Ylime

Welcome to all the new members. I'm so excited to have such a big group to go through this with!

So - How did it go???

I already know I’ll have a private room. Perks of having a program in a smaller hospital. ~Emily

I forgot to ask my surgeon this so I'll be following up with him. Just curious what everyone's experience has been. I have horrible insomnia and because sleep deprivation is a trigger for my epileptic seizures, it has to be managed diligently. I don't take any of the regular sleep meds (like ambien or lunestra), but I do take a sedative that helps me sleep. I wondering if I'll be allowed to take that in the hospital after surgery? I was recently in the hospital for two nights and they allowed me to take it, but it wasn't for surgery and anesthesia wasn't involved. Not sure if that makes a difference or not. ETA: I am aware that most meds will need to be crushed up immediately following surgery and I have cleared all that with my prescribing physicians.

Love it. [emoji23] ~Emily

It is crazy how different every program is. I didn’t go to any info sessions because all the surgeons I researched had their sessions posted online. I saw a surgeon two days after I called and then called the hospital program for my classes. They scheduled all my classes and evals in that one call. All very efficient! ~Emily

This is good to know as I'll have to talk to my surgeon about this. Not sleeping isn't an option for me as it will trigger my seizures.

I don't think adding in a juice is a bad idea. I don't know that I could stick with it long term. Look up Dr. Vuong on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram. He's a bariatric surgeon that focuses a lot on nutrition. I'm (hopefully) attaching his entire book on "smoothies". Basically a mix of veggies and fruit that provide good nutrients and work for pre and post surgery. However he doesn't advise to only use these. You'll find a ton of video seminars he has about eating healthy. Healthy Green Smoothies.PDF

It's normal to be nervous - you're starting a journey that you've never been on before and one that will completely change your life for the better!! Just soak it all in and ask any and all questions you can think of. Take notes so you can refer back to them. And breathe...you'll make it through this just fine and you'll probably leave the meeting elated and excited!

The last time I was in the hospital and took my meds they came in regularly to take my vitals and I slept right through it!

I would agree with doing it from your highest weight because that will give you the true amount of total loss. I am tracking that weight, but will also track my surgery weight if it's different so I can differentiate between pre and post surgery losses.

I can imagine how frustrating that must be. But as you said, just take one weigh in at a time.

Yay! It's coming up soon for you!! Please let us know how it goes.

Duly noted that all grocery shopping for 1 month before and 3 months after must be done by my husband. I'll be sure to tell him that was a direct order from my dietitian. lol

Congrats on the surgery date!!! I would love for someone to tell me I needed to gain 5lbs before surgery. Maybe you can invest in some ankle weights and wear those for your weigh ins. lol Also, since your date is this summer, you're invited to join our Summer Surgery Group:

Me! I just started the process also. I'm @i.am.emilym

Congrats! Finding a surgeon that is equals parts knowledgeable and empathetic is so important in this journey!!

Ladies - I just realized I lied to you. It occured to me that I did also announce on my instagram account that was going to have the surgery. I did first boot all my real life friends off the page, but there are now 1,100 followers aware of my decision.

Mine is @i.am.emilym - I've had it for years for weight loss but just recently announced on it that I would be having the sleeve. I'll follow all you ladies too!

Yeah I wouldn't suggest watching The Big Ward while on a liquid diet. What they eat is insane!

I love skinnytaste and have used her site for years when I was doing Weight Watchers. Her entire purpose is to create lower calorie versions of great dishes. But lower calorie doesn't always mean healthy or high protein. But once you're comfortable tracking your macros and can identify what fits in your daily goals, then you'll be able to take her recipes and tweak them to fit what you need. My favorite recipe of hers is the Asian Glazed Chicken. The challenge is finding a low cost bariatric friendly alternative to honey! Not an easy task!!

I would imagine that high protein or not, consuming only liquids would have an impact on your energy level and how much stress your body can handle. I did used to get very weak during my shark week because I was anemic and that week just heightened that. Without intaking a lot of iron right now you're probably feeling that as well.

Welcome Em Jay!! lol My mom is a gossip too. She'll probably blab to her sisters about it, but they all live in another state and I rarely talk to them so I don't care much! When someone clicks the heart in the lower right hand corner of your post you earn a reputation point. The more clicks you get, the higher the number. Not sure the actual purpose though as it doesn't get you anything that I can tell. I'll click on both of your replies so you get a number. Samantha - I hear you on the negativity. I used to be one of those negative people so I know what people will say. Plus it's just none of anyone's business! Well said...in laws can be tricky. Really the only support you need is from the ones you love the most. Because support doesn't mean agreement, it just means they respect your right to make your own decisions. Welcome Diva! I haven't met anyone yet that has had the switch. I'll be interested to follow your progress. That's awesome that your husband is also having the surgery so you guys can go through this together. My husband wants to have it but we won't be able to afford it...plus he is no where near mentally ready for the lifestyle change. He had to do some more work on that. Good luck with telling your friend! Yeah, that's what I'm sure I would hear from those not closest to me.

Yeah, the article I read wasn't about nutrition. Just about how they end up all gummy in your stomach similar to how pasta does. I hadn't ever thought about it until I came across the article. I think a lot of eating after surgery is trial and error!