aTXtumbleweed

I totally agree with what was said in prior posts. The NUT visits are very helpful for your life post surgery. I wish I had went into my visits with a better attitude, rather than to just fulfill my insurance requirements. Turns out, I still go to her when I get in a stall and her info is still helpful. Who knew?

You know they say no straw for life because you take in more air.

Glad your mom and you figured it out. When the kitchen sent up my food for dinner It was chicken noodle Soup not just chicken broth. I knew I couldn't eat the noodles and didn't but it freaked out my RN when she saw my soup had noodles in it. For those who are still waiting for surgery, It is important to know what you can and can't have before the surgery and don't assume that if they give it to you it is ok to have. Be your own advocate!!

Oh yes. I just wrote to someone else about this today in a PM. I don't think she'd mind if I shared it here.
"We did pre-ops. R was told to do 14 days, I was asked to do 7. But I did the 14 days with him. To prepare, I cut my calories down to 1200 the week before, gave up sugar, and substituted a shake for one meal. I lost two lbs that week.
In all, I lost "only" 6 lbs and R. lost 8 lbs. but honestly we were eating very clean even before the pre-op. I say "only" because that's more than I have ever lost in 2 weeks, but compared to what you see others report that doesn't sound like a lot. I didn't care I was happy the first week. And then I lost nothing the second week.
And then the panic set in. Only 8 lbs?! On less than 800 calories for two weeks?! I was never going to be able to lose it after the sleeve. After all, I was already following the post sleeve diet! Wtf?! And on and on.
I reached out to Susan who said everyone worries they won't be able to lose weight but they do. I was so concerned I asked Dr. Alvarez about it pre-surgery. He said, rather unflatteringly, "At your weight, you will lose weight, don't worry". :-D I was delighted to hear that. (I'm 5'6 and was 222 DOS)
He was right. I have lost 10 lbs this week because I can't even eat 500 calories. Now, I believe I will lose it. Maybe slower than others, maybe faster than some, but for the first time in my life, I feel I have found something that will actually WORK.
It's a wonderful feeling."
It's still early days, but I hope I never forget that I have NEVER in my life lost 18 lbs in 3 weeks before, no matter how little I ate.
I think faith plays a part in the final decision--and I say this although I am trained as a scientist and I am a devout agnostic. But whatever deity it is you pray to or whatever you believe, at some point, it's a leap of faith AND the understanding that although we think we are unique/special/different, we're not that different from other fat bodies around us.
It will work for us just as it has for all the others who have worked it.

Losing has never been the issue for me. Once I set my mind on dieting I could lose large amounts of weight. I have literally lost hundreds of pounds over the years but I can't maintain it and end up adding more on with each gain over time. As my surgeon said, I had dieted myself right up to 321 pounds! This surgery is a Godsend for me! I knew I wouldn't keep it off and I struggle with that fear even now!

You must be in my area - my diet is exactly the same. I'm having mine done at Baylor of Grapevine. Aug 13.

You must be in my area - my diet is exactly the same. I'm having mine done at Baylor of Grapevine. Aug 13.

Congratulations!!!!
I start my pre-op diet tomorrow for 2 weeks - surgery on 8/19. Diet consists of mostly Protein Shakes, yogurt, cheese, strained Soups, apple sauce, Jello and fat free and sugar free pudding. Oh and oatmeal, cream of wheat and skim milk. No caffeine or carbonated beverages.< /p>
Blessings all!

I have created a Facebook group for us August Sleevers, and anyone else who would like to join. If you want me to add you to the group please send me a personal message with your email address. The group will be private, so only the members can view what is posted.

Surgery Date is 8-13. I start my preop diet on Tuesday.

Surgery Date is 8-13. I start my preop diet on Tuesday.

Surgery Date is 8-13. I start my preop diet on Tuesday.

I'm scheduled for 8-13! Excited, but then I also found out that I've lost my job effective 8-6 so insurance is only going to only last until November then I'm on my own. Have been checking out the cost of insurance and not sure if it would just be cheaper to pay for the follow up appointments (scheduled for a year out) on my own or buy the insurance!! This is added stress that I don't need right now!! LOL

Things I took that I needed and used:

- Chap Stick, #1 by far
- SF Ricola lozenges... sooooo dry with the oxygen
- Gas X strips
- Listerine strips
- Book (barely used, hard to stay awake to read long), glasses
- Cell phone
- Deodorant and baby wipes to clean up some before going home next day


Things I took and did NOT need or use:

- Robe and slippers
- Makeup (pah--right, as if lol)
- iPod (can't sleep with music anyway, so I'm gonna stare at the walls while I listen?)


Wear what you plan on wearing home, you'll only be in it a couple of hours anyway. Also, even though I turned on the TV for maybe an hour, I got a bill for it from some external company (not the hospital) -- only $5, but it's the principle of the thing. Had no idea I'd have to pay for the damn thing, so clarify that before you decide you want it on.

Pencil and pad for taking notes or jotting things down.
List of any last minute questions.