mellifrits

Aww I am sure that is so hard. I wish I could give you advice but I cant since I still have another week. It has been four weeks and you still cant drink? Is that normal?

I am sorry that anyone else has to deal with that. You shouldn't have to put up with any of that crap. I think maybe once I start to lose the weight I might tell people but I honestly my mom and sister support me so really I dont think I need to tell anyone else. My sister questioned my reasons at first but that is only due to her having the lap band and she wanted me to understand how much my life would change. And as for my mom any worries she had she faced with my sister a few years back so she is just wanting me to be healthy. I dont think I will ever tell the friend I live with (over eater that doesn't work out and still weights 90 lbs) since I know she would just talk down to me on how I lost the weight and say, "Well sure anyone can do it that way." But is instead as simple as that and we all know that. Please just hang in there! We are hear for you even if those around you aren't.

We are ALMOST sleeve sisters.. I am getting mine the 12th in Mexico. How is your pre-op diet going now? I have to be on mine 7 days so I HAVE to start mine tomorrow. I tried to start today BUT got my last cheat out I am hoping so that tomorrow I can make myself be 100%. I am just ready to have the sleeve already lol.. I cant believe it is only a week away. It seems like time went by so fast getting here but now time seems to just stand still as I wait for my big day.

I think my mine worry is I get my super sleeve July 12th and my 5 year reunion is July 17th. I was hoping to lose a bit more weight before going BUT we will just see how I am feeling. I am not even sure I will feel well enough to go to the reunion that close to getting my super sleeve.

I start my pre-op diet today but mine isn't just shakes. I just have to stay with high protien items like eggs and meat but it is hard sometimes knowing what is in everything so I use these breakfast shakes that taste pretty good. They are 9 grams of crabs instead of 6 grams but they work. Does anyone have a pre-op diet they like?

We are a few days into July and I thought it would be good to start a Thread for July losers. I CANT wait to change over to the post-op form! Since there is only two people in my life that know I am getting sleeved this is where I go to talk everything out. You all have become a second family to me and I cant wait to read about everyone's story!

I am so glad to hear things are going so well for you. You have no idea how wonderful it is to read your post since my big day is only 8 days away. Did you get the super sleeve or the vsg? I would love if you keep updating me on how you are doing! I have yet to find anyone that is getting sleeved that same day as me but I honestly think it would be better to pen pal someone that is a little ahead of me.

As July 12th gets closer and closer I seem to have a few fears come up. I know I cant be the only one. Is this normal to be a little scared a week before getting my super sleeve?

I had my last meal today and felt mad at myself since it was a Big Mac Meal (I over did it). I dont have to start my pre-op diet until Monday but I am starting it tomorrow (Sunday) anyways since I just feel ready for this change. I am done with being the over weight friend. I dont even get to be the funny big friend, instead I am the shy big girl that Manda (my bestfriend since I was 12 that is size 00) hangs out with. I am just ready for people to see me instead of my weight.. I'm sorry to vent but I am just sick of myself. I cant believe in just 8 days I will have a sleeve! There is hope!

I am so glad to hear things went so well. That makes me feel a lot better! I start my pre-op diet Monday. Yahhh! I just have a few questions for you: Is there anything I need to make sure to pack? Did you bring anyone with you? If so how has the trip been for them? Can you drink the Water at the hospital or take a shower? Did you get the super sleeve? Thank you for letting me know so fast how things are going! Please keep me up dated on your process. With you only being 12 days ahead of me any advice you have would be so helpful to me.

So my date got moved up so now I will be getting my super sleeve July 12, 2010 at Star Medica Hospital with Dr. Jose Rodriguez in Juarez, Mexico. My sister is coming with me and I was wondering is there anything I need to tell her to bring? Will she be bored out of her mind? Will they bring her food? Will she need money to buy food there? Will she need to leave to get food? Will she have a bed and all the bedding she will need? Can we drink the water or take a shower there?

I just found that list and thought I would post it for everyone. I was hoping some that has already gone could let mr know just that. "Do I need everything on this list or is there something I should add?" I will be getting my sleeve July 12, 2010 at Star Medica Hospital with Dr. Jose Rodriguez in Juarez, Mexico. Yes but my BMI is between 30-40 so I only have to do the diet for a week instead of two weeks. This weekend is my last weekend before starting my pre-op diet on Monday and since it is 4th of July weekend I'm going to make the most of it. To bed honest I find myself not wanting to eat as much junk food now, I am finally just ready for this change! How is everyone doing on their pre-op diet yet? Anyone find some low card shakes that they like? I am so happy and so scared at the same time! I know that sounds weird but I don't know how else to explain it. I can't wait to hear how everyone's day goes! Here is the letter they sent me abou my pre-op diet: * BACKGROUND INFORMATION In the obese, the liver is a huge, fatty organ. It is ?in the way? of the surgical area during Sleeve/band surgery, and must be held back with surgical instruments. An enlarged liver is very fragile and bleeds quite easily when touched or manipulated during surgery. This bleeding can be difficult to control, and the extra care required with an enlarged liver increases surgical risk, as well as surgical time. Longer surgical time and extended time under general anesthesia can make both immediate and longer-term recovery much more difficult for you. An especially large and fragile liver has even caused some sleeve/band surgeries to be cancelled, for the safety of the patient. * Following this Pre-Op Diet is extremely important. The goal is not to lose weight, necessarily, but to enter a temporary period of dietary ketosis, which is not harmful to you at all. However, many do lose a good amount of weight, which will jump-start your sleeve weight loss as you begin to regain and improve your health. It is this dietary ketosis that results in liver-shrinking and the normalizing of your metabolism so that you can do well with the sleeve Pre-Op Diet: * Start with*proper Protein sources (no less than 20 grams of protein per serving with 6 total grams of carbohydrates or less and 6 grams of saturated fats or less per serving), keep a close eye on the fat intake (don?t over do it).* Some choices are lean chicken, turkey, fish,*fresh fruits and vegetables, sugar free jell-o, pudding, Beans.* Please include fresh fruit at least 2 times a day. * PLEASE eat *only* solid protein! Choose only a piece of chicken, a lean steak, a hard-boiled egg, or some low-fat cheese. PLEASE: NO mayo, BBQ sauce, ketchup, sweets, junk food, cereals, or anything else.* Even the smallest amount of non-protein, carb-laden food can take you out of ketosis and easily negate many day?s worth of the low carbs that are so greatly decreasing your surgical risk. * Those that choose to use a Protein shake, please read the labels. You should try to choose a protein shake with*between*20-30 grams of Protein, less than 6 grams of total Carbohydrates, and less than 6 grams of saturated fat per serving.** * Count only the NET CARBS that are on the label, not the ?total? carbs. Please eat and drink NOTHING that is not clearly labeled as to net carb content. With some products, the ?Net Carbs? are called ?Impact Carbs? or ?Effective Carbs?. Protein Shakes are NOT required, but are very convenient. These are just some of the brands that have the correct protein/carb/sat fat ratio: Iso Pure, Slim Fast LOW CARB,* Designer whey Your local GNC or other nutrition store will have a variety of drinks and bars to try. We suggest getting one each of several kinds to try before you buy a larger quantity, so you can find some you really like. Do a web search for ?low-carb Protein Bars? and compare costs, grams of protein, and grams of Net carbs. Online sources are often much less expensive than those found in local stores, and the shipping is often free. We feel that the Atkins ADVANTAGE and ENDULGE protein bars are excellent, with about 3-4 grams of Net Carbs per bar, but there are several other brands that are fine. Watch out for things that you would normally not consider food! You must also have NONE of the following things that are full of sugar: ? chewing gum with sugar or carb sweetener ? breath mints ? cough syrup ? hard candy and cough drops.

First day of July! Can you believe it! Are we ready?

I will be getting my sleeve July 12, 2010 at Star Medica Hospital with Dr. Jose Rodriguez in Juarez, Mexico. This weekend is my last weekend before starting my pre-op diet on Monday and since it is 4th of July weekend I'm going to make the most of it. To bed honest I find myself not wanting to eat as much junk food now, I am finally just ready for this change! How is everyone doing on their pre-op liquid diet yet? Anyone find some low card shakes that they like? I am so happy and so scared at the same time! I know that sounds weird but I don't know how else to explain it. I can't wait to hear how everyone's day goes!

My Sleeve Plication surgery is scheduled for July 12, 2010 at The Hospital Star Medica with Dr. Jose Rodriguez. We might not be going the same set day or the same dr but it is pretty dang close so I would love to keep on touch with you while we both going through all these changes.

I am going july 12 for the super sleeve. I will let you know how it goes! Also anything you learn I would love to hear about it.. It is crazy to think that in less than two weeks I will be starting my whole new life!!!

Did your sister take anyone with her when she went? Does she have any advice on packing or things my sister should pack since she is coming with me?

Here is a list I found. Is there anything else I need? Or anything I really don't need? NON-food ITEMS: ♦ Heating pad(12inx24in) ♦ Flexible ice pack (hot/cold 12inx16in) ♦ A few books or movies(your choice, I spent about 70.00us) ♦ Squishy pillow for car ride for seatbelt (shoulder pad) ♦ Make sure you have a good blender ♦ Kitchen timer (first few days, sip every 15 mins)(analog) ♦ Kitchen timer (digital ? better for travelling) ♦ Pedo-meter(depending on the one you get ? don?t forget to adjust to your stride) PHARMACEUTICALS: ♦ liquid Tylenol/Motrin (Check early in case pharmacy needs to order in advance) ♦ Chewable or liquid gas-x(I got strips, you will pay more than shown here) ♦ Gauze Pads 4x4 ♦ Paper/bandage tape ♦ Wet Wipes ♦ Pill crusher ♦ Chewable Vitamins ♦ Hospital Medicine cups (I got 3oz/88ml cups ? 100ct) ♦ Cough Drops(Halls big box) ♦ Stool Softener (Dr. asked me not to get this, if needed talk to him) ♦ Moist and nice tasting Lip Balm ♦ Phazyme (for gas relief) of any simethicome base gas relief product FOOD ITEMS: ♦ Protein shakes(these vary from 22 ? 55 dollars depending on quality and quantity) ♦ Plenty of water(bottled Water for me 3cases 16oz. bottles 10.00) ♦ broth or stuff to make broth(several flavors but all about the same cost) ♦ sugar free popsicles ♦ Sugar free Jello ♦ Sugar free breath mints (chewable) ♦ Crystal Light "On the GO" assorted flavors(I don?t like CL so I got store brand/price per ♦ box) ♦ Bouillon(several flavors but all about the same cost) ♦ Cream of Wheat ♦ Creamy Soups ♦ Applesauce ♦ FAT FREE yogurt ♦ Soup-at-Hand - soups - for creamy stage ♦ pudding cups (SF/FF) - helps w/ taking meds (got instant, more flavors, price per box) ♦ Sugar free hot cocoa ♦ Decaf tea CLOTHES POST-OP: ♦ Loose fitting, easily removable(one size larger than I wear, sweats, top and bottom) ♦ Buttons downs or pullover ♦ Thong shoes/slip-on so no bending and tying ♦ Sports Bra! Sutures will be hurt by under wires

Yes I am booked with BeLiteWeight also for the super sleeve on July 12. I thought about the lap band but I won't be able to cover all the upkeep costs it comes with.

I don't know but you can email it to me! Please

I am also getting sleeved July 12, 2010 but I am getting it at Star Medica Hospital with Dr. Jose Rodriguez in Juarez, Mexico

Can anyone help me out with my packing check list? Is there anything I would be sorry I didn't bring? Any advice would be very welcome. I will be in Mexico noon on Monday, Tuesday, and leave Wednesday morning..

In the obese, the liver is a huge, fatty organ. It is ?in the way? of the surgical area during band surgery, and must be held back with surgical instruments. An enlarged liver is very fragile and bleeds quite easily when touched or manipulated during surgery. This bleeding can be difficult to control, and the extra care required with an enlarged liver increases surgical risk, as well as surgical time. Longer surgical time and extended time under general anesthesia can make both immediate and longer-term recovery much more difficult for you. An especially large and fragile liver has even caused some surgeries to be cancelled, for the safety of the patient. * Following this Pre-Op Diet is extremely important. The goal is not to lose weight, necessarily, but to enter a temporary period of dietary ketosis, which is not harmful to you at all. However, many do lose a good amount of weight, which will jump-start your weight loss as you begin to regain and improve your health. It is this dietary ketosis that results in liver-shrinking and the normalizing of your metabolism so that you can do well with.

I am going to Mexico July 12 and this is what they sent me: PRE-OP DIET - for Dr. Rodriguez * The pre-op procedures are done when you get there. EKG, Lab work etc. Remember not to eat anything on the day you are travelling, except*maybe a light Breakfast. You have to allow 7 hrs before you get there without food or drink. Water is okay in small quantities. * Dr. Rodriguez now requests that*ALL patients do a pre-op diet before surgery.* * If your BMI (Body Mass Index) is 30-40 BMI - Pre-Op Diet for 1 week prior to surgery. Your BMI is 32.6 so you could get by with a 5 day pre-op 41 + BMI - Pre-Op Diet for 2 weeks prior to surgery. (for higher BMI patients, you may be required to be on diet for longer than 2 weeks). * IMPORTANT:*The key is to try to keep your carb intake less than 50 grams a day.* * The pre-op diet is designed to help you be internally healthier for surgery. The effects are not immediate. It takes about 10 consecutive days before results show up internally. The goal is to have the liver let go of some stored fat.* Some people also call it a liver shrinking diet.* This will mean an easier recovery for you post-op. * * BACKGROUND INFORMATION In the obese, the liver is a huge, fatty organ. It is ?in the way? of the surgical area during band surgery, and must be held back with surgical instruments. An enlarged liver is very fragile and bleeds quite easily when touched or manipulated during surgery. This bleeding can be difficult to control, and the extra care required with an enlarged liver increases surgical risk, as well as surgical time. Longer surgical time and extended time under general anesthesia can make both immediate and longer-term recovery much more difficult for you. An especially large and fragile liver has even caused some band surgeries to be cancelled, for the safety of the patient. * Following this Pre-Op Diet is extremely important. The goal is not to lose weight, necessarily, but to enter a temporary period of dietary ketosis, which is not harmful to you at all. However, many do lose a good amount of weight, which will jump-start your Band weight loss as you begin to regain and improve your health. It is this dietary ketosis that results in liver-shrinking and the normalizing of your metabolism so that you can do well with banding. Pre-Op Diet: * Start with*proper Protein sources (no less than 20 grams of protein per serving with 6 total grams of carbohydrates or less and 6 grams of saturated fats or less per serving), keep a close eye on the fat intake (don?t over do it).* Some choices are lean chicken, turkey, fish,*fresh fruits and vegetables, sugar free jell-o, pudding, Beans.* Please include fresh fruit at least 2 times a day. * PLEASE eat *only* solid protein! Choose only a piece of chicken, a lean steak, a hard-boiled egg, or some low-fat cheese. PLEASE: NO mayo, BBQ sauce, ketchup, sweets, junk food, cereals, or anything else.* Even the smallest amount of non-protein, carb-laden food can take you out of ketosis and easily negate many day?s worth of the low carbs that are so greatly decreasing your surgical risk. * Those that choose to use a Protein shake, please read the labels. You should try to choose a protein shake with*between*20-30 grams of Protein, less than 6 grams of total Carbohydrates, and less than 6 grams of saturated fat per serving.** * Count only the NET CARBS that are on the label, not the ?total? carbs. Please eat and drink NOTHING that is not clearly labeled as to net carb content. With some products, the ?Net Carbs? are called ?Impact Carbs? or ?Effective Carbs?. Protein shakes are NOT required, but are very convenient. These are just some of the brands that have the correct protein/carb/sat fat ratio: Iso Pure, Slim Fast LOW CARB,* Designer whey Your local GNC or other nutrition store will have a variety of drinks and bars to try. We suggest getting one each of several kinds to try before you buy a larger quantity, so you can find some you really like. Do a web search for ?low-carb Protein Bars? and compare costs, grams of protein, and grams of Net carbs. Online sources are often much less expensive than those found in local stores, and the shipping is often free. We feel that the Atkins ADVANTAGE and ENDULGE protein bars are excellent, with about 3-4 grams of Net Carbs per bar, but there are several other brands that are fine. Watch out for things that you would normally not consider food! You must also have NONE of the following things that are full of sugar: ? chewing gum with sugar or carb sweetener ? breath mints ? cough syrup ? hard candy and cough drops. NOTE: Increasing your water intake for 2 weeks prior to surgery greatly reduces difficulty in starting the IV. Your goal should be to drink enough plain water to keep your urine out-put pale to clear each time you void. Of course, nothing can beat a positive attitude. Deciding that you are "worth it" & willing to learn a new way of life is key. LIVER-SHRINKING DIET (Pre-op) for patients of Dr. Lopez Corvala. * BACKGROUND INFORMATION In the obese, the liver is a huge, fatty organ. It is ?in the way? of the surgical area during weight loss surgery, and must be held back with surgical instruments. An enlarged liver is very fragile and bleeds quite easily when touched or manipulated during surgery. This bleeding can be difficult to control, and the extra care required with an enlarged liver increases surgical risk, as well as surgical time. Longer surgical time and extended time under general anesthesia can make both immediate and longer-term recovery much more difficult for you. An especially large and fragile liver has even caused some weight loss surgeries to be cancelled, for the safety of the patient. For the time specifically instructed by your Facilitator, please follow the prescribed diet very carefully (usually about 2 weeks? time). We want you to have as easy, safe, and uneventful a surgery and recovery as possible, as you begin your new, HEALTHIER life! Following this SPECIFIC DIET PLAN is extremely important. The goal is not to lose weight, necessarily, but to enter a temporary period of dietary ketosis, which is not harmful to you at all. However, many do lose a good amount of weight, which will jump-start your* weight loss as you begin to regain and improve your health. It is this dietary ketosis that results in liver-shrinking and the normalizing of your metabolism so that you can do well with your weight loss surgery. LIVER-SHRINKING DIET PLAN 1. There are NO CALORIE LIMITATIONS on the LIVER-SHRINKING diet. You may eat/drink as much as you wish of the allowed things to feel satisfied, although we suggest reasonable limits to assist your weight loss. 2. A maximum of 40-50 grams of carbohydrates (carbs) a day. 3. You may have as many high-protein/low carb Protein Drinks a day as you wish. No limit! 4. You may add low-carb protein bars up to the max of 40-50 grams of carbs a day. 5. You may have any type, brand, and quantity of protein drinks and protein bars that you wish, as long as you read the labels carefully so you are getting a MAX of 40-50 grams of NET carbs a day. 6. Count only the NET CARBS that are on the label, not the ?total? carbs. Please eat and drink NOTHING that is not clearly labeled as to net carb content. With some products, the ?Net Carbs? are called ?Impact Carbs? or ?Effective Carbs?. 7. You may have as much water, Crystal Light, herbal or regular teas, or coffee as you wish ? but please remember, NO sugar, and NO milk/creamer with high carbs. You must count any carbs here in your daily total of 40-50 grams maximum. 8. Your local GNC or other nutrition store will have a variety of drinks and bars to try. We suggest getting one each of several kinds to try before you buy a larger quantity, so you can find some you really like. 9. We highly recommend*LIFE SUPPORT from Fitness Road/BaritecX which contains both Vitamins and 15 grms protein, call 1-888-348-7623 ask for Mick, he?s an expert.*Tell them BeLiteWeight recommended you and get a gift certificate off your next purchase, they will also send you some samples of their other nutritional products. If you become a member they also*offer weekly* support and monthly conferences**http://www.fitnessroad.com/* Do a web search for ?low-carb protein bars? and compare costs, grams of protein, and grams of Net carbs. Online sources are often much less expensive than those found in local stores, and the shipping is often free. We feel that the Atkins ADVANTAGE and ENDULGE bars are excellent, with about 3-4 grams of Net Carbs per bar, but there are several other brands that are fine. 10. PLEASE eat *only* solid protein! Choose only a piece of chicken, a lean steak, a hard-boiled egg, or some low-fat cheese. PLEASE: NO mayo, BBQ sauce, ketchup, sweets, junk food, cereals, or anything else.* Even the smallest amount of non-protein, carb-laden food can take you out of ketosis and easily negate many day?s worth of the low carbs that are so greatly decreasing your surgical risk. 11. Watch out for things that you would normally not consider food! You must also have NONE of the following things that are full of sugar: ? chewing gum with sugar or carb sweetener ? breath mints ? cough syrup ? hard candy and cough drops. Thank you for following this very important first step toward*your ultimately successful Weight Loss surgery :-) If you have any questions, please contact your Patient Facilitator. Examples of good High Protein, Low-Carb drinks and bars: ? Isopure Clear Protein drinks - strawberry, grape, blueberry, Alpine punch ? 0 carbs ? Zero-Carb Isopure Mix ? strawberry, vanilla, chocolate ? Life Support Protein and Vitamin drink (please see above regarding Common sense health & fitness programs, products and information - Fitness Road) ? PRIA Carb Select bars ? 10 gm - very tasty! ? EAS Myoplex protein bars ? 29 gm protein, 2 gm ?Effective? carbs ? Atkins Advantage protein bars ? 17 gm protein, 2 gm ?Net? Carbs. berry Granola, many other flavors ? Pure Protein Bars ? 30 gm protein, 5 gm Net Carbs ? Nitro-Tech Protein Bars ? 35 gm protein, 4 gm Net (Impact) carbs ? Lindora Products ? Lindora Medical Weight Control - they have some good drinks, hot Soups, and protein bars (Caramel Nut is yummy), as well as a Garlic & Onion pack of soy nuts. And they deliver in a couple of days...great stuff there

I don't want the friend I live with and nanny for to know about my sleeve. She is a great friend BUT has no understanding on how to keep something like this to herself. I have my week before diet and then I will leave for two weeks. Three days in Mexico and then a week and a half at my sister's to recover. Do I just tell the half truth that I'm trying a new diet? How do I keep her from knowing after I come home? Will I have the scars for life? Is 13 days long enough time to heal? I care for her three boys five days a week that are ages 5, 4, and 3.. I have to start the liquid diet a week from today! I can't believe how much my life is going to change two weeks from now July 12, 2010!