Wonder WomanNJ

@@barbie2009 tomorrow is your day! Congrats and keeping you in my prayers! Let us know how you made out! xoxo

Congrats! @xoxococojay My surgery is the day after yours, the 21st! Did you start your pre-op diet yet? I start mine today. Good Luck and stay in touch through your process! xoxo

Holy Cow! Scary is not the word! Thank GOD you were at the hospital - good luck on the 28th! xoxo

@sunsetsue Yayyy! You did it! The worse is over! YOU DID IT !

@@OneReallyBigBird good luck! Today's your day! Sending you good vibes

@@rockpaper Everyone is really nice at Mountainside, I don't see why you wouldn't be able to attend. Maybe we can attend a meeting and grab a Protein shake one day! LOL When is your surgery? Here is the link so that you can call them and find out a schedule, I don't have it yet: http://www.mountainsidehosp.com/departments-and-services/advanced-bariatrics/contact-us/

@mamapaige thank you for the response. I don't like the Protein shakes either but remember that you're supposed to get a certain amount of protein per day, make sure your at-home shakes have that. Every Bariatric Center is different, mine wants us to get at least 75 grams of protein per day. My doctor gave me a list of protein powders I can try and I am using the Jay Robb whey vanilla and I make it with almond milk. Not "steak" good but very doable. Let me know if you want the list I was given. I have sent you a friend request. Good luck on your surgery and definitely keep in touch!

@@newbeing so exciting! Definitely can buddy up! I added you as a friend, let's keep in touch! I started my liquid diet yesterday but I just got a call from the Surgery Center and they tell me that I didn't have to start until tomorrow! LOL way to jip myself of 2 days! LOL Where are you getting sleeved?

Good Luck to you!!! xoxo Check in as soon as you are able to.

oh wow - our stories are very similar! I too am 39 BMI, 41 years old, I have sleep apnea and fibromyalgia. I'm with you 100% - not everyone gets it. For that reason, like you, I haven't told anybody. Initially I told my mom and my sister. I didn't tell my Naysayer boyfriend until I received the approval from the insurance company. I didn't want to my journey surrounded by any negativity. I made the mistake of telling a friend and she said "ohhh nooo, but you don't need that. I never thought would take the easy way out". I almost lost it. I made it a point to educate her on how NOT easy this process is for us and like you said, we are doing it because we need it, not to sport the Daisy Duke's at the next family barbeque! My surgery is scheduled for 12/21/16 and so far, just my immediate family knows along with 2 or 3 coworkers. While it's not a "secrete" per say, I don't want to have to educate people on why I am doing this. When is your surgery scheduled for?

I'm 5'2 and weight 210. Definitely over-weight but barely made the BMI requirement. Thankfully (or not), in the journey process it was revealed that I have sleep apnea and a hiatal hernia. I am now approved and scheduled for 12/21/16. My goal is roughly 70 lbs.

My bariatric center gave me a list of different brands I could try - their only requirement was that it must have at least 25 g of Protein per serving. I opted for Jay Robb Egg White Protein or Whey Protein. They are really good - chocolate has a little of an after-taste but the vanilla is really good - especially if you use a little almond milk. I get them at GNC. If you still haven't found one that works for you, let me know and I will send you a copy of my list so that you can choose. FYI: a lot of time GNC or Vitamin Shoppe have free "shots" of the Protein Drink so that you can try in the store before you buy it.

For those of you who ate more or things you shouldn't have - did you tell your surgeon and how did it affect your surgery. I'm on day 1 of pre-op liquid diet, my surgery is 12/21. This ish is HARD! but it reminds my THIS is why I'm getting the surgery.

I heard they're very restrictive - have you tried it on yet?

I'm 9 days away from surgery. I have been on the supplements already for about a month, the chewable ones. However, I am reading a lot about hair-loss which I am prone to anyway. I just purchased chewable Biotin at GNC, anyone try these? What has your experience been?

So- body girdles are huge for post-surgery so help the skin tighten up and you don't have so much extra skin. The have ones that come down to your knees and have a cap sleeve, leaving room for your bra. These are huge in the Hispanic communities. Anyone try them?

That is amazing! Good for you! xoxo

Hi Everyone! I'm getting sleeved on 12/21 by Dr. Strom. Anyone else getting sleeved by him or around the date? Buddy System? My center has meetings that we can attend for support but I feel I'm going to need all the support I can get! I have the funny anxious scary feeling. I am starting my pre-surgery liquid diet today and I'm finding that I just want to buy everything that is out there for this! I'm outta control!

How Awesome! Good For you! I am the 21st! SUPER excited for you!

I haven't tried premier but I am using Jay Robb Egg White and whey Protein. It's completely natural - no artificial sweeteners (which I can't have). I have vanilla and chocolate and I really like it.

Me too! 12/21 is my date! Started my pre-surgery liquid diet today. Good Luck to you!

This was amazing and VERY helpful! Thank you!

I just started by pre-surgery liquid diet today so I'm curious to see what others say. Also: For any veterans out there: my nutritionis said that post-surgery, I need to have 1 scoop of Protein powder in 4 oz of liquid. How is that even possible? Is that even enough liquid to mix it properly? Tips? Thanks

Guys, thank you for all the good replies!

Hi Everyone! I am in Bergen County NJ but having my surgery at Mountainside with Dr. Strom on 12/21. I'm very excited and only a little scared of the unknown after surgery? Any have any experience with this hospital? Words of advise?