDICULOUS???? I have to be careful about not losing to much weight!?!?!?

I like Protein shakes with 1/2 a banana. Also, I put in 1T of sugar free pudding powder into the blender and add ice and Water. It makes it creamy like a milkshake.

Dr's attitudes on coffee are sooooo different. My doesn't allow caffeine. When I went to the support group on Thursday, I asked the NUT why. She said there is risk for ulcers so they don't allow it. Thank God I was able to successfully eliminate caffeine from my diet. It hasn't been easy as I still want it but I'll survive.

@@skinnyjeansatlast I wish you the best. Can't wait to join you on the other side.