bookpusher

I'm scheduled for the 20th, too, and starting my pre-op diet tomorrow. I'm back and forth between excited and wondering what in the heck I'm doing to myself. Definitely anxious about the whole thing, but determined. VSG 1/20/17 HW: 325 CW: 305

Has anyone tried Ecodrink? It's a powder you dissolve in Water. I wondered if that might be preferable to a chewable, unless the liquid washes it through you too quickly. My doc says no gummies, because they don't dissolve very well in the sleeve. VSG 1/20/17 HW: 325 CW: 305

I use SparkPeople. Most people seem to use MyFitnessPal, but I like that SP lets you set your own nutrition goals. The SP website is better than the app, though. VSG 1/20/17 HW: 325 CW: 305

I'm starting my pre-op diet Tuesday, so making grocery lists and cleaning out the stuff in the kitchen that I can't have. It's tricky- I don't want my husband to not have any food around, but I don't want to see it either. My diet is just less than 1000 calories/day, though they suggest 2 Protein drinks and one veg/protein meal each day. I'm assuming I can just make up the rest of the calories with low carb/low fat whatever, but I'm definitely thinking about Fiber. My pre-op appointment is on the 13th, so I can clarify then. It's starting to feel real, and the anxiety is setting in! VSG 1/20/17 HW: 325 CW: 305

Our dates are almost the same! I start the pre-op diet on the 10th and surgery on the 20th. I did gain a little weight this past month. I was craving food all the time, and having a few food funerals. Plus the holidays, of course. I'm not worried about it, though. I know that I'll lose it and more with the liquid pre-op diet, because I always do when I go off sugar. VSG 1/20/17 HW: 325 CW: 305

My surgeon's diet guide says no more citrus fruit ever after gastric sleeve surgery. Does anyone know why? I know the juice isn't great because of the sugar, but is there a problem digesting the pulp or pith or something? I'll be sad to lose clementines. VSG 1/20/17 HW: 325 CW: 305

I know we can't drink 30 minutes before or after eating, and I understand why that's important. However, will that always be the case? Do you eventually get to the point where it's okay to have a small drink with a meal? VSG 1/20/17 HW: 325 CW: 305

When I question myself, I remember that recent study saying only 1 out of 677 morbidly obese women can get to and maintain a healthy weight for at least 10 years without surgery. I'm not that special, and I've been trying to do it for 30 years now. If it was possible for me to lose the weight through meds, diet, or exercise, I would have done it already. VSG 1/20/17 HW: 325 CW: 305

I'm self-pay too, and planning on a hiatal hernia repair and possibly a gall bladder removal. My surgeon's office said the self-pay cost will stay the same, but they'll bill the insurance for the extras. They said the insurance will pay about half the time, though they seem to be paying more often lately. Crossing my fingers they'll cover mine! VSG pre-op HW: 325 CW: 305

Hey- I just wanted you to know how much you've already helped me! I've got less than a month until my surgery, and I've mostly been doing okay with the anxiety. But today, for some reason, something switched in me and I felt terrified and was questioning my decision. I felt like I had made a huge mistake, I wasn't up for all the pain and change, and surely some "magic pill" would be invented next year that would make all of this a waste of time and money. I saw your post here, though, and decided to check out your blog. 2 hours and a few crying jags later, I have read the whole thing! I really appreciate the time you put into writing it, and for sharing all those pictures. I'm starting to feel like maybe I can do this after all. Thank you so much!

January 20th. VSG pre-op HW: 325 CW: 305

I'm self-pay, and I'm staying in the US to have surgery, so it's going to cost me a good chunk of change. I'm struggling to be okay with that, but it helps to remember all the money I've spent on obesity-related medical problems over the past few years. I've spent $2500 for a hysterectomy, $1500 and another $1000 on foot doctors and orthotics, $2000 on an endoscopy, $200 on my GP, $100/month on various meds, and $100s on shoes I hoped would be comfortable but weren't. And I'm only in my early 40s. If I wasn't so heavy, I don't think I would have needed any of it, and who knows what I'll be paying for next if I don't do this. VSG pre-op HW: 325 CW: 305