Daily Encounter

It feels real now!

My surgery date is December 18th at 10:00 AM. The AMAZING thing is that my information was submitted for insurance approval today and the approval came back today!!!! Even the bariatric coordinator was a bit shocked with the immediate turn around.

Feeling a bit anxious!

We share the same date! My pre-op begins tomorrow and my surgery date is December 18th, as well.
I am also a bit nervous/anxious, however, I know that this is the best decision for me in order to "re"-create health. I've completed my six months requirements and feel that I am prepared to move forward. You've got this! We both do. It is time for us to take control back!

It feels real now!

My surgery date is December 18th at 10:00 AM. The AMAZING thing is that my information was submitted for insurance approval today and the approval came back today!!!! Even the bariatric coordinator was a bit shocked with the immediate turn around.

Feeling a bit anxious!

It feels real now!

My surgery date is December 18th at 10:00 AM. The AMAZING thing is that my information was submitted for insurance approval today and the approval came back today!!!! Even the bariatric coordinator was a bit shocked with the immediate turn around.

Feeling a bit anxious!

It feels real now!

My surgery date is December 18th at 10:00 AM. The AMAZING thing is that my information was submitted for insurance approval today and the approval came back today!!!! Even the bariatric coordinator was a bit shocked with the immediate turn around.

Feeling a bit anxious!

Likewise! And, yes, we’ve got this!

It feels real now!

My surgery date is December 18th at 10:00 AM. The AMAZING thing is that my information was submitted for insurance approval today and the approval came back today!!!! Even the bariatric coordinator was a bit shocked with the immediate turn around.

Feeling a bit anxious!

It feels real now!

My surgery date is December 18th at 10:00 AM. The AMAZING thing is that my information was submitted for insurance approval today and the approval came back today!!!! Even the bariatric coordinator was a bit shocked with the immediate turn around.

Feeling a bit anxious!

I am planning to purchase a few hair care/style magazines so I can pick out a new short hairstyle should I need to. I don't want Hair loss to be a negative or a detriment to me having the surgery. Therefore, I will include this as part of my lifestyle change - along with a new wardrobe!!! HAPPY THOUGHTS!!!

Wishing you all well! You wouldn't go this route if you didn't believe you could do it! Keep us posted.

Been there!
I am also in my 6 month supervised period. Honestly, I decided NOT to share with all (including some family members) because of the inconsiderate comments. Although, I don't care what people think of me, I just know that during this time I have to remove all toxic, unhealthy, negative conversations out of my life as it will only interfere with what I am trying to do.
See, most people are not doing this for cosmetic reasons, yet, that is what many people believe. I told someone and the first thing she said was "I don't think you should do this; you're not "fat" enough and you'll look funny." Ummm, okay. But, what about the diabetes, GERD, PCOS, high blood pressure and high cholesterol all of which is taking it's toll on my health?? I've limited my sharing to those who are truly my support group - my prayer partners, those that will take me to surgery and care for me while I am recovering. That's it! So, a total of 5 people. Why does anyone else need to know? If I don't share other health concerns with others, why would I need to share this?
I encourage you on this journey and wish you much success!

I have been provided with my post-op diet already even though my surgery is still a few months out. I must say that I am glad that I have this information as I am working the diet backwards now so that when surgery time and post-op comes, my body is already prepared for it and I won't have as many withdrawals. Dealing with a major lifestyle change will be hard enough so I don't want to also have to include the adjustment to diet during that time. The emotional aspect of it all will be challenging enough.
What do I mean by backwards? Well, for many, the post-op diet is as follows...
Stage 1: Clear Liquids
Stage 2: Full liquids
Stage 3: pureed
Stage 4: Soft foods
Stage 5: Regular foods
Of course, regular foods is the norm, but, I am now focusing on Protein. Eating the protein and then veggies and then carbs, if I am still hungry. I don't drink 1/2 hour before or after dinner. I drink Water only and I make sure I sip my 64 oz. throughout the day.
I will then move to the soft foods: soft scrambled eggs, yogurt, refried Beans, Protein Shakes, tuna, for example.
After soft, moving to the pureed/soft foods. I don't look forward to this but yes, I will try the baby food for my protein and veggies. I would puree my own meet but I am not sure I can get it to the correct consistency.
Full liquids will be my protein shakes, creamed Soups, etc.
Finally, I move to the clear liquids: Gelatin, broth, protein soups, etc. At this stage I should be about a week or so out from surgery and should have no problem continuing this immediately after post-op.
Preparation will be important for ALL of us. Sure, it is easy to be happy about only needing 1 - 3 days of a liquid diet before surgery but it is best to consider the big picture and understand that this is a lifestyle change. Prepare for it as you WILL go through withdrawals of not eating what you were once used to eating.
I wish everyone well in their journey!

I agree with travelergirl, set an alarm for Water. I also drink more than 64 oz of water currently. It is also difficult for me to not drink during my meals. The advice from my NUT is to sip (instead of gulp) throughout the day. I still have challenges with not drinking a half hour before through an half hour after meals, but I honestly practice this daily. I am getting there but I am not quite there yet. My surgery is still a month or so away (didn't schedule the date yet but we are aiming for August) so I still have time to practice!

Just further to this after 2 years Protein shakes and vitamins my hair is in the best shape ever!!

Hello
I experience a lot of Hair loss and had to cut my hair short but after a while, it started growing back. I also experience hair thinning but I found a great Biotin Shampoo and conditioner at a Vitamin store and been using it as well as fast melt biotin tablet and my hair has grown a lot. Your hair will grow back as long as you keep up with all your Vitamins and supplements recommended by your doctor. Best of luck 😀

Me to. Make sure you take the vitimins.

Sent from my SGH-M919 using BariatricPal mobile app

I had slight Hair loss and I normally have fine hair. I drank Protein Shakes pre and post surgery and took my Vitamins along with a chewable for hair skin and nails. From what I've heard everyone loses some hair but if you keep with a good quality Protein Shake it should be minimal. No one could tell I lost any hair but I noticed a slight thinning at the temples around 6 months.

Been there!
I am also in my 6 month supervised period. Honestly, I decided NOT to share with all (including some family members) because of the inconsiderate comments. Although, I don't care what people think of me, I just know that during this time I have to remove all toxic, unhealthy, negative conversations out of my life as it will only interfere with what I am trying to do.
See, most people are not doing this for cosmetic reasons, yet, that is what many people believe. I told someone and the first thing she said was "I don't think you should do this; you're not "fat" enough and you'll look funny." Ummm, okay. But, what about the diabetes, GERD, PCOS, high blood pressure and high cholesterol all of which is taking it's toll on my health?? I've limited my sharing to those who are truly my support group - my prayer partners, those that will take me to surgery and care for me while I am recovering. That's it! So, a total of 5 people. Why does anyone else need to know? If I don't share other health concerns with others, why would I need to share this?
I encourage you on this journey and wish you much success!

I'm I'm on a hair tonic and caffeine Shampoo. It's slightly better but still comes out when I brush, wash or dry. The hair itself is also dull and has gone waivy.

Oh, you're welcome! We're in this together! I love to journal, so I've began a "Daily Encounters" journal to document my thoughts, feelings, questions, during this time. I include my food and Water intake and exercise. I've also created a binder to include any article that I've read that was helpful to me. I also include the notes from my doctor visits and all of the paperwork/documentation received from all of my appointments.
You can only take this one step at a time, day by day. I am on this journey alone. I've learned early on that everyone is not "for" you or always want to offer their opinion on why you shouldn't have the surgery. See, they look at it as cosmetic only; they don't understand the daily battles we face with our health and being overweight. They don't understand that surgery was not a quick decision for us or the "easy way out," as someone told me.
Please feel free to reach out anytime! We are all here for support!

Yes, I've had these thoughts, as well. During this journey, it is important that I maintain a positive outlook and perspective. With that being said, I will use this time to learn all that I can, not just about the surgery but about myself, as well. What is my relationship with food? When did I begin this way? How am I emotionally? Exercise? What is my reason for not doing so? I have a 6 month delay...I am using each test, each dr. visit, each new way of eating as a tool for success even if I am not approved for surgery.
My BMI is 38, I am a person with diabetes, GERD, PCOS, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The surgery is not the end all, be all. It is a tool that I must work along with the other tools in the box. Therefore, if I happen to not be able to use the surgery tool, I will take all that I learn (the other tools) and make them work for me.
I say put your best effort forward and use this time to prepare for a lifestyle change even if surgery is not approved for you. Replace every negative thought with a positive one. Anxiety and uncertainty are real. However, use it to your advantage!
Wishing you success in your journey, it truly is a Daily Encounter (now you know why I've chosen this user name for this forum).

Yes, I've had these thoughts, as well. During this journey, it is important that I maintain a positive outlook and perspective. With that being said, I will use this time to learn all that I can, not just about the surgery but about myself, as well. What is my relationship with food? When did I begin this way? How am I emotionally? Exercise? What is my reason for not doing so? I have a 6 month delay...I am using each test, each dr. visit, each new way of eating as a tool for success even if I am not approved for surgery.
My BMI is 38, I am a person with diabetes, GERD, PCOS, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The surgery is not the end all, be all. It is a tool that I must work along with the other tools in the box. Therefore, if I happen to not be able to use the surgery tool, I will take all that I learn (the other tools) and make them work for me.
I say put your best effort forward and use this time to prepare for a lifestyle change even if surgery is not approved for you. Replace every negative thought with a positive one. Anxiety and uncertainty are real. However, use it to your advantage!
Wishing you success in your journey, it truly is a Daily Encounter (now you know why I've chosen this user name for this forum).

I can tell you a few that may help:
HW-Highest Weight
CW-Current Weight
SW-Surgery Day Weight
GW-Goal Weight
NUT-Nutritionist
NSV-Non-Scale Victory
These are a few I know! Good luck!🍀